"Oh!" Gerald interrupted in an alarmed voice, "you won't tell them, will you? You can't mean to get me into a row! Father would be so angry if he knew. He isn't often angry with me, but when he is put out, he can be awfully stern."
"I won't tell. I'm not a sneak, I hope."
"I am so very sorry I touched the birds," Gerald said earnestly, "I am indeed. Do believe me."
Gilbert looked searchingly at his companion's disturbed countenance, and met a decidedly ashamed look in the bright blue eyes, which assured him that Gerald was, at any rate, now speaking the truth. He hastened to reply—
"I do believe you. No one guessed why the young birds fell out of their nest except Tom and me, and now I know how it was I promise you I will not tell any one but Tom. Dora was awfully upset when she found the young birds dead, and Dinah was sorry too, but they neither of them imagined how it happened, and Tom won't let them know if I persuade him not to. I say, don't meddle with birds' nests again."
"All right, I won't," Gerald answered gratefully. "It's awfully kind of you not to want to get me into a row. You won't tell Angel, will you?"
"No, but the girls are sure to speak to her about the birds. I do wish you hadn't touched them."
"I wish I hadn't."
"Is Mr. Willis in?" Gilbert inquired after a short pause.
"Yes, he's in the studio, expecting you. Shall I tell him you're here?"