“Yes, Miss Rosie, in some cases, but perhaps not in this, where the game seems to be hardly worth the candle.”
“Oh!” exclaimed Walter, “the music seems to be coming nearer! Hadn’t you fellows better start out and try again to catch the player? You might be more successful this time. I wouldn’t like to give it up so if I were in your place.”
“Then suppose you put yourself in our place, and start out in quest of him,” suggested his brother Harold.
“I’ve no objections; I’m not afraid of him,” returned Walter, jumping up; “but if you’d like to go with me, Cousin Ronald?” turning toward the old gentleman, as if with a sudden thought, “I’d be very glad to have you.”
Mr. Lilburn rose as if to comply with the request, but Mrs. Travilla interposed.
“Oh, no, my son,” she said; “Cousin Ronald must feel tired after all the exertion he has made to-day.”
“And I offer myself as a substitute,” said Dr. Conly, rising. “If the fellow should happen to be vicious enough to knock you down, Walter, it might be well to have the doctor along to see to your hurts.”
“Pshaw! I’m not a bit afraid of him,” said Walter.
“But your lack of fear is no positive proof that he is entirely harmless; so I think it would be as well for you to have an elder brother along,” remarked Herbert, following them down the veranda steps.
“Oh, come along then, and if the fellow attacks us, I’ll do my best to defend you,” laughed Walter; and the three set off together for the wood.