"I dare say Uncle Nathan will give one of us a good licking," said the boy on the high bank. "And it's my turn, too," he added, dolefully.
"No, 'tisn't," replied the other. "You took mine last time."
"Truly, you're right," returned the boy in pink. "What was it for? I have forgotten."
"He found we had some of the blasting powder," said William. "We'll need some more soon, I'm thinking," he added.
What further developments might have occurred just then it is hard to say, for the young lady in the white dress suddenly suggested a new train of thought, and the twins took it up at once.
"I'm hungry," she said, "and I don't think Mr. Wyeth and Uncle Daniel will come along at all. Let's go back to the house. Perhaps Aunt Clarissa hasn't found out we are gone away yet."
"Not found out!" exclaimed William, in derision. "Bless my stars, and we in our best clothes!"
"Mr. Wyeth will be along soon, I'll warrant," said his double, from the bank, "and we will all go up to the house as if nothing were the matter. Uncle Nathan won't do anything at all until Mr. Wyeth goes, which may not be for two or three days. Harkee! with Uncle Daniel here, he may forget. Haven't you noticed how forgetful he has been lately?"
"He never forgets," replied William, thoughtfully; "at least he never does if Aunt Clarissa is about."
From where the children were they could see the road, and follow it after it crossed the bridge and commenced to climb the hill. Here and there it showed very plainly through the trees, and even if a horseman should escape their observation, the sound of hoofs on the bridge they could not have missed hearing.