"I am armed,—trust me to protect you," he declaimed theatrically.
They had to pass through the "kitchen" first, and there the clutter of empty pots and pans told their own story. From the dining-room the others caught sight of the tardy pair and a wild hubbub at once arose.
"Tramps!"
"Set the dogs on them!"
"Why don't you work for a living?"
Knight's eyes twinkled as he looked from Blue Bonnet's amazed countenance to the teasing faces about the table. Lunch was evidently not only ready but largely consumed.
"What are you eating so early for?" Blue Bonnet demanded.
"Early!"
"Twenty minutes past one!"
"No—!" Blue Bonnet gasped, subsiding on the end of the bench and fanning her hot face with her hat. "Now, isn't that the funniest thing?"