“Oh, but yes,” rejoined Bobby, somewhat startled. “We couldn’t think of letting you go to all that trouble and expense without paying for it.”
“I won’t take a penny, bless your hearts,” Mrs. Wilson repeated. “It’s been a real joy to have you here. I haven’t any children of my own, and the old place gets a bit lonesome at times. I haven’t had such a good time for years as I’ve had this morning, seeing you eat so hearty and listening to your fun. I feel that I owe you a good deal more than you do me.”
She was firm in her determination, although the boys pressed the matter as far as they could without offending her. So they were forced at last to yield to her wishes and return the money to their pockets.
It was with the warmest thanks that they left their kind-hearted hostess and went down the steps, Tiger accompanying them to the gate. He seemed to want to go further and whined softly when Mouser patted him good-bye.
“Isn’t she a prince?” said Pee Wee admiringly, as they waved their hands in farewell.
“A princess you mean,” corrected Mouser.
“Have it your own way,” retorted Pee Wee. “Whichever name’s the best, she’s that.”
They were in a high state of elation as they ploughed their way across the snowy fields. They were blissfully conscious of being, as Mouser put it, “full to the chin,” and little else was needed at their age to make their happiness complete.
But they were sharply awakened by the sound of a whistle.
“That must be our train,” cried Fred in alarm.