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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, A Little Florida Lady, by Dorothy C. Paine
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: A Little Florida Lady
+
+
+Author: Dorothy C. Paine
+
+
+
+Release Date: November 27, 2005  [eBook #17165]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A LITTLE FLORIDA LADY***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Al Haines
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 17165-h.htm or 17165-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/1/6/17165/17165-h/17165-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/1/6/17165/17165-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+A LITTLE FLORIDA LADY
+
+by
+
+DOROTHY C. PAINE
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Frontispiece: The Little Florida Lady]
+
+
+
+
+Philadelphia
+George W. Jacobs & Company
+Copyright, 1903, by
+George W. Jacobs & Company
+Published, October, 1903
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+    I.  THE JOURNEY TO FLORIDA
+   II.  THE NEW HOME
+  III.  BETH'S FIRST FISHING LESSON
+   IV.  VISITING
+    V.  WALKING ON STILTS
+   VI.  HOUSE BUILDING
+  VII.  BETH'S NEW PLAYFELLOW
+ VIII.  LEARNING TO SWIM
+   IX.  THE LITTLE DRESSMAKER
+    X.  THE HORSE RACE
+   XI.  DON MEETS A SAD FATE
+  XII.  THE ARRIVAL OF DUKE
+ XIII.  ANXIOUS HOURS
+  XIV.  THE RESCUE
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+   The Little Florida Lady . . . . . . _Frontispiece_
+
+   Beth Thought a Cotton Field a Pretty Sight [missing from book]
+
+   Beth's New Home [missing from book]
+
+   Maggie, a Typical Old-Time Mammy
+
+   Laura Corner in the Treasured Easter Hat
+
+   Harvey [missing from book]
+
+   "The Cutest Things Yon Ever Saw"
+
+   January with His Perpetual Laugh and Fiddle
+
+   The Darkies' Quarters
+
+
+
+
+A Little Florida Lady
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+The Journey to Florida.
+
+New York was in the throes of a blizzard.  The wind howled and
+shrieked, heralding the approach of March, the Wind King's month of the
+year.  Mrs. Davenport stood at a second story window of a room of the
+Gilsey House, and looked down idly on the bleak thoroughfare.  She was
+a young-looking woman for her thirty-five years, and had an extremely
+sweet face, denoting kindliness of heart.
+
+The hall door opened, and Elizabeth Davenport entered, carrying in her
+arms a little ball of fluffy gray.
+
+Elizabeth, or Beth, as she was more commonly called at the age of
+seven, might have been compared to a good fairy had she not been so
+plump.  She almost always radiated sunshine, and her face was generally
+lighted with a smile, the outcome of a warm heart.  Sometimes clouds
+slightly dimmed the sunshine, but they always proved to be summer
+clouds that quickly passed.  Her face was now flushed, and her eyes
+sparkled.
+
+Mrs. Davenport turned, and smiled in greeting, but, at the same time,
+brushed a tear from her eye.
+
+"Why, mamma, dear, what's the matter?" cried Beth.
+
+Mrs. Davenport's eyes filled, but she bravely smiled.  "I'm a little
+unhappy over leaving all our friends, Beth.  Florida seems very far
+away."
+
+"I wouldn't be unhappy."
+
+"How would you help it, dearie?"
+
+"Why mamma," she answered triumphantly after a second's thought, "there
+are so many pleasant things to think about that I just never think of
+the unpleasant ones," and her face broke into a smile, so cheery that
+Mrs. Davenport's heart lightened.
+
+"Mamma," she continued, "it's very easy for me to be happy.  Every one
+is so good to me.  The chambermaid just gave me this dear, dear kitty.
+Isn't it too cute for anything?  I mean to take it to Florida with me."
+
+"Why, Beth, that would never do."
+
+Beth was about to demur, when a door into an adjoining room opened, and
+Mr. Davenport called:
+
+"Mary, come here a minute, please."
+
+Mrs. Davenport hastened to answer the call.  She was hardly out of the
+room before Beth rushed to an open trunk.  Impatiently, she began
+pulling things out.  She burrowed almost to the very bottom.  Lastly,
+she took out a skirt of her mother's, and wrapped something very
+carefully in it.
+
+The door into the adjoining room creaked.  Beth blushed scarlet, and
+dropped the bundle into the trunk.  Then as no one came, she threw the
+other articles pell-mell on top of the bundle, and scampered guiltily
+to the other end of the room.  Not an instant too soon to escape
+immediate detection, for Mrs. Davenport reëntered the room, followed by
+a girl of thirteen.  This was Marian, Beth's sister.  The two girls
+were totally unlike both in looks and in disposition.  Marian was a
+tall blonde, and slight for her age.  She had quiet, gentle ways.
+
+"Mother, here's my red dress on the floor," she said, picking it up
+near the trunk.
+
+"Beth, what have you been doing?"
+
+Beth kept her blushing, telltale face turned from her mother, and did
+not answer.  Without another word, Mrs. Davenport went to the trunk,
+and began smoothing things out.
+
+"I declare, there's something alive in here," and she drew out a poor,
+half smothered kitten.
+
+"I think you might let her go in the trunk," cried Beth, aggrieved.
+
+"Child, it would kill the poor kitty.  Marian, you take it back to the
+chambermaid."  Marian left the room with it, and Beth began to pout,
+whereupon Mrs. Davenport said:
+
+"Beth, you are so set upon having your own way, I hardly know what to
+do with you."
+
+Immediately Beth's pouting gave place to a mischievous smile.  "You'd
+better call in a policeman, and have me taken away."
+
+Mrs. Davenport smiled too.  "So my little girl remembers the policeman,
+does she?  I was at my wits' end to know how to manage you when I
+thought of him.  Even as a little bit of a thing, you would laugh
+instead of cry, if I punished you with a whipping."
