Mildred A. Wirt

“ Madge informed quickly. “Occasionally, he does work for Uncle George.”
“Then go for him now if you wish. It grows dark very early these fall days. If we are to accomplish anything today, we must lose no time.”
Madge was only too eager to take herself upon the errand. Since Cara, who never enjoyed long walks, preferred to remain at the mansion with Miss Swenster, she started off alone.
Silas Davies was the man she had in mind for the work. He was always glad to pick up odd jobs, and in case the pearls were not found, she thought she could trust him to maintain a discreet silence. ”

“ This seemed such an oversight that Sunday afternoon she dropped around at the mansion.
“Uncle George?” Miss Swenster repeated, in response to her question. “Why, he was the old Negro caretaker I told you about. You can’t hope to learn anything from him for he has been dead years and years. In fact, his son is an old man now. Or was the last time I heard. He too may be dead by this time.”
Madge came to life at this scrap of information. Instantly it flashed through her mind that possibly Uncle George Jackson’s son might know something of the pearls. ”

“ After Madge had dug for fifteen minutes she decided it was not worth the effort.
“Shucks! I’m convinced there’s nothing hidden here. And if anyone should find us digging up the yard it might be hard to explain.”
She carefully repacked the soil in the hole, and then to Cara’s wonderment, returned the spade to the place where it had been found under the lilac.
“Why take such pains?” she asked.
“Because I don’t want your ‘ghost’ to know we’ve used his spade,” Madge explained. “I’m curious to learn what there is worth digging for in this yard. I mean to find out too!” ”

“ Miss Swenster said quietly. “I am quite strong and will be able to manage alone.”
Madge thought Miss Swenster looked frail and scarcely able to do heavy housework. She was tempted to offer her own services gratis but realized that unless she were very diplomatic, Miss Swenster would be certain to refuse.
“I’ll find some way to help her with the work,” she told herself as she departed a few minutes later. “I know Cara will be glad to do what she can too. And if we should happen to learn something pertaining to the lost Swenster pearls—well, there’s no harm in killing two birds with one stone!” ”

“ Cara had hidden the spade in the high weeds of a vacant lot not far from the Swenster mansion. They rescued it and proceeded to their destination, not at all disturbed by the curious stares focused upon them by persons they met on the street.
After securing permission from Miss Swenster, they went immediately to the garden. They took turns digging, investigating all the filled holes near the fountain and sundial. Finding nothing, they carefully replaced all soil turned up.
“Well, you can’t make me think that man was digging just for the exercise,” Madge fretted. ”

“ Madge readily accepted an invitation to view the inside of the house. Nothing was in order and dust was everywhere. Miss Swenster lifted several white sheets to disclose that they protected really fine mahogany and oak pieces. She did not offer to show Madge the upstairs.
“You see, I have my work cut out for me,” she smiled. “I must go over everything, sort out the pieces I mean to keep, and get things generally in order before the auction.”
“If you need a woman to help you, I know of an excellent one,” Madge offered. “She did work for Aunt Maude.” ”

“ She slipped a shawl over her shoulders as a protection against the fall winds and the girls followed her outside.
“It’s my opinion the pearls are hidden in the base,” Madge declared as they surveyed the sundial speculatively. “But it’s a shame to ruin the pedestal unless we’re sure. Perhaps if we move it a trifle, we may hear something rattling about inside.”
The three placed their shoulders to the pedestal, trying to lift it. The sundial seemed rooted to the ground, so little would it give.
“It’s too heavy for us,” Miss Swenster said, wiping the dust from her hands. ”

“ A few minutes later the girls departed, gratefully accepting Mr. Brady’s offer to drive them home in his car. Madge had hoped to speak alone with Cara before she left, but the opportunity did not present itself.
“I’ll see her tomorrow at school,” she thought. “I mean to find out more about what happened tonight at the Swenster mansion. Cara isn’t the sort to be frightened over nothing. I’m inclined to think something queer may be going on there.” ”

