looked in at the door an hour or so back; but we
didn't stay. We've been hunting for you ever
since.''

``Nonsense, children!'' Uncle William spoke
with gay cheeriness; but he refused to meet
either Billy's or Bertram's eyes.

``Uncle William, how could you do it?''
reproached Billy, again.

``Do what?'' Uncle William was plainly
fencing for time.

``Leave the house like that?''

``Ho! I wanted a change.''

``As if we'd believe that!'' scoffed Billy.

``All right; let's call it you've had the change,
then,'' laughed Bertram, ``and we'll send over
for your things to-morrow. Come--now let's
go home to dinner.''

William shook his head. He essayed a gay
smile.

``Why, I've only just begun. I'm going to
stay--oh, I don't know how long I'm going to