"Poor Peter," began George.
"Please, sir, I've bin found," said a meek voice behind him, at which
George turned round with a start--still supporting his mother.
Mrs Brown, perceiving the ludicrous nature of the remark, began to grow
violent on the sofa, and to kick a little. Then Mrs Sudberry asked for
each of the missing ones individually--sobbing between each question--
and at each sob Tilly's sympathetic bosom heaved, and Mrs Brown gave a
kick and a subdued scream. Then George began to tell the leading
features of their misfortunes rapidly, and Mrs Brown listened intently
until Mrs Sudberry again sobbed, when Mrs Brown immediately
recollected that she was in hysterics, and recommenced kicking.
"But where _are_ they?" cried Mrs Sudberry, suddenly.
"I was just coming to that--they're at old Moggy's hut, drying
themselves and resting."
"Oh! I'll go down at once. Take me there."
Accordingly, the poor lady threw on her bonnet and shawl and set off
with George for the cottage, leaving Mrs Brown, now relieved from all
anxiety, kicking and screaming violently on the sofa, to the great alarm
of Hobbs, who just then returned from his fruitless search.
"My son, my darling!" cried Mrs Sudberry, as she rushed into the
cottage, and clasped Jacky in her arms. She could say no more, and if
she had said more it could not have been heard, for her appearance
created dire confusion and turmoil in the hovel. The lost and found
wanderers started up to welcome her, the little dog sprang up to bark
furiously and repel her, and the old woman ran at her, screaming, with
intent to rescue Jacky from her grasp. There was a regular scuffle, for
the old woman was strong in her rage, but George and Fred held her
firmly, though tenderly, back, while Mr Sudberry hurried his alarmed
spouse and their child out of the hut, and made for home as fast as
possible. Lucy followed with George almost immediately after, leaving
Fred to do his best to calm and comfort the old woman. For his humane
efforts Fred received a severe scratching on the face, and was compelled
to seek refuge in flight.