Will and Sigismund would have been rather envious of Hal's good fortune in the enjoyment of such an adventure as the finding of a runaway by Farmer Bluff's dog Blazer, had not their attention been rather taken up just then with the half-term holiday, which some cousins were to spend with them. These cousins were London boys, and were coming down that same evening, to make the most of a whole day at the Manor House. When Hal got in, his brothers were just getting up into the waggonette to fetch them from the station, and there was plenty else to talk about when they came in.
The first thing after breakfast next morning, the six boys all turned out, bent upon fun and frolic.
Dick was on his way down the hill with his books as they came out shouting and laughing on to the terrace, and he sprang up to the palings to see what was going on.
But, unfortunately for Dick, it was not "half-term" at his school; so with a feeling of envy, he leapt back to the pathway, and continued his road.
"Hare and hounds!" he heard them cry, as they came pelting down the drive.
Will was with the foremost ones, but Sigismund, always more considerate for his brother, lagged behind, as Hal came hurrying after on his crutches.
"You can't play, Hal, if we have hare and hounds," he was saying.
"Oh! Never mind," returned Hal. "I can't play at anything, you see."
"The woods will be the place," cried Will, in front, "Say, Sidge; the woods—eh?"
"But Hal—" began Sigismund.