Littleson's surmise had been correct then.

It was Stella who had succeeded where the others had failed! "We know nothing of Miss Duge," Littleson said, "nor have we received the paper nor any news of it.

If Miss Stella has stolen it, she has not brought it to us.

That is all I can tell you." Virginia read truth in their faces.

She turned away.
"Oh, I do not understand!" she said.