Long Jake nodded gravely; then, without a moment’s hesitation, he raised his hand and knocked a loud rat-tat.
CHAPTER XVI
SYBIL RETURNS
“WHEW!” said Josy incisively, addressing Gretta and Stella, but gazing after Margot’s rapidly disappearing figure. “If she doesn’t take the cake for daringness! But, I say, oughtn’t we to stop her?”
“It’s simply no good,” answered Gretta, white-faced with fear at the possibility of the dangers that might have overtaken her little sister. “She’d go all the same. When she feels like this she forgets about rules—at least, about them being at all important, I mean. I think she’s frightfully brave, and it would be a blessing for Sybil if she went. And,” this with a sudden resolve, “I’m going too. I simply must!”
She turned to make her way in the direction her cousin had taken, but Josy was beside her in a minute. “Gretta, you can’t; besides, didn’t Margot tell you to give a message to her mother, or something, when she comes? If she’s got to go, let her; but it won’t help anyone for you to break rules too.”
“But suppose they really do see that old man?” objected Gretta, still undecided as to which way duty was really calling. “They’ll be all alone.”
“Well, you couldn’t help,” insisted Josy unflatteringly. “Depend upon it, Margot’s all right, and it’s awfully likely that she’ll meet her mother on the way, I should think; you said she was coming in her car, didn’t you?”
“Yes, she is,” answered Gretta, greatly comforted by this suggestion. “And I should think they’re bound to meet. Well,” she half turned back as she spoke, “if I can’t be any good it’s no use going; she’s got Stella’s boy, of course, and he’ll be much more use than I could. Oh, I do hope they’ll meet auntie.”
“They’re sure to,” declared Josy confidently. “And then she’ll take Margot on in her car, I expect, and Jim’ll come back to wait for Stella. I don’t think we need tell Miss Read, do you?”
“Oh, that’s all very well,” announced Stella in a grumbling tone. “And suppose Jim doesn’t come back? What about me? For all I know dad’ll be furious with me for letting the pony have the extra journey, and I don’t see why I should be blamed. It’s not the first time I’ve got into trouble over Margot, and I’m going to ask Miss Read what to do; it’s only sensible.”