"I believe you nearly did," he said. "Better not, or mother might be cross with you. I say, I'll ask you something instead. How'd you like to come and sleep in this spare bed? I'd rather like a mate!"
Bobby was out like a flash.
"Muvver! Muvver! Dick wants me to sleep in his room."
Came Mrs. Warner's voice reproachfully:
"Oh, Bobby, you asked!"
"No, I didn't—I only nearly did. True, mother!"
"He really didn't, Mrs. Warner. I asked him," said Dick, appearing.
"And do you really want him, Dick?"
"Oh, rather!"
But Bobby waited for no more. He fled down the verandah like a rabbit to its burrow, his voice coming faintly as he ran: