eam when a flying white-faced figure dashed into their midst,
chattering confusedly and almost weeping.

"Oh, what shall we do, what shall we do!" gasped Angela. "Guard found
them. They are in there, dead or asleep. I don't know which. He is
sniffing at their pockets. There are three of them, and he won't let them
go, and it is Cousin Charlotte's cloth. I recognised it hanging out of
his pocket, the one Anna wrapped the patties in--"

"_What are you talking about?_" demanded Esther, grasping Angela by the
arm. "Don't be so frightened. What has happened?"

Angela tried to be calmer and more coherent. "There are three boys asleep
in the very place where we were going. Guard found them. He was sniffing
at their pockets when I got there, and he _wouldn't_ come away, and--I
believe they are the thieves that stole our lunch. One had a bit of white
sticking out of his pocket, and Guard sniffed at it and pulled it out, and
I am certain it is Cousin Charlotte's doyley! Oh, Esther, what shall we
do? Shall we go away, or--or shall we--"

"Go away!" cried Esther, scornful and indignant. "No, indeed, except to
fetch a policeman. I am going to tax them with it, and hear what they
have to say. What boys are they, do you know?"

"I believe I have seen them at 'Four Winds,' but I don't know their
names--but, Esther, do you think it is safe to accuse them--"

"Safe!" cried Esther scornfully. "What is there to be afraid of?
If there was anything I shouldn't care. I am not going to let them get
off scot-free, nasty, wicked thieves. They have spoilt our day, too, and
all our fun. Let's be quick and catch them before they manage to escape."

The four turned and hurried to the spot. As they drew near they heard now
and again a low growl from Guard, then voices half-whimpering,
half-bullying. "Get away, get away you ugly great thing. You leave me
alone."

Esther's and Penelope's eyes lightened at the scent of battle.

"Oh, don't let them hurt poor Guard!" pleaded Poppy piteously.

"No, dear, they won't hurt him. They are horribly afraid of him, really,
I expect. Perhaps you had better stay here. Would you rather?"

But Poppy clung close, begging not to be left. If there was to be battle
she was not going to let her sisters face it alone.

There was not much battle left, though, in the three young scamps Guard
was keeping prisoners. The sight of the big, angry-looking dog, and the
knowledge that they wer