"Under one of the 'simmon-trees," replied Lucy Lane, who was a natural housekeeper, and had carefully collected the scattered baskets, and put them together in what she considered a safe place.
Now, who would dare go for them? Tho girls were hungry, but they were also in a panic. Who could it be that had laughed so wildly? How did they know that the strange creature might not spring out upon them, and drag them into her den? Grace at last summoned courage, and the girls followed her, hoping that nothing dreadful could happen to any one but Grace, after such excellent fortunes.
They went to the persimmon-trees, but found no baskets. Lucy, usually timid and irresolute, was firm enough in this case. She had placed the baskets under a certain tree; but they were not there now, neither could they be found.
"Magic!" murmured Di.
"I wonder," said Grace, "if they've been magicked off? What if I go ask our gypsy?"
She stepped cautiously along towards the house.
"Gracie Clifford, you don't dare."
"How do you know that, Isa?"
"Don't go," whispered the girls, crouching together behind the trees. They were divided in their minds between superstitious terror and sharp hunger.
Grace's eyes were flashing with strong excitement. She was as much frightened as any of the others; but a spirit of desperation had seized her, and she walked up to the house and entered it in spite of the feeble remonstrances of the girls.