Page:The children in the little old red house (IA childreninlittle00doug).pdf/18

4 The howl burst forth again equal to any Irish banshee.

“Children,” with an air of authority in his tone, “ you’re too young to be borrowing trouble that way.”

“But she never went away so far before. An’ there’s accildents——”

“Did you have any dinner?” thinking to change the tone of apprehension.

“Oh, yes. Rilla often gets dinner. Now she’s gone down to the store and she took the eggs. She’ll get mother when she comes in the train. An’ Goldie’s going to make a johnny-cake an’ cook some corn.”

“I just don’t want any supper if mother doesn’t come! There, now!”—bringing his little fist down on his knee—“ I’m not going to eat a mouthful till she does, if it’s clear to Christmas!”

“My lad, there’d be nothing left of you,” and the man gave his merry laugh again. “Hello! Here’s another.”

An odd little girl had appeared, with a mop of red curly hair, considerably sunburned and freckled, with a plump body, and looking as if she were not much given to trouble, if that was what made Tip thin. She stopped in amazement and looked from the children to the man.