Page:Poor Cecco - 1925.djvu/146



ERE was a dismal end to a fine home-coming!

Well the toys might weep; that would not help matters. Poor Cecco’s return, however, after the first few moments—in which he said very plainly what he thought—put new courage into them all. Now there was some one to organise the search and take matters in hand, and at once they became brave. The Lion stiffened up and was ready to roar; Anna stopped snivelling and Harlequin squared his shoulders and went about once more saying “Hey Presto!” They ceased to blame the Easter Chicken, and instead began to talk of what they would do to Murrum.

The real question, however, was to rescue Tubby, and this could not be done until she was found. Poor Cecco at once decided that they must divide into two parties; one to search the garden and one the house. This, the Lion pointed out, had already been done, but Poor Cecco wanted to make quite sure. So with Poor Cecco at the head of one party, and Bulka leading the other, they set out.

Jensina remained at home, with Ida, Anna and the dolls in order to become acquainted.