 CHAPTER 10 HOME July had come, and haying begun. The little gardens were doing finely, and long summer days were full of pleasant hours. The house stood open from morning till night, and the lads lived out of doors, except at school time. The lessons were short, and there were many holidays, for the bars believed in cultivating healthy bodies by much exercise, and our short summers are best used in out-of-door work. Such a rosy, sunburned, hearty set as the boys became, such appetites as they had, such sturdy arms and legs, as outgrew jackets and trousers, such laughing and racing all over the place, such antics in house and barn, such adventures in the tramps over hill and dale, and such satisfaction in the hearts of the worthy bars. As they saw their flock prospering in mind and body, I cannot begin to describe. Only one thing was needed to make them quite happy, and it came when they least expected it. One barmy night when the little lads were in bed, the older ones bathing down at the brook, and Mrs. Barr undressing Teddy in her parlour, he suddenly cried out, Oh my Danny, and point it to the window where the moon shone brightly. No, Lubby, he is not there. It was the pretty moon, said his mother. No, no, Danny at that window, Teddy saw him, persisted baby, much excited. It might have been, and Mrs. Barr hurried to the window, hoping it would prove true, but the face was gone, and nowhere appeared any signs of a mortal boy. She called his name, ran to the front door with Teddy in his little shirt, and made him call too, thinking the baby voice might have more effect than her own. No one answered, nothing appeared, and they went back, much disappointed. Teddy would not be satisfied with the moon, and after he was in his crib, kept popping up his head to ask if Danny was not, tummin' soon. By and by he fell asleep, the lads trooped up to bed, the house grew still, and nothing but the chirp at the crickets broke the soft silence of the summer night. Mrs. Barr sat sewing, for the big basket was always piled with socks, full of potentuous holes, and thinking of the lost boy. She had described that baby had been mistaken, and did not even disturb Mr. Barr by telling him of the child's fancy, for the poor man got little time to himself till the boys were a bed, and he was busy writing letters. It was past ten when she rose to shut up the house, as she paused a minute to enjoy the lovely scene from the steps, something white caught her eye, and one of the hay-cocks scattered over the lawn. The children had been playing there all the afternoon, and fancying that Nan had left her hat as usual, Mrs. Barr went out to get it. But as she approached she saw that it was neither hat nor handkerchief, but a shirt sleeve with a brown hand sticking out of it. She hurried round the hay-cock, and there lay Dan fast asleep. Raggered, dirty, thin, and worn out he looked. One foot was bare, the other tied up in the old gingham jacket, which he had taken from his own back to use as a clumsy bandage, for some hurt. He seemed to have hidden himself behind the hay-cock, but in his sleep had thrown out the arm that had betrayed him. He sighed and muttered as if his dreams disturbed him, and once when he moved he groaned as if in pain, but still slept on quite spent with weariness. He must not lie here, said Mrs. Barr, and stooping over him she gently called his name. He opened his eyes and looked at her, as if she was a part of his dream, for he smiled and said drowsily, Mother Barr, I've come home. The look, the words, touched her very much, and she put her hand under his head to lift him up, saying in her cordial way, I thought you would, and I'm so glad to see you dad. He seemed to wake thoroughly then, and started up looking about him as if he suddenly remembered where he was, and doubted even that kind welcome. His face changed, and he said in his old rough way, I was going off in the morning, I only stopped to peek in as I went by. But why not come in, Dan? Didn't you hear us call you? Teddy saw and cried for you. Didn't suppose you'd let me in, he said, fumbling with a little bundle, which he had taken up as if going immediately. Try and see, with all Mrs. Barr answered, holding out her hand and pointing to the door, where the light shone hospitably. With a long breath, as if a load was off his mind, Dan took up a stout stick and began to limp towards the house, but stopped suddenly to say inquiringly, Mr. Barr won't like it, I ran away from page. He knows it and was sorry, but it will make no difference. Are you lame? asked Mrs. Joe, as he limped on again. Getting over a wall stone fell on my foot and smashed it, I don't mind, and he did his best to hide the pain each step cost him. Mrs. Barr helped him into her own room, and once there he dropped into a chair and laid his head back, white and faint, with weariness and suffering. My poor Dan, drink this, and then eat a little, you are at home now, and Mother Barr will take good care of you. He only looked up at her with eyes full of gratitude, as he drunk the wine she held to his lips, and then begun slowly to eat the food she brought him. Each mouthful seemed to put heart into him, and presently he began to talk, as if anxious to have her know all about him. Where have you been, Dan? she asked, beginning to get out some bandages. I ran off more and a month ago. Page was good enough, but too strict. I didn't like it, so I cut away down the river with a man who was going in his boat. That's why they couldn't tell where I'd gone. When I left the man, I worked for a couple of weeks with a farmer, but I thrashed his boy, and then the old man thrashed me, and I ran off again and walked here. All the way. Yes, the man didn't pay me, and I wouldn't ask for it. Took it out in beating the boy, and Dan laughed, yet looked ashamed, as he glanced at his ragged clothes and dirty hands. How did you live? It was a long, long tramp for a boy like you. Oh, I got unwell enough till I hurt my foot. Folks gave me things to eat, and I slept in barns and tramp by day. I got lost trying to make a shortcut, or I'd have been here sooner. But if you did not mean to come in and stay with us, what were you going to do? I thought I'd like to see Teddy again, and you, and then I was going back to my old work in the city. Only I was so tired, I went to sleep on the hay. I'd have been gone in the morning if you hadn't found me. Are you sorry I did? And Mrs Joe looked at him with a half merry, half reproachful look, as she knelt down to look at his wounded foot. The colour came up in Dan's face, and he kept his eyes fixed on his plate, as he said very low. No, ma'am, I'm glad I wanted to stay, but I was afraid you. He did not finish, for Mrs Barr interrupted him by an exclamation of pity, as she saw his foot, for it was seriously hurt. When did you do it? Three days ago, and you have walked on it in this state. I had a stick, and I washed it at every brook I came to, and one woman gave me a rag to put on it. Mr Barr must see and dress it at once, and Mrs Joe hastened into the next room, leaving the door ajar behind her, so that Dan heard all that passed. Fritz, the boy has come back. Who, Dan? Yes, Teddy saw him at the window, and he called to him, but he went away and hid behind the hay cocks on the lawn. I found him there just now fast asleep, and half dead with weariness and pain. He ran away from Page a month ago, and has been making his way to us ever since. He pretends that he did not mean to let us see him, but go on to the city, and his old work, after a look at us. It is evident, however, that the hope of being taken in has led him here through everything, and there is waiting to know if you will forgive and take him back. Did he say so? His eyes did, and when I waked him he said, like a lost child, Mother Barr, I've come home. I had in the heart to scold him, and just took him in like a poor little black sheep, come back to the foal. I may keep him, Fritz. Of course you may. This proves to me that we have a hold on the boy's heart, and I would no more send him away now than I would my own romp. Dan heard a soft little sound, as if Mrs. Joe thanked her husband without words, and in the instant silence that followed, two great tears that had slowly gathered in the boy's eyes brimmed over and rolled down his dusty cheeks. No one saw them, for he brushed them hastily away, but in that little pause I think Dan's old distrust for these good people vanished forever. The soft spot in his heart was touched, and he felt an impetuous desire to prove himself worthy of the love and pity that was so patient and forgiving. He said nothing, he only wished the wish, with all his might, resolved to try in his blind boyish way, and sealed his resolution with the tears which neither pain, fatigue nor loneliness could wring from him. Come and see his foot, I'm afraid it is badly hurt, that he is kept on three days through heat and dust, with nothing but water and an old jacket to bind it up with. I tell you Fritz, that boy is a brave lad, and will make a fine man yet. I hope so for your forsake, enthusiastic woman, your faith deserves success. Now I will go and see your little Spartan, where is he? In my room, but dear, you'll be very kind to him, no matter how gruff he seems. I am sure that is the way to conquer him. He won't bear sternness nor much restraint, but a soft word and infinite patience will lead him as it used to lead me. As if you ever liked this little rascal, cried Mr Barr, laughing, yet half angry at the idea. I was in spirit though I showed it in a different way. I seem to know by instinct how he feels, to understand what will win and touch him, and to sympathise with his temptations and faults. I am glad I do, for it will help me to help him, and if I can make a good man of this wild boy, it will be the best work of my life. God blessed the work and helped the worker. Mr Barr spoke now as earnestly as she had done, and both came in together to find Dan's head down upon his arm, as if he was quite overcome by sleep. But he looked up quickly, and tried to rise as Mr Barr said pleasantly. So you like Plumfield better than Page's farm? Well, let us see if we can get on more comfortably this time than we did before. Thank you, sir, said Dan, trying not to be gruff, and finding it easier than he expected. Now the foot. Ouch. This is not well. We must have Dr Firth tomorrow. Warm water, Joe, an old linen. Mr Barr bathed and bound up the wounded foot, while Mrs Joe prepared the only empty bed in the house. It was in the little guest chamber, leading from the parlour, and often used when the lads were poorly, for it saved Mrs Joe from running up and down, and the invalids could see what was going on. When it was ready, Mr Barr took the boy in his arms, and carried him in, helped him undress, laid him on the little white bed, and left him with another handshake, and a fatherly, good night, my son. Dan dropped asleep at once, and slept heavily for several hours. Then his foot began to throw an ache, and he awoke to toss about uneasily, trying not to groan lest anyone should hear him, for he was a brave lad, and did bear pain like a little Spartan, as Mr Barr called him. Mrs Joe had a way of flitting about the house at night, to shut the windows if the wind grew chilly, to draw mosquito curtains over Teddy, or look after Tommy, who occasionally walked in his sleep. The least noise waked her, and as she often heard imaginary robbers, cats, and conflagrations, the doors stood open all about, so her quick ear caught the sound of Dan's little moans, and she was up in a minute. He was just giving his hot pillow a despairing thump, when a light came glimmering through the hall, and Mrs Joe crept in, looking like a droll ghost, with her hair in a great knob on the top of her head, and a long gray dressing gown trailing behind her. Are you