“Why, we didn’t tell you, did we?” spoke Cora finally. Then she did tell as much as she thought it wise to divulge about Nellie and Rose.
This information “caused a stir,” (as Jack put it) among the boys. Instantly they began up-turning stones, pulling down boards, and doing all sorts of foolish things searching for the runaways. But no other evidences were unearthed of the stay of the two girls in the spring house.
“I hope they hear us,” called Jack, finally, raising his voice almost to a shout. “I must find Rose,” he called. “Rose is all the world to me! My own little garden flower without a thorn——”
Walter interrupted with: “I must see Nellie home! Nellie! Nellie! Pretty little Nellie!”
“Do be quiet,” begged Cora, “you will arouse the ghosts in the old house.”
“Let’s,” suggested Walter. “Haven’t seen a ghost in an age, and a ghost would be just pie for us in this place.”
“Please don’t,” almost sobbed Belle. “I am really awfully creepy in here.”
Seeing that she was actually nervous, the girls went outside, but the boys were not yet satisfied with their investigations.
“What on earth is this rig-a-my-gig for?” asked Walter, indicating the big sloping circular platform which occupied nearly all the space in the shack. It was on a pivot and could be turned around.
“Why, that’s—let me see, that’s——” but Jack couldn’t just say what it was.