Jack and Jill put their heads together, and consulted in hurried whispers as to the best course to take.
Then Jill spoke very emphatically.
"We shall have to prosecute you, because you didn't care for our board. You saw it and you were going to move our stones. Jack and I think if you will walk between us and promise not to escape, we will go down to the policeman at our gate. Mona is having a grand party and he's here now, for we saw him. He'll tell us what to do."
"I think," said the trespasser, trying to look grave, "that you might fine me. Magistrates do that to some trespassers."
Jill did not understand this, but she was too proud to confess it.
"No, you must come to the policeman," she said. So presently skirting the tennis lawn the little procession passed. Jack and Jill marched on either side of him, Bumps walked behind.
"I can catch hold of his coat if he runs away," she said.
It was unfortunate for the children's plan that Mona should intercept them.
She moved from a shady tree on the lawn, and accompanied by two gentlemen confronted them.