Francis opened it and read aloud:
“I went back and she came back and she wants you to come back at ded of nite.
RUBE.”
“Well, I shan’t go,” said Francis.
A voice from the bush by the gate made them all start.
“Don’t let on you see me,” said the Spangled Boy, putting his head out cautiously.
“You seem very fond of hiding in bushes,” said Francis.
“I am,” said the boy briefly. “Ain’t you going—to see her again, I mean?”
“No,” said Francis, “I’ve had enough dead of night to last me a long time.”