The path ended in a small gate which he unlocked.
He ushered them solemnly into the lane, pointed out a trespass notice that was nailed conspicuously on to a tree, and then retired into the fastnesses of the wood.

The girls decided that, unless actually compelled, they would not divulge where they had been.
"It was a bit of hard luck to be caught!" giggled Olave.

"Didn't you feel queer when he came up ?" "I thought he was a beast, and didn't deserve propitiating with a tip!" declared Agatha.
"But we washed our hair!" rejoiced Mary, plaiting her long dark pigtail..