“He’s gone, Ethel,” he said in a conspiratorial whisper, “gone for good.”
Ethel’s countenance brightened.
“Sure?” she said.
“Sure,” he said. “Now what ’bout that two shillings?”
She looked at him with sudden suspicion.
“Have you——?” she began.
“Me?” broke in William indignantly. “Why, I din’ know he’d gone till I got down to breakfast.”
“All right,” said Ethel carelessly. “If he’s really and truly gone, I’ll give you half a crown.”
*****
William, on his way to school, met Ginger at the end of the lane.