Without stopping to look at any more flowers or curious plants, they retraced their steps towards the dell, Nellie humming the last line of the song of the forget-me-not, which she was trying to learn by heart— “Of friends who are far away! Of friends who are far away”—when, suddenly, they heard Rover’s bark ringing through the woods, its echoes loud and resonant, like the sound of a deep-toned bell.
“Come on, dearie,” called out Mrs Gilmour, who was in advance, quickening her pace as she spoke, “come on quick, dearie! There’s some one making off with our lunch; and, just think how hungry we are!”
“Don’t fear, auntie,” said Nell reassuringly behind her; “Rover will not let any one touch it, you may be certain!”
Nevertheless, she hurried after Mrs Gilmour; and both arrived together, well-nigh breathless, at the spot where they had left their feast so nicely laid out.
Chapter Thirteen.
A Picnic under Difficulties.
They need not have been alarmed.
Indeed, had she but given herself time for reflection, Nellie must have known this without any further assurance than the faithful Rover’s bark, which would have been of quite a different tone had any stranger or suspicious person invaded the spot he was left to guard.