in pain, Dan? It's pretty bad, but I didn't mean to wake you. I'm a sort of owl, always flying about at night. Yes, your foot is like fire, the bandages must be wet again, and a way flap the maternal owl for more cooling stuff, and a great mug of ice water. Oh, that's so nice, sighed Dan. The wet bandages went on again, and a long draught of water killed his thirsty throat. There, now, sleep your best, and don't be frightened if you see me again, for I'll slip down by and by, and give you another sprinkle. As she spoke, Mrs Joe stooped to turn the pillow and smooth the bed clothes, went to her great surprise, Dan put his arm around her neck, drew her face down to his, and kissed her with a broken, thank you, ma'am, which said more than the most eloquent speech could have done, for the hasty kiss, the muttered words, meant, I'm sorry, I will try. She understood it, accepted the unspoken confession, and did not spoil it by any token of surprise. She only remembered that he had no mother, kissed the brown cheek half-hidden on the pillow, as if ashamed of the little touch of tenderness, and left him saying what he long remembered. You are my boy now, and if you choose, you can make me proud and glad to say so. Once again, just at dawn, she stole down to find him so fast asleep, that he did not wake, and showed no sign of consciousness, as she wet his foot, except that the lines of pain smoothed themselves away, and left his face quite peaceful. The day was Sunday, and the house so still that he never waked till near noon, and, looking round him, saw an eager little face peering in at the door. He held out his arms, and Teddy tore across the room, to cast himself bodily upon the bed, shouting, My Danny's tum, as he hugged and wriggled with delight. Mrs. Barr appeared next, bringing breakfast, and never seeming to see how shame-faced Dan looked at the memory of the little scene last night. Teddy insisted on giving him his breakfast, and fed him like a baby, which, as he was not very hungry, Dan enjoyed very much. Then came the doctor, and the poor Spartan had a bad time of it, for some of the little bones in his foot were injured, and putting them to rights was such a painful job, that Dan's lips were white, and great drops stood on his forehead, though he never cried out, and only held Mrs. Joe's hand so tight that it was red long afterwards. You must keep this boy quiet for a week at least, and not let him put his foot to the ground. By that time, I shall know whether he may hop a little with a crutch, or stick to his bed for a while longer, said Dr. Firth, putting up the shining instruments that Dan did not like to see. It will get well some time, won't it? he asked, looking alarmed at the word crutches. I hope so, and with that the doctor departed, leaving Dan much depressed, for the loss of the foot is a dreadful calamity to an active boy. Don't be troubled, I am a famous nurse, and we will have you tramping about, as well as ever, in a month, said Mrs. Joe, taking a hopeful view of the case. But the fear of being lame haunted Dan, and even Teddy's caresses, did not cheer him, so Mrs. Joe proposed that one or two of the boys should come in and pay him a little visit, and ask whom he would like to see. Nat and Demi, I'd like my hat too, there's something in it, I guess they'd like to see. I suppose you threw away my bundle, Applunder, said Dan, looking rather anxious, as he put the question. No, I kept it, for I thought they must be treasures of some kind. You took such care of them, and Mrs. Joe brought him his old straw hat, stuck full of butterflies and beetles, and a handkerchief containing a collection of odd things picked up on his way. Birds' eggs, carefully done up in moss, curious shells and stones, bits of fungus, and several little crabs in a state of great indignation at their imprisonment. Could I have something to put these fellows in? Mr. Hyde and I found them, and they are first-rate ones, so I'd like to keep and watch them, can I? asked Dan, forgetting his foot, and laughing to see the crabs go sidling and backing over the bed. Of course you can, Polly's old cage will be just the thing, don't let them nip Teddy's toes while I get it, and away went Mrs. Joe, leaving Dan overjoyed to find that his treasures were not considered rubbish and thrown away. Nat, Demi, and the cage arrived together, and the crabs were settled in their new house, to the great delight of the boys, who in the excitement of the performance forgot any awkwardness they might otherwise have felt in greeting the runaway. To these admiring listeners, Dan related his adventures much more fully than he had done to the bars. Then he displayed his plunder, and described each article so well, that Mrs. Joe, who had retired to the next room to leave them free, was surprised and interested, as well as amused at their boyish chatter. How much the lad knows of these things, how absorbed he is in them, and what a mercy it is just now, for he cares so little for books. It would be hard to amuse him while he is laid up, but the boys can supply him with beetles and stones to any extent, and I am glad to find out this taste of his, it is a good one, and may perhaps prove the making of him. If he should turn out a great naturalist, and net a musician, I should have caused to be proud of this year's work, and Mrs. Joe sat smiling over her book, as she built castles in the air, just as she used to do when a girl, only then they were for herself, and now they were for other people, which is the reason perhaps, that some of them came to pass in reality for charity, is an excellent foundation to build anything upon. Nat was most interested in the adventures, but Demi enjoyed the beetles and butterflies immensely, drinking in the history of their changeful little lives, as if it were a new and lovely thought a fairy tale for. Even in his plain way, Dan told it well, and found great satisfaction in the thought that here at least, the small philosopher could learn of him. So interested were they in the account of catching a musk rate, whose skin was among the treasures, that Mr. Barr had to come himself to tell Nat and Demi it was time for the walk. Dan looked so wistfully after them, as they ran off, that Father Barr proposed carrying him to the sofa, in the parlour for a little change of air and scene. When he was established and the house quiet, Mrs. Joe, who sat near by showing teddy pictures, said, in an interested tone, as she nodded towards the treasures, stilling Dan's hands. Where did you learn so much about these things? I always liked them, but didn't know much till Mr. Hyde told me. Oh, he was a man who lived round in the woods, studying these things, I don't know what you call him, and wrote about frogs, and fishes, and so on. He stayed at pages, and used to want me to go and help him, and it was great fun, because he told me ever so much, and was uncommon jolly and wise, hope I'll see him again sometime. I hope you will, said Mrs. Joe. The Dan's face had brightened up, and he was so interested in the matter, that he forgot his usual tacitinity. Why, he could make birds come to him, and rabbits and squirrels, didn't mind him any more than if he was a tree. Did you ever tickle a lizard with a straw, asked Dan, eagerly? No, but I should like to try it. Well, I've done it, and it's so funny to see him turn over and stretch out, they like it so much. Mr. Hyde used to do it, and he'd make snakes listen to him while he whistled, and he knew just when certain flowers would blow, and bees wouldn't sting him, and he'd tell the wonderfulest things about fish and flies, and the Indians, and the rocks. I think you were so fond of going with Mr. Hyde, you rather neglected Mr. Page, said Mrs. Joe, slyly. Yes, I did. I hated to have to weed and hoe when I might be tramping round with Mr. Hyde. Page thought such things silly, and called Mr. Hyde crazy because he'd lay hours watching a trout or a bird. Suppose you say lie instead of lay. It is Vettogramma, said Mrs. Joe, very gently, and then added. Yes, Page is a thorough farmer, and would not understand that a naturalist's work was just as interesting, and perhaps just as important as his own. Now, Dan, if you really love these things, as I think you do, and I'm glad to see it, you shall have time to study them and books to help you. But I want you to do something besides, and to do it faithfully, else you will be sorry by and by and find that you have got to begin again. Yes, ma'am, said Dan, meekly, and looked a little scared by the serious tone of the last remark, for he hated books, yet had evidently made up his mind to study anything she proposed. Do you see that cabinet with twelve drawers in it? Was the next very unexpected question. Dan did see two old-fashioned ones standing on either side of the piano. He knew them well, and had often seen nice bits of string, nails, brown paper, and such useful matters come out of the various drawers. He nodded and smiled. Mrs. Joe went on. Well, don't you think those drawers would be good places to put your eggs and stones and shells and lichens? Oh, splendid! But you wouldn't like my things cluttering round, as Mr. Page used to say. Would you, cried Dan, sitting up to survey the old piece of furniture with sparkling eyes? I like litter of that sort, and if I didn't, I should give you the drawers, because I have a regard for children's little treasures, and I think they should be treated respectfully. Now, I am going to make a bargain with you, Dan, and I hope you will keep it honorably. Here are twelve good-sized drawers, one for each month of the year, and they shall be yours as fast as you earn them, by doing the little duties that belong to you. I believe in rewards of a certain kind, especially for young folks. They help us along, and though we may begin by being good for the sake of the reward, if it is rightly used, we shall soon learn to love goodness for itself. Do you have them? Asked Dan, looking as if this was new talk for him. Yes, indeed, I haven't learned to get on without them yet. My rewards are not drawers or presents or holidays, but they are things which I like as much as you do the others. The good behavior and success of my boys is one of the rewards I love best, and I work for it as I want you to work for your cabinet. Do what you dislike, and do it well, and you get two rewards, one the prize you see and hold, the other the satisfaction of a duty cheerfully performed. Do you understand that? Yes, ma'am, we all need these little helps, so you shall try to do your lessons and your work. Play kindly with all the boys, and use your holidays well, and if you bring me a good report, or if I see and know it without words, for I'm quick to spy out the good little efforts of my boys, you shall have a compartment in the drawer for your treasures. See, some are already divided into four parts, and I will have the others made in the same way, a place for each week, and when the drawer is filled with curious and pretty things, I shall be as proud of it as you are Prouder. I think for in the pebbles, mosses, and gay butterflies, I shall see good resolutions carried out, conquered faults, and a promise well kept. Shall we do this, Dan? The boy answered with one of the looks which said much, for it showed that he felt and understood her wish and words, although he did not know how to express his interest and gratitude for such care and kindness. She understood the look, and seeing by the colour that flushed up to his forehead, that he was touched. As she wished him to be, she said no more about that side of the new plan, but pulled out the upper drawer, dusted it, and set it on two chairs before the sofa, saying briskly. Now let us begin at once by putting those nice beetles in a safe place. These compartments will hold a good deal, you see. I'd pin the butterflies and