“We can’t wear the ring, that’s certain, for it isn’t ours. We’ll have to hide it somewhere.” “But where?” “How about our bedroom?” “You know Cora goes snooping around there. She might find it.” “I know!” Doris exclaimed. “We’ll hide it under the mattress. No one would ever think of looking there!” “Great!” her chum approved. “Let’s do it now, while the coast is clear.” They hurried upstairs and, closing the bedroom door, secreted the tiny jewel case beneath the mattress, taking care to rearrange the covers. “Now we can forget about it,” Kitty declared. However, both girls knew that as long as the ruby ring remained in their possession, they could not forget its existence. It was certain to give them many uneasy moments. Satisfied that for the time being the jewel was safe, they left the mansion by the back gate. Locked Gates was located at the edge of Rumson but it was only a short walk to the main part of the little city. The girls stopped first at the post office where they dispatched an air mail letter to Dave. Then, as time rested heavily upon them, they dropped in at a corner drug store for an ice cream soda. Doris bought a few things she needed, and they continued down the street with no particular destination in view. Not being acquainted with the town, they unwittingly turned down a street which led them toward the poorer section. They had gone a considerable distance before they realized their error. “Let’s turn back,” Doris suggested. “I don’t like the appearance of this street. There are so many pool halls and gambling places.” Abruptly they retraced their steps but, before they had gone far, Doris caught her chum by the sleeve. “Look!” she commanded. “Isn’t that Henry Sully just ahead of us?” “It is!” Kitty agreed. “We’ll meet him face to face!” The man was walking toward the girls, but his head was lowered and he had not seen them. While he was still at least a hundred yards away, he turned into an old tumbledown building which opened off the street. As Kitty and Doris passed the place a few minutes later, they surveyed it rather curiously and were not surprised to see that it was probably a gambling house. “So that’s the way he spends his time!” Doris commented. “I guess he knew the Misses Gates were in their rooms and that he would have a good chance to slip away with no questions asked.” “Did you notice the way he walked, Dory?” “Yes, I did. His head was down—sort of flopping all around. And he walked with such a precise step as though he were trying not to stagger.” “I’ll bet he’s had about one drink too many.” “Probably six would be more like it. Do you suppose the Misses Gates know he drinks?” “Oh, I’m sure they don’t. You know how strict they are about such things.” “I think it’s time they find out about their help, then. I don’t see how they can be so blind.”