 Chapter 21 of the motor girls, this is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The motor girls by Margaret Penrose. Chapter 21. Real motor girls. Cora was up early the next morning and went out alone for a spin in her car. She wanted to think over the happenings at the lawn-fate to recall various matters and to try to straighten out some tangles that confused her. It was delightful to skim along the quiet road, the powerful motor of her car singing a song of speed and progress. I suppose Jack and Ed are sleeping yet, she said to herself, though how Ed can, after the strange recovery of his bonds, is more than I can understand. Ed was gone when she returned and Jack seemed surprised to see his sister returning from an early morning run. I thought she'd slept for hours yet, he said. I've got something to tell you. Is it about the bonds? No, not exactly. Look at that. He held out the diamond ring. Jack, she cried with a little catch in her voice. You don't mean to tell me. That's an engagement ring. That's exactly what it is. But for some girl, of course it's for a girl, answered her brother, seeing that his sister was under a misapprehension and not being able to resist the chance to tease her. Of course it's for a girl. And, oh, but Jack, what will mother say, you becoming engaged? Who said I was engaged? He asked. Look inside and you'll see whose it is. Ida Giles cried Cora. Exactly. She lost it. And to end her increasing wonder, Jack told his sister the circumstances. Cora wanted to go at once and return the ring to Ida. But Jack said, no, we'll wait for her to call. If she wants it very much, she'll come. But why don't you want me to give it to her? Well, I'll tell you some other time. And with that evasive answer, Cora had to be content. Several days passed and Ida did not come. But Jack would not consent to Cora returning the ring to her. In the meanwhile, the young people had discussed over and over again the beautiful fate given by Cora. Though the finding of the bonds and the story of the ring was kept within a small, select circle. Ed Foster took the bonds to the bank and received for them part of the stock for which he had negotiated. The rest, he said, would be held for him. And I'm pretty sure I'll get the rest of my $20,000 back soon. He said, at least nearly all the cash. Mrs. Kimball went to the city to prepare for her trip to Bermuda and it was a few days later when some of the recent excitement had worn off. But Cora began to feel a sense of loneliness, stealing over her. Her mother seldom went away from home. Oh dear, she exclaimed as she sat in the library trying to be interested in a book. I wish something. Out on the driveway, a triumphant honk honk drew her attention. I hope that's she begun. But she did not finish, for she saw the Robinson twins in a shining new car. Bess at the wheel, as though she had been running one for months. And the sisters both are tired in their becoming motoring costumes. Come on, cried Bess, as Cora leaned out of the window. Get your car and we'll take a spin. Isn't ours a beauty? Oh, isn't it? Cried Cora delightedly. But I thought it wasn't to come for a week. We couldn't help deceiving you, Cora dear, answered Bel, but you see. And you can run it all alone, interrupted Cora. Yes, all by our lonelies, answered Bess. You see, we wanted to surprise you, so we didn't tell you exactly when it was coming. When it arrived, we got poor. I mean Mr. Hastings, of course. We got him to give us lessons along a quiet road where we never met anyone who knew us. And Father is not a bit timid about us going out alone, since Paul, I mean, never mind explaining broken Cora with a laugh. Well, since Paul showed us how to run it, Papa has taken a great notion to Paul, finished Bess, with the suspicion of a blush. How about the daughter? Asked Cora gaily. Of course, she would never take a notion to the same young man her father happened to favour. Oh, you horrid creature, exclaimed Bess. He did teach me beautifully, of course. But a girl may look at a chauffeur, I suppose, just as a cat may gaze at a crowned monarch. Oh, certainly, conceded Cora. So you are really going out for a spin. I'll get ready and we'll go together. I was just wondering what I could do until dinner time. Jack is out with some friends, and I was just plain lonesome. Put on your new costume, directed Belle. We want people to look at us. Isn't it perfectly splendid to have a regular set of cars? Yes, we ought to get up an auto show, agreed Cora, as she hastened off to make ready for her ride. They selected a quiet road, in spite of the shadows of the trees it was hot. The swift motion of the cars, however, relieved the humidity of the atmosphere in a measure. Which way? Asked Cora as they came to a turn. Down by the river, suggested Bess. We haven't been out wood-bind way all summer. Let's go this afternoon. All right. I guess I'll let you set the pace, answered Cora, as she held her