“I’m sure I beg pardon, Miss Ruth,” said the policeman, turning redder than ever. “I thought they’d know something about the burglary if anybody did, seeing that they’ve been at the houseboat before. I had no sort of idea they were friends of yours.”
“Of course they are,” said Captain Nancy, coming into the camp and dumping a bundle of tent poles. “They’ve never had anything to do with Uncle Jim’s houseboat. You go away back to Uncle Jim and tell him so. Or shall we take his boat and keep him prisoner?” she added, turning to John.
“No, don’t do that, Miss Ruth,” said the policeman. “Not today. I’ve got to row right down to the foot of the lake.”
Peggy Blackett came along the path from the harbour, with a huge white bundle on her shoulder, followed by Titty and Roger with blankets and a bundle of fishing rods.
“Hullo, Sammy,” she said. “What are you doing here?”
“It was all a mistake, miss,” said the policeman.
“Run away, Sammy, and don’t make those mistakes again,” said Nancy.
The big policeman went down to his boat again and pushed off.
“Miss Ruth and Miss Peggy,” he begged, “don’t you say anything to mother.”
“All right, Sammy, not if you are good.”
He rowed quickly away.
“What did he want?” said Titty.
“Why was he frightened?” said Roger.