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 "I'm ready," agreed Bob. "How about the rope? Oughtn't we—"

"In payment for my share in the recent—er—episode," said Laurie, "I'll look after it. Where'd you get it, Ned?"

"Why don't we all go?" asked Polly. "It isn't much farther that way."

"Right-o," agreed Bob. "Besides, who knows what Laurie would do next if we let him go alone?"

So they set off down the hill again, every one by now extremely merry and light-hearted in the reaction. They dropped the rope through the window in the shed adjoining the office of the quarry company and retraced their steps to the village and up Walnut Street and so, finally, just as dusk began to settle down, reached the little shop. There it was Polly who voiced the thought that had been in the minds of the rest for some time.

"Perhaps," said Polly, "it would be better if we didn't say anything about what happened."

"Polly," declared Laurie relievedly—and slangily, "you spoke a mouthful!"