"Why, no: I'm not exactly afraid. But my aunt isn't as fond of children as my uncle is: perhaps it's because she never had any children of her own."
"I suppose the direct road to the cottages is this one up by the edge of the woods," said Johnny.
"Yes: my uncle always goes that way, when he cuts across."
"Are there any turns? or is it just a straight road?"
"I think it is straight, but I'm not certain."
"I think we'd better risk it, Felix. If we keep the road that leads as much as possible in a line from here, I think we must be right, even if there are other roads on the way."
"If you'll risk it, I will," replied Felix.
"Is your clock right?" asked Johnny of the girl.
"Yes: my uncle always keeps it right."
"It isn't eight o'clock, then. We ought to get home by nine easily, even if we do have to go slowly. I don't know but it would be safer to walk, Felix."