"I just got down," Grizzel answered, looking mysterious, "I invented a secret way of getting down."
"Nonsense," Prudence said rather crossly; "there can't be a secret way down."
"Well, find out for yourself," Grizzel retorted, her face taking on an obstinate expression.
"But how did you?" Mollie asked, with an ingratiating smile.
Grizzel shook her rebellious little red curls. "It's my secret," she repeated; "I won't tell."
"When did you find out that the ladder was gone?" Prue asked, in a more amiable voice.
"I just knew. It's part of the secret."
"You'll have to tell Hugh," Prudence said firmly; "you can't have secret ways into other people's houses."
"I won't tell anyone. It's my mysterious secret and I shall keep it."
Prudence frowned and opened her mouth to speak again, but Mollie signed to her to be silent. Mollie was not a Patrol Leader for nothing; she had learned to be diplomatic, and now she turned the conversation: