"It was an unneighbourly trick, and we didn't deserve you should have done it," Bob said frankly, "but, of course, you never dreamt it was something living we had in the box. We'll never mention it more."
"And the lie I told," faltered Tim, looking at Kitty.
"Why didn't you own up to me?" she questioned.
"Because I was so afraid if I did you and Bob would never let me be your friend, that was my reason," he rejoined. "I bitterly repented afterwards that I hadn't told the truth."
"Well, you can be our friend still, if you like," Bob remarked, glancing at his sister, who nodded her head assentingly. "I'm sure we'd both of us much rather have a friend than an enemy next door."
[CHAPTER XIII.]
A REGULAR BRICK.
"KITTY! Kitty!" called Bob. "Oh, there you are! Keep Snip here with you, will you, till I'm gone? Don't let him get away and follow me!"
"Why not?" demanded Kitty.
It was again a Saturday afternoon, several weeks having passed since the sister and brother had been entertained next door. The little girl, who had been watching Fluffy eating a sprig of parsley, turned away from the rabbit hutch as she spoke, and joined Bob, who, fishing rod in hand, and accompanied by Snip, had addressed her from the back door.