“But I said a dozen eggs, Mrs. Lupo,” she said, after she had sliced and buttered the bread and glancing up saw six eggs cooling in a pan. “You know we are going to take a long walk across Table Top to Indian Head.”
The silence was profound.
“And we need more bread. Will you get me another loaf, please?”
No reply. Mrs. Lupo was quietly stringing beans on a bench by the door of the lean-to which served the camp as a kitchen.
“Did you hear what I asked?” demanded Billie.
Nancy and Mary, placing ham between the slices of bread, looked up quickly, half amused and half frightened.
“Did you hear me ask you a question, Mrs. Lupo?” repeated Billie, exasperated beyond endurance.
Mrs. Lupo went on stringing beans.
Brandishing the long carving knife, Billie went over and stood in front of the strange woman. Percy, peeping through the half open door, was grinning, and Nancy stifled a giggle.
“When I speak to you I expect an answer, Mrs. Lupo,” said Billie, trying to keep her voice smooth and even. “Now, answer me at once.”