“I’ll get it,” Doris cried. She and Kitty hurried up to the third floor and entered the Sully apartment. Etta was sleeping and they did not awaken her, but quickly took the suitcase from beneath the bed and carried it downstairs. Removing the articles of clothing, Doris took out the two envelopes and handed them to Iris. She ripped them open and brought to light negotiable oil bonds, an important deed, and several other papers. “I’m glad we have them back,” she sighed in relief, “but I can’t understand why any one would wish to steal them.” “Let me see one of those bonds,” Dave said. Iris handed over one of the certificates. He studied it for an instant and then gave a low exclamation of astonishment. “Why, these are Standard Condonite!” Seeing that the name meant little to the Misses Gates, he hastened to explain. “Standard Condonite is one of the new oil companies that has been growing like a mushroom. The stock has tripled in value during the last year!” “Then our bonds really are valuable!” Azalea exclaimed. She looked accusingly at Henry and Cora who had the grace to hang their heads. “You knew this!” “That man put us up to stealing them,” Henry muttered, indicating Ronald Trent. “But I don’t understand how you knew we had them,” Iris murmured in bewilderment. “My wife heard you and Miss Azalea talking one day and you mentioned your bonds,” Henry offered. “We didn’t think anything more about it until that man Trent came here. He gave us money to tell him what property you had. He wanted us to git this stuff for him. Said he’d give us part of it.” “And you thought you’d hog the whole of it,” Trent added bitterly. “You were planning to get away before I got wise to your scheme.” “I’m afraid there’s no honor among thieves,” Doris observed dryly. “If only we had back the money we gave away!” Iris said regretfully. “We need it so badly.” “How much did you give the rascal?” Jake asked bluntly. “Nearly eight hundred dollars in all. Only yesterday we went to the bank and drew out five hundred. It was practically our last cent.” Jake crossed over to the swindler and jerked him roughly out of the chair into which he had slumped. Quickly he went through his pockets and brought out a fat billfold. From this he extracted a number of bills which he placed upon the table. Eagerly Azalea and Iris counted the money. In all it came to five hundred and fifty-two dollars. “I’m afraid that’s all you’ll get back,” Jake told them. “He’s likely spent the rest.” “It’s better than losing everything,” Azalea declared gratefully, “and we have our bonds which we can sell.” “What do you want done with these birds?” Jake next asked. “I have a private grudge with Jeffery so he’s going to jail, but you can do what you please with the other two, for all of me.” Azalea and Iris looked doubtfully at each other, and the Sullys, observing their indecision, began to plead for their freedom.