abours of
the afternoon.

The time passed quickly enough--too quickly.

It was a few minutes past one when, having adjusted my mask and slid my
nose into position, I got the booth upon my shoulders and stepped out
into the road.

"Come along," I said encouragingly.

"I'm afraid. Oh, there's something coming."

"Nonsense! I wish I hadn't packed that bludgeon."

"I'm nervous, Punch."

"Will you make me drag you along by the hair of your head? Of course,
it'd be in the picture right enough, but I rather want two hands for
this infernal booth. However, let me once get a good grip on that soft
pigtail--"

"What--again?"

"Ah, that was in love, Judy."

The next second she had joined me on the white highway, the faithful
Toby a short pace behind her. His not to reason why. A good fellow,
Toby.

It was rather a nervous moment. But, in spite of an approaching
wagonette, she walked bravely beside me with the puppet-box under her
arm. The occupants of the vehicle began to evince great curiosity as
we drew nearer, but their mare caught sight of my nose at the critical
moment and provided an opportune diversion.

"So perish all our enemies!" she said with a sigh of relief.

"Stage-fright, Judy, dear. You'll be all right in a minute. We're
bound to excite interest. It's what we're for and what we want. I'll
keep it going. Give me your wootler."

She handed me the reed, and I held it ready between my lips.

"Buck up, lass!"

Ten minutes more and we entered the village. The grounds where the
fete was to be holden lay three-quarters of a mile further on. The
ball was opened by two small errand boys, on whose hands, as is usual
with the breed, time was lying heavily. They were engaged in deep
converse as we came up, and it was only when we were close upon them
that they became aware of our presence. For a few seconds they stared
at us, apparently rooted to the spot, and as if they could not believe
their good fortune. Then one broke into an explosive bellow of
delight, while the other ran off squeaking with excitement to find
other devils who should share the treasure-trove. But, unlike his
infamous predecessor, he was not content with seven. When he returned,
it was but as the van of a fast-swelling rabble. His erstwhile
companion, who had been backing steadily in front of me ever since he
left, and had, after a hurried consideration of the respective merits
of the booth and the box under J