+
+"Well, I was afraid of the policeman, anyway.  I thought you really
+meant it when you said I was a naughty child, and not your nice Beth,
+and that the policeman would take the naughty child away."
+
+"It worked like magic," said Mrs. Davenport.  "You stopped crying
+almost immediately, and held out towards me a red dress of which you
+were very proud, and cried, 'I'm your Beth.  Don't you know my pretty
+red dress?  Don't you see my curls?'"  She sat down, having finished
+straightening out the trunk, and Beth crept up into her mother's lap.
+
+"Beth, do you remember one night when you were ready for bed in your
+little canton-flannel night-drawers, that you lost your temper over
+some trifling matter?  You danced up and down, yelling, 'I won't.  I
+won't.'  I could hardly keep from laughing.  My young spitfire looked
+very funny capering around and around, her long curls rumpled about her
+determined, flushed face, and her feet not still an instant in her
+flapping night-drawers.  Many and many a time you escaped punishment,
+Beth, because you were so very comical even in your naughtiness."
+
+"I remember that night well," answered Beth.  "You said, 'There, that
+bad girl has come back.  Even though it's night, she'll have to go.'"
+
+"And," interrupted Mrs. Davenport, "you threw yourself into my arms,
+crying, 'Mamma, whip me, but don't send me away.'  I knew better than
+to whip you, but I punished you by not kissing you good-night."
+
+"And I cried myself to sleep," put in Beth, snuggling more closely to
+her mother.  "I thought I must be very naughty not to get my usual
+good-night kiss.  I do try to be good, but it's very hard work
+sometimes.  But I'll get the better of the bad girl, I'll leave her
+here in New York, so she won't bother you in Florida."----
+
+Just then Mr. Davenport entered the room.  He was a tall, dark man with
+a very kindly face.
+
+"I think the snow is not deep enough to detain the trains," he said.
+"It's time for us to start.  The porter is here to take the trunks."
+
+"We'll be ready in a moment," answered his wife.  "I fear we'll find it
+very disagreeable driving to the station."
+
+And, in truth, outside the weather proved bitterly cold.  The wind
+swept with blinding power up the now mostly deserted thoroughfare.  The
+Davenports were glad of the shelter of the carriage which carried them
+swiftly along the icy pavement.  Mrs. Davenport drew her furs around
+her, while the children snuggled together.
+
+"I'm glad we're going, aren't you, Marian?" asked Beth, as they
+descended from the carriage at the station.
+
+"I guess so," answered Marian doubtfully, remembering the friends she
+was leaving behind, perhaps forever.
+
+Mr. Davenport already had their tickets, and the family immediately
+boarded a sleeper bound for Jacksonville.
+
+Beth loved to travel, and soon was on speaking terms with every one on
+the car.  She hesitated slightly about being friends with the porter.
+He made her think of the first colored person she had ever seen.  She
+remembered even now how the man's rolling black eyes had frightened
+her, although it was the blackness of his skin that had impressed her
+the most.  She believed that he had become dirty, the way she sometimes
+did, only in a greater degree.
+
+"Mamma," she whispered, "I never get as black as that man, do I?  Do
+you s'pose he ever washes himself?"
+
+Mrs. Davenport explained that cleanliness had nothing to do with the
+man's blackness.
+
+"Is he black inside?" Beth questioned in great awe.
+
+"No.  All people are alike at heart.  Clean thinking makes even the
+black man white within, dear."
+
+Beth had not seen another colored person from that time until this.
+Therefore, she was a little doubtful about making up with the porter.
+But he proved so very genial that before night arrived, he and "little
+missy," as he called Beth, were so very friendly that he considered her
+his special charge.
+
+That night both children slept as peacefully as if they had been in
+their own home.
+
+In the morning, Beth was wakened by Marian pulling up the shade.  A
+stream of sunshine flooded their berth, blinding Beth for a second or
+two.  Snow and clouds had been left far behind.
+
+"It's almost like summer," cried Beth, hastening to dress.
+
+After breakfast, the porter, whose name Beth learned was "Bob," took
+her out on the back platform while the engine was taking on water.  To
+the left of the train were five colored children clustered around a
+stump.
+
+"Bob, how many children have you?" asked Beth, and her eyes opened wide
+in astonishment.
+
+"Law, honey," and Bob's grin widened, "I ain't got any chillun.  I'se a
+bachelor."
+
+Beth stamped her foot.  She could not bear deceit.  "Bob, it's very
+wrong to tell stories.  These children must be yours; they're just like
+you."
+
+He laughed so heartily at the idea, that Beth feared his mouth never
+would get into shape again.  "Ha, ha, ha.  Dem my chillun!  Ha, ha, ha.
+Law, honey, dem ain't mine.  Thank de Lord, I don't have to feed all
+dem hungry, sassy, little niggahs."
+
+"Well, Bob, if they're not yours, whose are they?"
+
+"Dem's jes' culled chillun."
+
+A whistle sounded, and the train was soon under way again.  Beth ran to
+her mother.
+
+"Mamma, there were a lot of little Bobs outside, but he says they are
+not his children--that they're just colored children."
+
+Mrs. Davenport had a hard time making her understand that Bob had told
+the truth.  Beth sat very still for a while by a window.  Suddenly, she
+cried out:
+
+"What are those little specks of white?  They look like little balls of
+snow, only they can't be.  It's too warm, and then I never saw snow
+grow on bushes."
+
+"That is cotton."
+
+Although the bushes were not in their full glory--only having on them a
+little of last year's fruitage that was not picked--Beth thought a
+cotton field a very pretty sight.
+
+[Illustration: Beth thought a cotton field a very pretty sight.
