Part 8 (1/2)
”No. Dot wants it,” replied the child stoutly.
”Well, you can't have it. So hand it along.”
”Dot will have it,” was her answer. Then she disappeared behind a large boat. Ivan ran after her, and, like Dot, came near running against a lady who sat on the sand with a book in her lap. She was talking to Dot.
”Le's have my shovel,” interrupted Ivan.
”Give it to him, dear, and I will get you another,” said the lady. Dot was charmed by the gentle voice, and gave up the shovel without a word.
Dot saw the lady many times after that.
[Ill.u.s.tration: DOT'S NEW FRIEND.]
BRAVE HAL.
”HERE I am, all right, little mother! I'll save you all,” said brave Hal, as his head appeared at the window. He had been out to see how deep the water was.
They were all alone in the old house by the river. Father was away, and the water was rising fast. What should they do? All depended on little Hal.
”I'll take Annie first, she's so afraid. And you hold baby till I get the rest over.”
It was but a short distance to higher ground, but he had to step carefully. So it seemed a long time to the waiting mother before she saw him again.
”Jamie this time, 'cause he's lame,” Hal said when his wet face appeared. ”Then he can see to the little ones.”
It was some trouble to get lame Jamie on Hal's back. But at last he too was safe beside little Annie. Then Jesse and Lida were carried by the same willing though tired arms.
”Now, mother, let me take the baby, and you follow me.” The little mother's face was pale, but she followed her brave boy, and soon they were all safe. Even then it was some trouble to guide the little party through the storm and darkness to the nearest neighbor. But Hal was brave to the end.
[Ill.u.s.tration]
AT THE Sh.o.r.e.
”EVERY one of us are here, Aunt Kate. Are you ready?”
”Yes, Lizzie, all ready. Just as soon as the boat comes we will start.
Where are the other girls?”
”Out with Dan.”
”It's very kind of Azzie to amuse her little cousins so much. Agnes and Dan would be lonely here without her, I fear. And Amy had rather stay with Sister Azzie than any one else. That shows that Azzie is a good sister. I'm afraid my niece, Lizzie, is the least bit selfish. She doesn't like to help amuse her cousins very well.”
Lizzie pouted a little. She preferred to talk with Aunt Kate. But she wanted to please her aunt, so she resolved to follow her kind advice.