been her mother-tongue for years.

"The brooch again caught Baby's eye, and he made another determined
raid on it. He seized it and pricked his finger. Down went the
corners of his mouth.

"'There now,' said Hildeguard, 'I knew you'd do that, you duckie
boy,' kissing the pricked hand over and over again. 'And good
little sonnie is not to cry. A watch is much safer than a brooch:
now let's see if we can get at it,' feeling in her belt.

"The watch was grabbed at and went straight to his mouth.

"'Does your watch blow open?' asked Rex.

"'Come and see,' said Hildeguard.

"Rex came without a moment's hesitation. Eileen was forgotten in
the interest of a new investigation. The watch did blow open. How
exceedingly exciting! He leaned both arms on Hildeguard's knee
while he defended the watch from Baby's greedy attacks. Then he
suddenly remembered something of more importance.

"'I've got a watch too.' He wriggled wildly with excitement, and
pulled out a Waterbury.

"'Well, you are a lucky boy!' said Hildeguard.

"Eileen had come forward too, but Hildeguard waited for her to
speak before noticing the advance. Rex was standing near to her,