"Yes, of course."
Doris sat back. "The old torment. How can anybody find out about such a curious old—Curious Cat?" she wondered to herself.
In answer to her questions, the girls could tell little.
"He does not live at the Haunted House, just the Corduroy Crab—and the—the—"
"The Courteous Coon," cried Zee. "Let's stick to our harmony."
"They live there, and the Curious Cat lives somewhere very near—and things are lovely at the Haunted House, there are flowers on the porch, and pictures, and curtains—did you ever hear of such a thing? Soft brown curtains of silk rubbery stuff—and it is lovely. And the vines are all red and gold, and the ground is a mass of fallen leaves."
"Father, please tell us the punishment. It gives you such an—empty feeling to have—unknown punishments hanging over your head."
"Oh, the punishment," he said, and started promptly for the door. "That is why we have a General. Leave it to her."
The girls turned appealing faces toward Doris. "Tell us, General," they said, in the tone of martyrdom.
"You can not ride in the car again for three whole weeks. When the rest of us drive, you two must walk. And that is all—for you have had quite a little punishment already."