+(Illustration missing from book)]
+
+The pine trees of Georgia prove monotonous to most people, except that
+their perpetual green is restful to the eye in the midst of white sand
+and dazzling sunshine.  Beth, however, liked even the pines, being a
+lover of all trees.  They seemed almost human to her.  She believed
+that trees could speak if they would.  She often talked to them, and
+fondled their rough old bark.  Children can have worse companions than
+trees.  They were a great comfort to Beth all through life.
+
+On the way through Georgia, the train was delayed by a hot box.  While
+it was being fixed, Bob took Beth for a walk, and she saw a moss-laden
+oak for the first time.
+
+"Oh, Bob," she cried, "I never before saw a tree with hair."
+
+His hearty laugh broke out anew.  "Ha, ha, ha.  I'll jes' pull some of
+dat hair for you, missy," and he raised his great, black hand to grab
+the curling, greenish, gray moss.
+
+"Don't, Bob," and when he gave her no heed, she added, "I'm afraid
+it'll hurt the tree.  I know it hurts me greatly when any one pulls my
+hair."
+
+He laughed more than ever at her, until Beth grew ashamed, and meekly
+accepted the moss that he piled up in her little arms.
+
+The hot box so delayed the train that Jacksonville was not reached
+until the middle of the night.
+
+Bob took a sleeping child in his arms, and carried her out to the bus.
+
+"Good-bye, little missy," he murmured, before handing her to her father.
+
+Her arms tightened around his neck while her eyes opened for a second.
+
+"Don't leave me, Bob.  I love you."
+
+Then she did not remember anything more until she wakened in a strange
+room the next morning.
+
+At first, she could not think where she was.  Then it came to her that
+she was in a hotel in Jacksonville.  She sprang out of bed, and ran to
+a window.  The room faced a park, and afforded Beth her first glimpse
+of tropical beauty.  Strange trees glistened in the glorious sunshine.
+From pictures she had seen, Beth recognized the palms, and the orange
+trees.  Below, on the piazza, the band was playing "Dixie."  Delighted
+as Beth was, she did not linger long by the window, but dressed as fast
+as she could.
+
+Mr. Davenport entered the room.
+
+"Do you know what time it is?  It's fully eleven, and I was up at six
+this morning."
+
+"At six, papa?  What have you been doing?"
+
+"I went down town, and then I drove far out into the country."
+
+"Oh, why didn't you waken me and let me go?"
+
+"I had business on hand.  Come along down to the dining-room.  Your
+mother had some breakfast saved for you.  I have a surprise for you."
+
+"A surprise, papa?  What is it?"
+
+"It wouldn't be as great a surprise if I told you."  This was all the
+satisfaction she received until after she had breakfasted.
+
+"We're going for a drive," said Mr. Davenport as she came out of the
+dining-room.
+
+"Is the drive the surprise, papa?"
+
+"You'll know all in good time, Beth.  You must have patience," he
+answered as he led the way out to the piazza.
+
+"Get your hats, and bring Beth's with you," he said to Mrs. Davenport
+and Marian who were listening to the music.
+
+"What do you think of that man and the rig?" asked Mr. Davenport of
+Beth, indicating a middle-aged negro who stood holding a bay mare
+hitched to a surrey.
+
+Beth noted that the man looked good-natured.  There were funny little
+curves on his face suggestive of laughter even when in repose.  Jolly
+wrinkles lurked around his eyes.  Beth saw two rows of pearly teeth
+though his mouth was partly hidden by a mustache and beard.  His nose
+was large and flat.  It looked like a dirty piece of putty thrown at
+haphazard on a black background.  Beth, however, did not mind his
+homeliness.
+
+"He's nice, and the horse is beautiful," she said.
+
+"Then let's go down and talk to the man."
+
+As Mr. Davenport and Beth walked to the side of the darky, he lifted
+his stovepipe hat that had been brushed until the silk was wearing
+away.  He revealed thereby a shock of iron-gray wool.  He made a
+sweeping bow.
+
+"Massa, am dis de little missy dat yo' wuz tellin' 'bout?  I'se
+powerful glad to meet yo', missy."
+
+He was so very polite that even irrepressible Beth was a little awed.
+She hid halfway behind her father.
+
+"This is January, Beth."
+
+"What a very queer name," she whispered.
+
+"It is queer, but you are in a strange land.  For awhile you'll think
+you are in fairy-land.  Everything will be so different.  Do you want
+to stay with January while I go in to bring your mother?"
+
+She nodded that she did.  Mr. Davenport reëntered the hotel.  Beth
+seated herself upon the curbstone, and looked at the bay horse behind
+which she was soon to have the bliss of driving.  She thought it about
+as nice a horse as she had ever seen.  Her curiosity overcame her
+momentary shyness.  "Is it your horse, January?"
+
+He smiled.  "No, 'deed, missy, but I raised her from a colt, and she
+loves me like I wuz her massa.  Why, she runs to me from de pasture
+when I jes' calls, while she's dat ornary wid odders, dey jes' can't
+cotch her.  It takes old January to cotch dis horse, don't it, Dolly?"
+
+The horse whinnied.
+
+"Is Dolly her name?"
+
+"Dat's what I calls her, honey.  It ain't her real name.  Her real
+name----"
+
+"Oh, has she a nickname, too?  She's like me then.  My name isn't
+really Beth."
+
+"'Deed?" he asked with polite interest.
+
+"It's Elizabeth, but I'm called that only when I have tantrums."
+
+"What am dem, missy?"
+
+"Well," she blushingly stammered, "I sometimes forget to be good, and
+then I can't help having them--tantrums, you know.  Just like the
+little girl with the curl who, when she was bad, was horrid.  January,
+are you ever horrid?"
+
+He looked self-conscious.  "Law, missy, I nebber tinks I am, but Titus
+'lows I am, but he don't know much nohow."
