"Because you seemed to expect them, little brighteyes. But we might as well have left them home, for all the use they'll be--I'll see to that. It's bad enough to be forced into bringing you up here. Your father will certainly raise the roof when he finds it out. I shan't tell him, that's flat."
"You believe in being candid!" with cutting sarcasm.
"You bet. And please remember that if you try to pull off anything you'll probably crab the show. And get us into a good old-fashioned mess besides."
He stopped the car and slipping into reverse gear, backed off the trail.
"There!" He switched off the ignition. "We're all ready for a quick getaway if need be."
"How far are we from the house?" she asked in a tense whisper.
"About a mile. I'm afraid to drive nearer--sound carries a long way up these quiet valleys. Let's get started now. I want you to walk just behind me. Be careful where you place your feet. We'll follow the trail a while farther, but it's pretty rough going. Above all else--don't talk--and make just as little noise as possible."
"What if they have sentries posted?" she asked, coming to his side.
"Aren't you the limit!" Bill seemed really annoyed. "There you go talking again! For your satisfaction, though--if we have the bad luck to come across anyone, I'll naturally do my best to scrag him. You, of course, will act as you think best. My advice is to beat it to the car, as fast as you can. Come along now--and quiet!"
"Aren't you horrid tonight!" she breathed, swinging up the overgrown trail behind him.