Page:Poor Cecco - 1925.djvu/119

Rh at meeting persons of my own rank once more that the Tooth went completely out of my head.

“Later, I slipped it in my bundle, still meaning to leave it in some spot where it might be found. But the behaviour of the rats, and their horrid attack on dear Bulka, at once altered my mind. Disgusted with them, I decided that they could hunt their tooth for themselves, but at a certain moment, seeing that the battle was going against us, and wishing to divert their attention, I was rash enough to call out in rat language: ‘Go and look after your precious old Grimalkin Tooth!’

“You saw”—she turned to Bulka and Poor Cecco—“the immediate effect of my words! I admit it surprised me, for up to then I hadn’t really believed all I was told. But it was too late; the secret was out, and I was determined that, come what might, never would I give up that tooth, if only to spite them, and I hurried you away in the hope that we might yet outdistance their pursuit. But alas, no such luck!”

“Ash-heaps, indeed, and picking up what doesn’t belong to her!” sniffed Mrs. Weasel aloud. “I always said the Woodchucks kept queer company! It’s time we went home, before there’s trouble with the police!”

Fortunately Jensina didn’t hear her remark, but Mrs. Woodchuck did, and was rightly indignant.

“You may go home, you stuck-up things!” she cried heartily. “And small credit to you! Your washing will