+
+Dolly whinnied again, which recalled Beth's thoughts to the horse.
+"Who owns Dolly, January?"
+
+"Law, missy, didn't I tole yo' dat she 'longs to yer paw now?"
+
+Beth was so excited that she jumped to her feet, and began to clap her
+hands.
+
+Her antics made her parents and Marian smile as they came from the
+hotel.
+
+"Mamma, she's our horse.  January said so.  Dolly, do you like me?"
+
+Dolly pricked up her ears as if she understood, and whinnied.
+
+"She wants some sugar," declared Beth, believing that she understood
+horse language.  She took a stale piece of candy out of her pocket, and
+gave it to Dolly.  This attention sealed a never-ending friendship
+between the two.
+
+"Dolly's the surprise, isn't she?" asked Beth, running up to her
+father.  He smiled enigmatically, and that was all the answer she
+received.
+
+Meantime, January, hat in hand, was bowing with Chesterfieldian
+politeness to Mrs. Davenport and Marian.
+
+"All aboard," cried Mr. Davenport.
+
+"Let me sit with January," begged Beth.
+
+Marian, also, expressed a like wish.  The two children, therefore,
+scrambled up in front beside the driver, while Mr. and Mrs. Davenport
+took the back seat.
+
+January sat bolt upright.  His dignity fitted the occasion.  His
+driving, however, worried Beth.
+
+She loved to go fast.  She knew no fear of horses.  She would have
+undertaken to drive the car of Phaeton, himself, had she been given the
+chance.  She had little patience to poke along, and that was exactly
+what Dolly did when January drove.
+
+"Can't she go faster?" she asked.
+
+"She don't 'pear to go very fast, does she?" said January mildly.
+"Missy Beth, yo' jes' wait until her racing blood am up, and den she'll
+go so fast, yo'll wish she didn't go so fast."
+
+Beth had her doubts of this, and even of Dolly's racing blood.  Its
+truth, however, was to be proven by a later experience which will be
+told in due course.
+
+"Has Dolly really racing blood?" asked Marian.  Although January was
+sitting so straight that it seemed impossible for him to sit any
+straighter, he stiffened up at least an inch.
+
+"Racing blood?  Well, I jes' 'lows she has.  Onct she wuz de fastest
+horse in dis State or any odder, I reckon.  She could clean beat ebbery
+horse far and near.  Many's de race I'se ridden her in, an' nebber onct
+lost.  My ole massa wuz powerful proud of us.  Now he's gone, an' Dolly
+an' me's gettin' old."
+
+"How old are you, January?"
+
+"Powerful ole, massa.  I reckon I'm nigh on a hundred."
+
+"That's impossible," interrupted Mrs. Davenport.  "When were you born?"
+
+He scratched his head to help his memory.  "Well, de truf is, Miss
+Mary"--he had heard Mr. Davenport call her Mary, and so from the start
+he addressed her in Southern style--"I can't say 'xactly, but I know
+I'se powerful old.  I wuz an ole man when de wah broke out.  I must
+have been 'bout--well 'bout twenty then."
+
+"The war was only about forty years ago, January," broke in Marian,
+"and that would make you sixty now."
+
+"I reckon, I'm 'bout dat."  He had no idea of his age.  The longer the
+Davenports knew him, the more they realized the truth of this.
+Sometimes he would make himself out a centenarian, and then, by his own
+reckoning, he was not out of his teens.
+
+"Get up, Dolly," he cried.  She paid no more attention to this mild
+command than she would have to the buzzing of a fly--probably not so
+much.
+
+"Papa, may I drive?" asked Marian in her quiet way.  Receiving consent,
+she took the reins.  Dolly soon noticed a difference in drivers.
+Presently she went so fast, that she satisfied even Beth as to speed.
+
+"Look at the river," cried Beth.  They were driving under great,
+over-arching trees.  To the right of them, between the openings of the
+trees, the glorious St. Johns was to be seen gleaming under the
+brilliant tropical sun.
+
+"That's a beautiful hammock yonder," said Mr. Davenport.
+
+Beth could see no hammock.  There was a wonderful, intricate growth of
+shrubs, trees, and vines which formed an almost impenetrable mass of
+green, but no hammock.
+
+"Where is it?" she asked.  "It seems a very queer place for a hammock."
+
+Mr. Davenport laughed at her, and explained that such a mass of green
+is called a hammock in Florida, not hummock as in the North.
+
+Very soon they were past the swamps.  The banks of the river grew
+higher and nice houses were to be seen on either side of the road.
+
+Dolly, of her own accord, turned in at the gate of an unusually
+beautiful place.  There are no fine lawns in Florida.  In this case,
+the lack of such green was made up by a waving mass of blooming
+cardinal phlox, behind which was an orange grove in full bearing.  In
+the well-cultivated grounds there were many inviting drives through
+avenues of trees.
+
+"What are we going in here for?" asked Beth.
+
+"Do you think it a pretty place?" returned Mr. Davenport.
+
+"I never saw a prettier place.  It's grand."
+
+"Guess who owns it."
+
+"How should I know?  I don't know any people in Florida."
+
+"You know the Davenports.  They are to live here.  I bought the place
+this morning."
+
+Beth could hardly believe her father.  He had, indeed, greatly
+surprised her.  That she was to be a little Florida lady henceforth,
+hardly seemed possible.  She thought she must be a fairy-story
+princess, and that the fairies were vying with one another in showering
+upon her the good things of life.
+
+"I'm so happy, I don't know what to say or do.  Why, if a good fairy
+offered to grant me three wishes, I shouldn't know what to ask.  I have
+everything," declared Beth.
+
+"There aren't any fairies, and you know it.  So what's the use of
+talking about them," interrupted practical Marian.