car back and allowed Bess to take the lead. Which the fair amateur motorist did gracefully and with no little skill. They attracted some attention as they skimmed along in their new outfits and their new cars, and with their bright faces showing their happiness. Many stopped to look and admire, and could not but smile at their evident pleasure the motor girls were having. Far from the madding crowd, quoted Belle, as they swung down the quiet river road. But do be careful, Bess, she urged. I know you understand as much about the car as I do, but I always feel that I ought to have a life preserver on when any mere girl, including myself, is at the helm of such a powerful craft. Bess flapped and replied lightly. She had perfect confidence in her ability to guide the flyway, as they had christened the new car. Isn't it close? Called Cora, as she tried to steer out of the way of a stone and failed, thereby receiving quite a jolt. I'm afraid we're going to have rain before we get back. A thunder shower, likely. It's sultry. Oh, I hope we don't have a storm, replied Bess. I hope to get my new machine all splashed up with mud to say nothing of spoiling our new auto suits. Then we had better not get too far out and away from Shelter, suggested Cora. There, isn't that thunder? There was a low, distant rumbly. That, all blasting, said Belle. It is thunder, was Cora's opinion. I hope we can find some Shelter. Shelter exclaimed Bess, as she looked anxiously up at the gathering clouds. How could we ever get the cars under any ordinary Shelter? That's what I can't get used to about an auto, the size of it. Their life houses to me, as big as all outdoors. I know of an old barn out this way, over toward Woodvine, went on Cora. We would likely find that open, for when I passed there the other day, they were getting ready to put the hay in. Oh, dear exclaimed Belle, as the thunder sounded nearer and louder. I wish we could get back home. Turn around, Bess, dear. I can't, declared her sister, with a nervous little laugh. The road is too narrow for me to make a turn in, and I haven't yet learned how to reverse well. We'll have to keep on until I get to a wide place. I don't want to do that, objected Belle. Let's stop the car, get out and push it around. Surely we can do that. Don't go any farther. Yes, yes, cried Cora, keep on. It's too late to turn back now. There, it's raining. Let me get ahead, and I'll show you the way, a shortcut. I know how to get through that lane. Her car shot ahead, the girl skillfully guiding it, and the twins timidly following, until, with many a twist and turn, Cora piloted them up a little hill to a big red barn, with the wide doors invitingly open. Drive right inside, called Cora, slowing down her car. I guess no one will object, and we haven't any lights to put out, as the warning over the door of the garage says. The rain was falling in Torrance now, and before Cora could get the wind wholly within the shelter, and while yet the fly away was entirely out, the girls received quite a wedding. A moment later they were out of the storm in the barn, had stopped their cars, and shut off the engines. Suppose the owner doesn't like it, suggested Belle. Well, we're in anyway, declared Cora, and I guess they won't put us out, but we must be careful. Don't let any gasoline or oil drip out, but I guess it won't, as both the cars are new. No one but themselves seemed to be in the barn, which was odorous, with new moan hay, great mose of it being on either side of the broad floor, on which the auto stood. There are some men coming, announced best, looking out through the big doors into a Mr. Brain. The haymakers announced Cora. They were getting in the crop, but the rain didn't let them finish. See how they're running. What shall we do when they come in? Inquired Belle, anxiety depicted on her face. Why, nothing, I should say, replied Cora. There is plenty of room for them and us. I'm sure, even if our cars are rather large, we won't eat the men, and I hope they won't eat us. Oh dear, side Belle, the best laughed. The first to reach the barn was a very tall farmer of the type designated as lean and lanky. He was headed straight for the open doors. His head bent down to avoid the pelking drops, and he did not see the cars and the young ladies until he had nearly collided with Cora. Then he straightened up suddenly, and the look of astonishment on his face made Cora want to laugh. Only she felt under the circumstances that she did not dare. Well, I'll be gum-swizzled, exclaimed the farmer. What's this, anyhow, automobiles? As I lip, well, I swant goodness, and girls are driving of them. Ho, ho, well. That's what I call rich. Yes, sir, rich. The fringe of curious haymakers gathered behind the one who had entered first. We only came in out of the rain, exclaimed Cora, who was looking her prettiest in the confusion. We hope we're not in the way. Oh, you're welcome, the man hastened to say. As welcome as