bugs round the sides. They will be quite safe there, and leave room for the heavy things below. I'll give you some cotton wool and clean paper and pins, and you can get ready for the week's work. But I can't go out to find any new things, said Dan, looking piteously at his foot. That's true, never mind. We'll let these treasures do for this week, and I dare say the boys will bring you loads of things if you ask them. They don't know the right sort, besides if I lay, no, lie here all the time. I can't work and study, and earn my draws. There are plenty of lessons you can learn lying there, and several little jobs of work you can do for me. Can I, and Dan looked both surprised and pleased. You can learn to be patient and cheerful in spite of pain and no play. You can amuse Teddy for me. Wine cotton. Read to me when I sew, and do many things without hurting your foot, which will make the days pass quickly, and not be wasted ones. Here Demi ran in with a great butterfly in one hand, and a very ugly little toad in the other. See, Dan, I found them, and ran back to give them to you. Aren't they beautiful ones? Panted Demi all out of breath. Dan laughed at the toad, and said he had no place to put him, but the butterfly was the beauty, and if Mrs. Joe would give him a big pin, he would stick it right up in the draw. I don't like to see the poor thing struggle on a pin. If it must be killed, let us put it out of pain at once with a drop of camphor, said Mrs. Joe, getting out the bottle. I know how to do it. Mr. Hyde always killed them that way, but I didn't have any camphor, so I used a pin, and Dan gently pulled a drop on the insect's head, when the pale green wings fluttered an instant, and then grew still. This dainty little execution was hardly over when Teddy shouted from the bedroom. Oh, the little traps are out, and the big ones eaten them all up. Demi and his aunt ran to the rescue and found Teddy dancing excitedly in a chair, while two little crabs were scuttling about the floor, having got through the wires of the cage. A third was clinging to the top of the cage, evidently in terror of his life, for below a sad yet funny sight. The big crab had wedged himself into the little recess, where Polly's cup used to stand, and there he sat, eating one of his relations in the coolest way. All the claws of the poor victim were pulled off, and he was turned upside down. His upper shell held him one claw close under the mouth of the big crab like a dish, while he leisurely ate out of it with the other claw, pausing now and then to turn his queer bulging eyes from side to side, and to put out a slender tongue and lick them in a way that made the children scream with laughter. Mrs. Joe carried the cage in for Dan to see the site, while Demi caught and confined the wanderers under an inverted wash bowl. I'll have to let these fellas go, for I can't keep them in the house, said Dan, with evident regret. I'll take care of them for you, if you will tell me how, and they can live in my turtle tank just as well as not, said Demi, who found them more interesting even than his beloved slow turtles. So Dan gave him directions about the wants and habits of the crabs, and Demi bore them a way to introduce them to their new home and neighbours. What a good boy he is, said Dan, carefully settling the first butterfly, and remembering that Demi had given up his walk to bring it to him. He ought to be, for a great deal has been done to make him so. He's had folks to tell him things, and to help him. I haven't, said Dan, with a sigh thinking of his neglected childhood, a thing he seldom did, and feeling as if he had not had fair play, somehow. I know it, dear, and for that reason I don't expect as much from you as from Demi, though he is younger. You shall have all the help that we can give you now, and I hope to teach you how to help yourself in the best way. Have you forgotten what Father Barr told you when you were here before about wanting to be good, and asking God to help you? No, ma'am, very low. Do you try that way still? No, ma'am, lower still. Will you do it every night to please me? Yes, ma'am, very soberly. I shall depend on it, and I think I shall know if you are faithful to your promise. For these things always show to people who believe in them, though not a word is said. Now here is a pleasant story about a boy who hurt his foot, worse than you did yours. Read it, and see how bravely he bore his troubles. She put that charming little book, The Crofton Boys, into his hands, and left him for an hour, passing in and out from time to time, that he might not feel lonely. Dan did not love to read, but soon got so interested that he was surprised when the boys came home. Daisy brought him a nosegay of wild flowers, and then insisted on helping bring him his supper, as he lay on the sofa with the door open into the dining room, so that he could see the lads at table, and they could nod socially to him over their bread and butter. Mr. Barr carried him away to his bed early, and Teddy came in his nightgown to say good night, though he went to his little nest with the birds. I want to say my prayers to Danny, may I, he asked, and when his mother said, Yes, the little fellow knelt down by Dan's bed, and folding his chubby hands said softly, Please, Dod, best everybody, and help me to be dood. Then he went away smiling with sleepy sweetness over his mother's shoulder. But after the evening talk was done, the evening song sung, and the house grew still with beautiful Sunday silence. Dan lay in his pleasant room, wide awake, thinking new thoughts, feeling new hopes, and desires, stirring in his boyish heart. But two good angels had entered in. Love and gratitude began the work, which time and effort were to finish, and with an earnest wish to keep his first promise, Dan folded his hands together in the darkness, and softly whispered Teddy's little prayer, Please, God, bless everyone, and help me to be good. End of Chapter 10 For a week Dan only moved from bed to sofa. A long week and a hard one, for the hurt foot was very painful at times. The quiet days were very weary some to the active lad, longing to be out enjoying the summer weather, and especially difficult was it to be patient. But Dan did his best, and everyone helped him in their various ways. So the time passed, and he was rewarded at last by hearing the doctor say on Saturday morning, This foot is doing better than I expected. Give the lad the crutch this afternoon and let him stump about the house little. Hurray! shouted Nat, and raced away to tell the other boys the good news. Everybody was glad, and after dinner the whole flock assembled to behold Dan crutch himself up and down the hall a few times before he settled in the porch to hold a sort of levee. He was much pleased at the interest in goodwill shown him, and brightened up more and more every minute. For the boys came to pay their respects, the little girls fussed about him with stools and cushions, and Teddy watched over him as if he was a frail creature unable to do anything for himself. They were still sitting and standing about the steps when a carriage stopped at the gate. A hat was waved from it, and with a shout of Uncle Teddy, Uncle Teddy! Robbs scampered down the avenue as fast as his short legs would carry him. All the boys but Dan ran after him to see who should be first to open the gate, and in a moment the carriage drove up with boys swarming all over it, while Uncle Teddy sat laughing in the midst with his little daughter on his knee. Stop the triumphal car and let Jupiter descend, he said, and jumping out ran up the steps to meet Mrs. Bear, who stood smiling and clapping her hands like a girl. How go is it, Teddy? All right, Joe. Then they shook hands, and Mr. Laurie put Bess into her aunt's arms, saying as the child hugged her tight, Goldilocks wanted to see you so much that I ran away with her, for I was quite pining for a sight of you myself. We want to play with your boys for an hour or so, and to see how the old woman who lived in a shoe and had so many children she did not know what to do was getting on. I'm so glad. Play away and don't get into mischief, answered Mrs. Joe, as the lads crowded round the pretty child, admiring her long golden hair, dainty dress, and lofty ways, for the little princess, as they called her, allowed no one to kiss her, but sat smiling down upon them, and graciously patting their heads with her little, white hands. They all adored her, especially Rob, who considered her a sort of doll, and dared not touch her lest she should break, but worshipped her at a respectful distance, made happy by an occasional mark of favor from her little highness. As she immediately demanded to see Daisy's kitchen, she was born off by Mrs. Joe, with her train of small boys following. The others, all but Nat and Demi, ran away to the menagerie and gardens to have all in order, for Mr. Laurie always took a general survey, and looked disappointed if things were not flourishing. Standing on the steps, he turned to Dan, saying like an old acquaintance, though he had only seen him once or twice before. How was the foot? Better, sir. Rather tired of the house, aren't you? Guess I am. And Dan's eyes roved away to the green hills and woods where he longed to be. Suppose we take a little turn before the others come back. That big, easy carriage will be quite safe and comfortable, and a breath of fresh air will do you good. Get a cushion in shawl, Demi, and let's carry Dan off. The boys thought it a capital joke, and Dan looked delighted, but asked with an unexpected burst of virtue. Will Mrs. Bear like it? Oh, yes, we said all that a minute ago. You didn't say anything about it, so I don't see how you could, said Demi inquisitively. We have a way of sending messages to one another, without any words. It is a great improvement on the telegraph. I know its eyes. I saw you lift your eyebrows and nod toward the carriage, and Mrs. Bear laughed and nodded back again, cried Nat, who was quite at his ease with kind Mr. Laurie by this time. Right. Now then, come on. And in a minute, Dan found himself settled in the carriage. His foot on a cushion, on the seat opposite, nicely covered with a shawl, which fell down from the upper regions in a most mysterious manner just when they wanted it. Demi climbed up to the box beside Peter, the black coachman. Nat sat next to Dan in the place of honour, while Uncle Teddy would sit opposite to take care of the foot. He said, but really that he might study the faces before him both so happy yet so different, for Dan's was square and brown and strong, while Nat's was long and fair, and rather weak, but very amiable with his mild eyes and good forehead. By the way, I've got a book somewhere here that you might like to see, said the oldest boy of the party, diving under the seat, and producing a book which made Dan exclaim, Oh, by George isn't that a stunner? As he turned the leaves and saw fine plates of butterflies and birds and every sort of interesting insect coloured like life. He was so charmed that he forgot his thanks, but Mr. Laurie did not mind, and was quite satisfied to see the boy's eager delight, and to hear this exclamations over certain old friends as he came to them. Nat leaned on his shoulder to look, and Demi turned his back to the horses, and let his feet dangle inside the carriage so that he might join in the conversation. When they got among the beetles, Mr. Laurie took a curious little object out of his vest pocket, and laying it on the palm of his hand, said, There's a beetle that's that is thousands of years old. And then, while the Laddux examined the queer stone bug that looked so old and gray, he told them how it came out of the wrappings of a mummy after lying for ages in a famous tomb. Finding them interested, he went on to tell about the Egyptians and the strange and