Tom answered, “Oh, no, we’re sound asleep and dreaming of icebergs.”
Then I could hear him shaking the bed with suppressed laughter.
“Well, come along for a swim. Get into your old clothes and don’t make a noise.”
In a few minutes we were all ready. We passed under Minerva’s window, and although we stepped lightly we waked her and we heard her heavy feet coming down on the floor of her room.
I knew that a yawp was due, so I said in a voice loud enough to reach her, “Don’t be frightened, Minerva. It isn’t burglars. It’s Mr. Vernon going for a walk.”
“Lawdy, I thought it was more burglars,” said she, and heaved a sigh of relief.
Other voices were now heard and from the window of the spare room was thrust the head of Madge, who demanded what was the trouble.
“Lack of sleep,” said Tom. “We’re going for a swim. Down to the old swimmin’ hole, my dear.”
“What won’t men do?” said Madge, and retired to envy us our privileges.
“Might as well tell Ethel what we’re doing. She may be worried,” said I, and we walked under her window.