We went
through quite something to find the sweetness."
"Hurry," whispered Dorothy, "I thought I heard something move in the
bushes!"
"So did I," admitted Tavia, quickening her pace.
"It is always so lonely in the lane at night, we should have gone
around."
"Let's run," suggested Tavia. "One row a day is enough for me."
The bushes stirred suspiciously now, and both girls were alarmed. They
were midway in the lane, and could not gain the road, except by running
on to the end of the lonely path. Each side was lined with a thick
underbrush, and--there was no mistaking it now--someone was stealing
along beside them!
Taking hold of hands the girls ran. As they did the figure of a man
darted out in the path after them. Not a word was spoken--all their
strength was put into speed--to get to the end of the lane before that
man should overtake them!
They knew the footing well, although the path was rough with tree stumps
and rocks thrown there from the fields at the side.
Suddenly there was an exclamation. Turning quickly Tavia saw the man's
form rolling in the deep grass.
"He has fallen over the big stump," she said, "and has rolled into the
thick briars. Hurry now, we will get out all right." And, with renewed
courage, the girls ran on, reaching the end of the lane in full view of
houses, before the "tramp" could possibly overtake them.
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