"There they are," Esther cried, "in the old place, as usual, look
at the fire, little sweet son; see the smoke, boy bonny--four--five
of them. Why, who have they got with them?" she said in surprise,
as they drew nearer the group on the grass.
Before they were close enough to recognize faces the circle suddenly
seemed to break up and fall apart.
One of its members turned sharply round and fled away across the
grass, plunging into the thick bracken and bush, and disappearing from
sight in less time than it takes to tell.
"Whoever had you with you?" Esther said when they reached the
children.
There was a half-second's silence, then Pip threw some sticks on the
fire and said coolly:
"Only a friend of Meg's, a frightened kind of kid who has quite a
dread of the pater. I believe she imagines soldiers go round with
their swords sharpened, ready for use."
He laughed lightly. Nell joined in in a little hysterical way, and
Baby began to cry.
Meg, white as death, picked her up and hurriedly began telling her
the story of the three bears for comfort.
Esther looked a little puzzled, but, of course, never dreamt of
connecting the flying figure with Judy.
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