"I'd rather stay with you, if you don't mind," she said. "I--I expect you'll think I'm an awful coward--but I simply daren't go on alone. I'll help you search as we go along; and do tell me how it all happened--how the Pumpkin came back."
So, as the three of them moved off down the lane, Jack and Molly recounted something of what had happened. They did not talk much about themselves, but related the main incidents of the Pumpkin's return. Their companion listened eagerly, putting in a hurried question every now and then. When they had finished she said:
"Well, I do think it's plucky of you. To search like this--in a strange land. I--I feel quite ashamed of myself for being so scared just now. We all have to take our chance. Do let me help you search this bit of lane. And afterward, I'll go to the City and ask to be given a part to search too. How far do you intend to search to-day?"
"We thought of trying to get as far as the other side of the Goblin's Heath," said Jack.
"Oh, you'll never be able to do that before nightfall!" the girl exclaimed. "It's a very big Heath. I wonder--would you care to stay at our house to-night? Mother and I would be only too proud to have you, if you'd care...."
"It's very good of you," said Molly. "Perhaps----"
"Well, wait until you see mother, if you'd prefer that," said the girl. "Wait until you see our house. I know I shouldn't care to promise to stay with anyone until I'd seen where they lived. In a strange country too."
She had added this, seeing that Jack and Molly hesitated. But they were more than half-persuaded, because she spoke so reasonably and frankly.
They continued to search the Third Green Lane thoroughly; the afternoon wore on, and the shadows of eventide began to fall.
Presently the girl said, "We are near the end of the lane now. Round the next turning you will see my house."
So far the search had been in vain, and Jack and Molly were beginning to feel very tired, as the lane had been long and difficult.
"We must have been two hours searching this lane," said Molly. "Will your mother be getting anxious about you?"
The girl shook her head. "And she won't even be cross when she sees that I've brought visitors home with me. You will come in, won't you?" she asked, "and we can all have tea together."