was whispering to her companion, Alice; but even at that tender age
the inherited sharpness of hearing had been trained to a wonderfully
fine degree.

Mrs. Ripley was too prudent to argue with her. It was not wise to
take any chances. Above all, it was important that Ben should know
the truth, for he was still walking away from them with no knowledge
of their discovery.

"S--h!" The sibilant noise made by the mother's lips crossed the
space and the listening lad halted and looked round. She did not
speak, but beckoned him to come back. He obeyed at once.

"Linna says she heard voices a minute ago, over yonder," whispered
Mrs. Ripley, as her son joined them.

"So me did," added Linna, in answer to the inquiring look of the
lad.

"You have sharp ears, little one; but are you sure?"

"Me am," was the confident reply.

"Where were they?"

She again pointed out the direction.

"That must be looked into: wait till I come back, and--"

"S--h!" interrupted the mother.