+
+"Mamma says our thoughts are the real fairies," returned Beth, nothing
+daunted, and added, "papa has given me plenty of good ones to-day."
+
+"I was in great luck to secure this place," said Mr. Davenport.  "It
+had just been put on the market as Mr. Marlowe, the former owner, was
+called North by the death of his wife.  The agent brought me out this
+morning, and I was so delighted with it that I would look no farther.
+I found the title all right, and so I signed the papers at once."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+The New Home
+
+The house on the place just described was a rambling two-storied
+building with many porches--a typical vine-covered Southern cottage.
+It was picturesque from every side, and seemed to have no prosaic back.
+Marechal Niel roses, and honeysuckles, and some tropical vines, climbed
+over latticework almost to the roof.  There were, also, many trees near
+the house, some of which were rare.
+
+[Illustration: Beth's new home.  (Illustration missing from book)]
+
+A colored woman bustled out of a side door, and looked down the road
+leading to the gate through which the Davenports' carriage had entered.
+Evidently, she was no common negro, but had served "quality" all her
+life--a typical old-time mammy.  A red bandanna was drawn tightly over
+her short curly wool.  Her dress was of flowered calico, and around her
+neck was a brilliant-hued shawl.  A neat gingham apron covered her
+skirt.  Her face broke into a smile, and she pointed to the palm-lined
+driveway.
+
+"Yo' Titus--yo' Glory--Indianna--all yo' niggahs come hyere.  De new
+massa and missus am comin'," she called.
+
+Out from the house, from the fields, from the quarters, they came
+trooping; old and young; weazened and pretty; black and yellow; all
+rolling their gleaming black eyes in the direction of the carriage
+which they saw come to a sudden standstill.
+
+"What's de mattah?" they cried, and one young darky started down the
+road to see.  He beheld January descend from the carriage, and walk to
+a persimmon tree and pluck some of the fruit.
+
+The darky wondered what was to be done with the fruit that he knew was
+still green.  His curiosity made him sneak up within earshot.
+
+January returned to the carriage, and handed the fruit to Beth.  The
+darky heard him say:
+
+"I wouldn't eat dem, Missy Beth, if I wuz yo'.  Dey am powerful green."
+
+To her the little round fruit looked very tempting, especially the
+light yellow ones.  Therefore she did not heed him.  She selected one,
+but, instead of taking a dainty nibble, she put the whole fruit into
+her mouth, and bit down on it.  Immediately, she set up a cry, and spit
+out the persimmon.  "Ow-ow-ow, how it puckers!"
+
+January chuckled, and, before driving on, he said: "I tole yo' so,
+Missy Beth."
+
+Marian laughed until she was tired.  "Beth, if you are drawn up inside
+the way your face is outside, it must be terrible."
+
+"It is.  It is."  But she did not receive any sympathy.  Even Mr.
+Davenport laughed at her.  He had told her not to have January get
+them, but she had insisted on having her own way.
+
+"Beth," he said, "I hope this may teach you a lesson.  You must not
+taste things that you know nothing about."
+
+Her mouth was still so drawn up that she did not care to do any more
+tasting--at least, not for the present.  When she thought nobody was
+looking, she let the rest of the persimmons roll out of the carriage.
+
+"What do they all do?" asked Beth as the carriage came to a standstill,
+and she noted the waiting negroes.  As January helped her out, he
+chuckled, and swelled visibly with pride.  "Dey all work for us, Missy
+Beth.  She's de boss," he added in a low tone pointing to the colored
+woman with the bandanna.  "Dat's Maggie; yo'd bettah make up with her."
+
+[Illustration: Maggie, a typical old-time mammy.]
+
+The darkies courtesied.  Their manners were of the old school.  Beth
+ran up to Maggie.
+
+"I hope you'll like me, Maggie, for I know I'll like you."
+
+Maggie's face beamed.  "Of cou'se, honey, I jes' kan't help likin' yo'.
+Yo'se de sweetest little missy I knows," and then she added: "Massa,
+I'se 'sidered yore proposition, an' me an' Titus 'cided to stay."
+
+"All right, Maggie.  You can show Mrs. Davenport and the children
+around the house."
+
+Marian was willing to go with her mother, but Beth hung back.
+
+"I don't care for the house.  I want to see the front yard and river.
+May I go, papa?"
+
+"If you'll come back in half an hour, you may go."
+
+"All right, papa," and Beth was off like a flash around the corner of
+the house.  She was impatient to see everything in that half hour.  She
+felt that she needed a thousand eyes.  The trees bewildered her.  There
+were so many varieties she had never seen before--magnolias with their
+wonderful glossy foliage; bamboos with their tropical stalks covered
+with luxuriant green; pomegranates; live-oaks and water-oaks; the wild
+olive with its feathery white blossoms, and many others.
+
+The moss on the oaks swayed back and forth, seeming to murmur, "Beth,
+these trees are the best of playfellows.  Climb up here with us.  We'll
+have great fun," but she would not heed them.  There was too much to
+see.
+
+All of a sudden, she stopped perfectly still.  She thought there must
+be a fairy up in one of the trees with the most wonderful voice she had
+ever heard.  Such singing, she thought, was too sweet to be human.
+
+She looked up and beheld a bird of medium size, and of plain plumage.
+It cocked its little head to one side, and eyed the child as if it knew
+no fear.  It sang on undisturbed.
+
+"Beth," this is what the warbler said to her, "come up into this
+beautiful tree with us.  Stay with us."  The enticement of the bird,
+added to the fascination trees had for her, was almost too much for so
+little a girl to resist.  However, she put her fingers into her ears,
+and ran on.  But, she did not escape temptation thus.  Countless beds
+of roses, of geraniums, and of many other flowers tempted her to
+linger, and gather the fragrant blossoms, but, still she did not
+succumb, for there was greater beauty ahead.  She beheld a lovely
+avenue formed of orange trees and red and white oleanders trimmed to a
+perfect archway.  The winter had been a mild one.  Not only did
+luscious ripe oranges cling to the trees, but green fruit was forming,
+and there was, also, a wealth of fragrant blossoms.  The oleanders,
+too, were coming into bloom.
