Chapter Thirteen‘Hurry up!’ I raced downhill toward the O’Connells’ party, forgetting all about my sore muscles.
I lost control on the slope and careered onwards, waving my arms and shouting incoherently. Mrs O’Connell’s welcoming smile quickly turned to concern. I toppled over altogether and slid the rest of the way down the mountain. Realising the danger, I shut my mouth against the thick layer of leaf litter, soil, and bugs that carried me onwards.
I fetched up almost at Mrs O’Connell’s feet, and she patted my arms and legs to check for broken bones before helping me up. Patrick and Matilda were close behind me, but had managed to remain upright. We were all filthy, but so were the others.
‘Here you are at last!’ said Mrs O’Connell. ‘What a bonny sight!’
I didn’t have time to check
