Just at this moment the outer door opened and a man entered. He was
a man of middle age with a closely clipped gray moustache and kindly
gray eyes. It was Mr. Matthews, the owner of the business.
The little man, seeing him, flung the receiver into the hook with a
bang and poured forth a volley of French, emphasized by wild gestures.
After listening for a few moments, Mr. Matthews turned a wondering
gaze on the group of subdued looking young people. His expression
soon turned to one of amusement.
After a word or two in French to the little man, evidently of thanks
for his zeal, he said to Bob and the girls:
"Won't you please tell me your side of the story? I find it hard to
believe that you have set forth to rob and steal."
The tale came out with a rush, Bob, Betty, and Bobby taking turns or
all talking together, the others, fortunately, being content to let
the three tell the story.
Mr. Matthews was sympathetic and apologetic, but he was also amused,
and he laughed heartily. It seemed he knew Mr. Littell. The "robber
band," as Bobby afterwards named them, laughed with him; in fact, in
their relief, laughing till the tears came. The black-eyed man,
meanwhile, left the room, still, evidently, suspicious of them.
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