`` In with it -- quick ! '' And we doused the thing into the fixing bath and then sat down breathlessly and looked at each other . `` I say , Amy , '' said Cecil , `` what a sell this will be on the Carrolls ! Ned Brooke could n't do such a thing -- oh , no ! The poor injured boy at whom everyone has such an unlawful pick ! I wonder if this will convince them . '' `` Do you think they can get it all back ? '' I asked . `` It 's not likely he would have dared to use any of it yet . '' `` I do n't know . We 'll have a try , anyhow . How long before this plate will be dry enough to carry down to the Carrolls as circumstantial evidence ? '' `` Three hours or thereabouts , '' I answered , `` but perhaps sooner . I 'll take two prints off when it is ready . I wonder what the Carrolls will say . '' `` It 's a piece of pure luck that the plate should have turned out so well after the slap-dash way in which it was taken and used . I say , Amy , is n't this quite an adventure ? '' At last the plate was dry , and I printed two proofs . We wrapped them up carefully and marched down to Mr. Carroll 's . You never saw people so overcome with astonishment as the Carrolls were when Cecil , with the air of a statesman unfolding the evidence of some dreadful conspiracy against the peace and welfare of the nation , produced the plate and the proofs , and held them out before them .
Mr. XXXXX and Cecil took the proofs and went over to the Brooke shanty .
Amy Brooke Carroll Carrolls Cecil adventure everyone hours plate proofs