Part 18 (1/2)
”On our feet-didn't we, d.i.c.kie?” responded Master Willie.
”Yep,” said d.i.c.kie.
”Oh, dear me! Toodles will hurt that cat!” cried Madge. ”One of you boys run and save her-save kitty!” she begged.
But as the youngsters started off as per direction, the cat turned savagely upon Toodles. She snarled like a wildcat, leaped for his fur-covered back, and laid in with her claws in a way that made the pup yell with fright and pain.
”Oh, never mind the cat! Help Toodles! Help Toodles!” wailed Madge, seeing her pet in such dire trouble.
The youngsters stopped with disgust, as Toodles went kiting up the hill, yelping.
”Pshaw!” exclaimed Willie. ”Toodles don't need helpin'. Did'ye ever see such a dog? What he needs is a nurse-don't he, d.i.c.kie?”
”Yep,” declared the oracular d.i.c.kie, with emphasis.
Heavy dropped down on the gra.s.s and rolled. As the cat had quickly returned from the chase, Madge and Helen joined her. It was too funny.
The ”terrible twins” were just slipping out of the gate, when Ruth called to them.
”Don't go yet, boys. Are you having a good time?”
”We ain't allowed in here,” said Willie.
”Who told you so?”
”The short, fat man with the squinty eyes and the cane,” declared Willie, in a matter of fact way.
”Short-fat-squinty-- My goodness! I wonder if he can mean my father?”
exclaimed Madge, inclined to be offended.
”But you can stand there and talk with us,” said Ruth, strolling toward the boys. ”So you are having a nice time at Mr. Caslon's?”
”Bully-ain't we, d.i.c.kie?”
”Yep,” agreed the echo.
”And you won't be glad to go back to the orphanage when you have to leave here?”
”Say, who ever was glad to go to a 'sylum?” demanded Willie, with scorn.
”And you can't remember any other home, either of you?” asked Ruth, with pity.
”Huh! we 'member just the same things. Our ages is just alike, they be,”
said Willie, with scorn.
”They have you there, Ruth,” chuckled Heavy.
Ruth Fielding was really interested in the two youngsters. ”And you are all alone in the world?” she pursued.
”Nope. We gotter sister.”