“ Someone was digging here in the garden.”
For the first time Madge carefully studied the ground. She paused a short distance from the sundial.
“There’s loose earth here,” she announced, stirring it with the toe of her shoe. “I guess you were right about seeing someone.”
“Certainly I was right. I hope you don’t think I’m afraid of my shadow.”
[28]
“Of course not, Cara. I wonder who could have been digging here and for what purpose?”
“Maybe someone was burying a dead cat.”
Madge shook her head and smiled.
“Folks don’t go to other people’s yards to bury their pets. Think of a better reason.” ”

“ Madge backed the coupe out the driveway, missed a telephone pole by scant inches, and sped down the street. She took a main highway out of the city and soon was in open country. Having previously inquired the way, she thought they would have no difficulty in finding the farmhouse where Hilda Grandale lived. Soon after the speedometer registered thirty miles, Cara spied the name for which they searched upon a roadside mailbox.
The gate was open and they drove into the barn yard. Squawking chickens darted to safety and a flock of geese waddled off hissing their protest. ”

“ In a few days the mansion would be sold.
[106]
“I wish you weren’t going away, Miss Swenster,” Cara said presently. “It won’t seem right for any other person to live in this lovely house.”
Miss Swenster smiled, but tears shone in her eyes. She brushed them impatiently away.
“What a sentimental old fool I am! Here I’ve not lived in this house for eight years but now that I know I’m to lose it, I feel so desolate. It’s almost as though I’m losing my last friend.”
“You have a great many friends here in Claymore,” Madge assured her, “only they’re timid about coming to see you. ”

“ Cara gave a little squeal of delight and hugged her chum.
“There’s our proof that the pearls really did exist. The necklace wasn’t a myth as so many folks thought!”
“I hope she tells what became of it. Read on!”
For another half hour they delved into the diary, finding little of interest to reward their patience. Then they turned a page and read a brief item disclosing that Florence’s jealousy of her sister was growing more bitter.
“Rose is very sly,” she had written. “She is ingratiating herself with father, hoping that he will will her the pearls.” ”

“ Madge asked.
“I can’t very well keep them. I have saved out so many treasures now that I’ll not have places to store them. I know! You girls must accept them as gifts! I’ll give Madge the shawl and Cara the coverlet.”
Miss Swenster refused to listen to their protests. In the end they thanked her profusely for the generous gifts, promising they would take good care of them. Both were proud to own such treasures. They were eager to return home to display their prizes, but first they insisted upon doing the dusting which they had started hours before. ”

“ The girls expressed interest in the photographs and Miss Swenster showed them the picture of her mother, and of Florence Swenster. In looking at the youthful, sweet faces of the two sisters, it was difficult for Madge and Cara to realize that they could ever have been jealous rivals. They rapidly ran through the other photos, laughing at ridiculous poses or dresses that were amazingly old fashioned. ”

“ She was pretty as a picture, plump, and had an inclination toward taking life exactly as she found it.
The other girl, Enid Burnett, was Madge’s special chum. Largely through Madge’s influence, she had been induced to come from another state to attend the Everetts School for Girls at Claymore. Her mother also was dead, and her father, a well-to-do collector and sportsman, permitted her an unusual amount of freedom. Notwithstanding, she was a quiet, unspoiled girl with a genuine liking for school and studies.
[14]
“Is everything all set for the initiation, Madge?” Jane inquired. ”

“ Brady greeted the girls cordially. Themselves youthful in spirit, they enjoyed the society of young people and never objected when Madge overran the house with her friends. If they noticed that Cara looked pale and slightly ill at ease, they made no mention of it. ”

“ It was fun to dig into things. Madge discovered a Paisley shawl which she insisted was a treasure and Cara found a beautiful woven coverlet stored away with old clothing. But there was not so much as a clue to the whereabouts of the Swenster pearls. ”

“ Madge paid not the slightest attention to her friend’s gentle hints that they leave. She surveyed the garden, looking for a suitable hiding place. A huge rhododendron bush offered a possibility and she went over to examine it.
“This will serve nicely,” she decided. “We’ll be well hidden, and if necessary we can probably slip out the front way without being seen by anyone in the garden.” ”

“ At least Florence did.”
“How many girls were there?” Cara asked.
“Two. Rose and Florence. Rose was the younger and the favorite with her father. She was a pretty thing too. Far too handsome to suit Florence. I think I have a picture somewhere.”
“Oh, never mind,” Madge said hastily. She was interested in the story which she felt Mrs. Grandale was on the verge of telling, and did not wish her to digress lest she forget.
“What was I saying? Oh, yes, Rose and Florence were rivals and they were both anxious to get their hands on the Swenster pearls.” ”

