"Out with May somewhere," replied Mrs. Dingle. "He's dreadfully upset about this. But what brings you to the village so early, my dear?"
Billy explained. When he had finished his tale Mrs. Dingle looked at her husband meaningly, and said—
"There! Now what did I say, John? Didn't I tell you mother was growing fond of Billy?"
"Yes, you certainly did," he answered, "and this proves you were right. You're glad to remain at Rowley Cottage, Billy?"
"Oh, Uncle John, I don't know what I should have felt if Granny had said I must go! Of course I knew Grandfer wouldn't want me to go, but I was so afraid Granny would. You can't imagine how glad I was to hear she didn't like the idea of my going! She was quite upset about it. I am so glad, so glad!"
After a little further conversation Billy left to return home. He had not gone far from the village when he heard, someone shouting, and, looking back, saw Harold running after him. He stopped immediately.
"Father said I should overtake you it I ran," Harold said, as he came up. "May and I came home just after you'd left—we'd been to the allotment field again, looking everywhere for my marrow, but of course we couldn't find a trace of it. You've heard what's happened?"
Billy nodded.
"I'm so sorry," he said simply, his voice full of sympathy; "it's a great shame!"
"I'd give a great deal to know for certain who's had it!" Harold cried fiercely. "I suspect that fellow Gibbs, and I believe father does too, though he doesn't like to say so. Gibbs believes his marrow will be the best exhibited at the show now, but he'll be mistaken! He doesn't know about yours, and we must take care he doesn't!"