“Oh, I really couldn’t go!” protested Peg, but her voice was toned with a hint of regret.
“You’ve just got to,” said Cleo. “We are bandits and we’re going to kidnap you!” and quite as if the play had not been all planned, each Scout slipped her arm into the arms of Peg and urged her forward.
A ripple of girlish laughter answered the challenge, but Shag didn’t like it and he growled threateningly.
The girls stepped back for a moment, fearing the dog might attempt to interfere, when another figure appeared in the doorway. It was Aunt Carrie, and she very quickly and decidedly ordered Shag to “come here, sir,” which he did, by that time realizing his very natural mistake.
“Really, girls,” said Peg. “I do thank you for being so friendly, but I can’t go.”
“And this our first night on the grounds and you the original Scout!” sulked Cleo. “At any rate it is getting so dark I don’t see how we will dare go back alone.”
“You are a bandit,” laughed the stranger, “and I suppose——”
“That you must come,” Grace finished happily. “Hurry, do please! The fire is going high, just see it! And we may miss the story.”
“You stay here then,” ordered Peg rather shyly, “while I get my cape from Aunt Carrie. Shag will be sure to call for me later.”
Grace and Cleo danced a few steps while waiting, but in a very few moments Peg was back with her cape over her arm.