Page:The book of Betty Barber (IA bookofbettybarbe00andr).pdf/96

 It was the Fraction speaking this time. Then once more they all began to talk together. They were all so eager to help, that they were nearly quarrelling as to which could help most.

Miss Crimson Lake rubbed her eyes and opened them slowly.

“The book must be found,” said the Fraction, up in the tree.

Miss Crimson Lake sat up slowly, wondering where she could be.

“If only Queen Harmony would help,” said Minora.

Then once more chatter, chatter, chatter.

Miss Crimson Lake stared up at the tree, feeling half frightened. Then she heard footsteps coming through the wood, and saw a boy running quickly towards her.

He began to speak almost as soon as he saw her, long before he reached her.

“Have you seen Thirteen-fourteenths?” he called.

Miss Crimson Lake shook her head.

“He’s wanted at once,” said the boy, “I can’t stop, I must find him.”

Miss Crimson Lake shook her head again, and the boy, never ceasing to run, disappeared through the wood, calling as he went, “Thirteen-fourteenths. Thirteen-fourteenths is wanted.”

Before he was out of sight the Fraction’s voice was heard in the tree calling, “Here,” and when Miss Crimson Lake looked up she saw Thirteen-fourteenths swing himself to the ground over her head. One after another the others followed him.

“Are you better?” asked Christmas eagerly.

Miss Crimson Lake nodded.

“Who was it calling me?” asked Thirteen-fourteenths.

Crimson Lake pointed to the path down which the boy had run, “Was it a boy dressed in black and white, with a round black ball on his head?” asked the Fraction, and when Miss Crimson Lake nodded he looked very solemn. “It must be Repeater,” he said; “if he wants me, I think I must go back, for they must be in trouble at home.”

76