"Tommy," she said. "My little darling Tommy. I thought you were lost!" She turned furiously to William. "You ought to be ashamed of yourself," she said. "A great boy of your age leading a little child like this into mischief! If his father was here, he'd show you. You ought to know better! And you a scout."
William gasped.
"Well!" he said. "An' I've bin doin' deeds of kindness on him all morning. I've——"
She turned away indignantly, holding Thomas's hand.
"You're never to go with that nasty rough boy again, darling," she said.
"Got lots of wopses an' some fishes," murmured Thomas contentedly.
They disappeared down the path. With a feeling of depression and disillusionment William turned to go home.
Then his spirits rose. After all, he'd got rid of Thomas, and he was going home to a contrite family. It must be about supper-time. It would be getting dark soon. But it still stayed light a long time now. It wouldn't matter if he just got in for supper. It would have given them time to think things over. He could see his father speaking unsteadily, and holding out his hand.
"My boy ... let bygones be bygones ... if there is anything you want...."