well, a heap so it more welcome than Miss Thunderstall means. We calculated to get all the hay in, but we didn't quite make out. We've got lots of room here, you see. There ain't another barn in all Woodbine that take a locomotive like that in it. And he walked around Cora's big car, eyeing it curiously. I knew you had a big barn, said Cora. I saw it the other day. Then when the storm came, I remembered it, and so we intruded here. Taint no intrusion, no how, declared the farmer. I'm mighty glad of a chance to get a look at them things close by when they ain't moving like a blue streak. My girl is just daffy about them. She thinks it would be handy for her and me, but I'd rather guess she'd get the most rides out of it. They are very convenient when you want to get somewhere in a hurry, ventured best. We thought at time to come to Cora's aid in keeping up the conversation. Yes, I expect so, but you see the trouble on a farm is that you ain't got much of any time to go anywhere. Now, if I had a machine like that, there came such a sharp crash of thunder and such a blinding flash of lightning simultaneously that the farmer's voice was silenced and everyone jumped. Oh, isn't that awful? Fairly screamed bell and instinctively she ran to the side at the tall, lanky man. Guess you're used to being near your par in a thunderstorm, observed the farmer with a chuckle. I thought the bun was struck, said the girl with the shutter. It would be terrible if it got on fire with all this hay in it. That's what it would, but we're not worrying so much since we got the new fire apparatus. We'd had the two hose carts for about three weeks now and though we practiced with them, we ain't never had no real fire. We've got a good water system with high pressure and they can pump more when they need it. All we have to do is run with those carts to the fire and hose to thy hydrants. But the funny part of it is the carts are so heavy they need hoses to pull them and we ain't got no regular hoses yet. Have to pull them by hand. I expect and it's going to be hard work. Do you belong to the department? Ask Cora. You're right, I do. And is that part of your uniform? She went on pointing to some rubber coats and fire hats that hung on the side of the barn. Yep, that's what they be. Me and my two sons buy diminity crickets. That lightning certainly is sharp though. Flash after flash of the glaring light came through the sheets of rain and the thunder crashed and vibrated overhead seeming to shake the very earth. Where are your sons? Inquired Belle wanting to do her share in the talk but she waited until there came a lull in the storm. Over in the south mother two miles away replied the man. By this time several of the haymakers seeing that the storm was likely to continue and knowing that they could know more work that day had domed heavy coats scattered going down the road to the village. This left the farmer and one hired man in the barn. It certainly is raining remarked the hired man as he looked out through the big doors. At that instant there came a more terrific crash than any that had preceded it and the whole place seemed to glare of intense light. Everyone was stunned for a moment and when they recovered their numbed senses Cora looking toward the farmhouse saw a sheet of flame coming from the roof. Fire fire she cried your house is a fire it's been struck by lightning by gum so it has yelled the man. It's blazing and my old mother is bedridden in it. Come on Jake we'll have to get her out anyhow. Now what good is our fire department with no hoses to haul the hose carts and all my animals away off. Such luck the men gone too. He was rapidly shouting this as he ran from the barn where are the hose carts called Cora after him. In the Applebee's barn a mile away and it's a bad road. He pointed to the barn in sight down the hill. Is there a hydrant near your house? Yes but what good be they without hose return the farmer. He was on the run half way to his burning house the hired man after him. We'll bring up the hose carts cried Cora. We'll pull them with our autos. Come on best Belle quick. We must get the hose here don't be afraid the rubber coats and the helmets. The rain can't get through then the worst of the storm is over now. Oh I hope they get that poor woman out. Hurry hurry she cried as she cranked up her car back your machine out reverse it old fire let's see what the motor girls can do in an emergency. End of Chapter 21 Chapter 22 of the motor girls this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org The motor girls by Margaret Penrose Chapter 22 Ida Giles best really surprised herself by the quickness in which she got her machine out of the barn in the excitement the words of advice Paul had given her came back with force in a few minutes the motor girls were rushing down the muddy roads splashing through big puddles but they themselves were kept from the drenching downpour by the firemen's heavy coats and