Chapter 8 SNIFFER MAKES A PROMISE
　　George was feeling very lonely by the time the evening came. How had the others got on withouther? Had they missed her at all? Perhaps they hadn't even thought of her!
　　'Anyway, they didn't have you, Timmy!' said George. 'You wouldn't go off and leave me, wouldyou?'
　　Timmy pressed against her, glad to see that she was happier again. He wondered where the otherswere, and where they had gone to all day.
　　There was suddenly a clattering² of hooves in the stableyard and George flew to the door. Yes, theywere back! How should she behave? She felt cross and relieved and rather humble³ and glad all atonce! She stood there, not knowing whether to frown or to smile.
　　34
　　The others made up her mind for her. 'Hallo, George!' shouted Dick. 'We did miss you!'
　　'How's your head?' called Anne. 'I hope it's better!'
　　'Hallo!' called Henry. 'You ought to have come. We've had a super day!'
　　'Come and help us stable the horses, George,' shouted Julian. 'Tell us what you've been doing!'
　　Timmy had sped over to them, barking in delight. George found her legs running towards them too, awelcoming smile on her face.
　　'Hallo!' she called. 'Let me help! Did you really miss me? I missed you too.'
　　The boys were very relieved to see that George was herself again. Nothing more was said about herheadache! She busied herself unsaddling the horses and listening to their story of the day.
　　Then she told them about Sniffer and his patrins, and how she had given him a brand- newhandkerchief.
　　'But I'm sure he thinks he's got to keep it spotlessly clean!' she said. 'He never used it once when Iwas with him. There's the supper-bell, we'll only just be in time! Are you hungry?'
　　'You bet we are!' said Dick. 'Though after Mrs. Johnson's sandwiches I never thought I'd be able toeat any supper at all. How's Clip?'
　　'Never mind now. I'll tell you everything at supper,' said George. 'Do you want any help, Henry?'
　　Henry was surprised to hear George call her Henry instead of Henrietta. 'No thanks - er -George,' she said. 'I can manage.'
　　It was a very jolly supper-time that evening. The youngsters were set at a table by themselves, so theolder ones talked to their hearts' content.
　　Captain Johnson was very interested to hear about the old railway they had found. 'I never knew therewas anything like that on the moors,' he said. 'Though, of course, we've only been here about fifteenyears, so we don't know a great deal of the local history. You want to go and ask old Ben theblacksmith about that. He's lived here all his life, and a long life it is, for he's over eighty!'

分享到：