+
+Beth stopped for a moment to draw in some of the wonderful fragrance
+that filled the air.  No perfume is more delightful than that of orange
+blossoms in their native grove.  The fruit, too, looks more tempting on
+the trees.  The glistening green leaves are just the right setting for
+the golden yellow balls.  Beth wished to stop and eat some of the
+fruit, but again she proved firm.  She ran on and on under the shade of
+the archway that extended a quarter of a mile at the very least.  She
+ran so fast that her breath shortened and her cheeks flamed.
+
+At the end of the avenue was an arch of stone covered with climbing
+Cherokees spread in wild confusion.  Beth did not stop to gather any of
+the pure, fragrant blossoms, for right in front of the arch was a wharf
+leading out on the beautiful St. Johns.  The river was from one to two
+miles wide at this point.  It glistened and rippled under the brilliant
+sunshine.  As Beth ran out on the wharf, she thought she had never seen
+a sight more charming.
+
+The wharf extended far out into the river, and near the end of it, Beth
+came suddenly upon a boy with a loaf of bread in his hand.  She stopped
+undecided, and looked at the boy.  He was, perhaps, three or four years
+older than Beth.  His hair was as light as hers was dark.  His eyes
+were blue, and his naturally fair skin was tanned.  He looked up at
+Beth for an instant, and frowned.
+
+"What are you doing here, little un?  I don't like girls to bother me.
+Go away."
+
+If there was one thing above another that made Beth's temper rise, it
+was to be called "little one," and to be twitted upon being a girl.
+She felt like making up a face at this boy, but, instead, she assumed
+as much dignity as she could command.
+
+"I won't go away.  This is my place.  What are you doing here?"
+
+The boy laughed incredulously.  "Your place, indeed.  The Marlowes own
+this place, and they are away.  Good-bye."
+
+This was too much for her.  She stamped her foot in rage.  "I won't go.
+My papa bought this place to-day."
+
+He looked a little interested.  "Indeed?  What's your name?"
+
+"Elizabeth Davenport;" she said 'Elizabeth' to be dignified, "and
+really my father owns the place."
+
+"If what you say is so, I'd better go," he said somewhat sheepishly.
+
+She relented.  "Oh, I'll let you stay."
+
+"I'm not sure I want to.  I don't like girls.  They're 'fraid-cats."
+
+"I'm no 'fraid-cat," and her eyes snapped.
+
+"How can you prove it, Elizabeth?"
+
+"Don't call me that.  I hate to be called Elizabeth."
+
+"But you told me that was your name."
+
+"Everybody calls me Beth.  If you're nice, you may call me Beth."
+
+"All right.  How are you going to prove you're no 'fraid-cat,
+Eli--Beth?"
+
+She pondered a moment.  "'Fraid-cats cry when they're hurt, don't they?"
+
+"Of course.  So do girls."
+
+"I don't cry when I'm hurt," and she looked triumphant as if that
+settled the matter.  "Once when I was a little bit of a girl----"
+
+"You're pretty small now."
+
+"I'm a big girl, and you shouldn't interrupt.  Well, once Marian----"
+
+"Who's she?"
+
+"She's my sister.  Well, I wanted to light the gas, but Marian said I
+was too small, but I'd not listen.  I jumped up on a rocker to light
+the gas.  The chair rocked and, I fell against the windowsill.  Marian
+screamed, 'Beth's killed.  She's covered with blood!'"
+
+"Were you really?"
+
+"Yes."  Beth felt she was arguing her case well.  "Mamma thought I just
+had the nose bleed, but what do you s'pose?  I had two mouths."
+
+The boy's eyes grew big.  "Two mouths--how jolly.  How did it happen?"
+
+"The window-sill had cut me right across here," she pointed to the
+space just below her nose.  "The doctor took five stitches, and when it
+healed, took them out again.  It hurt very much, but I didn't cry a
+bit."
+
+"Didn't it leave a scar on your face?"
+
+She threw back her head.
+
+"There, do you see that little white line under my nose?  You can
+hardly see it now."
+
+The boy examined the spot critically.  Then he changed the subject.
+"Where did you live before you came here?"
+
+"New York."
+
+"Did you like it there?"
+
+"No, it was horrid.  I hated to be dressed up and sent for a walk."
+
+He looked incredulous.  "Most girls like to be dressed up."
+
+"I don't."
+
+"Don't you like to be told you are a pretty little girl with nice
+clothes?"
+
+"No, I don't."
+
+He sniffed disdainfully.  "Oh, go long.  I don't believe that."
+
+Beth grew very much in earnest, and thought of another little
+illustration.
+
+"Truth 'pon honor.  One day a strange lady in a store put her hand on
+my head, and said: 'What a pretty little girl.'  It made me mad, so
+that I just grunted and made up a face at her.  My mamma said, 'Why,
+Beth, that is very naughty.'  I said, 'Well, mamma, what business is it
+of hers whether I am pretty or not?  It isn't my fault if I am pretty
+and people shouldn't bother me.'"
+
+The boy laughed.  "I believe I rather like you, Beth, but I only have
+your word for it that you are not like other girls.  I have a big mind
+to try you.  Shall I?"
+
+She was a little afraid to consent, but she was ashamed to show it.  So
+she delayed matters by asking "How?"
+
+The boy drew down his face until it was very long, and when he spoke it
+was in an awe-inspiring whisper.
