Half an hour later an ambulance drove into Frying Pan Court. Tom Clover
was removed with the greatest of care, the garret room was locked up,
and Pep, like one in a dream, went off with his newly-found uncle.
It was nearly sundown when the two boys reached the Massanets' again.
"How long you've been!" exclaimed Mattie, who let them in.
"And we've had quite an adventure," replied her brother.
"Ees zat so?" put in Mrs. Massanet. "You must tell ett, Francois."
"I will, mother," replied Frank. "But Richard will have to help; it's
really his story."
"Then both go ahead," cried Mattie. "Only _do_ go ahead. I am dying to
hear!"
Of course Mrs. Massanet as well as Mattie was highly interested in the
boys' story, and both were deeply touched at the account of Frying Pan
Court and the scene in the little garret room.
"I want to know little Pep," said Mattie. "He is too bright a chap to
run the streets." "I guess Doc Lanyard won't let him do that any more,"
returned Richard. "Especially if he gets that money he's expecting
from England."
"That sailor didn't lose anything by being kind to you," remarked
Frank. "I declare you deserve a reward."
"If only some old soldier would turn up, so that you could get your
father's pension," went on Mattie, "that would be better than a reward.
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