helmets they gave one look back the blaze had enveloped the entire roof oh, if we can only return in time cried Cora as she threw in the full speed forward Cora said afterward that they reached the barn in less than four minutes but best declared they never went as fast as that Mr Applebee did not know what to make of three excited girls in two panting automobiles rushing up to him and demanding the fire apparatus but he managed to understand what had happened and why they wanted it tie the hose carts to the back of the autos with ropes, cried Cora we can pull them up the hill are there any men around to help with the hose if there are we'll take them to the fire in our cars no, I guess not and I'll send my boy for some help right away there'll be lots of men in their houses counter the rain I'll go with you fortunately there was no need to hunt the ropes as there were two long ones on the hose carts and Mr Applebee working with speed aided by the girls soon had the apparatus attached the run back took longer and Cora and Bess at the wheels of their respective cars guided them and the hose carts into the yard near the burning house the blaze was fierce and now but it had not eaten down as far as it would have done had it not been for the heavy rain the farmer and his hired man had carried the bed ridden woman out placing her on a mattress in the carriage house attached the hose to the hydrants cried Mr Applebee I'll turn on the water who'll handle the nozzles ask the farmer it'll take two men to each there's so much force to the water you and I can handle one yelled Mr Applebee by and your hired man he can't manage the other alone then we'll help call Cora come on girls the lines were unreal attached to the hydrants and were soon spurting water Cora and Bess for Belle declared herself too nervous to help aided the hired man in holding one nozzle of the leaping riding hose that seemed like some great snake as it squirmed under the pressure of the water the farmer and Mr Applebee attached the other the fire burned slowly and the little force was really setting it under control when some men summoned by young Applebee arrived and relieved the girls more lines of hose were run from the hydrants each one of which could supply water to two and the blaze were soon out though the house had been considerably damaged well if it hadn't been for them young ladies and their machines maybe you wouldn't have had any house Frank said Mr Applebee to the farmer that's right the land knows I can't begin to thank him if ever they want a friend all they got to do is to call on Frank Etna that's me he thrust out his rough hand and Cora clasped to the big palm in her own little one I don't know how to thank you he exclaimed fervently we couldn't help doing it said Cora blushing and then Mr Etna insisted on shaking her hand again and also with Belle and Bess well we certainly had an adventure exclaimed Cora as the motor girls were riding home after the shower had stopped whatever will the boys say the boys will be very proud of you Cora declared Belle it was a few days after this when Cora was out alone in her car trying to understand among many other things why Ida had not called for her ring and why doesn't Jack let me take it to her she asked herself again I declare I can't understand Jack and she shook her head along the turnpike she guided her car going on slow speed to more fully enjoy the odor of the wild honeysuckle which entangled messes lined the roadside mingling with the wild rose perfume that was wafted on the gentle breezes she came to a narrow place where there was room for one vehicle to pass at a time and seeing a bunch of wild fern Cora got out of the car to gather some as she did so she heard a girl's voice pleading in alarmed tones let me pass you must let me pass not until I get some money out of you or somebody exclaim the rough voice of a man any money well you know who has come on I want it there was a sound of breaking sticks as if the man had taken a step nearer at the girl she retreated and this brought her interview with Cora it was eye to giles Cora leaned forward to catch a glimpse of the man she was startled to see that he was that good-for-nothing Lem Gildy come on grailed Lem fork over some cash I haven't any oh please Lem let me pass he took another step toward her with outstretched hands and Ida shrunk back she screamed but Lem only sneered no one will hear you he said come on I must have money or I'll tell some things she was hidden from the two by a screen of bushes and on the dirt of the road with her car running at low speed they had not heard her Lem laid his hand on Ida's wrist let me alone she screamed help help Cora saw a stout stick lying on the ground with hardly a thought of what she was doing she caught it up and stepped forward nobody here to help you said Lem with a brutal chuckle yes there is cried Cora in ringing tones let go of her arm Lem Gildy or I'll strike you with