"I don't know so much as I thought I did," said Kyzie to herself. "Joe
Rolfe wouldn't be in this room."
For Uncle James was knocking at the door of Number Five.
"Walk right in," said Mrs. McQuilken, coming to meet her guests. She had
her knitting in one hand. "Come in, all of you. Why, Mr. Templeton, are
you here too? You wouldn't have taken me into your house if you'd known
I was a thief; now would you, Mr. Templeton?"
And laughing, she put her right hand in her apron pocket and drew out a
gold watch and chain.
"If this belongs to anybody present, let him step up and claim his
property."
Mr. Dunlee came forward in amazement, while Jimmy gave a little squeal
of delight.
"This is mine, thank you, madam," said Mr. Dunlee, looking at the watch
closely. It seemed very much battered.
"Dreadfully smashed up, isn't it, sir? I can't tell you how sorry I am."
Mr. Dunlee shook it, and held it to his ear.
"Oh, it won't go," said Mrs. McQuilken. "The inside seems worse off, if
anything, than the outside. 'Twill have to have new works."
"Very likely. But it is so precious to me, madam, that even in this
condition I'm glad to get it back again. Pray, where has it been?"
"Right here in this room. Didn't you understand me to confess to
stealing it? Why, you're shaking your head as if you doubted my word."
They were all laughing now, and the old lady's eyes twinkled with fun.
"Well, if I didn't steal it myself, one of my family did, so it amounts
to the same thing. Come out here, you unprincipled girl, and beg the
gentleman's pardon," she added, kneeling and dragging forth from under
the bed a beautiful bird.
It was her own magpie, chattering and scolding.
"Now tell the gentleman who stole his watch? Speak up loud and clear!"