began to twinkle in the nearest farmhouse, "if only father won't scold."

"I think he will scold, Tommy--he was awfully angry--but your mother
will be so pleased."

"It was horrid sleeping out at night and tramping days." Tommy was
unburdening his soul. It was so easy to tell things to gentle,
sympathetic Anne. "And the men around the wharf were so rough--"

"I am sure you won't want to go again," said little Anne, "not for a
long time, Tommy."

Tommy looked around cautiously. He didn't want Judy to hear, somehow.
He was afraid of her teasing laugh. Then he leaned down close to
Anne's ear:

"I'll stay here for awhile, Anne."

"I'm so glad, Tommy," said Anne, with a sigh of relief.

But as they drove into the great gateway, and the lights from the big
house shone out in welcome, Tommy sighed:

"But I would like to find a treasure island, Anne," he said.




CHAPTER VIII