“Let’s walk along a little way and meet him,” proposed Polly.
The deserted park seemed vastly more lonely than an empty street. Polly kept up a soft chatter. David wished silently that Cornelius would come. The shrubbery that bordered the way made weird shadows along the path, and more than once David had to grip his courage in a hurry to keep from halting in the face of some grotesque shade. Queer little prickles crept up and down his legs. Why didn’t Cornelius come!
“You’re not afraid?” he whispered, as Polly clutched his arm more tightly in passing a clump of dogwoods.
“Oh, no!” she chirped contentedly, the harmless shadows behind them, “not with you!”
The boy’s retreating courage came back. He felt himself grown suddenly taller and stronger. He walked forward with a firm, steady step.
“We mustn’t go too far, or Cornelius might miss us,” warned Polly. “There he is now!” as the straight little figure swung into sight.
The three had a merry walk home, notwithstanding the distance and the haunting fear in the hearts of two of them that there would be anxiety because of their unexplained absence. Cornelius insisted on accompanying them to within a block of home, and then he stood on the corner and watched them away.
Mrs. Dudley met them at the foot of the steps, both hands outstretched.
“Children! where have you been?”
Polly felt nearer than usual to a real reprimand, and she hurried to explain.