“Where’s the new kid?” asked Sandy with lowered voice.
The Fungus grinned.
“Up there,” he said, jerking his head vaguely toward the second floor of the cottage. “Unpacking. You ought to see the rafts of stuff he’s brought; silver brushes and a patent necktie holder that goes on the wall and trousers stretcher—”
“Trousers stretcher! He’s wearing knickers,” said Spud.
“Yes, but he told me he had some long trousers in his trunk. Says he didn’t know which was proper here. He’s a funny little kid.”
“What’s his name?” asked Dutch.
“Parker, Claire Parker.”
“Claire? That’s a girl’s name, ain’t it?” demanded Hoop.
“I don’t know. He says it’s his. He looks like a girl, too, with those nice little pink cheeks of his. He will be a valuable addition to the House Eleven, I don’t think!”