“Look where the conquering heroines come,” Burd greeted them, trying to rise and sinking back again with an exclamation of annoyance at the sharp twinge in his ankle.
“Heroines!” repeated Jessie, with a chuckle. “We feel more like the battered victims of a wreck.”
CHAPTER XXIII
SUSPICION
“That is some wreck out there, for a fact,” said Darry, soberly, as he waved a hand in the direction of the desolate forest. “I reckon that fire has done thousands of dollars worth of damage.”
“We may be very thankful it didn’t wipe out Forest Lodge, as well,” said Aunt Emma, coming from the kitchen at that moment and bearing a huge tray laden with johnnycake. “We might be huddled in the boats now, wondering what to do next, instead of sitting snug and safe in here——”
“Eyeing the most delicious platter of cornbread ever evolved by a cook,” finished Jessie, gayly.
“I vote we do something more than eye it,” cried Fol. “Come on, fellows, let’s get next to that cornbread!”
There were chicken croquets besides and a steaming dish of boiled potatoes and a bowl of peaches for dessert.
After dinner, seated cozily about the grate fire, the girls could no longer restrain their curiosity.
“If you keep us waiting another minute to tell us what you did down at that swamp, I am quite certain I shall explode,” said Amy, decidedly.