Strange, to come so quick." He jerked his thumb back toward the river.

"And that's only first blood." The others had broken into wrangling.
"Escaped?
Nonsense--Cat--and--mouse game, I tell you; those devils let him go merely to--We'll never know--Of course! Plain as your nose--To stand by, and never lift a hand! Oh, it's--Rot! Look here, why--Acquitted, then set on him--But we'll _never_ know!--Fang watching on the spot.

Trust him!" A calm "boy," in sky-blue gown, stood beside them, ready to speak.

The dispute paused, while they turned for his message.

It was a disappointing trifle: Mrs.Forrester waited below for her husband, to walk home.
"Can't leave now," snapped Gilly.