'He's looking after the ferrets, of course,' said Justin. 'We were only at Bream's farm, and Bob heard Nance's whistle. We did have a jolly good rat-hunt,' and he was beginning a description, when the others stopped him.
'Archie and I don't want to hear about it,' said Pat, 'and I'm sure Miss Mouse doesn't.'
'She has a fellow-feeling for rats perhaps,' said Justin, laughing at what he thought his own wit.
'No girl would like horrid things like ratting,' said Pat, 'and if papa knew——' he stopped short.
'Doesn't Mr. Hervey know that you've got ferrets?' asked Rosamond.
'I don't suppose he's ever thought about it,' said Justin; 'he's never said we weren't to have them. It's our own money—the only thing was that mamma doesn't like them kept at home.'
'Oh then,' said Miss Mouse, 'you've managed to pay them, have you?'
'Not all the money,' said Justin, hesitating a little,' and indeed Bob was saying to-day we'll have to be thinking about it. He's had rather to keep out of the way of the place where he got them, for fear of the people bothering.'
'You won't let poor Bob get into any trouble, will you?' said Rosamond anxiously.
'Of course not,' said Justin; 'all the same it was he that made the bargain, and he knew we hadn't got all the money ready. Of course I don't want him to get into any bother.'