"Which way did they go? I'd better find them," said Dunn.
Susan pointed out what she believed to be the right direction. She could not feel sure, but Nancy had spoken of shops in the next street.
Dunn started off immediately at a brisk pace, and Susan stood in the doorway, watching and listening anxiously. The shouts continued, but lessened somewhat, as if from increased distance.
"Mother, do you think Nannie will be frightened?" asked Susie, holding her mother's hand.
"I don't know, dear. I hope not. Perhaps it wasn't really near her,—but father will see."
"Can't think whatever in the world it's all about!" a woman remarked, lounging listlessly at the door of "Rose Cottage," to Susan's left. She was a careworn slatternly unhappy-looking woman: and the smudged faces and dirty frocks of the children by her side were unpleasant to see.
"Mother!" wailed one dismally, "Mother—Jacky's pinched me!"
"I didn't," screamed Jacky's shrill tones.
"He did, mother!"
"Have done with your quarrelling, will you! I declare, you're all the plague of my life!" And two or three sounding slaps were administered round with great impartiality, producing a burst of shrieking sobs.