d, and the entire party strode in single file along a
narrow path, which led away in a westerly direction over Peg-Top Moor.

CHAPTER VI.

WITHOUT HER TREASURE.

"There is a great fuss made about it all," said Polly.

This was her remark when her father left the pleasant picnic dinner and
drove away over the moor in search of Flower.

"There is a great fuss made over it all. What is Flower more than any
other girl? Why should she rule us all, and try to make things
uncomfortable for us? No, David, you need not look at me like that. If
Flower has got silly Australian notions in her head, she had better get
rid of them as fast as possible. She is living with English people now,
and English people all the world over won't put up with nonsense."

"It isn't Flower's ways I mean," said David. "Her ways and her thoughts
aren't much, but it's--it's when she gets into a passion. There's no
use talking about it--you have done it now, Polly!--but Flower's
passions are awful."

David's eyes filled slowly with tears.

"Oh, you are a cry-baby," said Polly. She knew she was making herself
disagreeable all round. In her heart she admired and even loved David;
but nothing would induce her to say she was sorry for any part she had
taken in Flower's disappearance.

"Everything is as tiresome as possible," she said, addressing her
special ally, Maggie. "There, Mag, you need not stare at me. Your brain
will get as small as ever again if you don't take care, and I know
staring in that stupid way you have is particularly weakening to the
brain. You had better help George to pack up, for I suppose Nell is
right, and we must all begin to think of getting home. Oh, dear, what a
worry it is to have to put up with the whims of other people. Yes, I
understand at last why father hesitated to allow the strangers to come
here."

"I wouldn't grumble any more, if I were you, Polly," said Helen. "See
how miserable David looks. I do hope father will soon find Flower. I did
not know that David was so very fond of her."

"David is nervous," retorted Polly, shortly. Then she turned to and
packed in a vigorous manner, and very soon after the little party
started on their return walk home. It was decidedly a dull walk. Polly's
gay spirits were fitful and forced; the rest of the party did not
attempt to enjoy themselves. David lagged quite behind the others; and
poor Maggie confided to George that somehow or other, she could not tell
why,