"But Russ isn't with them!" said Mrs. Dalwood, in surprise. "I wonder what can have happened to him?" Anxiously the two parents waited until the girls came up. "Oh, such a time!" cried Alice, breathlessly. "Where's Russ?" demanded his mother. "After the men--Simp Wolley and Bud Brisket!" "Oh, those horrid men!" "He's all right," said Ruth, gently. "He is going to get Mr. Pertell and an officer to go with him." "But what is it all about?" asked Mr. DeVere. Then, rather disjointedly, and with many interruptions, the girls told the story of the afternoon and evening, for it was now nearly nine o'clock. Of course Mr. DeVere and Mrs. Dalwood were much worried when they learned what had happened, and the widow was not at her ease when she thought of her son still not out of danger. "But I'm sure he will soon be back," declared Alice, confidently. She was a great comfort in trouble--a real optimist. Then followed a period of anxious waiting. It was broken by the return of Russ, rather disheveled, tired and excited, but with his precious model safe in the taxicab with him and Mr. Pertell. "Why, Russ, where have you been?" cried Mrs. Dalwood. "I just wish I'd been there!" exclaimed Billy. "Was there a fight, Russ?" "A--little one," he admitted, with a glance at the girls. "But it was soon over." "And where are the men now?" asked Alice. "Safe in jail." Then he told what had happened. After Alice and Ruth had gone home in the taxicab he had called for Mr. Pertell, explaining what had occurred. A special officer was engaged, and the three went to the address in Jersey City, where Wolley and Brisket had gone with the model. The place was in a rather disreputable neighborhood. In a back room, which was approached with caution, the two plotters were found with a draughtsman whom they had hired to make drawings of the model. The two scoundrels were taken by surprise and easily overpowered, after a short resistance. The draughtsman was an innocent party, and was allowed to go, after promising to give evidence against Wolley and Brisket. The latter were put under arrest, and with his precious model safe in his possession Russ started for home. "They didn't have time to do a thing!" exclaimed the young inventor, enthusiastically. "Thanks to you girls." "Oh, we didn't do anything," said Ruth, modestly. "I think you did!" cried Russ, looking at her admiringly. "It was all Alice!" she said. "'Twas you who thought of the most practical plans!" insisted the younger girl. "Oh, Russ! I'm so glad!" "And so am I," said Ruth, softly. "Well, I must say, for two girls who haven't been much in public life, you two are coming on," said Mr. DeVere, in his hoarse tones. "But I am glad of it!"