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 But it was so sudden—that thing going round," said Pollyooly ruefully. "You won't really tell any one?"

"Not a soul," said Ronald.

"Well, I can't tell you who I am, because I mustn't; but I'm not Marion. I'm only here in her place for a while."

"Where is she?" said Ronald.

"I don't know where she is; but she has run away with her mother—ever so far—where they'll never, never be found. I'm just staying here till they've got there safely."

"By Jove, but this is a game! It's like a story in a book. You do have luck," said Ronald enviously.

"Yes; but it isn't very comfortable—sometimes. I'm always being afraid of being found out," said Pollyooly.

"Oh, there's no fear of that—not here. They're not sharp enough," said Ronald with a touch of contempt in his tone.

"No, they're not very sharp," assented Pollyooly in a tone of satisfaction. "It's a good job they're not."