You fetch that cat here or I'll have Con take him away from you.

Hurry up!" "I know it wasn't David," began Mary-'Gusta.

Then, as Con started in her direction, she turned and ran, ran as hard as she could, bearing David in her arms.

Con ran after her.
It was the cat that saved the situation and its life at the same time.
Mary-'Gusta was near the edge of the pine grove and Con was close at her heels.

David gave one more convulsive, desperate wriggle, slid from the girl's arms and disappeared through the pines like a gray projectile.
Mary-'Gusta collapsed on the grass and burst into frightened, hysterical sobs.