They left the house together. The little dog bounded after them. The door swung to.
The old lady, clearly alarmed, went to the door as if she would open it and cry out. But pride prevented her from doing so. She stood with one hand on the wall, listening. And at last she did open the door; but not a living creature was in sight.
CHAPTER XIV
MR. LITERAL'S WARNING
Everychild was in a high state of excitement as he and Tom made their way back to where the other members of the band awaited them.
He had scarcely dared to hope that Tom would be able to get away from his mother so easily. She had seemed really terrible. But now there was little danger of her overtaking them and making her son go back.
He was delighted that there was to be a new member of the band; while the thought of having a dog along with them seemed almost too good to be true. It would be much more interesting, having a dog with them. He could not know, of course, what exciting events lay in wait for him, and it seemed to him that having the dog might be the most wonderful part of the entire journey.
He was just thinking that the band was now large enough, even if no other children appeared to go with them, when something occurred to mar his perfect happiness.
Tom had been walking ahead, because he knew the path better; and all of a sudden some one caught step with him and began to talk to him.