And Ruth had a word to say to Tom, too, as they hurried side by side to the boat, he carrying the fish. “Now, Tommy–remember!” she said.
“I won’t be easy in my mind, just the same, while that girl is here,” growled Master Tom.
“That’s foolish. She never meant to do it.”
“Huh! She was scared, of course. But she’s mean enough––”
“Stop! somebody will hear you. And, anyway,” Ruth added, remembering what Nita had said, “it’s my secret.”
“True enough; it is.”
“Then don’t tell it, Tommy,” she added, with a laugh.
But it was hard to meet the sharp eye of Mercy Curtis and keep the secret. “And pray, Miss, why did you have to go into the water after the fish?” Mercy demanded.
“I was afraid he would get away,” laughed Ruth.
“And who helped you do it?” snapped the lame girl.