"I came right back; pretty soon I mean, and then I came in the house after I had shut Stray in the wood-shed. I must go let him out, poor doggie. He was so miserable, Aunt Hester, for he knew he was being punished for running away."
Just then Billy came in, Stray at his heels. The dog nosed Ruth fawningly with much wagging of tail and twisting of body as if trying to become on good terms with her again. Presently a knock at the front door sent Billy to answer.
He came back directly. "A gentleman wants to see you, Aunt Hester," he reported.
Ruth started and looked around tremblingly. "What does he look like?" she whispered when Miss Hester had left the room.
"I couldn't see very well," Billy answered.
"Was he tall, and did he wear a gray overcoat? Oh, Billy—" She paused.
"What's the matter? You look like something was after you," said Billy.
"Maybe something is," returned Ruth.
"Oh, you silly," Billy spoke contemptuously. "Do you hear a mouse, or what is the matter?"
"No, I don't hear anything, but—oh, never mind, I'll tell you some time."