It must have been somebody
that knew, for we never told a soul--"
"Knew what?" asked the man in a resigned tone. "What has your
looking-glass and your mother's dressing-case got to do with your
money, anyhow? I thought you said that was stolen."
"Of course. You see, for safety we put our money and letter of credit
inside the back of the hand-mirror, and--"
He turned and flashed a look from Andy, serenely admiring himself, to
his daughter.
"Oh, oh!" she cried distressfully, "is this it?"
She tried to snatch the thing from Andy's hand, but he held on with a
determined clutch and howled, even threatening her with his teeth. It
was the prettiest toy he had seen for many a day!
"Yes, that's it. You wretched little beast! See! He's spoiled
Laura's ribbon too."
"See here, sir!" said the captain indignantly, as he boxed the
creature's ears. "You'll have to learn better manners, if you stay
aboard this craft. Thieves aren't allowed."
Poor Andy, perforce, yielded to higher authority, and crawled under the
soft arm of his mistress, crying like a baby, while the captain handed
the glass to Mrs. Windemere, saying brusquely,
"Better find a new place for your money now, and secure it about your
person somewhere--you may need it."
"Oh, Captain, are we going to the bottom?" she moaned.
"If I thought we were would I tell you to secure your money?" he
answered crisply. Then, turning to his daughters, "I'll send you your
ulsters and life-preservers--and Texas; but let the trinkets go.
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