“All right,” said Helen with unaccustomed meekness, “but I did think I might get up to-morrow. But I’ll be good as I want to get well, perfectly well, so I can go to the Devil’s Gorge again and get the wallet.”
“But would you venture there again?”
“Certainly! But next time I’ll wear high shoes and leggins and look where I step. I think I deserve some of Aunt Mandy’s black snake whip as a punishment. I do wish I knew what was in that wallet—if it was a wallet.”
The doctor smiled and left the tent to the sisters, who clung to each other with all the affection they had. They realized what they meant to one another more than they ever had before, now that this thing had occurred that might have proved very serious.
“We mustn’t let a soul know what the trouble is, Douglas. Of course, you realize it would send our week-end boarders anywhere but to the mountains.”
“Yes, I see it would, just the way they all talk about snakes. I tell you one thing, though—we must make leggins obligatory for hikers. Maybe it would be well to order a few extra pair when we order the blankets for those persons, like Tillie Wingo, who will not do what they are told.”
“I believe so, too. And now, honey, please get Gwen to bring me something very simple for my supper. I believe I’ll join the bread and milk club to-night and not try to eat anything heavy. I feel so sleepy I can hardly keep my eyes open. I do hope I am not going to dream about snakes. I’d sleep better if I only knew what was in the wallet I saw hanging in the tree.”