splendid ruins they have left behind them the Nile, and how he sailed up the mighty river with the handsome dark men to work his boat, how he shot alligators, saw wonderful beasts and birds, and afterwards crossed the desert on a camel, who pitched him about like a ship in a storm. Uncle Teddy tells stories most as well as Grandpa, said Demi approvingly, when the tale was done, and the boy's eyes asked for more. Thank you, said Mr. Laurie, quite soberly, for he considered Demi's praise worth having, for children are good critics in such cases, and to suit them is an accomplishment that anyone may be proud of. Here's another trifle or two that I tucked into my pocket as I was turning over my trap to see if I had anything that would amuse Dan. And Uncle Teddy produced a fine arrowhead and a string of wampum. Oh, tell about the Indians, cried Demi, who was fond of playing wigwam. Dan knows a lot about them, added Nat. More than I do, I dare say, tell us something, and Mr. Laurie looked as interested as the other two. Mr. Hyde told me he's been among them, and can talk their talk and like some, began Dan, flattered by their attention, but rather embarrassed by having a grown-up listener. What is wampum for? asked curious Demi from his perch. The others asked questions likewise, and before he knew it, Dan was reeling off all Mr. Hyde had told him as they sailed down the river a few weeks before. Mr. Laurie listened well, but found the boy more interesting than the Indians, for Mrs. Joe had told him about Dan, and he rather took a fancy to the wild lad who ran away as he himself had often longed to do, and who was slowly getting tamed by pain and patience. I've been thinking that it would be a good plan for you fellows to have a museum of your own, a place in which to collect all the curious and interesting things that you find, and make, and have given you. Mrs. Joe was too kind to complain, but it is rather hard for her to have the house littered up with all sorts of rattle traps, half a pint of doorbugs and one of her best vases, for instance, a couple of dead bats nailed up in the back entry, wafs, nests tumbling down on people's heads and stones lying round everywhere, enough to pave the avenue. There are not many women who would stand that sort of thing, are there now? As Mr. Laurie spoke with a merry look in his eyes, the boys laughed and nudged one another, for it was evident that someone told tales out of school, else how could he know of the existence of these inconvenient treasures? Where can we put them, then? said Demi, crossing his legs and leaning down to argue the question, in the old carriage-house. But it leaks, and there isn't any window, nor any place to put things, and it's all dust and cobwebs, began that. Wait till Gibbs and I have touched it up a bit, and then see how you like it. He is to come over on Monday to get it ready, then next Saturday I shall come out, and we will fix it up, and make the beginning, at last, of a fine little museum. Everyone can bring his things and have a place for them, and Dan is to be the headman, because he knows most about such matters, and it will be quiet, pleasant work for him now, that he can't knock about much. Won't that be jolly? cried Nat, while Dan smiled all over his face, and had not a word to say, but hugged his book, and looked at Mr. Laurie as if he thought him one of the greatest public benefactors that ever blessed the world. Shall I go round again, sir? asked Peter, as they came to the gate, after two slow turns about the half-mile triangle. No, we must be prudent, else we can't come again. I must go over the premises, take a look at the carriage-house, and have a little talk with Mrs. Joe before I go. And having deposited Dan on his sofa to rest and enjoy his book, Uncle Teddy went off to have a frolic with the lads who were raging about the place in search of him. Leaving the little girls to mess upstairs, Mrs. Bear sat down by Dan, and listened to his eager account of the drive till the flock returned, dusty, warm, and much excited about the new museum, which everyone considered the most brilliant idea of the age. I always wanted to endow some sort of institution, and I'm going to begin with this, said Mr. Laurie, sitting down on a stool at Mrs. Joe's feet. You have endowed one already, what do you call this? And Mrs. Joe pointed to the happy-faced lads who had camped upon the floor about him. I call it a very promising bear-garden, and I'm proud to be a member of it. Did you know I was the head boy in this school? He asked, turning to Dan, and changing the subject skillfully, for he hated to be thanked for the generous things he did. I thought Franz was, answered Dan, wondering what the man meant. Oh dear no, I'm the first boy Mrs. Joe ever had to take care of, and I was such a bad one that she isn't done with me yet, though she has been working at me for years and years. How old she must be, said Nat innocently. She began early, you see, poor thing. She was only fifteen when she took me, and I led her such a life it's a wonder she isn't wrinkled in gray and quite worn out. And Mr. Lori looked up at her laughing. Don't, Teddy, I won't have you abuse yourself so. And Mrs. Joe stroked the curly black head at her knee, as affectionately as ever, for, in spite of everything, Teddy was her boy still. If it hadn't been for you, there never would have been a plum field. It was my success with you, sir, that gave me courage to try my pet plan. So the boys may thank you for it, and name the new institution, the Lawrence Museum, in honor of its founder, won't we boys? She added, looking very like the lively Joe of old times. We will, we will, shouted the boys, throwing up their hats, for though they had taken them off on entering the house, according to rule, they had been in too much of a hurry to hang them up. I'm as hungry as a bear. Can't I have a cookie? Asked Mr. Lori, when the shout subsided, and he had expressed his thanks by a splendid bow. Trot out and asked Asia for the gingerbread box, Demi. It isn't in order to eat between meals, but on this joyful occasion, we won't mind and have a cookie all round, said Mrs. Joe. And when the box came, she dealt them out with a liberal hand, everyone munching away in a social circle. Suddenly, in the midst of a bite, Mr. Lori cried out, Bless my heart, I forgot Grandma Bundle! And running out to the carriage, returned with an interesting white parcel, which, being open, disclosed a choice collection of beasts, birds, and pretty things cut out of crisp, sugary cake, and baked a lovely brown. There's one for each, and a letter to tell which is whose. Grandma and Hannah made them, and I trembled to think what would have happened to me if I had forgotten to leave them. Then, amid much laughing and fun, the cakes were distributed, a fish for Dan, a fiddle for Nat, a book for Demi, a money for Tommy, a flower for Daisy, a hoop for Nan, who had driven twice round the triangle without stopping, a star for Emile, who put on airs because he studied astronomy, and best of all, an omnibus for Franz, whose great delight was to drive the family bus. Stuffy got a fat pig, and the little folks had birds and cats and rabbits with black current eyes. Now I must go. Where's my Goldilocks? Mama will come flying out to get her if I'm not back early. Said Uncle Teddy, when the last crumb had vanished, which is—it speedily did, you may be sure. The young ladies had gone into the garden, and while they waited till Franz looked them up, Joe and Lori stood at the door talking together. How does little Gitty Gatti come on, he asked, for Nan's pranks amused him very much, and he was never tired of teasing Joe about her. Nicely, she is getting quite mannerly, and begins to see the error of her wild ways. Don't the boys encourage her in them? Yes, but I keep talking, and lately she has improved much. You saw how prettily she shook hands with you, and how gentle she was with best. Daisy's example has its effect upon her, and I'm quite sure that a few months will work wonders. Here Mrs. Joe's remarks were cut short by the appearance of Nan tearing round the corner at a breakneck's pace, driving a meddlesome team of four boys, and followed by Daisy trundling best in a wheelbarrow. Hat off, hair flying, whip cracking, and barrow bumping. Up they came at a cloud of dust, looking as wild as set of little hoidins as one would wish to see. So these are the model children, are they? It's lucky I didn't bring Mrs. Curtis out to see her school for the cultivation of morals and manners. She would never have recovered from the shock of this spectacle, said Mr. Laurie, laughing at Mrs. Joe's premature rejoicing over Nan's improvement. Laugh away, I'll succeed yet, as you used to say at college, quoting some professor, though the experiment has failed, the principle remains the same, said Mrs. Bear, joining in merriment. I'm afraid Nan's example is taking effect upon Daisy instead of the other way. Look at my little princess. She has utterly forgotten her dignity, and is screaming like the rest. Young ladies, what does this mean? And Mr. Laurie rescued his small daughter from impending destruction, for the four horses were champing their bits and curving madly all about her, as she sat brandishing a great whip in both hands. We're having a race, and I beat, shouted Nan. I could have run faster, only I was afraid of spilling best, screamed Daisy. Hi, go long, cried the princess, giving such a flourish with her whip that the horses ran away, and were seen no more. My precious child, come away from this ill-mannered crew before you are quite spoiled. Goodbye, Joe. Next time I come, I shall expect to find the boys making patchwork. It wouldn't harm them a bit. I don't give in, mind you, for my experience always fail a few times before they succeed. Love to Amy and my blessed Marmy, called Mrs. Joe as the carriage drove away, and the last Mr. Laurie saw of her she was consoling Daisy for her failure by a ride in the wheelbarrow and looking as if she liked it. Great was the excitement all the week about the repairs in the carriage house, which went briskly on in spite of the incessant questions, advice, and meddling of the boys. Old Gibbs was nearly driven wild with it all, but managed to do his work nevertheless, and by Friday night the place was all in order roof-mended, shelves up, walls whitewash, and a great window cut at the back, which led in a flood of sunshine and gave them a fine view of the brook, the meadows, and the distant hills, and over the great door painted in red letters was the Lawrence Museum. All Saturday morning the boys were planning how it should be furnished with their spoils, and when Mr. Laurie arrived bringing in an aquarium which Mrs. Amy said she was tired of, their rapture was great. The afternoon spent in arranging things, and when the running, and lugging, and hammering was over, the ladies were invited to behold the institution. It certainly was a pleasant place, airy, clean, and bright, a hot vine shook its green bells round the open window, the pretty aquarium stood in the middle of the room, with some delicate water plants rising above the water, and goldfish showing their brightness as they floated to and fro below. On either side of the window were rows of shelves ready to receive the curiosities yet to be found. Dan's tall cabinet stood before the great door, which was fastened up, while the small door was to be used. On the cabinet stood a queer Indian idol, very ugly, but very interesting. Old Mr. Lawrence sent it, as well as fine Chinese junk in full sail, which had a conspicuous place on the long table in the middle of the room. Above, swinging in a loop, and looking as if she was alive, hung Polly, who died at an advanced age, had been carefully stuffed and was now presented by Mrs. Joe. The walls were decorated with all sorts