Arthur managed to urge his donkey alongside of the carriage. "Where are the 'goodies'?" he asked mysteriously of his mother.
She pointed to the coachman's seat.
"Pickled salmon?"
His mother laughed. "No questions, sir," she said.
By-and-by the ruins of the old castle appeared against the sky, and very soon the carriage pulled up at a low boundary-wall, after which they would have to walk.
Tom's perambulator had been fastened to the back of the carriage, and he was now placed on it. The coachman and the donkey-boy were engaged to carry the hampers up the hill for them, and Walter took Tom in charge; while shawls, rugs, and baskets occupied most of the others.
They found the hill in the burning sun rather fatiguing, but were rewarded when they reached the top by finding that part of the inside of the castle was in deep shade, and that overhanging the moat there were two fine old trees, which looked very inviting. Baskets, wraps, and hampers were quickly deposited, and the young people soon spread over the ruins in every direction.
Mrs. Arundel, with Nellie's help, aided by the two servants, now began to unpack the hampers. Tom, very interested, lay looking at them, suggesting where the viands were to be put.
"Who lent you the cloth?" he asked.
"It is one of ours, from home," said his mother.