"Mere baby, evidently," hazarded Walter.
"Well, I suppose he was after——"
"Grub," interrupted Jack. "The creeping, crawling, sneaking kind invariably want grub. It was a shame to let him go off hungry."
They all took seats upon the broad piazza, after the boys, by a casual look, were satisfied that no intruder was about the grounds. Belle kept close to Ed—he was the largest of the young men—but Cora and Bess showed no signs of fear.
"Let's tell you about it," began Bess.
"Let's," agreed Walter.
"Then listen," ordered the young lady with the very rosy cheeks.
"Listen while they let's," teased Jack.
"I won't say one word," declared Bess; "not if the fellow comes down the chimney——"
Every one laughed. Bess had such a ridiculous way of getting angry.