And so it came about that Judy was served with good things first, while
Tommy was made to wait.
"Oh, Perkins, can't you hurry," growled the small rude boy.
And then Judy turned on him. "You may be hungry, Tommy," she blazed, "but don't speak to Perkins that way again."
"Oh, Miss," deprecated Perkins, although in his old heart he was glad of her defense.
"Perkins has been out all night hunting for us," Judy's voice quivered, "and—and—he is just as tired as we are, Tommy Tolliver."
But Tommy had his sandwich, and blissfully munching it, cared little for Judy's reproof. After he had finished he went to sleep comfortably in the bottom of the boat, his troubles forgotten.
There was about Launcelot and Perkins an air of subdued excitement that finally attracted Judy's attention.
"What's the matter with you all?" she asked, curiously, as she looked up suddenly from her pile of comfortable cushions, and caught Perkins smiling at Launcelot over her head.
"Oh, nothing, Miss, nothing at all," coughed Perkins.
"Has anything happened?"