`` He wo n't suffer , you know , '' comforted Phil , but Anne had fled . The fatal deed was done in the back porch . Nobody went near it that day . But at dusk Phil declared that Rusty must be buried . `` Pris and Stella must dig his grave in the orchard , '' declared Phil , `` and Anne must come with me to lift the box off . That 's the part I always hate . '' The two conspirators tip-toed reluctantly to the back porch . Phil gingerly lifted the stone she had put on the box . Suddenly , faint but distinct , sounded an unmistakable mew under the box . `` He -- he is n't dead , '' gasped Anne , sitting blankly down on the kitchen doorstep . `` He must be , '' said Phil incredulously . Another tiny mew proved that he was n't . The two girls stared at each other . `` What will we do ? '' questioned Anne . `` Why in the world do n't you come ? '' demanded Stella , appearing in the doorway . `` We 've got the grave ready . ` What silent still and silent all ? ' '' she quoted teasingly . ''
` Oh , no , the voices of the dead Sound like the distant torrent 's fall , ' '' promptly counter-quoted Anne , pointing solemnly XXXXX the box .
Pris Rusty at in near on that to under with