“Unburden yourself,” Doris laughed. “Well, since no one of you is willing to accept the money, why not divide it equally among you?” “Doris should have the greater share, though,” Jake protested. “She was the one who was responsible for solving the mystery.” “But you landed the _coup de grace_,” Doris insisted. Jake scratched his head and grinned. “The which?” “_Coup de grace_—that’s French. It means the finishing stroke.” “I reckon Joe Jeffery is finished all right,” Jake agreed. “He won’t try to swindle any more people out of their hard earned cash.” After considerable discussion it was decided that the reward money should be divided between Doris, Kitty, the Misses Gates and Jake. The Misses Gates declared at first that they would accept no share, but Doris and her friends, realizing how badly they needed ready money, insisted that they take it. At last they gave in. “We didn’t do a thing to help bring Ronald—I mean Joe Jeffery to justice,” Azalea murmured. “We even hindered you, Doris, thinking you were prejudiced against him. It doesn’t seem fair that we take anything.” “If you and your sister refuse your share, then I’ll not take mine either,” Doris told her. “Let us take one share between us,” Iris protested. Doris shook her head. “No, we must share alike. It makes easier arithmetic, too. An even thousand dollars apiece.” “A thousand dollars!” Kitty gasped. “Am I actually to get that much? I think I’m going to faint!” “Go ahead,” Marshmallow invited impudently. “I’ll catch you.” “Two thousand dollars,” Azalea murmured, and looked almost tearfully at her sister. “It _will_ mean a great deal to us.” “Then you accept?” Doris asked. “I suppose we must, but only on one condition.” “And what is that?” “That you accept a reward from us.” “Another reward!” Doris gasped. “One is sufficient.” “We don’t refer to money,” Iris said. “This is just a token of our appreciation.” She hesitated, and then went on with a brave smile. “Azalea and I would like you to have the ruby ring.” “To keep?” Doris questioned in amazement. “Yes,” Iris returned quietly. “You understand why we cannot wear it ourselves and you admire it so much.” “I never dreamed of owning such a lovely ring!” Doris gasped in delight. “Why, I am sure it is very valuable, too. I really don’t like to take it.” “Please do,” the twins begged. “We have no wish to keep it in the house, now that—well, you understand.” Doris became aware that Kitty was nudging her vigorously in the back and recognized it as a hint that her chum hoped she would accept the gift. She debated an instant and then smiled. “I can’t begin to thank you for it,” she told the Misses Gates gratefully. “It will serve to remind me always of our thrilling adventure here at Locked Gates. And if ever the time should come when you want it back—” Azalea shook her head. “That time will never come, my dear. It is yours with no strings attached. Beautiful jewels were meant for young girls.”