of things, a snake's skin, a big wasp's nest, a birch bark canoe, a string of birds' eggs, wreaths of gray moss from the south, and a bunch of cotton pods. The dead bats had a place, also a large turtle shell, and an ostrich egg, presented proudly by Demi, who volunteered to explain these rare curiosities to guests whenever they liked. There were so many stones that it was impossible to accept them all. So only a few of the best were arranged among the shelves on the shelves. The rest were piled up in corners to be examined by Dan at his leisure. Everyone was eager to give something, even Silas, who went and sent home for a stuffed wild cat killed in his youth. It was rather moth-eaten and shabby, but on a high bracket and best side foremost the effect was fine, for the yellow glass eyes glared and the mouth snarled so naturally that Teddy shook in his little shoes at sight of it when he came bringing his most cherished treasure, one cocoon, to lay upon the Shrine of Science. Isn't it beautiful? I had no idea we had so many curious things. I gave that. Don't it look well? We might make a lot by charging something for letting folks see it. Jack added that last suggestion to the general chatter that went on as the family viewed the room. This is a free museum, and if there is any speculating on it I'll paint out the name over the door, said Mr. Laurie, turning so quickly that Jack wished he had held his tongue. Here, here, cried Mr. Bear. Speech, speech, added Mrs. Joe. Can't. I'm too bashful. You gave them a lecture yourself, you are used to it. Mr. Laurie answered, retreating towards the window, meaning to escape, but she held him fast and said laughing as she looked at the dozen pairs of dirty hands about her. If I did lecture it would be on the chemical and cleansing properties of soap. Come now, as the founder of the institution, you really ought to give us a few moral remarks and we will applaud tremendously. Seeing that there was no way of escaping, Mr. Laurie looked up at Polly hanging overhead, seemed to find inspiration in the brilliant old bird, and sitting down upon the table said in his pleasant way, There is one thing I'd like to suggest, boys, and that is, I want you to get some good, as well as much pleasure out of this. Just putting curious or pretty things here won't do it. So suppose you read up about them, so that when anybody asks questions you can answer them, and understand the matter. I used to like these things myself, and it should enjoy hearing about them now, for I've forgotten all I once knew. It wasn't much, was it, Joe? Here's Dan now, full of stories about birds and bugs and so on. Let him take care of the museum, and once a week the rest of you take turns to read a composition, or tell about some animal, mineral, or vegetable. We should all like that, and I think it would put considerable useful knowledge into our heads. What do you say, Professor? I like it much, and will give the lads all the help I can. But they will need books to read up these new subjects, and we have not many, I fear, began Mr. Bear, looking much pleased, planning many fine lectures on geology, which he liked. We should have a library for the special purpose. Is that a useful sort of book, Dan? Asked Mr. Laurie, pointing to the volume that lay open by the cabinet. Oh yes, it tells all I want to know about insects. I had it there here to see how to fix the butterflies right. I covered it so it is not hurt. And Dan caught it up, fearing the lender might think him careless. Give it here a minute, and pulling out his pencil, Mr. Laurie wrote Dan's name in it, saying, as he set the book up on one of the corner shelves, where nothing stood but a stuffed bird without a tail. There, that is the beginning of the museum library. I'll hunt up some more books, and Demi shall keep them in order. Where are those jolly little books we used to read, Joe? Insect architecture or some such name. All about ants having battles, and bees having queens, and crickets eating holes in our clothes and stealing milk and larks of that sort. In the garret at home, I'll have them sent out, and we will plunge into natural history with a will, said Mrs. Joe, ready for anything. Want to be hard to write about such things? Ask Nat, who hated compositions. At first, perhaps, but you will soon like it. If you think that hard, how would you like to have this subject given to you, as it was to a girl of thirteen? A conversation between Themistocles, Aristides, and Pericles on the proposed apparition of funds of the Confederacy of Delos for the ornamentation of Athens, said Mrs. Joe. The boys groaned at the mere sound of long names, and the gentlemen laughed at the absurdity of the lesson. Did she write it, asked Demi, in an austrican tone? Yes, but you can imagine what a piece of work she make of it, though she was rather a bright child. I'd like to have seen it, said Mr. Bear. Perhaps I can find it for you. I went to school with her, and Mrs. Joe looked so wicked that everyone knew who the little girl was. Hearing of this fearful subject for a composition quite reconciled the boys to the thought of writing about familiar things. Wednesday afternoon was appointed for the lectures, as they preferred to call them, for some chose to talk instead of write. Mr. Bear promised a portfolio in which the written productions would should be kept, and Mrs. Bear said she should attend the course with great pleasure. Then the dirty-handed society went off the wash, followed by the professor, trying to calm the anxiety of Rob, who had been told by Tommy that all water was full of invisible polywogs. I like your plan very much, only don't be too generous, Teddy, said Mrs. Bear, when they were left alone. You know most of the boys have got to paddle their own canoes when they leave us, and too much sitting in the lap of luxury will unfit them for it. I'll be moderate, but do let me amuse myself. I get desperately tired of business sometimes, and nothing freshens me up like a good frolic with your boys. I like that Dan very much, Joe. He isn't demonstrative, but he has the eye of a hawk, and when you have tamed him a little he will do you credit. I'm so glad you think so. Thank you very much for your kindness to him, especially for the museum affair. It will keep him happy while he is lame. Give me a chance to soften and smooth this poor rough lad and make him love us. What did inspire you with such a beautiful helpful idea, Teddy? Asked Mrs. Bear, glancing back at the pleasant room as she turned to leave it. Lori took both her hands and his, and answered with a look that made her eyes filled with happy tears. Dear Joe, I have known what it is to be a motherless boy, and I never can forget how much you and yours have done for me all these years. End of Chapter 11. There was a great clashing of tin pails, much running to and fro, and frequent demands for something to eat, one August afternoon, for the boys were going huckleberrying, and made as much stir about it as if they were setting out to find the northwest passage. Now, my lads, get off as quietly as you can, for Rob is safely out of the way and won't see you, said Mrs. Bear, as she tied Daisy's broad-brimmed hat, and settled the great blue pinafore in which she enveloped Nan. But the plan did not succeed, for Rob had heard the bustle, decided to go, and prepared himself without a thought of disappointment. The troop was just getting under way when the little man came marching downstairs with his best hat on, a bright tin pail in his hand, and a face beaming with satisfaction. Oh, dear, now we shall have a scene, sighed Mrs. Bear, who found her eldest son very hard to manage at times. I'm all ready, said Rob, and took his place in the ranks with such perfect unconsciousness of his mistake that it really was very hard to deceive him. It's too far for you, my love. Stay and take care of me, for I shall be all alone, began his mother. You've got Teddy. I'm a big boy, so I can go. You said I might when I was bigger, and I am now. Persisted Rob, with a cloud beginning to dim the brightness of his happy face. We are going up to the great pasture, and it's ever so far. We don't want you tagging on, cried Jack, who did not admire the little boys. I won't tag. I'll run and keep up. Oh, Mama, let me go. I want to fill my new pail, and I'll bring them all to you. Please, please, I will be good, prayed Robby, looking up at his mother, so grieved and disappointed that her heart began to fail her. But, my dearie, you'll get so tired and hot, you won't have a good time. Wait till I go, and then we will stay all day and pick as many berries as you want. You never do go. You are so busy, and I'm tired of waiting. I'd rather go and get the berries for you all myself. I love to pick them, and I want to fill my new pail druffly, sobbed Rob. The pathetic sight of great tears tinkling into the dear new pail, and threatening to fill it with salt water instead of huckleberries, touched all the ladies present. His mother patted the weeper on his back. Daisy offered to stay home with him, and Nan said, in her decided way, Let him come, I'll take care of him. If Franz was going, I wouldn't mind, for he is very careful, but he is hanging with the father, and I'm not sure about the rest of you. Began Mrs. Bear. It's so far, put in Jack. I'd carry him if I was going, wish I was, said Dan with a sigh. Thank you, dear, but you must take care of your foot. I wish I could go. Stop a minute. I think I can manage it after all, and Mrs. Bear ran out to the steps, waving her apron wildly. Silas was just driving away in the hay-cart, but turned back, and agreed at once, when Mrs. Joe proposed that he should take the whole party to the pasture, and go for them at five o'clock. It will delay your work a little, but never mind. We will pay you in Huckleberry Pies, said Mrs. Joe, knowing Silas's weak point. His rough brown face brightened up, and he said, with a cheery, Ha-ha! While now, Mrs. Bear, if you go to bribing of me, I shall give in right away. Now, boys, I have arranged it, so that you can all go, said Mrs. Bear, running back again, much relieved, for she loved to make them happy, and always felt miserable when she had disturbed the serenity of her little sons, for she believed that the small hopes and plans and pleasures of children should be tenderly respected by grown-up people, and never rudely thwarted or ridiculed. Can I go? said Dan, delighted. I thought especially of you. Be careful, and never mind the berries, but sit about and enjoy the lovely things which you know how to find all about you, answered Mrs. Bear, who remembered his kind offer to her boy. Me, too, me, too! sung Rob, dancing with joy, and clapping his precious pale in cover like castanets. Yes, and Daisy and Nan must take good care of you. Be at the bars at five o'clock, and Silas will come for you all. Robby cast himself upon his mother in a burst of gratitude, promising to bring her every berry he picked, and not eat one. Then they were all packed into the hay-cart, and went rattling away, the brightest face among the dozen being that of Rob, as he sat between his two temporary little mothers, beaming upon the whole world, and waving his best hat, for his indulgent mama had not the heart to bereave him of it, since this was a gala day to him. Such a happy afternoon as they had, in spite of the mishaps which usually occur on such expeditions. Of course Tommy came to grief, tumbled upon a hornet's nest, and got stung. But being used to woe, he bore the smart manfully, till Dan suggested the application of damp earth, which much assuaged the pain. Daisy saw a snake, and flying from it lost half her berries, but Demi helped her to fill up again, and discussed reptiles most learnedly the while. Ned fell out of a tree, and split his jacket down the back, but suffered no other fracture. A