"By the way," Ben added with a wink, "I was looking out my window about midnight last night and could'a sword I saw you two running in and out of the shadows like a pirate was chasing you." " ?" said Brian, with a nervous laugh. "You know John wouldn't let us be out that late," Michele assured him in her best acting manner. "Why he'd restrict us for a week," she added for good measure. "Not if he didn't know . . . not if he didn't know!" Ben bellowed at them. Michele herded the younger kids toward the door. Brian waved good-bye and followed them as fast as he could."