As they approached the old Corner House, Tommy grew more and more disturbed. He was not likely to get cold, if his garments were wet, for the day was very warm. Anyway, he wore so few garments, and they were so ragged, that it did not seem to matter much, whether he removed them in going in swimming, or not!
“You girls better go ahead and tell ’em,” suggested Tommy, at last.
“Tell ’em what?” demanded Tess.
“Tell ’em——Well, tell ’em I’m coming. I wouldn’t want to frighten your sisters—and—and that woman.”
“No, we won’t,” said Tess. “You are fixing to run away again. Don’t you dare even start, Tommy Rooney.”
“Well,” grunted Tommy. “There’s something going to happen, when we get there.”
“Nothing’s going to happen. How you talk!”
“Oh, yes there is. I scared that woman pretty near into fits.”
“What woman?” demanded Tess and Dot, together.
Tommy refused to be more explicit. They came in sight of the Corner House. As they entered by the back gate, Ruth and Agnes rushed out upon the rear porch, having caught sight of Tommy’s disreputable figure.