"They are not," denied Hoof Sadby indignantly.
"That's what I'm trying to tell you," went on Wrecker calmly. "That's why I have no use for old maids that hate babies. Now, there are some old maids that are really fine. But Miss Lowthry!"
"Wrecker, you live right near here," murmured Dick suddenly.
"'Course I do."
"Then come aside. I want to whisper something to you."
Then Dick talked in whispers with Wrecker for a few moments. The other boy was seen by the curious suddenly to double up with laughter. From that attitude Wrecker recovered, only to start off on the run.
"Say, what is it?" demanded a dozen cautious voices as Dick came back to the crowd.
"Now, see here, fellows, don't want to know too much. Just stay around and see what happens, and you'll all enjoy it as much as Miss Lowthry does."
"Then it's against her?" breathed Ben Alvord. "Good! great!"
"Now, you, Dave, stay here with me," Dick went on, disposing of his forces with the air of a general. "The rest of you fellows scoot across the lawn and hide in the bushes. Hide so that you can't be seen from the street or from the front door of the cottage, either. Then just wait and see what happens."