"Eels couldn't have done that slicker!" commented Ephraim, in
surprise. For, behold! his arms were empty and the flash of twinkling
legs along the garden path pointed whither his charges had fled. "Here
they were and here they aren't, and whatever scared them that way is
more than I can see."

Indeed, though he shaded his eyes with his hand and made a prolonged
examination of the outlook, nothing different from ordinary was
visible; and, after a moment's reflection, he sought Aunt Sally and
reported:

"Well, Mrs. Benton, I 'low I'm doomed to that dose of picra, for
I--I---- You see----"

"Ephraim Ma'sh, where's them children?"

"That's just exactly what I'd like to know myself, neighbor."

"Huh! You needn't go 'neighborin'' me, if that's all you're worth.
Tryin' fool capers like a boy, ain't you? Think it was terr'ble clever
to cut strings that I'd took the trouble to tie and then settin' them
youngsters free. Well, all I have to say is that you've done more harm
than you can undo in a hurry, and that's the true word," retorted the
indignant matron, beating a bowlful of eggs as she would have enjoyed
beating him just then.

Ephraim crossed the kitchen and laid one hand on her shoulder,
saying:

"Come, Sally, let's quit chasing about the bush. There's something
more in this nonsense than appears, and if you're a true and loyal
friend to this family I'm another as good. Two heads are better than
one, you know----"

"Even if one belongs to a silly old feller like you? H'm Ephraim,
you're right! There is somethin' more'n shows outside. That candy was
a bait, a trap, a lure, a--anything you choose; and I do hope the
little fellers are safer'n I fear they be. If I catch 'em again, for
their good----My suz! Here they're comin' back of their own free will
and wonder ain't ceased!"

Indeed, as swiftly as they had scampered away, the lads were returning
and burst into the kitchen, crying with what little breath they had
left:

"Aunt Sally, lock me up! Lock us up tight! Quick--quick! I seen him!
He'll do it! My mother says Antonio always does do things, he does!
Quick, quick!"

"Lock up, quick!"

Ned and the echo swung round behind the matron's capacious person and
rolled themselves in the folds of her full skirt, which performance
hid them from the view of anyone outside and as effectually interfered
with her movements.

But she had now caught something of their excitement, and their appeal
to her protec