And to add to the insult of his presence he began humming that idiotic little ditty about "two babes in the woods" in a soft sentimental tone. Zee stood it as long as she could. Then she sat up, seeming to blink the sleep from her bright eyes. "Why, Treasure-- Why, I _did_ go to sleep, didn't I?" Then she saw him, apparently for the first time. "Why, how do you do?" she said brightly. "Where did you come from? I drove and drove until I was so tired--I couldn't stand it, and so we stopped to rest." She held out a cordial hand, and he took it gravely. Then Treasure turned upon them, and said, "Why, you here? I was--enjoying that--beautiful view." "Yes, I noticed that you were wrapped up in it. Had you a pleasant ride?" "Oh, lovely. But I am not used to driving, and I got so tired. I don't believe I can ever get the thing home." "Maybe your sister can--" "Oh, Treasure will not drive. She is afraid of motors." "Maybe I can take you home." "Oh, we want to walk. We are so stiff from riding. But won't you please take the car in--we feel like walking ourselves--it will do us good." He looked at them keenly. "Do you want some chocolate?" The girls accepted it gratefully. "Suppose we go on to the Haunted House, and let the old grouch give us some tea? I feel rather weak. Don't you?" he suggested finally. "Very," they said with sincerity. "But father will find out--I mean--they will worry about us. We have been gone--quite a while," protested Treasure. "He will not worry. He knows nobody would hurt nice little preacher girls like you. I am willing--more than willing--to take the car home, but I've got to find a place to leave my horse, and I've got to have some tea. Is it a bargain or not? You come with me for tea, I take you home--and I will try to sneak you in the back way so your father will not catch you. But no tea, no sneak." Zee stood up. "Treasure, you may sit here and be ministerial if you like. I want some tea." "That is something like. Now, you drive the car down the road to the rustic gate, and--" "Who, me? I am tired of driving. I guess I won't go after all." "Well, then you girls must sit in the back seat and lead the horse. I shall drive slowly." "I feel more like walking. I do not want to ride." "It is a mile and a half, and you've got to get home some time. Don't be silly. I know how to handle a car." So in quivering fear the girls stepped in and he gave Zee the bridle. Then he started the car--the treacherous, ungrateful thing!--it went off as smoothly and gently as a perfect lady. How tenderly Zee thought at that moment of the Jersey they did not choose. Down the road they went very slowly, then up a long winding trail among the trees by the creek to the Haunted House, an old-fashioned rambling building with vines and flowers running riot in every direction. "Maybe he will not like it. He has a terrible disposition, you know."