"Wasn't Walter dressed up like Marc Anthony?" demanded Ida, ceasing her sobbing and looking up with wonder in her eyes. "No. He was the clown. Paul was the Roman," and Cora began to see how some things had come about. "That explains it," murmured Ida. "It was a mistake! And did that that ring actually have my initials in?" "It is marked `I.G.,'" said Cora. "We have been expecting you to call for it." "Where is it now?" "Home, in our safe." "Then keep it there!" exclaimed Ida, a new determination in her voice. "But we cannot keep it," objected Cora. "It is not mine nor Jack's. Why not give it back to Sid?" "Neither is it his," went on Ida. "He gave it to me, and now I ask you to keep it--in trust." "I don't see how we can do that very well. The reason I mentioned it to you, against Jack's wish, was that I wanted to get rid of the responsibility of keeping it. Suppose it should be stolen? It is quite valuable." "Well, I cannot take it," insisted Ida. "Mother would not allow me to have it in the house. Sid said it cost five hundred dollars." "It is certainly a very valuable ring," admitted Cora. "But, Ida, if I were you I would give it back to Sid." "Well, perhaps I shall--some day. But oh, Cora, you cannot imagine what I have gone through with in the last month!" and Ida pressed her handkerchief to her swollen eyes. "I am sorry," said Cora simply. "Can I help you, Ida?" They had ridden through New City, and were back again in Chelton. Ida had asked to be let out at the post-office, and as Cora--drew up in front of it for her to alight, Ida extended her hand, and the two girls looked into each other's eyes, each trying to read her neighbor's thoughts. "Coca, you can help me, and I will soon ask you to do so," said Ida almost in a whisper; "but now--I cannot tell you now," and she hurried out of the car. CHAPTER XXIII THE MYSTERY SOLVED Ida Giles had always been unpopular, and the kindness shown her by Cora Kimball, following opt the timely rescue of her from Lem Gildy, came to the unhappy girl like a revelation. For the first time in her dissatisfied life Ida determined to do what her better nature prompted her to do, even at the risk of getting into trouble. She determined to clear up the mystery that had been hanging so heavily over the heads of Cora and her friends. "I--I don't care what Sid thinks--or says," murmured Ida, "I'm done with him forever." She hurried to a select bowling alley, where she was pretty sure she would find Sid. Within the little office in front one might buy confections or ice cream, and at the same time be able to look in on the alleys, where athletic young men were banging away at the pins. Ida sent in word by the clerk, and Sid came out at once when he heard who wished to speak to him. Ida was struck at his appearance. He looked thin and worn, but, more than that, worried.