"Yes, sir; we've come back for the Fair."
"Oh, then, I shall see you again! Come along, Peter. I suppose there's no chance of that cow coming back?"
"Not in the least, I should say, sir," the gipsy answered. "The drovers told me she gave them the slip at the cross-roads, but depend upon it they'll take good care she doesn't do that again."
Both boys looked relieved on hearing this. They stopped at the caravan to exchange greetings with Mrs. Lee and Zingra, but Tom hurried Peter on when the gipsy woman, who had been at the back of the caravan, and consequently had not witnessed the scene with the cow, began to ask questions about the torn coat he was carrying.
"You're coming to tea with Aunt Harriet and me, aren't you?" asked Peter, when, out of sight of the caravan, Tom permitted him to slacken speed.
"I was," Tom answered. "Miss Perry asked me, as you know, and Father said I might, but I can't now—I must go straight home."
"Oh, why?"
"I can't have tea with your aunt wearing no coat."
"Oh, but I'll lend you one of mine! You mustn't go home! You won't object to wear one of my coats, will you? No? Oh, then, that's all right. Is Tim following us?"
"Yes—little beast!"