"Splendid."
"Oh, you traitors, but we'll forgive you," said Hil, ringing for refreshments.
The girls then told their adventures and were equally amused to find they had all been at cross-purposes the whole time. It took the boys some considerable time to get over their astonishment.
"We went for a man, and returned with a horse," said Hil.
"And we went for a man, and returned with a stick," added Hal.
"Which stick? Not the famous one with all the notches cut on it?" asked May.
"The very same. There are several fresh notches added, and one of them may refer to you."
"Oh, let us see it. Where is it?" said Hil, excitedly.
"I have it safe under lock and key," answered Reg.
"You can scratch out my notch," said May, "for though I had a narrow squeak, my heart is not quite broken, thanks to you two."