“Well, I should say that these pieces were just like those in Miss Pompret’s set,” said Mrs. Bobbsey, after a pause.  “But whether they are exactly the same or not, I can’t tell.  She would have to look at them herself.”

“I wish we could hurry home and show them to her,” sighed Nan.

“So do I,” said Bert.  “I want to get that hundred dollars.”

“Well, we’ll be going back to Lakeport in a few days now,” said his mother.  “Our stay in Washington is nearly over.”

“Oh, dear!” sighed Nell.  “I wish you could stay longer.”

“So do I,” added her brother Billy.

Bert gave Billy back the borrowed fifteen cents, and when Mr. Bobbsey, having been out on lumber business, came home, he, too, said he thought the pieces belonged to Miss Pompret’s set of rare china.

“But there is only one sure way to tell,” the twins’ father said.  “Miss Pompret must see them herself.”

The few remaining days the Bobbsey twins spent in Washington were filled with good times.  They were nicely entertained by the Martins, and went on many excursions to places of interest.  But, all the while, Bert and Nan, at least, were thinking of the sugar bowl and pitcher, and the hundred dollars reward Miss Pompret had promised.

“I do hope we don’t have to give the dishes to Dinah for souvenirs,” said Nan to Bert.

“I hope so, too,” he agreed.  “Anyhow, I bought Dinah a red handkerchief with a yellow border and a green center.  She likes bright colors.”

“I bought her something, too, and for Sam I got something he can hang on his watch chain,” said Nan.  “So if we have to give Dinah the dishes, too, she’ll have a lot of souvenirs.”

At last the day came when the Bobbseys must leave Washington for Lakeport.  Goodbyes were said to the Martins, and they promised to visit the Bobbseys at Lakeport some time.  Mr. Bobbsey finished his lumber business, and then with trunks and valises packed and locked, and with the precious dishes put carefully in the middle of a satchel which Bert insisted on carrying, the homeward trip was begun.

Not very much happened on it, except that once Bert forgot the valise with the dishes in it, having left it in a car, but he thought of it in time and ran back to get it just before the train was about to start away with it.  After that he was more careful.

“Well, honey lambs!  I suah is glad to see yo’ all back!” cried Dinah, as she welcomed the Bobbsey twins at their own door.  “Come right in, I’se got lots fo’ yo’ all to eat!  Come in, honey lambs!  How am mah little fat fairy and’ mah little fireman?”

“Oh, we’re fine, Dinah!” said Freddie, “And I saw a real fire and I pulled the fire bell on the boat an’—­an’—­an’—­everything!”

“Bress yo’ heart, honey lamb!  I guess yo’ did!” laughed Dinah.

“And I got a little doll and my hat blew off the steeple!” cried Flossie.