Page:Poor Cecco - 1925.djvu/179

Rh silver-paper wrapping. Poor Cecco gazed at it for a moment in silence.

“Oh, Jensina, aren’t you afraid? Let me go!” he entreated.

“No,” replied Jensina firmly. “I took the Tooth, and it’s I who must bargain with them. But you may keep quite near me,” she added.

Brave as she was, Jensina’s heart went thump—thump, as she advanced along the path towards the house. Hastily Poor Cecco had warned the others of her plan, and while he walked beside her they followed in a body, clinging to one another for protection, yet thrilled with curiosity to see what was going to happen.

And now they had reached the last patch of open moonlight between the lilac bush and the dark shadow of the porch. Here Jensina paused, while Poor Cecco whispered his last entreaties.

“Now, do be careful, Jensina! Remember what the Grenadier told you. Make them promise everything first, and don’t make a muddle of it!”

“Do you think I’m an idiot?” she demanded.

These words, so characteristic of Jensina’s brave spirit, did much to restore his confidence. He stood back, as she bade him, and alone Jensina strode forth into the patch of moonlight.

Immediately, from the porch shadow, the two rats came forward to meet her. Poor Cecco and Bulka recognised