They had left the wood and the farm, and there was nothing to be seen but the long white ribbon of road hemmed in by the high hedges.
"Perhaps he stayed behind at the farm," said Miss Jones.
Then Mary told her worst lie.
"Oh, no, Miss Jones.

He ran past us just now.

Didn't you see him ?" "No, I didn't.

He's gone on ahead, I suppose.

He runs home sometimes.
Naughty dog! We shall catch him up." But of course they did not.