It is not nearly so easy to take a practical joke as to perpetrate
one. Evelyn was sitting thoughtfully on the porch when her father
and mother returned. Mrs. Ellsworth was sitting at the center
window above, placidly looking out. Her eyes swept carelessly over
the Van Kamps, and unconcernedly passed on to the rest of the
landscape.
Mrs. Van Kamp gasped and clutched the arm of her husband. There
was no need. He, too, had seen the apparition. Evelyn now, for the
first time, saw the real humor of the situation. She smiled as she
thought of Ralph. She owed him one, but she never worried about her
debts. She always managed to get them paid, principal and interest.
Mr. Van Kamp suddenly glowered and strode into the Tutt House.
Uncle Billy met him at the door, reflectively chewing a straw, and
handed him an envelope. Mr. Van Kamp tore it open and drew out a
note. Three five-dollar bills came out with it and fluttered to the
porch floor. This missive confronted him: