'No, no!' said the little miner. 'That's the worst thing you can
do. If you hadn't run before, you would not have lost your way.
And if you run now, they will be after you in a moment.'

'I don't want to run,' said Irene.

'You don't think of me,' said the nurse.

'Yes, I do, Lootie. The boy says they won't touch us if we don't
run.'

'Yes, but if they know at the house that I've kept you out so late
I shall be turned away, and that would break my heart.'

'Turned away, Lootie! Who would turn you away?'

'Your papa, child.'

'But I'll tell him it was all my fault. And you know it was,
Lootie.'

'He won't mind that. I'm sure he won't.'

'Then I'll cry, and go down on my knees to him, and beg him not to
take away my own dear Lootie.'

The nurse was comforted at hearing this, and said no more. They
went on, walking pretty fast, but taking care not to run a step.