Wouldn't you do the same for
us, if we were in the same box?"
"That goes without saying--and I'm as grateful as I can be," Bob said.
"But the cases are different. I'm deep enough in your debt, as it is.
I--" His lip quivered, and he turned away, staring at the ruins.
"I don't see any good arguing about it, at all events," said Norah,
practically. "We're all hot and tired, and I vote we just get home and
have tea. We'll all feel better after a tub, and then we can begin to
make plans. Come on, Tommy dear, it's just lovely to think we're going
to have you."
Bob stood with one hand on the scorched gate.
"I wish I could have got here in time to get out a few things," he
muttered.
"Oh, I did that," said Wally, brightening. "I forgot, in the shock of
finding all Noah's Ark turned out in the creek. Come along, Tommy, and
see my little lot of salvage!"
He dragged himself up from the ground and seized Tommy's hand. They
trooped across the lawn.
"I saved the cuckoo clock and that set of Swiss bears," said Wally. "And
lots of oddments from goodness knows where--the sort of thing you can't
buy in Cunjee. I expect I've hauled out all the things you wouldn't have
saved, Tommy, but you'll just have to let me down lightly--I'd have made
a shot for the beloved cake tins, only I hadn't time."
"Oh, Wally, you dear old idiot," said Tommy. "And that's how you nearly
killed yourself.
Pages:
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292