He peered at them through his glasses in perplexity.
"I'm afraid, my dears, I don't know you. Are you out of school. What is it you want?"
"We've come for you to help us," said Nan, trying to speak bravely. "We aren't quite sure how to get home, and our pony has run away!"
Her voice quavered a little. Harebell broke in:
"We simply don't know where we are, and it's tea-time, and if Chris tears home without us, they'll think we've fallen off him and been killed on the very spot."
"Ah, that will be very unfortunate! Where do you live?"
"At Little Barcome Rectory," said Nan.
"Why, you must be Garland's little girls! Do you know you're ten miles from home?"
He looked perplexed.
"I don't keep a carriage. My wife is in London. I have only my old horse upon which I ride about, and he isn't fit for you to ride. Sit down, little ones, and I will go out into the village and see what can bedone—"