"
"I should hope so," twinkled Betty. "Our boys are as little apt to remind
us of criminals as anybody I know. But seriously," she added, a little of
the thoughtfulness returning, "I think we're making a mistake in thinking
that Willie Sanderson has become a criminal. I think there is probably
some satisfactory explanation of why he stayed away from home; and perhaps
with the help of the people we know we may be able to solve the mystery.
Anyway, I don't believe that a boy like that and with a mother like this
dear old soul could turn out very badly."
"But suppose he's dead!" Mollie put in.
"Well, then our days of detectivities will be over as far as he's
concerned," put in Grace before Betty could reply. "Here, Mollie, take
another chocolate and don't ask foolish questions."
"Goodness, I think you're going to die, Gracie," said Mollie, looking her
friend over anxiously. "This is the first time since the fateful day of
our meeting that I can remember your offering, actually offering, me two
chocolates in succession."
"It isn't the first time you've taken them, though," suggested Grace
dryly. "It just occurred to me that since you will take them anyway, I
might as well get the credit of offering them."
"Ah, I guessed it, villainness," cried Mollie darkly. "I have long
suspected that that lovely face hid a soul of venom--I should say, a
venomous soul--"
The girls chuckled and Grace answered lightly:
"Well, as long as you admit my beauty I don't care what you say about the
rest.
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