“ The girls lined up on either side of the door and then Madge opened it to confront a very frightened little girl who awaited admittance in fear and trembling. She giggled nervously as Madge beckoned her to follow.
[15]
Cara Wayne was conducted by a devious route through the dark house to the basement stairs. Madge signified that she was to go down alone. Cara hesitated, sensing that some unpleasant ordeal awaited her below, but there was no escape. She went boldly down. Suddenly, the girls heard a little squeal of fright.
“She must have touched the liver,” Enid whispered. ”

“ Madge murmured in discouragement. “Miss Swenster had a little job for him—it won’t take long but it’s dreadfully important that it be done tonight.”
“Well, I can’t say how tired Mr. Davies will be. He makes a point of not working after five but if it’s real urgent he may accommodate you. He’ll be at the Ruggles place for another half hour. Why don’t you stop there and see what he says?”
Madge thanked Mrs. Davies, deciding to follow the suggestion. It really was urgent that the sundial be investigated that very afternoon. ”

“ The Swenster Pearls
School did not keep the following day, and early afternoon found Madge and Cara camped on the Brady front porch, comparing notes.
“I couldn’t learn a thing about the Swenster mansion except that it’s owned by an old lady who hasn’t been near the place in years,” the latter confessed regretfully.
“My luck wasn’t a great deal better,” Madge admitted. “However, I did find out the name of a woman who may be able to tell us what we want to know. Her name is Hilda Grandale.”
“Haven’t I heard of her before?”
“Probably. She’s a real old lady—eighty or ninety. ”

“ Madge admitted. “But tell us, what brought you here just at this time?”
“It was years ago I learned about the pearls. I tried to locate them at the time but failed. Then I forgot all about it until I learned that Miss Swenster was coming back here to open up the house. I thought I’d get here first and make one more try. I didn’t have any luck until it occurred to me that the pearls might have been hidden inside the dial. Tonight I came here, chancing detection, and cracked open the pedestal. I found the necklace inside.” ”

“ I’ll be delighted to have you help. Goodness knows there is enough to be done.”
They followed her inside. Miss Swenster had straightened the living room but had made no attempt to put other rooms to rights. The girls attacked the work with vigor. It progressed slowly for there was a great deal to be done and they frequently stopped to examine some object which struck their fancy.
[56]
“It’s a shame this house has to be sold,” Cara declared to her chum. “Miss Swenster doesn’t say much about it but you can tell it makes her fairly sick to think of it.”
“I know,” Madge agreed in an undertone. ”

“ De ole man was one of de expertest gardeners in dis town. Dey wasn’t anotheh family in dis whole town dat had a garden like dem Swenster folks—roses a ramblin’ around over de walls and honeysuckles loaded down wid hummin’ birds. Dey don’t have no more quality white folks dese days, no suh!”
“But Uncle,” Madge insisted, smiling at the implication of her own social status. “Surely you remember something your father said about the pearls. ”

“ Then as she noticed a white envelope protruding from her friend’s sweater pocket: “Ha! I’ll bet a cent it’s from that ranger of yours up at Loon Lake! He writes you twice a week, doesn’t he?”
“He does not!” Madge denied, blushing furiously. “Jack has more important things to do than write letters.”
“Oh, you needn’t pretend, Madge Sterling. You know you like him. That’s why you’ll not even look at any of the boys here in Claymore.”
“Certainly I like Jack. Why shouldn’t I? He’s a good friend and—”
She looked somewhat nettled as Cara burst forth in a gale of exaggerated laughter. ”

“ The girls remained for luncheon, helping Miss Swenster prepare it. They worked through to four o’clock and as they left for their homes, asked if they might come again.
“Of course,” she assured them, “although I can’t see what fun you get out of working. If I could pay you—”
The girls hastily explained that they did not want pay. They really had enjoyed the day for it was fun to browse about the old mansion.
[60]
“And do you mind if we look around for those pearls?” Madge inquired. “In sorting out things we might stumble upon them.” ”