"Indeed?"

"Yes. I got a pocketful yesterday, only Aunty found out an' made me
let them all go again."

"Ah-yes," I said sympathetically; "that was the woman of it."

"I've only got one left now," continued the Imp; and thrusting a
hand into the pocket of his knickerbockers he drew forth six
inches or so of slimy worm and held it out to me upon his small,
grimy palm.

"He's nice and fat!" I said.

"Yes," nodded the Imp; "I caught him under the gooseberry bushes;"
and dropping it back into his pocket he proceeded to don his shoes
and stockings.

"Fraid I'm a bit muddy," he said suddenly.

"Oh, you might be worse," I answered reassuringly.

"Do you think they'll notice it?" he inquired, contorting himself
horribly in order to view the small of his back.

"Well," I hesitated, "it all depends, you know."

"I don't mind Dorothy, or Betty the cook, or the governess - it's
Auntie Lisbeth I'm thinking about."