“Perhaps he does see it,” said Meg. “I should think those who have got away from here, and know more what being alive really means, would want to see what earth people are trying to do—though they know so little.”
“That sounds pretty good,” said John Holt; “I like that.”
They had been seated long enough to feel rested, and they rose and went on their way, to begin their pilgrimage again. Just as they were crossing the bridge they saw Robin coming tearing towards them. He evidently had left Ben and his mother somewhere. He was alone. His hat was on the back of his head, and he was hot with running.
“Something has happened,” said Meg, “and I believe I know——”
But Robin had reached them.
“Meg,” he said, panting for breath, “Aunt Matilda’s here! She didn’t see me, but I saw her. She’s in the Agricultural Building, standing before a new steam plough, and she’s chewing a sample of wheat.”
XIX
The two children did not know exactly whether they were frightened or not. If it had not seemed impossible that anything should go entirely wrong while John Holt was near them, they would have felt rather queer. But John Holt was evidently not the least alarmed.
“Look here,” he said, “I’m glad of it. I want to see that woman.”
“Do you?” exclaimed Robin and Meg together.