+
+"Swear never to tell what I tell you.  Repeat after me, 'Harvey
+Baker----'"
+
+"Is that your name?"
+
+"Yes--don't interrupt me.  'Harvey Baker, if I tell what you show me, I
+hope I may be forever doomed and tortured.'"
+
+Beth looked shocked.  "I won't say that."
+
+"'Fraid-cat.  'Fraid-cat."
+
+Again she stamped her foot.  "I won't be called that.  It's not true.
+I will promise not to tell.  Can't you believe me?"
+
+The boy considered.  "Girls are hardly ever to be trusted, but I'll try
+you.  In this river there is a great, big, black animal that hates
+fraid-cats as much as I do.  He eats them up.  Why, he has such fierce
+jaws and sharp teeth that he could gobble up a little girl like you in
+one mouthful."
+
+Beth felt that her hair must be standing up on end.  She would have run
+away, had not pride detained her--and then the recital rather
+fascinated her.  Harvey continued, relishing the effect of his story:
+
+"Now I have only to whistle to have the awful animal appear.  His head
+will slowly rise above the water.  His jaws will open.  His teeth will
+gleam.  If any little girl cries, he will snap at her, and it will be
+good-bye girl.  Now, if you are not a fraid-cat you'll say, 'Harvey
+Baker, whistle.'"
+
+She wanted to run more than ever, but instead she repeated slowly:
+
+"Harvey Baker, whistle."
+
+The boy pursed up his lips, but he then made an impressive pause, and
+finally pointed his finger at Beth.
+
+"Elizabeth Davenport, remember.  If you give the least little bit of a
+cry, you die.  But, if you keep perfectly still, and never tell what
+you see, I am your friend for life."  Thereupon he whistled very
+shrilly.
+
+Beth's eyes were glued upon the water.  Every little ripple seemed to
+her excited imagination an awful head rising to gobble her up.
+However, nothing appeared.  Beth gave a sigh of relief.
+
+"Harvey Baker, you were fooling."
+
+He motioned to her to be silent.  Again, he whistled.  Still no
+horrible head appeared.  Beth was now fully convinced that he was only
+making believe, but still she could not take her eyes off the water.
+
+For the third time, Harvey whistled.  Suddenly the waters parted.
+There, right below them, was a head more fearful than anything Beth had
+imagined.  There was no doubt of the reality of this fearful
+apparition.  The jaws and teeth that Harvey had spoken about were even
+worse than he had predicted.  Slowly, slowly, those loathsome jaws
+parted.  Beth looked down into that awful gulf, like a great dark pit,
+opening to receive her.  There were the two rows of gleaming white
+teeth ready to devour girls who screamed.  How she kept from screaming
+she never knew.  Perhaps she was too much paralyzed with fear.
+However, she kept so still that she hardly breathed.  The color ebbed
+out of her face.
+
+Harvey picked up some meat that lay on the wharf beside him, and threw
+that and the bread into the waiting mouth below.  The jaws snapped
+together, and opened again as suddenly.
+
+Beth shuddered a little, involuntarily.  She wondered if she would have
+disappeared as quickly as the meat if she had screamed.
+
+Harvey had no more food for the animal below.  It waited an instant,
+then slowly sank.  The waters closed where the head had been.  Beth
+felt as though she were wakening from a horrible nightmare.
+
+"Three cheers for Beth," cried Harvey so unexpectedly that she gave a
+great start.
+
+"Was it a dragon?" asked Beth with her eyes unnaturally big.
+
+He laughed.  "A dragon----  No, indeed.  It's only a 'gator."
+
+"A 'gator----  Would it really have eaten me if I had screamed?"
+
+"It might, although I said that to try you.  They do say, though, that
+'gators sometimes eat pickaninnies.  The Northerners who come down here
+winters are killing off the 'gators pretty fast, so the pickaninnies
+are likely to live.  Now mind, Beth, don't say a word about my 'gator.
+You see if my folks heard about it, they might put a stop to my feeding
+it.  They don't think 'gators as nice as I do."
+
+"I think they are just horrid."
+
+Harvey laughed.  "Oh, you'll like them in time."
+
+She had her doubts about ever being fond of such pets, but did not say
+so.
+
+"I can't whistle, but would it come if I could whistle, Harvey?"
+
+He looked very superior.  "No, indeed.  It won't come for any one but
+me."
+
+"How did you get it to come for you?"
+
+"Well, you see, I used to watch that 'gator in the river; then began
+bringing food for it.  I reckon it thought that an easy way to live,
+and it soon grew to know me.  Then it learned my whistle.  That's all."
+
+Beth now remembered that her half hour must be more than over.
+
+"Harvey, I must go.  Good-bye."
+
+"Wait a minute.  I say, I really like you, and will teach you how to
+fish some day."
+
+This was the greatest compliment he could pay her, for he was an expert
+angler, and had never allowed a girl to share in the sport with him.
+Such an invitation as he had just extended surprised even himself, but
+he actually hoped that it would be accepted.  He even decided to set a
+definite time.
+
+"Come here--well, say Monday afternoon between four and five."
+
+"I'll come if mamma will let me."
+
+"Remember, you mustn't tell any one about the 'gator."
+
+"Not even mamma?"
+
+"No, indeed.  You wouldn't break your word, would you?"
+
+"I never do that."
+
+"You're a trump, Beth.  Good-bye."
+
+She skipped back towards the house, revelling in her adventure now that
+it was over.  Being called a trump by Harvey pleased her, but even this
+praise only half reconciled her for keeping any secret from her mother.
+
+Halfway up the avenue, a homely, impudent, scraggy little dog, sprang
+from among the trees and yelped at Beth.  A ragged little darky
+followed.  Beth had never seen any human being quite so ragged.
+
+"Come 'way, Fritz.  What yo' mean by jumpin' on de missy?"