this and the girl raised the stick over the rascals head he hesitated a moment still gripping Ida who was on the verge of collapse she looked at Cora with wonder and fear let go demanded Cora taking a step nearer not for you answered Lem defiantly Cora brought the stick down with a stinging force on his wrist with a howl of pain he let go and advanced toward Cora but she struck him over the head with her weapon and Ida who had recovered her courage for heavy stone made it a more even battle with a matted snail Lem slunk away and disappeared in the under brush Cora felt herself trembling violently but she kept control of herself oh Cora sobbed Ida I believe I would have died if you had not come along I was never afraid of Lem Gildy and when I saw him following me along the road I never dreamed that he would molest me what did he want asked Cora oh it's all over that dreadful money Mr. Foster's you know indeed Cora was beginning to suspect that something like a child Ida leaned on the arm that Cora held out to her though as a matter of fact Cora was in need of assistance herself well never mind she said to Ida just get in my car and we'll go right to your home he was a perfectly horrid man and should be punished see what he did to Jack starting off his car and injuring him now he tries to rob you not exactly Rob Cora he says someone now don't go into details will you feel better come get in the car with me and Cora led Ida back to where the auto waited oh Cora I can't get in your car with you I can't accept any kindness from you after what I've done and to think that you should come to save me from him I feel like a a thief that you'll not leave no not exactly but almost as bad oh Cora I wish I could tell you but I dent and again Ida sobbed hysterically well Ida dear you don't have to tell me now maybe not at any time spoke Cora soothingly as she placed her arm about the girl's waist come along for a ride in the that will settle your nerves where are you going asked Ida as she noticed they were not heading for Chelten will go to new city Ida went on Cora with sudden resolve I want to ask you a question yes spoke Ida nervously did you lose anything at my party and Cora's thoughts were on the diamond ring in the safe no replied Ida firmly didn't you really insisted Cora surprised that Ida would not admit ownership of the ring I didn't lose anything Cora and Cora wondered at the stress Ida placed on the word lose well I have a secret to tell you Jack did not want me to speak of it but I'm going to but I'm just consumed with curiosity Paul Hastings found a beautiful diamond ring in his pocket after the fate and your initials were engraved in the gold Cora turned so as to look into Ida's face and she could plainly see that a change came over her countenance Paul Hastings found it the ring with my initials in yes did you really lose it for a moment Ida did not speak she was biting her lips and her fingers were nervously playing with the fringe on the laprobe Cora she exclaimed impulsively I have been me hateful to you but you have not deserved it Sid Wilcox told me he had you out riding and he said you spoke things about me what? cried Cora he did to say that yes and people saw you out with him so they might have but the truth was he jumped into my car and ran away with it without my permission that's how I came to be in the motor with him he never told me that exclaimed Ida well that's just like him I will tell you it was he who forced that ring on me and I would not take it at first but he made me then I determined to get rid of it I did not lose it but I slipped it into Walter Pennington's pocket oh Cora you know I do like Walter and I thought if he saw that I wouldn't keep someone else's engagement ring that somehow went back where it came from and her tears interrupted her Cora did not understand you put it in Walter Pennington's pocket she repeated slowly why? it was found in Paul Hastings pocket wasn't Walter dressed up like Mark Antony demanded Ida seating 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 things had come about that explains it murmured Ida it was a mistake and did that ring actually have my initials in it is marked IG said Cora we have been expecting you to call for it where is it now home in our safe 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 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 across $500 it is certainly a valuable ring admitted Cora but Ida if I were you I would give it back to Sid well perhaps I shelf someday but oh Cora you cannot imagine what I have gone through within the last month and Ida pressed her handkerchief to her swollen eyes I am sorry Sid Cora simply can I help you Ida they had ridden through New City and were back again in Shelton 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 neighbours thoughts Cora you can help me and I will soon ask you to do so Sid Ida almost in a whisper but now I cannot tell you now and she hurried out