“We didn’t mean to steal,” Cora said tearfully. “You’ve always been so good and kind to us. For the sake of little Etta—” “It seems to me you haven’t considered her yourself until now,” Azalea interrupted. “However, we are not without sympathy even for those who have plotted against us. Cora, I feel that you have allowed your husband to lead you astray. Your mother worked for us a number of years and I promised her that I would try to see that you never came to grief. For that reason Iris and I shall permit you and your husband to go free, providing you promise to lead a straight life from this day on.” “We promise,” the two murmured together. “Then take your things and leave the house immediately. You have demonstrated that you are unfit parents, so Etta must be left behind. You may go now.” Cora and Henry, without a word of thanks, rushed out of the room. Within half an hour they had left the house. “Now I’ll be gettin’ this fellow out of your way,” Jake declared briskly. “Just a minute,” Iris said quietly. “You’re quite sure there can be no mistake. This man is really Joe Jeffery and not Ronald Trent.” “There’s no mistake, ma’am. He’s just an impostor.” “But how did he ever learn of John Trent?” Doris demanded. She turned to Ronald. “What do you know about my uncle?” “Please tell us,” Azalea begged. “It will mean so much to know.” “Go to Cloudy Cove and find out for yourselves,” he snapped, forgetting that he had ever treated the twins in a courtly manner. “Oh, but we are too old to travel,” Iris sighed. “If only we could find out what became of John!” “I’ll go,” Doris volunteered. “How kind of you!” Azalea murmured gratefully. “You’ve done so much for us already. I don’t know how we can ever repay you.” “I’m not looking for pay,” Doris returned with a smile. “I’ll be glad of an opportunity to look into the matter for you.” Her promise was not an idle one. Very shortly, Doris and her friends were to go to Cloudy Cove, there to learn more of the details of John Trent’s strange career. Her adventures in this connection are related in the volume entitled, “Doris Force at Cloudy Cove, or, The Old Miser’s Signature.” Jake telephoned to the police station and within fifteen minutes the officers arrived to take charge of Joe Jeffery. They positively identified him as a notorious swindler and assured Doris and her friends that the reward money would go to them. “I think Jake and the Misses Gates should have it,” Doris declared. “The money will make up for what Ronald took!” “Oh, we wouldn’t think of taking it,” Azalea and Iris protested. “You and your chum were really responsible for capturing the man. You saved our money!” “I didn’t do anything,” Jake protested. “I just came here as Doris asked me to, and then when I saw that bird I recognized him. I don’t want any money.” “What a situation!” Doris laughed. “Five thousand dollars and no one wants it!” “Say, I have an idea,” Marshmallow broke in.