The Bet who presented herself to her father had scarlet cheeks and her hands were trembling with nervous strain.
"Daddy, may I see you alone for a few minutes? It's a matter of great importance." The girl's manner was so formal and grown-up that Colonel Baxter had to smile as he turned to his guest.
"Will you pardon me, Provost, for a few minutes?"
Father and daughter slipped into a small room adjoining and after Bet had closed the door she said:
"What have you done now, broken a window?"
"No, no, Daddy, be serious. I've had an awful time." She unfastened something from her neck and to her father's surprise put the fan in his hand.
"Why Bet, I told you to put the fan away."
"Listen Dad. When your message came the fan was gone! Isn't that _terrible_? It was stolen and we got it back only yesterday. It was after the bank closed. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be disobedient."
Suddenly the Colonel jumped to his feet. "Well, one bit of good luck has come out of this. After a while I'll hear the whole story. Now I must see Provost. You're a brave little girl."
After the Colonel had talked with his guest for a moment Bet heard the man saying: "That's what I call luck, Colonel Baxter! I can take the fan with me, give you the check right now, and get home in time to meet that important business appointment."
A brief inspection was enough for the expert. He made out a check, put the fan carefully in his bag and asked: "When does that train leave here for Chicago?"
"Bob, can you get us to the station in fifteen minutes to catch the express?"
Bet accompanied them to the station. She sat between her father and Mr. Provost and answered their questions when she could.
"I won't feel safe until you are on the train, Mr. Provost, and even then I won't be sure that something dreadful won't happen."
"But who do you suppose stole it? It's not likely that anyone will bother me."
Bet sighed with relief as the train pulled out of the station. "Oh, I do hope he gets to the museum safely!" she whispered as she snuggled close to her father.
At Bob's suggestion, Colonel Baxter notified Chief Baldwin that the fan had been found.
"No. I have only been home a few hours, and I have had no way of finding out."
"Well, Longworth and I have a certain party in mind. Maybe we'll get a confession out of him."