of the car End of Chapter 22 Chapter 23 of The Motorgirls This is a LibraVox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibraVox.org The Motorgirls by Margaret Penrose Chapter 23 The Mystery Solved Ida Giles had always been unpopular and the kindness shown her by Cora Kimball following of the timely rescue of her from Lemgilby 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 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 Sid she began bravely you must come with me at once I will aid you all I can but we can go right over to the Kimballs explain everything and set matters right what exclaimed the youth in an anxious whisper you mean confess yes that's just it but but I I promise to help you she said slowly they were talking outside now for the clerk had come back and was behind the showcase you must come Sid and tell everything I will do my part besides there is really nothing to confess you know you really didn't steal the money but you must tell them tell Ed, Cora and all what you did with it and about the empty wallet oh Ida I never could do that Sid's bravery he's gay sneering, bold manner we're all gone he was a craven weak you'll have to tell them he added I'm going, going away that's just like you exclaimed Ida leave me to shoulder all the shame no Sid Wilcox I've risked enough for you I'm done this very afternoon and tell everything I shall go to the police and relate to them all that I know about the missing money the bonds and the wallet the detectives will be glad enough to get the reward Sid was really afraid now his face was pale and his voice shook as he answered I'll make it all good now I have the money should you give it back to Ed the way the bonds no, not to help me out no but you promised I promised too much will you tell everything or there was a moment's silence Sid was battling with his mean nature even yet he was trying to find a way of escape to discover some plan by which he could avoid making a humiliating confession well asked Ida and there was a new ring in her voice I suppose I'll have to spoke Sid in low tones come then, I'll go with you an hour later Cora, Jack, Ed Sid Wilcox and Ida Giles were seated in the library of the Kimball home Sid was uneasy and Ida's eyes showed that she had been weeping Sid has something to tell you all begun Ida and so have I I guess you know what it's about Cora nodded and smiled at Ida then she went over and stood beside the unhappy girl I'll make a clean breast of it fellas begun Sid hesitatingly I really didn't mean to make so much trouble over it but one thing went to another and when I started there didn't seem to be any stopping place or any way to get back when Ed stooped over to fix the mudguard on Cora's car that day of the race and the collision the wallet dropped from his pocket into the soft dust of the road I saw it and picked it up intending first only to play a joke on him Ida and Mary Downs saw me and well I don't know what they thought but I only did it for fun queer fun murmured Jack indignantly I slipped out the money and bonds went on Sid and then Ed turned toward me and I didn't know what to do with the empty wallet there was only one chance and I took it I dropped it in the toolbox I was mean to do it for I thought it might make a mix-up and add to the joke Jack murmured something inaudible and Cora shot a warning glance at her brother yes it was a poor joke admitted Sid weakly but I've learned the lesson I found out it was going to cost considerable to fix my car and as I had some other well expenses to meet I just used some of Ed's cash I knew I could pay it back later that is I thought I could but my folks shut down my allowance and when I missed getting that job which Paul Hastings got I was in a bad way I didn't know where I was to get the cash to repay Ed and I didn't dare say anything for fear you'd have me arrested for stealing then I got mixed in with Lem Gildy he saw me with a lot of cash and he suspected something the man is sharp and one day he saw the numbers of one of the banknotes I had he looked up the numbers which Ed gave the police and it corresponded then he jumped to the conclusion that I had stolen the $10,000 in cash and the bonds I knew about it being a joke could convince him he began to believe me for hush money and I had to give it to him then I thought of a plan for getting him out of the way I put him up to start Jack's car off thinking he might be arrested for malicious mischief and put in jail but I never dreamed you would be hurt Jack honest I didn't Jack did not answer well that plan didn't work went on said and Lem kept getting worse then I didn't know what Mary Downs might be up to going away as she did I believe she thought I really stole the money she did put in court she told me so but her going away had nothing to do with it a relative was taken suddenly ill and she had to leave she wrote me something about the robbery excuse me I'll not call it a robbery now