Letty looked up and down the road, straining her eyes, but no horse and wagon was to be seen. Jane climbed on the gate and swung on it gloomily, back and forth.
“Do you suppose the horse has run away with them?” she asked with a catch in her voice. “I spoke crossly to Kit when he went away. I hope he isn’t—isn’t killed!” And she began to cry.
Mrs. Carpenter came out of her house next door and called to Letty across the fence:
“Are you looking for those boys? Most likely they won’t get home before dark. Boys never know what time it is.”
“Kit’s got a watch,” wailed Jane, still swinging disconsolately on the gate.
“Don’t you worry, little girl. Watches don’t mean anything to boys when they’re off on a picnic. Nothing has happened with Jo Perkins to take care of them. When I get my Billy home I shall spank him and put him to bed without any supper.”
Jane’s tears flowed faster than ever at the thought that a like punishment might be in store for Christopher. Sadness can come so very quickly on the heels of joy! She had been perfectly happy only a short half hour ago.
“Janey, dear,” called Mrs. Hartwell-Jones from her up-stairs window, “Letty would better drive you home in the pony carriage, and then, if your grandmother thinks best, she can send Joshua out to hunt up the boys. Come up to me, little girl, and get comforted while Letty harnesses Punch and Judy.”
In the meantime, where was Christopher?
The three boys were in the highest of spirits as they drove off into the woods. The swimming hole that Billy Carpenter had in mind was situated farther up the stream than Christopher had ever been. It was very, very pretty. Pine trees grew close to the water’s edge, and the needles that had dropped into the pool made the water clear and brown and gave it a delicious, spicy smell.