Ruddy blew a cloud of smoke through his nose to let Desire see that he could do it. “Pooh! It was Farmer Joseph’s cart that I was following when the dog came running through the hedge.” He threw away his cigarette. “Going to toss up the pigeon while there’s some light left.” To Desire this was the crowning marvel--that a boy could tie a message to a bird and tell it where to go. She watched Ruddy scrawl on the thin slip of paper and tiptoed to see the slate-blue wings beat high and higher towards the clouds. When it was no more than a speck, the Pucklike figure started laughing. “What’s the matter?” asked Teddy. “I was picturing Ma’s face when Pa comes in and shows her.” “What did you write?” “That I wouldn’t be home and that I’d found Hal’s princess.” “But you didn’t tell her where we are, or anything like that?” “I gave her Farmer Joseph’s address; it was written on the cart.” “You ass! Hal may catch us because of that.” Ruddy looked crestfallen; then he brightened. “No fear. Ma won’t tell Hal till she’s come to see for herself.” Desire had sunk back upon the bed of bracken. “Oh, dear, I’m so hungry. My shoes is full of stockings and I can’t go any further. Poor Teddy’s tired, too; and I wouldn’t let a strange boy carry me. It wouldn’t be modest.” Her escort drew away to consult in whispers as to what was to be done for her. “Good egg!” Ruddy tossed his cap into the air. “I’ve got it. I’ve always wanted to do it. It’s a warm night and it won’t hint her. Let’s camp out. I’ll go and buy some grub--be back inside of an hour.” Desire clapped her hands. “Just like knights and fair ladies in a forest! Oh, Teddy, it’ll be grand!” There was nothing else to do. Farmer Joseph would soon be out searching. Ware seemed an interminable distance. The boys counted their money, and the red-headed rescuer tramped off sturdily to purchase food. Long after he had disappeared, they could hear his jaunty whistling. “Teddy, let me cuddle closer. You weren’t jealous, were you?” “Jealous!” “Of the boy who threw the stone.” “Of course I wasn’t.” She laughed secretly, and pressed her face against his shoulder. “Oh, you! You were, just the same as you were jealous of Bones.” “Bones was a dog. How silly you are, Princess.” “Not silly.” Her voice sounded far away and elfin. “You want me to like only you. You wish he hadn’t come; now don’t you?” It was Teddy’s turn to laugh. Was it true? He didn’t know. “It is nicer, isn’t it, to be just by our two selves?” “Heaps nicer,” she whispered. “But, oh, I am hungry. Let’s talk to make me forget.” “You talk,” he said. “Tell me about your mother. She must be very good to have a little girl like you.” “My beautiful mother!” She clasped her hands against her throat.