Brick was exploding with laughter. He was a good deal older than Bethany and appreciated the situation perfectly.
“I guess we’s all right in the stable, missie,” he said, with a snicker. “Bylow an’ me’s used to sleepin’ with hosses. Then we can guard you when the bogies come about. There’s lots of bogies these days,” and his eyes grew round, and he rolled them wildly to and fro.
“Did you see many out West?” asked the little girl, in an awestruck voice.
“The air was thick with ’em, missie. They jus’ called me an’ Bylow till we didn’t know which way fer to go.”
“Help! Help! Mum-mum-murder!” yelled a sudden voice.
“Blow that ’ere, Bylow!” muttered Brick, and he made a dart for the back stairway. “If he aint sneaked away!”
Titus and Dallas dashed after him, while little Bethany, twisting her tiny hands in dismay, brought up the rear with the Judge.
“It’s Higby,” she said, tearfully. “I told Titus to tell him to put on old clothes. I suppose Titus forgot. O, dear, dear!”
“Mum-mum-murder,” went on the voice, “help; there’s something caught m-m-me behind. M-m-missis Blodgett! Girls!”
“We’re coming,” called Titus, at the top of the stairway; “hold on.”