"So it would be just the same," continued Winnie, "as if some one asked us to give two halfpennies between us, and we would have to be pretty mean if we wouldn't do that."
"Yes," said Rosie, "then I think it'll be all right. He couldn't possibly refuse that."
"I should rather think not!" answered Bobbo.
"There's only one thing more," said Murtagh. "About your mother, Theresa; is that what you're thinking about? Are you afraid she'll be frightened at your not going home?"
"Oh, Murtagh, we can't help that!" said Winnie. "We must keep it all secret, or half the fun will be gone!"
Theresa replied dolefully that "She didn't know what her mother would do. She thought maybe it would kill her."
"I'm sure it won't," said Bobbo, "and just think how jolly it'll be to see her face when we take you back to-morrow."
"If once we let out the secret of the hut, we'll never have any peace here again," urged Winnie.
"Now do just listen to me," said Murtagh. "Nobody's going to let out the secret of the hut. Of course we can't tell your mother, because it would never do to let anybody know where you are; but we might write something on a piece of paper, just to let her know you're safe, and poke it under the door. We can do it on the way home, when it's too dark for any one to see us."
"Oh, Murtagh!" cried Bobbo, in delight. "How ever do things get into your head?"