Mr. Wilkins was hardly prepared to answer this question, and, luckily, it was not necessary, for just then the latch was lifted and Harry walked in.
“Didn’t I tell you so?” said Uncle Obed, triumphantly.
“Oh, Harry, I’m so glad to see you! Where have you been so long?”
“It’s lucky you came just as you did,” said Mr. Wilkins. “Your mother had made up her mind that you had met with an accident.”
“I wanted to come home, but I couldn’t,” answered Harry. “I was in the woods.”
“Lost your way?” asked Uncle Obed.
“Not exactly. Two boys played a trick upon me.”
Of course Harry had to explain what sort of a trick it was. Mrs. Gilbert was very indignant, and denounced Philip and his confederate in no sparing terms.
“You ought to go and complain to Colonel Ross,” she said. “Philip ought not to be allowed to do such things.”
Harry smiled. He had no idea of following this advice. It would have been an acknowledgment of weakness, and he felt able to defend himself against Philip Ross and his machinations.