meal and jack established rival claims to a certain thick patch, and while they were squabbling about it, stuffy quickly and quietly stripped the berries and fled to the protection of Dan, who was enjoying himself immensely. The crutch was no longer necessary, and he was delighted to see how strong his foot felt as he roamed about the great pasture, full of interesting rocks and stumps, with familiar little creatures in the grass, and well-known insects dancing in the air. But of all the adventures that happened on this afternoon, that which befell Nan and Rob was the most exciting, and it long remained one of the favorite histories of the household. Having explored the country pretty generally, Torth re-rents in her frock, and scratched her face in a barberry bush, Nan began to pick the berries that shone like big black beads on the low green bushes, her nimble fingers flew. But still her basket did not fill up as rapidly as she desired, so she kept wandering here and there to search for better places, instead of picking contentedly and steadily as Daisy did. Rob followed Nan, for her energy suited him better than his cousin's patience, and he too was anxious to have the biggest and best berries for Marmar. I keep putting them in, but it don't fill up, and I'm so tired, said Rob, pausing a moment to rest his short legs, and beginning to think huckle-burying was not all his fancy painted it, for the sun blazed, Nan skipped hither and thither like a grass-hopper, and the berries fell out of his pale almost as fast as he put them in, because, in his struggles with the bushes, it was often upside down. Last time we came, they were ever so much thicker over that wall, great bouncers, and there is a cave there where the boys made a fire, let's go and fill our things quick, and then hide in the cave and let the others find us, proposed Nan thirsting for adventures. Rob consented, and away they went, scrambling over the wall and running down the sloping fields on the other side, till they were hidden among the rocks and underbrush. The berries were thick, and at last the pales were actually full. It was shady and cool down there, and a little spring gave the thirsty children a refreshing drink out of its mossy cup. Now we will go and rest in the cave and eat our lunch, said Nan, well satisfied with her success so far. Do you know the way? asked Rob. Of course I do. I've been once, and I always remember. Didn't I go and get my box all right? That convinced Rob and he followed blindly as Nan led him over stock and stone and brought him, after much meandering, to a small recess in the rock where the blackened stones showed that fires had been made. Now isn't this nice? asked Nan as she took out a bit of bread and butter, rather damaged by being mixed up with nails, fish hooks, stones, and other foreign substances in the young lady's pocket. Yes, do you think they will find us soon? asked Rob, who phoned the shadowy glen, rather dull, and began to long for more society. No I don't, because if I hear them I shall hide and have fun making them find me. Perhaps they won't come. Don't care, I can get home myself. Is it a great way? asked Rob, looking at his little stubby boots, scratched and wet with his long wandering. It's six miles, I guess. Nan's ideas of distances were vague and her faith in her own powers great. I think we better go now, suggested Rob presently. I shan't till I have picked over my berries, said Nan, and Nan began what seemed to Rob an endless task. Oh, dear! you said you'd take good care of me, he sighed, as the sun seemed to drop behind the hill all of a sudden. Well, I am taking good care of you as hard as I can. Don't be cross-child. I'll go in a minute, said Nan, who considered five-year-old Robby a mere infant compared to herself. So little Rob sat looking anxiously about him and waiting patiently, for spite of some misgivings, he felt great confidence in Nan. I guess it's going to be night pretty soon, he observed, as if to himself, as a mosquito bit him and the frogs in a neighboring marsh began to pipe up for the evening concert. My goodness me, so it is! Come right away this minute, or they will be gone, cried Nan, looking up from her work and suddenly perceiving that the sun was down. I heard a horn about an hour ago. Maybe they were blowing for us, said Rob, trudging after his guide as she scrambled up the steep hill. Where was it? asked Nan, stopping short. Over that way he pointed with a dirty little finger in an entirely wrong direction. Let's go that way and meet them, and Nan wheeled about and began to trot through the bushes, feeling a trifle anxious, for there were so many cow-paths all about, she could not remember which way they came. On they went over stock and stone again, pausing now and then to listen for the horn, which did not blow any more, for it was only the moo of a cow on her way home. I don't remember seeing that pile of stones, do you? asked Nan, as she sat on a wall to rest a moment and take an observation. I don't remember anything, but I want to go home. And Rob's voice had a little tremble in it that made Nan put her arms round him and lift him gently down, saying in her most capable way, I'm going just as fast as I can, dear, don't cry, and when we come to the road I'll carry you. Where is the road? And Robby wiped his eyes to look for it. Over by that big tree, don't you know that's the one Ned tumbled out of? So it is. Maybe they waited for us. I'd like to ride home, wouldn't you? And Robby brightened up as he plodded along toward the end of the great pasture. No, I'd rather walk, answered Nan, feeling quite sure that she would be obliged to do so and preparing her mind for it. Another long trudge through the fast, deepening twilight and another disappointment, for when they reached the tree, they found, to their dismay, that it was not the one Ned climbed, and no road anywhere appeared. Are we lost? Quavered Rob, clasping his pale in despair. Not much. I don't just see which way to go, and I guess we'd better call. So they both shouted till they were hoarse, yet nothing answered but the frogs in full chorus. There is another tall tree over there, perhaps that's the one, said Nan, whose heart sunk within her, though she still spoke bravely. I don't think I can go any more. My boots are so heavy, I can't pull them. And Robby sat down on a stone, quite worn out. Then we must stay here all night. I don't much care if snakes don't come. I'm frightened of snakes. I can't stay all night. Oh, dear, I don't like to be lost. And Robb puckered up his face to cry, when suddenly a thought occurred to him, and he said in a tone of perfect confidence. Marmar will come and find me. She always does. I ain't afraid now. She won't know where we are. She didn't know I was shut up in the ice-house, but she found me. I know she'll come, returned Robby so trustfully, that Nan felt relieved, and sat down by him saying with a remorseful sigh. I wish we hadn't run away. You made me, but I don't mind much. Marmar will love me just the same, answered Robb, clinging to his sheet anchor when all other hope was gone. I'm so hungry. Let's eat our berries, proposed Nan after a pause, during which Robb began to nod. So am I, but I can't eat mine, because I told Marmar I'd keep them all for her. You will have to eat them if no one comes for us, said Nan, who felt like contradicting everything just then. If we stay here a great many days, we shall eat up all the berries in the field, and then we shall starve, she added grimly. I shall eat sassafras, I know a big tree of it, and Nan told me how squirrels dig up the roots and eat them, and I love to dig, returned Robb, undaunted by the prospect of starvation. Yes, and we can catch frogs and cook them. My father ate some once, and he said they were nice, put in Nan, beginning to find a spice of romance, even in being lost in a huckleberry pasture. How could we cook frogs? We haven't got any fire. I don't know, next time I'll have matches in my pocket, said Nan, rather depressed by this obstacle to the experiment in frog cookery. Couldn't we light a fire with a firefly? Asked Robb, hopefully, as he watched them flitting to and fro like winged sparks. Let's try! And several minutes were pleasantly spent in catching the flies, and trying to make them kindle a green twig or two. It's a lie to call them fireflies, when there isn't a fire in them, Nan said, throwing one unhappy insect away with scorn, though it shone its best and obligingly walked up and down the twigs to please the innocent little experimenters. Marmar's a good while coming, said Robb, after another pause, during which they watched the stars overhead, smelt the sweet fern crushed underfoot, and listened to the crickets' serenade. I don't see why God made any night. Day is so much pleasanter, said Nan thoughtfully. It's to sleep in, answered Robb with a yawn. Then do go to sleep, said Nan pettishly. I want my own bed. Oh, I wish I could see Teddy, cried Robb, painfully reminded of home by the soft chirp of birds safe in their little nests. I don't believe your mother will ever find us, said Nan, who was becoming desperate, for she hated patient waiting of any sort. It's so dark she won't see us. It was all black in the ice-house, and I was so scared I didn't call her, but she saw me, and she will see me now, no matter how dark it is. Returned confiding Robb, standing up to peer into the gloom, for the help which never failed him. I see her, I see her! He cried, and ran as fast as his tired legs would take him toward a dark figure, slowly approaching. Suddenly he stopped, then turned about, and came stumbling back, screaming in a great panic. No, it's a bear, a big black one! And hid his face in Nan's skirts. For a moment Nan quailed. Ever her courage gave out at the thought of a real bear, and she was about to turn and flee in great disorder, when a mild moo changed her fear to merriment, as she said, laughing, It's a cow, Robbie, the nice black cow we saw this afternoon. The cow seemed to feel that it was not just the thing to meet two little people in her pasture after dark, and the amiable beast paused to inquire into the case. She let them stroke her, and stood regarding them with her soft eyes so mildly, that Nan, who feared no animal but a bear, was fired with a desire to milk her. Silas taught me how, and berries and milk would be so nice, she said, emptying the contents of her pail into her hat, and boldly beginning her new task, while Rob stood by and repeated, at her command, the poem from Mother Goose. Cushy cow, Bonnie, let down your milk, let down your milk to me, and I will give you a gown of silk, a gown of silk and a silver tea. But the immortal rhyme had little effect, for the benevolent cow had already been milked, and had little half a gill to give the thirsty children. Shoe, get away, you are an old cross-patch, cried Nan, ungratefully, as she gave up the attempt in despair, and poor Molly walked on with a gentle gurgle of surprise and reproof. Each can have a sip, and then we must take a walk. We shall go to sleep if we don't, and lost people mustn't sleep. Don't you know how Hannah Lee and the pretty story slept under the snow and died? But there isn't any snow, and it's nice and warm, said Rob, who was not blessed with as lively a fancy as Nan. No matter, we will poke about a little and call some more, and then, if nobody comes, we will hide under the bushes like hapomy thumb in his brothers. It was a very short walk, however, for Rob was so sleepy he could not get on, and tumbled down so often that Nan entirely lost patience, being half distracted by the responsibility she had taken upon herself. If you tumble down again I'll shake you, she said, lifting the poor little man up, very kindly as she spoke, for Nan's bark was much worse than her bite. Please don't, it's my boots, they keep