The party moved on cautiously, thus far well screened by foliage, but the instant they appeared in the open, the guide saw them and began excitedly waving his arms.
“Do you see?” nodded Grace.
“He does seem to be excited about something,” agreed Tom.
“If there is likely to be trouble, perhaps I had better fall back as sort of reserve,” suggested Stacy. “In case of trouble it is a wise plan to have reserves, you know.”
No one paid the slightest attention to Stacy’s suggestion, nor did they increase their pace, not wishing to show that they shared the excitement of the guide, though there was a suspicion in their minds as to the cause of that excitement.
As they drew nearer, Woo Smith clambered down from his perch and trotted out to meet them. His face expressed neither pleasure nor alarm.
“Good-afternoon, Mr. Smith,” greeted Emma with dignity.
“Are the ponies all safe?” smiled Grace.
“Him velly good.”
“Then what are you stewing about?” blurted out Stacy Brown.