MISS HITCHEN 259 



it would be to live for a fortnight alone in a cot- 

 tage with a person hke that acting as his gaoler? " 



" Oh, Lord! " said Bobby, " you think of every- 

 thing! No, I can't, but I'll do it to save 

 French." 



" Bobby," said Miss Hitchen. 



" Yes? " 



*' Do you know what I've discovered? " 



" No." 



"That I'm a fool." 



" You a fool? " 



' ' Yes. I thought you were only an irresponsible 

 boy, but I find you're a man." 



" Thanks — thanks," said Bobby. " Anyhow, 

 I'll try to be." 



" You needn't thank me. Now, have you any 

 money? " 



" About five pounds." 



" Well, I'll lend you another five pounds. No, 

 I won't, but I'll buy the provisions myseK. If I 

 left that to you you'd forget the essentials. Are 

 there plates and things at the cottage? " 



" Lots." 



" Well, now, like a good boy, go at once to 

 Simpson's and order the car, and get back before 

 that animal takes it into his head to escape." 



" Do you mean I ought to take him to-night? " 



" Of course I mean it." 



" Will I see you again this evening? " 



" No; but you can write and tell me the result. 

 Same address. The provisions for your excursion 



