“Sweeper, lucky dog, eh, Jack, what?” said Mr. Waring-Gaunt, with a warm smile of admiration at the wholesome, sun-browned face. “Come along, Miss Nora--back in a short time, eh, what?” “Short time?” said Nora. “Not if I go. Not till we can't see the birds.” “Can't you come, Nora?” said Mrs. Waring-Gaunt, “I want to talk to you, and we'll drive to-day and let the men shoot. Where is Kathleen? Is she busy?” “Busy? We are all positively overwhelmed with work. But, oh, do go away, or I shall certainly run from it all.” “I am going in to get your mother to send you both out. Have you had a gun this fall? I don't believe you have,” said Mrs. Waring-Gaunt. “Not once. Yes, once. I had a chance at a hawk that was paying too much attention to our chickens. No, don't go in, Mrs. Waring-Gaunt, I beg of you. Well, go, then; I have fallen shamelessly. If you can get Kathleen, I am on too.” In a few moments Mrs. Waring-Gaunt returned with Kathleen and her mother. “Your mother says, Nora, that she does not need you a bit, and she insists on your coming, both of you. So be quick.” “Oh, Mother,” cried the girl in great excitement. “You cannot possibly get along without us. There's the tea for all those men.” “Nonsense, Nora, run along. I can do quite well without you. Larry is coming in early and he will help. Run along, both of you.” “But there isn't room for us all,” said Kathleen. “Room? Heaps,” said Mr. Waring-Gaunt. “Climb in here beside me, Miss Nora.” “Oh, it will be great,” said Nora. “Can you really get along, Mother?” “Nonsense,” said the mother. “You think far too much of yourself. Get your hat.” “Hat; who wants a hat?” cried the girl, getting in beside Mr. Waring-Gaunt. “Oh, this is more than I had ever dreamed, and I feel so wicked!” “All the better, eh, what?” “Here, Kathleen,” said Mrs. Waring-Gaunt, “here between us.” “I am so afraid I shall crowd you,” said the girl, her face showing a slight flush. “Not a bit, my dear; the seat is quite roomy. There, are you comfortable? All right, Tom. Good-bye, Mrs. Gwynne. So good of you to let the girls come.” In high spirits they set off, waving their farewell to the mother who stood watching till they had swung out of the lane and on to the main trail. CHAPTER XIII A DAY IN SEPTEMBER