The surgeon stepped quickly to the bedside and his sharp eyes darted from the bank-note in the boy's hand to the signature his patient had written. The man looked wonderingly about the room, his puzzled gaze drifting from one to another of his visitors until it finally fastened upon the pale countenance of Janet Steele. Catching his eye, the girl stepped forward impulsively, her hands clasped. "Uncle Jack!" she breathed. "You--you look quite like your mother used to, my dear," the man in bed said in rather a strange voice. The surgeon eased him back upon the pillows, and at a nod the nurse sent the visitors out of the room. In the corridor they all stood amazed, staring at Janet. CHAPTER XXV IT IS ALL ROUNDED UP "Of course," Lily Pendleton confessed, "I was at Hester's party," "And Purt Sweet was there?" queried Laura earnestly. "Mr. Sweet certainly was present, too," said the other girl. "You girls need not be so jealous if we are the only two from Central High that got invited." "You can have my share and welcome," said Bobby. "And mine, too," confessed Jess. "These interrogations are not inspired by jealousy," laughed Mother Wit. It was on Friday as the girls gathered for recitations that this conversation occurred. Lily Pendleton was inclined to object to having her intimacy with Hester Grimes inquired into. "Do you remember what night that party was held, Lily?" asked Laura. "Why, no. On a Saturday night, I believe." "Quite so. And on a particular Saturday night," said Laura. "You said it!" murmured Bobby. "I don't know what you mean!" cried Lily Pendleton. "But you will before I get through with you," said Laura. "Now, listen! You know about that man who had his leg broken on Market Street?" "The one the police say Purt ran down with his car?" "The same." "Of course I do," Lily cried. "And Purt is as innocent as you are!" "Granted," said Laura. "Therefore you will help us explain the mystery, and so relieve Purt Sweet of suspicion. For he refuses to say anything himself to the police." "Why--why----What do I know about it?" demanded Lily. "Do you know that the party was held the very Saturday night the man was hurt?" "No! Was it?" "It was. And Purt had his car up there at the Grimes' house." "Did he? I didn't know. He went away early, I believe." "And earlier still a couple of boys, or men, borrowed Purt's car without his knowing it--until afterward," Laura declared earnestly. "One of those fellows had to catch a train." "Why, that was Hester's cousin, Jeff Rounds! He lives at Norridge. Don't you know?" "Who was the other fellow?" asked Laura sharply. "Why--I----Oh! it must have been Tom Langley. He lives next door to Hester. Do you know," said Lily, preening a little, "I think Tom is kind of sweet on Hessie." "Good night!" moaned Bobby. "What is the matter with him? Is he blind?"