slipping so, and Rob manfully checked the sob just ready to break out, adding, with a plaintive patience that touched Nan's heart. If the skeeters didn't bite me so, I could go to sleep till Marmar comes. Put your head on my lap, and I'll cover you up with my apron. I'm not afraid of the night, said Nan, sitting down and trying to persuade herself that she did not mind the shadow nor the mysterious rustling's all about her. Wake me up when she comes, said Rob, and was fast asleep in five minutes with his head in Nan's lap under the pinafore. The little girl sat some fifteen minutes more, staring about her with anxious eyes, and feeling as if each second was an hour. Then a pale light began to glimmer over the hilltop, and she said to herself, I guess the night is over and morning is coming. I'd like to see the sunrise, so I'll watch, and when it comes up we can find our way right home. But before the moon's round face peeped over the hill to destroy her hope, Nan had fallen asleep, leaning back in a little bower of tall ferns, and was deep in a mid-summer night's dream of fireflies and blue aprons, mountains of huckleberries, and Robbie wiping away the tears of a black cow who sobbed, I want to go home, I want to go home. While the children were sleeping, peacefully lulled by the drowsy home of many neighborly mosquitoes, the family at home were in a great state of agitation. The hay-cart came at five, and all but Jack, Emil, Nan, and Rob were at the bars ready for it. Frans drove instead of Silas, and when the boys told him that the others were going home through the wood, he said, looking ill-pleased, they ought to have left Rob to ride, he will be tired out by the long walk. It's shorter that way, and they will carry him, said Stuffy, who was in a hurry for his supper. You were sure Nan and Rob went with them? Of course they did. I saw them getting over the wall, and sung out that it was most five, and Jack called back that they were going the other way, explained Tommy, very well pile in then, and away rattled the hay-cart with the tired children and the full pales. Mrs. Joe looked sober when she heard of the division of the party, and sent Frans back with Toby to find and bring the little ones home. Supper was over, and the family sitting about in the cool hall as usual, when Frans came trotting back hot, dusty, and anxious. Have they come? He called out when halfway up the avenue. No, and Mrs. Joe flew out of her chair, looking so alarmed, that everyone jumped up and gathered round Frans. I can't find them anywhere, he began, but the words were hardly spoken when allowed, Hello, startled them all, and the next minute Jack and Emil came round the house. Where are Nan and Rob? cried Mrs. Joe, clutching Emil in a way that caused him to think his aunt had suddenly lost her wits. I don't know. They came home with the others, didn't they? He answered quickly. No, George and Tommy said they went with you. Well, they didn't, haven't seen them. We took a swim in the pond and came by the wood, said Jack, looking alarmed as well he might. Call Mr. Bear, get the lanterns, and tell Silas I want him. That was all Mrs. Joe said, but they knew what she meant, and flew to obey her orders. In ten minutes Mr. Bear and Silas were off to the wood, and Frans tearing down the road on old Andy to search the great pasture. Mrs. Joe caught up some food from the table, a little bottle of brandy from the medicine closet, took a lantern, and bidding Jack and Emil come with her, and the rest not stir, she trotted away on Toby, never stopping for hat or shawl. She heard someone running after her. She said not a word till, as she paused to call and listen, the light of her lantern shown on Dan's face. You hear, I told Jack to come, she said, half inclined to send him back, much as she needed help. I wouldn't let him. He and Emil hadn't had any supper, and I wanted to come more than they did. He said, taking the lantern from her, and smiling up in her face, with a steady look in her eyes that made her feel, as if, boy though he was, she had someone to depend on. Off she jumped and ordered him on to Toby, in spite of his pleading to walk. Then they went on again along the dusty, solitary road, stopping every now and then to call and harken breathlessly for little voices to reply. When they came to the great pasture, other lights were already flitting to and fro like Willow the Wisps, and Mr. Bear's voice was heard shouting, Nan, Rob, Rob, Nan, in every part of the field. Silas whistled and roared. Dan plunged here and there on Toby, who seemed to understand the case, and went over the roughest places with unusual docility. Often Mrs. Joe hushed them all, saying with a sob in her throat, The noise may frighten them, let me call. Robbie will know my voice. And then she would cry out, the beloved little name, in every tone of tenderness, till the very echoes whispered it softly, and the winds seemed to waft it willingly. But still no answer came. The sky was overcast now, and only brief glimpses of the moon were seen. Heat lightning darted out of the dark clouds now and then, and a faint far-off rumble, as of thunder, told that a summer storm was brewing. Oh, my Robbie, my Robbie! Morned poor Mrs. Joe, wandering up and down like a pale ghost, while Dan kept beside her like a faithful firefly. What shall I say to Nan's father if she comes to harm? Why did I ever trust my darling so far away? Fritz, do you hear anything? And when a mournful, no, came back, she wrung her hands so despairingly, that Dan, sprung down from Toby's back, tied the bridle to the bars, and said, in his decided way, They may have gone down the spring. I'm going to look. He was over the wall in a way so fast that she could hardly follow him. But when she reached the spot, he lowered the lantern and showed her with joy the marks of little feet in the soft ground around the spring. She fell down on her knees and examined the tracks, and then sprung up, saying eagerly, Yes, that is the mark of my Robbie's little boots. Come this way, they must have gone on. Such a weary search, but now some inexplicable instinct seemed to lead the anxious mother, for presently Dan uttered a cry, and came up a little shining object laying on the path. It was the cover of the new tin pail, dropped in the first alarm of being lost. Mrs. Joe hugged and kissed it, as if it were a living thing. And when Dan was about to utter a glad shout to bring the others to the spot, she stopped him saying, as she hurried on, No, let me find them. I let Rob go, and I want to give him back to his father all myself. A little farther on, Nan's hat appeared, and after passing the place more than once, they came at last upon the babes in the wood. Both sound asleep. Dan never forgot the little picture on which the light of his lantern shone that night. He thought Mrs. Joe would cry out, but she only whispered, Hush, as she softly lifted away the apron and saw the little ruddy face below. The berry-stained lips were half open as the breath came and went. The yellow hair lay damp on the hot forehead, and both the chubby hands held fast the little pail still full. The sight of the childish harvest, treasured through all the troubles of that night for her, seemed to touch Mrs. Joe to the heart, for suddenly she gathered up her boy and began to cry over him, so tenderly, yet so heartily, that he woke up, and at first seemed bewildered. Then he remembered and hugged her close, saying with a laugh of triumph, I knew you'd come, oh Marmar, I did want you so. For a moment they kissed and clung to one another, quite forgetting all the world, for no matter how lost and soiled and worn out wandering sons may be, mothers can forgive and forget everything as they fold them in their fostering arms. Happy the son whose faith in his mother remains unchanged, and who, through all his wanderings, has kept some filial token to repay her brave and tender love. Dan, meantime, picked Nan out of her bush, and with a gentleness none but Teddy ever saw in him before. He soothed her first alarm at the sudden waking, and wiped away her tears, for Nan also began to cry for joy. It was so good to see kind face and feel a strong arm round her, after what seemed to her ages of loneliness and fear. My poor little girl, don't cry. You are all safe now, and no one shall say a word of blame to-night. Said Mrs. Joe, taking Nan into her capacious embrace, and cuddling both children as a hen might gather her lost chickens under her motherly wings. It was my fault, but I am sorry. I tried to take care of him, and I covered him up and let him sleep, and didn't touch his berries, though I was so hungry, and I never will do it again, truly never, never! sobbed Nan, quite lost in a sea of penitence and thankfulness. Call them now, and let us get home, said Mrs. Joe, and Dan, getting upon the wall, sent a joyful word, found ringing over the field. How the wandering lights came dancing from all sides, and gathered round the little group among the sweet fernbushes. Such a hugging and kissing and talking and crying, as went on, must have amazed the glowworms, and evidently delighted the mosquitoes, for they hummed frantically. While the little moths came in flocks to the party, and the frogs croaked as they could not express their satisfaction loudly enough. Then they set out for home, a queer party, for Frans rode on to tell the news. Dan and Toby led the way. Then came Nan in the strong arms of Silas, who considered her the smartest little baggage she ever saw, and eased her all the way home about her pranks. Mr. Bear would let no one carry Rob but himself, and the little fellow refreshed by sleep, sad up and chattered gaily, feeling himself a hero, while his mother went beside him, holding on to any part of his precious little body that came handy, and never tired of hearing him say, I knew Marmar would come, or seeing him lean down to kiss her, and put a plump berry into her mouth, because he picked them all for her. The moon shone out just as they reached the avenue, and all the boys came shouting to meet them, so the lost lambs were born in triumphant safety, and landed in the dining room, where the unromantic little things demanded supper instead of preferring kisses and caresses. They were set down to bread and milk, while the entire household stood round to gaze upon them. Nan soon recovered her spirits, and recounted her perils with a relish, now that they were all over. Rob seemed absorbed in his food, but put down his spoon all of a sudden, and set up a doleful roar. My precious, why do you cry? asked his mother, who still hung over him. I'm crying, because I was lost! Bald Rob, trying to squeeze out a tear and failing entirely. But you are found now. Nan says you didn't cry out in the field, and I was glad you were such a brave boy. I was so busy being frightened, I didn't have any time then, but I want to cry now, because I don't like to be lost! explained Rob, struggling with sleep, emotion, and a mouth full of bread and milk. The boys set up such a laugh at this funny way of making up for lost time, that Rob stopped to look at them, and the merriment was so infectious, that after a surprised stare he burst out into a merry ha ha, and beat his spoon upon the table as if he enjoyed the joke immensely. It is ten o'clock, into bed, every man of you, said Mr. Bear, looking at his watch. And thank heaven, there will be no empty ones to-night, added Mrs. Bear watching, with full eyes, Robby going up in his father's arms, and Nan escorted by Daisy and Demi, who considered her the most interesting heroine of their collection. Poor Aunt Joe is so tired out, she ought to be carried up herself, said gentle fronds, putting his arm round her as she paused at the stair-foot, looking quite exhausted by her fright and long walk. Let's make an arm-chair, proposed Tommy. No thank you, my