"I'm afraid so, Peter. It'll be a pity if they go off on their own today, because I've had a fine idea. I'll tell you about it when they've gone down to Ingles."

Two egg-spoons clattered on two plates as the twins glared at their brother with fury. Mrs. Morton laughed.

"Tell me presently what you want, David. Don't forget though, that I shall want wood and water today."

Later the four children strolled down the lane to Ingles. Tom was in the farmyard whistling. "Can't stop for much this morning," he said, "but Uncle says I can have the afternoon off. Reckon there's lots to tell you, but I don't know it all yet. He won't say much."

"Quick, Tom," said David. "Just come behind the barn. I've got an idea, and I want to know what you think."

The meeting was broken up prematurely by a mighty roar from Mr. Ingles. Tom ran off at once, but David followed him and was seen talking earnestly to the farmer, who after a while nodded dubious agreement and gestured towards the house. Peter went in to talk to Mrs. Ingles, while the twins sat on the gate and swung their legs and smiled charmingly at Mr. Ingles whenever he crossed the yard. After a little Peter came out and called for David, and then they both appeared at the door, with Mrs. Ingles hobbling between them, but smiling cheerfully.

When they got back to Witchend with the milk, David went off on his bicycle in a hurry, and Peter cantered off on Sally. The twins, after a successful interview with their mother and Agnes, staggered off with a heavy load up the valley in the direction of the Lone Pine.

They all met again at dinner-time and looked very pleased with themselves. Even the twins forbore to complain that they were being left out, and if Mrs. Morton had been a less understanding sort of mother she might have been very annoyed at the smug air of secret expectancy around the table. Agnes noticed little besides empty plates.

Tom arrived soon after and disappeared with David for about an hour. Both were carrying heavy baskets. Peter went off down the lane on Sally again, and the twins, twittering with suppressed excitement, sat restlessly on the gate.

Just as the two elder boys got back the first visitor appeared in the lane. Dickie recognized him only because Peter was with him. Mr. Sterling was wearing a yellow, battered panama straw hat, and a very tidy-looking blue suit with a magnificent yellow and blue tie. The twins jumped down to open the gate and he shook hands solemnly with them before removing his hat with a charming bow to their mother, who came across the grass to meet him. David found some more deck-chairs and Mr. Sterling stood and fanned himself with his hat as he was thanked for the trouble he had taken in searching for the twins, and for his hospitality to them all.