"What sort?" asked Christina, cheering up. She had unbounded faith in Puggy's talent for managing. "What ought a governess to be like, Puggy?"
"Very short and quick at lessons, and then take herself off for the rest of the day and leave us alone. I'll tell her! What time is she coming to-morrow? I think I'll meet her at the station. I'll take Dawn with me. You keep quiet. I'll tell her she's not to bully you."
And accordingly the next day, having discovered that the brougham was going to the station at four o'clock, Puggy and Dawn laid their plans.
Miss Loder arrived punctually. She was quite young, and was looking forward to her stay at Bracken Towers. She had come from London, and though it was winter time, she rejoiced in every bit of the country through which she passed. As she settled herself back in the comfortable carriage and noted the mossy banked lanes and the wooded hills stretching up and down on either side she drew a long breath of relief.
"No more smuts and fog, but sweet, pure country air. Oh, I am glad I came."
The carriage rolled on rapidly. Suddenly the coachman pulled up. There was evidently a gate to be opened or some impediment in the way. Miss Loder heard some altercation going on.
"Now, Master John, who gave you the key? Unlock the gate!"
"Is she inside? You're held up by highwaymen! We're loaded. You daren't touch us!"
The next moment a boy stood on either side of the carriage, and black paper masks were over their faces.
Miss Loder looked as if she enjoyed the situation.