"Remember, our conversation has been confidential," Mr. Burford reminded him. "Don't say anything about Broadstairs to Nellie for the present. You understand?"
Tom nodded assent. They had reached the bank now, so there was no time for further conversation. The little boy stood outside on the pavement for several minutes after his father had left him, reflecting on what had been said; then, noticing that Tim was looking up at him with a questioning expression in his brown eyes, he stooped and patted the dog, saying: "All right, old fellow; we'll have a good walk in the country before we go home, I know that's what you want."
A quarter of an hour later Tom had left the town and was passing along the road which led by Halcyon Villa. So occupied was his mind with thoughts of his sister that he had reached the end of the road, and had turned into a narrow lane, shaded by hazel bushes which nearly met overhead, when a low growl from Tim warned him that another dog was near.
"To heel, Tim!" he commanded, sharply, and, as Tim obeyed, he caught sight of Peter Perry, seated on a mossy bank on one side of the lane, holding Bounce by a leash. "Don't let your dog go!" he shouted.
"All right, I won't!" Peter answered. He rose as he spoke, his dark cheeks flushing, walked a few steps forward, and stopped. "It's Tom Burford, isn't it?" he said, in a hesitating, nervous tone.
Tom stared at him, struck dumb with amazement. Was it really possible that Peter did not recognise him? Oh, he could not believe that!
"Of course it is Tom Burford," Peter continued. "I knew your voice the minute I heard it. I had been wondering who was coming. I'm so glad it's you! I've been hoping to meet you—"
"That's enough!" interrupted Tom, angrily. "You have been hoping to meet me? You expect me to believe that? If it was true you'd have spoken to me the other day in the town!"
"The other day in the town?" echoed Peter. "Oh, did we meet in the town? I wish you'd spoken to me, then—"
"Why should I have spoken to you?" Tom interrupted again; "I don't want to have anything to do with you!"