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E must make dummies of grass,” Poor Cecco said, “and set them up, so that the rats will think they are us, and then we can escape before they find out that they have been tricked!”

“They aren’t so stupid as all that!” returned Jensina, who was both tired and cross.

“Very well,” said Poor Cecco, “if you can think of something better perhaps you’ll say so. I’m not anxious to stay here all night!”

At that very instant an automobile, coming along the road, slowed down just by the spot where the three friends were seated. The driver got out and went forward to attend to his engine, and in the moment that his back was turned Poor Cecco made a hasty sign to Bulka and Jensina. Hopping forward, they were just in time to scramble on to the running-board before the driver returned to his seat and the car started on.

“Where are we going?” said Bulka.

“It doesn’t matter where we go,” Poor Cecco replied, “so long as we get away from the rats, and they certainly can’t follow us now.”