They did not see the children, but they saw the empty missionary box.
'I knew it,' said one.

'Selina, it WAS a gang.

I was certain of it from the first.

The children were not mad.

They were sent to distract our attention while their confederates robbed the house.' 'I am afraid you are right,' said Selina; 'and WHERE ARE THEY NOW ?' 'Downstairs, no doubt, collecting the silver milk-jug and sugar-basin and the punch-ladle that was Uncle Joe's, and Aunt Jerusha's teaspoons.
I shall go down.' 'Oh, don't be so rash and heroic,' said Selina.