Away they hurried to the Gordons. Julia robbed the larder to quite an extent.
"Mamma, I'm going back to Beth's. You don't mind, do you?"
"No."
Thereupon, avoiding observation, they ran back to Beth's. They selected a grand water oak with immense spreading branches that would effectually screen them from view. Besides, it was quite a ways from the house, which suited Julia's purpose.
Julia, carrying the provisions, scrambled up into the tree as nimbly as a squirrel, crying:
"Isn't this the grandest fortress you ever did see?"
Beth was too busy climbing to answer. She was a natural born climber, but she lacked practice. Besides, her plumpness would prevent her from ever being quite as agile as Julia.
"This will be my bedroom. See, I do not have to build any bed. These branches and leaves make a perfect resting-place," declared Julia.
"Yes, but suppose you fell asleep and rolled out. You'd break your neck."
"I don't roll out of bed at home, and I'm not going to here."