"Madam, your dogs have stolen my clothing and my money, and I can not leave until I get them back," he presently declared with lucky inspiration. "If you have me arrested for trespass I shall bring suit for the recovery of property."
Aunt Matilda was sufficiently perplexed to lower her pistol and allow him to explain, while she coaxed the dogs out of the water. He was a splendid talker, and had fine, honest-looking blue eyes.
There was a rush of swift footsteps among the trees.
"Hide!" she commanded in sudden panic.
He promptly hid, and when Adnah arrived with the bathing suits, that young lady found her aunt calmly seated on the ground, holding Castor and Pollux each by a dripping collar.
"Leave my suit and return to the house at once with these dogs," directed Aunt Matilda without turning her head.
"Why, Aunt Mattie, what's the matter?"
"Nothing!" snapped Aunt Matilda in desperation. "Go back to the house and stay until I come. Ask no questions."
Adnah searched the scene in mystification for a moment.
"Yes, aunty," she suddenly said, and walked away in a flutter of excitement. She had caught the gleam of a bright eye peering at her from among the willows!