but Mary thought it was and she imagined both Sid and Ida were guilty I can't blame her much murmured Ida unhappily I have treated you very mainly Ida confessed Sid I made you keep my secret and Lem found out at least he thought he did that you were in with me and demanded money of me spoke Ida I decided then that it must all come out though I also decided that I would never again have anything to do with you Sid Wilcox not even after begun the youth no your ring is here and she pointed to the safe Sid started I wondered why you didn't wear it he said yes he went on I had been mean to Ida though I I did ask her to take the ring to make up for it it was clear that he did care for the girl as much as it was possible for a person of his selfish nature to care for anyone I spent some of the money for the ring for Ida he went on yes and for that reason as much as for any other you were only a shade removed from a thief I threw it away burst out Ida when asked Sid much astonished the same night when masked as a nun I slipped back the bonds into Ed's pocket as you asked me to so that's how they got there exclaimed Ed then when Ida came and told me a little while ago about Lem went on Sid after a pause I knew the game was up he was getting desperate and he's liable to send word to the police at any moment accusing me and I don't want to be arrested he seemed very anxious now here is your $10,000 back he said to Ed handing him a roll of bills I managed to get from my folks the amount I had used some for the diamond ring and what I had to give Lem what's become of him asked Jack I guess he skipped out answered Sid after holding up Ida it won't be safe for him to linger too close to these parts I should say not commented Cora now will you take this money and call it Square asked Sid nervously murmured Jack look at the suspicions about my sister hushed Jack pleaded Cora looking at Ida who was weeping I think the best way will be to call the incident a closed one decided Ed I'll take the money and what will you tell the police asked Jack I'll tell them the money came back to me in a mysterious way the reward they can't there is only one person who will get the reward and she is he paused and walked over until he stood in front of Ida who sat with bowed head Miss Giles it is due to you more than to anyone that this mystery is solved he said will you please accept the reward and he took some bills of the roll Sid had handed him I couldn't oh I couldn't she sobbed Ed looked embarrassed everyone was under a strain Jack went to the safe and took out the diamond ring I guess that comes back to you he said to Sid as long as you've made up to Ed the whole sum Sid took it hesitatingly then with a quick motion he stepped up to Ed this belongs to you what for interest on your money it's more than the ring cost maybe considering the loss on the bank stock but I'll make it up later no Sid Ed after a moment's thought will call it settled he held the ring in his hand and went over to the weeping girl will you will you accept this for what you have done for me after all of us he asked gently Ida looked up through her tears then she shook her head let me give it to her whispered Cora and Ed handed over the sparkling gem take it from me Ida whispered Jack sister let it be a pledge of whatever you like a pledge from an up to date motor girl cried Jack Gailey ended the strain that was on them all Sid slipped out and Ida was led away by Cora then such talking as there was between Ed and Jack well did you ever hear such a yarn asked Jack did you suspect him Ed yes but I thought his motive was a different one I had an idea the strain would soon tell on him or Ida I'm glad it's over so am I exclaimed Cora coming into the room having parted from Ida I feel years younger look out warned Ed you'll soon be a mere infant again if you keep on I don't care she cried come on out and take a long run in the whirlwind I want to get some of the cobwebs swept off my brain with a glorious breeze come Jack Ed they went with her each one happier than they had been in many days oh there are Belle and Bess cried Cora I must tell them well remarked Ed when Cora and Belle had about talked themselves out I suppose your motor girls call that quite a series of adventures indeed we do answered Cora more just like them but though no adventures just like those narrated here occurred to the motor girls the possession of their new cars led them into a strange complication not long after and the details of it will be set down in the next book of this series to be entitled the motor girls on a tour or keeping a strange promise let's have a race cried Jack who was handling the new car of the twins come on Cora I challenge you not now Jack dear replied his sister I just want to rest and think and she slowed her car down and ran along a quiet country road with Bess and Jack trailing in the rear End of Chapter 23 End of Chapter 23 This recording is in the public domain