"What are you and these young ladies doin' around here to-day, Neale?" asked Mr. Buckham.
Neale told him. "Got a team, have you?" said the farmer. "Then drive right around to the house. You know the way, boy. I wanter git better acquainted with these little gals," and he smiled broadly upon Tess and Dot.
Ruth was doubtful. Agnes shook her head behind the old man's back and pouted "No!"
"I see that dog's ear is torn," went on Mr. Buckham. "I wanter doctor it a bit. These eagle's talons may be pizen as nightshade."
So Ruth politely thanked Mr. Bob Buckham and said they would drive to his house. So near was the farmhouse, indeed, that Tess and Dot begged to walk with the farmer and so be assured that Tom Jonah should have "medical attention" immediately. Of course, the old dog would not leave the children to go with the strange man alone.
"We can open the gates, too, for Mr. Buckham," said Tess.
"Run along, then, children," the eldest sister said. "We will soon drive over with the chestnuts." Then she added rather sharply, but under her breath, to Agnes: "I don't see what your objection is to going to Mr. Buckham's house. I think he is a real nice old man."
"Oh, I know he is," wailed her sister. "But you never stole his berries!"
"Aggie's conscience is troubling her," chuckled Neale O'Neil. "But don't you fret, Aggie. Old Bob Buckham won't know that you were one of the raiders last May."
"Of course he will. When he knows my name. Didn't he send my name to Mr. Marks with the others?"