But now I mustn't
keep you children any longer. I've told you my little mystery story, and
I hope you liked it."
"Yes, we did, very much," answered Nan "Only it's too bad!"
"You aren't sure the tramp took the dishes, are you?" asked Bert.
"No; and that is where the mystery comes in," said Miss Pompret.
"Perhaps he didn't, and, maybe, in some unexpected way, I'll find them
again. I hope I do, or that some one does, and I'll pay the hundred
dollars to whoever does."
"My, that's a lot of money!" murmured Bert again, when he and Nan were
once more on their way home, having said good-bye to Miss Pompret. "I
wish we could find those dishes."
"So do I," agreed Nan. "But don't call 'em dishes, Bert."
"What are they?" her brother wanted to know.
"Why, they're rare china. When I grow up I'm going to have a set just
like Miss Pompret's."
"With the dog on the bottom?"
"Tisn't a DOG, it's a LION!" exclaimed Nan.
"Well, it looks like our dog Snap," declared Bert.
They ran on home to find their mother out at the gate looking up and
down the street for them.
"Are you children just getting home from school?" asked Mrs.
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