Convinced that the boys would take advantage of their absence to invade the playhouse again, the Brownies hurried as fast as they could.
However, when they reached the oak tree there was no indication anyone had been there.
“We haven’t given them very long,” said Miss Gordon. “Suppose we seek hiding places.”
Each girl found herself a hide-out amid the bushes. Jane and Veve were the closest to the oak tree, sheltered by a heavy screen of branches and leaves.
For a time, it was very exciting to lie in wait. Each time a stick crackled or any unusual sound was heard, the girls waited tensely, certain that the boys were coming. But they never did.
“Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all,” Jane said presently, shifting her cramped legs. “How long have we been here now?”
“Oh, fifteen or twenty minutes,” Veve replied.
“It seems a couple of hours. I don’t think I want to wait much longer.”
“You were the one who said you wouldn’t mind waiting all night!” Veve reminded her.
“Well, I’m getting tired. Besides, I don’t think they’re coming back. Those boys probably are playing at the pond.”