lads, but somebody may lend me a shoulder to lean on, answered Mrs. Joe. Me, me! And half a dozen jostled one another all eager to be chosen, for there was something in the pale motherly face that touched the warm hearts under the round jackets. Seeing that they considered it an honour, Mrs. Joe gave it to the one who had earned it, and nobody grumbled when she put her arm on Dan's broad shoulder, saying with a look that made him colour up with pride and pleasure. He found the children, so I think he must help me up. Dan felt richly rewarded for his evening's work, not only that he was chosen from all the rest to go proudly up bearing the lamp, but because Mrs. Joe said heartily, Good-night, my boy, God bless you, as he left her at her door. I wish I was your boy, said Dan, who felt as if danger and trouble had somehow brought him nearer than ever to her. You shall be my oldest son. And she sealed her promise with a kiss that made Dan hers entirely. Little Rob was all right next day, but Nan had a headache, and lay on Mother Bear's sofa with cold cream upon her scratched face. Her remorse was soon gone, and she evidently thought being lost rather a fine amusement. Mrs. Joe was not pleased with the state of things, and had no desire to have her children led from the paths of virtue, or her pupils lying round loose and huckleberry fields. So she talked soberly to Nan and tried to impress upon her mind the difference between liberty and license, telling several tales to enforce her lecture. She had not decided how to punish Nan, but one of these stories suggested a way, and as Mrs. Joe liked odd penalties she tried it. All children run away, pleaded Nan, as if it was as natural and necessary a thing as measles or whooping cough. Not all, and some who do run away don't get found again, answered Mrs. Joe. Didn't you do it yourself? Asked Nan, whose keen little eyes saw some traces of a kindred spirit in the serious lady who is sewing so morally before her. Mrs. Joe laughed and owned that she did. Tell me about it, demanded Nan, feeling that she was getting the upper hand in the discussion. Mrs. Joe saw that, and sobered down at once, saying with a remorseful shake of the head, I did it a good many times and led my poor mother rather a hard life with my pranks till she cured me. How! and Nan sat up with a full face of interest. I had a new pair of shoes once, and wanted to show them, so though I was told not to leave the garden, I ran away and was wandering about all day. It was in the city, and why I wasn't killed I don't know, such a time as I had. I frolicked in the park with dogs, sailed boats in the back bay with strange boys, dined with a little Irish beggar girl on saltfish and potatoes, and was found at last, fast asleep on a doorstep, with my arms round a great dog. It was late in the evening, and I was dirty as a little pig, and the new shoes were worn out I had travelled so far. How nice! cried Nan, looking all ready to go and do it herself. It was not nice next day, and Mrs. Joe tried to keep her eyes from betraying how much she enjoyed the memory of her early capers. Did your mother whip you? asked Nan curiously. She never whipped me but once, and then she begged my pardon, or I don't think I ever should have forgiven her, it hurt my feeling so much. Why did she beg your pardon, my father don't? Because when she had done it I turned round and said, Well, you are mad yourself and ought to be whipped as much as me. She looked at me a minute, then her angered all died out, and she said as if ashamed, You are right, Joe, I am angry, and why should I punish you for being in a passion when I set you such a bad example? Forgive me, dear, and let us try to help one another in a better way. I never forget it, and it did me more good than a dozen rods. Nan sat thoughtfully, turning the little cold cream jar for a minute, and Mrs. Joe said nothing but let that idea get well into the busy little mind that was so quick to see and feel what went on about her. I like that, said Nan presently, and her face looked less elfish with its sharp eyes, inquisitive nose, and mischievous mouth. What did your mother do to you when you ran away that time? She tied me to the bed-post with a long string so that I could not go out of the room, and there I stayed all day with the little worn-out shoes hanging up before me to remind me of my fault. I should think that would cure anybody, cried Nan, who loved her liberty above all things. It did cure me, and I think it will cure you, so I am going to try it, said Mrs. Joe, suddenly taking a ball of strong twine out of a drawer in her work-table. Nan looked as if she was decidedly getting the worst of the argument now, and sat feeling much crestfallen when Mrs. Joe tied one end round her waist and the other to the arm of the sofa, saying as she finished. I don't like to tie you up like a naughty little dog, but if you don't remember any better than a dog, I must treat you like one. I'd just as well be tied up as not. I like to play dog, and Nan put on a don't-care face and began to growl and grovel on the floor. Mrs. Joe took no notice, but leaving a book or two and a handkerchief to hem, she went away, and left Miss Nan to her own devices. This was not agreeable, and after sitting a moment she tried to untie the cord, but it was fastened in the belt of her apron behind, so she began on the knot at the other end. It soon came loose, and gathering it up, Nan was about to get out of the window when she heard Mrs. Joe say to somebody as she passed through the hall. No, I don't think she will run away now. She is an honorable little girl, and knows that I do it to help her. In a minute Nan whisked back, tied herself up, and began to sew violently. Rob came in a moment after, and was so charmed with the new punishment that he got a jump rope and tethered himself to the other arm of the sofa in a most social manner. I got lost, too, so I ought to be tied up as much as Nan, he explained to his mother when she saw the new captive. I'm not sure that you don't deserve a little punishment, for you knew it was wrong to go far away from the rest. Nan took me, began Rob, willing to enjoy the novel penalty, but not willing to take the blame. You needn't have gone, you have got a conscience, though you are a little boy, and you must learn to mind it. Well, my conscience didn't prick me a bit when she said let's get over the wall, answered Rob, quoting one of Demi's expressions. Did you stop to see if it did? No. Then you cannot tell. I guess it's such a little conscience that it don't prick hard enough for me to feel it, added Rob after thinking the matter over for a minute. We must sharpen it up. It's bad to have a dull conscience, so you may stay here till dinner time and talk about it with Nan. I trust you both not to untie yourselves till I say the word. No, we won't, said both, feeling a certain sense of virtue in helping to punish themselves. For an hour they were very good. Then they grew tired of one room and longed to get out. Never had the hall seemed so inviting, even the little bedroom acquired a sudden interest, and they would gladly have gone in played tent with the curtains of the best bed. The open windows drove them wild because they could not reach them, and the outer world seemed so beautiful they wondered how they ever found the heart to say it was dull. Nan pined for a race round the lawn, and Rob remembered with dismay that he had not fed his dog that morning and wondered what poor Pollux would do. They watched the clock, and Nan did some nice calculations in minutes and seconds while Rob learned to tell all the hours between eight and one so well that he never forgot them. It was maddening to smell the dinner, to know that there was to be succotash and huckleberry pudding and to feel that they would not be on the spot to secure good helps of both. When Marianne began to set the table they nearly cut themselves in two trying to see what meat there was to be, and Nan offered to help her make the beds if she would only see that she had lots of sauce on her pudding. When the boys came bursting out of school they found the children tugging at their halters like a pair of restive little colts, and were much edified as well as amused by the sequel to the exciting adventures of the night. Untie me now, Marmar. My conscious will prick like a pin next time. I know it will, said Rob as the bell rang, and Teddy came to look at him with sorrowful surprise. We shall see, answered his mother, setting him free. He took a good run down the hall, back through the dining room, and brought up, beside Nan, quite beaming with virtuous satisfaction. I'll bring her dinner to her. May I? he asked, pitying his fellow captive. That's my kind little son. Yes, pull up the table and get a chair, and Mrs. Joe hurried away to quell the ardor of the others, who were always in a raging state of hunger at noon. Nan ate alone, and spent a long afternoon attached to the sofa. Mrs. Bear lengthened her bonds so that she could look out of the window, and there she stood, watching the boys play, and all the little summer creatures enjoying their liberty. Daisy had a picnic for the dolls on the lawn, so that Nan might see the fun if she could not join in it. Tommy turned his best somersaults to console her. Demi sat on the steps reading the loud to himself, which amused Nan a great deal, and Nan brought a little treetode to show her as the most delicate attention in his power. But nothing atoned for the loss of freedom, and a few hours of confinement taught Nan how precious it was. A good many thoughts went through the little head that lay on the window sill, during the last quiet hour, when all the children went to the brook to see Emile's new ship launched. She was to have christened it, and had depended on smashing a tiny bottle of current wine over the prow, as it was named Josephine in honor of Mrs. Bear. Now she had lost her chance, and Daisy wouldn't do it half so well. Tears rose to her eyes as she remembered that it was all her own fault, and she said aloud, addressing a fat bee who was rolling about in the yellow heart of a rose just under the window. If you have run away, you'd better go right home, and tell your mother you are sorry and never do so any more. I am glad to hear you give him such good advice, and I think he has taken it, said Mrs. Joe, smiling, as the bee spread his dusty wings and flew away. Nan brushed off a bright drop or two that shone on the window sill, and nestled against her friend as she took her on her knee, adding kindly for she had seen the little drops and knew what they meant. Do you think my mother's cure for running away is a good one? Yes, ma'am," answered Nan, quite subdued by her quiet day. I hope I shall not have to try it again. I guess not, and Nan looked up with such an earnest little face that Mrs. Joe felt satisfied and said no more, for she liked to have her penalties do their own work, and did not spoil the effect by too much moralizing. Here Rob appeared, bearing with infinite care what Asia called a sorcerer pie, meaning one baked in a saucer. It's made out of some of my berries, and I'm going to give you half at supper time," he announced with a flourish. What makes you when I'm so naughty? asked Nan amicably. Because we got lost together, you ain't going to be naughty again, are you? Never, said Nan with great decision. Oh, goodie! Now let's go and get Marianne to cut this for us, all ready to eat. It's most tea time. And Rob beckoned with the delicious little pie. Nan started to follow, then stopped and said, I forgot, I can't go. Try and see, said Mrs. Bear, who had quietly untied the cord sash while she had been talking. Nan saw that she was free, and with one tempestuous kiss to Mrs. Joe, she was off like a hummingbird, followed by Robbie, dribbling huckleberry juice as he ran.