+
+Beth eyed doubtfully both the dog and his master.  The latter looked at
+her reassuringly.
+
+"Yo' needn't be 'fraid, missy.  I won't let Fritz hurt yo'."
+
+"I--afraid--of him!  He don't look as if he could harm anything," and
+Beth laughed.
+
+The boy appeared grieved.
+
+"Really, missy, he's a wonderful dog.  I'll show yo' what he can do.
+Come, Fritz, dance for missy."
+
+The ragged leader held up a warning finger.  Fritz wagged his stubby
+tail, but did not budge.
+
+"Come, come, Fritz.  Dance for de missy."
+
+Fritz wagged his stubby tail more vigorously, but gave no other
+response.  The boy looked wise.
+
+"He's bashful, missy, jes' like me.  Perhaps, if I whipped him like my
+mother whips me----"
+
+"Does she whip you?"
+
+"Yes, 'deed she does--if she kotches me," added the boy laughingly.
+"If I'd whip Fritz, he'd dance, but I likes him too well to whip him."
+
+Beth liked all dogs, with or without pedigree, and said warmly:
+
+"I wouldn't whip him either, but it's too bad he won't dance.  I'd
+really like to see him."
+
+Again the boy said coaxingly, "Fritz, do dance," but the dog was not to
+be coaxed.
+
+The boy frowned.  "Yo'll think he can't dance, but 'deed he can.
+Maybe, if I dance, he'll dance too."
+
+At the word, the ragged pickaninny began whistling, and then he capered
+around and around performing some wonderful steps.  Whereupon Fritz
+began to bark and caught at his master's heels.
+
+"Stop, Fritz, stop," but the dog would not heed, and so the dancing
+came to a sudden stand-still.
+
+The pickaninny cocked his head on one side and whispered to Beth:
+
+"He's out of sorts with me.  I'm disgraced in his sight.  He can dance
+so much bettah 'n me."
+
+"Can he really?"
+
+"Oh, a hundred times bettah."
+
+"He must be a wonderful dog"--Beth was about to add, "Although he
+doesn't look it," and then desisted out of consideration for the dog's
+master.
+
+"He's mighty smart.  Why, 'less yo'd see all the tricks he does, yo'd
+never believe dem.  Besides dancin', he jumps the rope, plays ball,
+says his prayers, gives his paw, jumps that high yo' wouldn't b'lieve
+it possible, rolls over----"
+
+"What kind of dog is he?"
+
+The boy scratched his head.  "Well, missy, I can't jes' 'xactly say."
+
+"If he is so very wonderful, you ought to know."
+
+The boy was nonplused for a moment.  Then he declared triumphantly;
+"Angels am very wonderful, ain't they?  But yo' can't say 'xactly what
+they am."
+
+Beth had not been much impressed by the dog, but now she began to feel
+astounded that she had had so little discernment.
+
+"I'd like to own such a dog," she said.
+
+"I'd give him to yo', only I couldn't spare him.  Fritz never goes any
+place widout me.  But, I'll tell yo' what: I'll let yo' play with him
+when yo' want to."
+
+"Do you work for us?"
+
+Again the boy laughed.  "I work for yo'?  No, 'deed; I'se too no 'count
+to work for the likes of yo'.  I wuz jes' cuttin' 'cross fields through
+yo'r yard.  If Titus found me here, he'd kick me an' Fritz out."
+
+"What is your name?"
+
+"Caesar Augustus Jones, but they calls me Gustus.  I wish I could work
+for yo'."
+
+Beth pondered a moment.  "If you did, would you keep Fritz here?"
+
+Gustus caught the trend of her thoughts.  His eyes sparkled and his
+teeth gleamed.
+
+"Me and Fritz 'd stay all the time--nights, too, if yo' wanted."
+
+"I'll ask papa.  He'll take you to please me, I know.  Come on."
+
+Gustus hung back, and his face sobered.
+
+"Why, what's the matter?"
+
+"Titus 'll kick me."
+
+"I won't let him.  Come on."
+
+Thus encouraged, Gustus and Fritz followed her as she ran to the front
+steps, and on into a large old-fashioned hall.  She stopped,
+momentarily, to peek into rooms on either side.  There were two
+apartments on the right.  She afterwards learned that they were parlor
+and library.  On the left was one spacious room designed either for a
+sitting-room or a bedroom.
+
+At the end of the hall was the dining-room, running two-thirds of the
+way across the house.  To Beth's surprise, she found the table unset,
+and no one within.  She feared she had missed luncheon.  Chancing,
+however, to look out through an open door, she immediately gave a
+little cry of delight, for she beheld Mr. and Mrs. Davenport and Marian
+seated at a table on the roomy piazza that ran between the dining-room
+and the kitchen.
+
+Beth seized Gustus by the hand and drew him towards the family party.
+Fritz bounded and yelped at their heels.  His cries attracted the
+attention of the occupants of the piazza.
+
+"Why, Elizabeth Davenport, what----"
+
+"Oh, papa, this is Gustus, and I want you to let him work for us.  This
+wonderful, wonderful dog is his, and if Gustus works for us, I can have
+Fritz to play with."
+
+Beth stopped an instant for breath, which gave some of the others a
+chance to speak.
+
+"Mamma, aren't his rags disgraceful?" whispered Marian to her mother.
+
+"James, what shall we do?"
+
+Mr. Davenport addressed the boy.  "Are you looking for work?"
+
+Gustus hung his head, but managed to say:
+
+"Yes, massa, an' little missy 'lowed yo'd hire me and Fritz."
+
+"Oh, papa, please, please hire them.  Fritz is such a very wonderful
+dog."
+
+Whereupon Indianna Scott, who was acting as waitress, spoke up:
+
+"Don't yo' b'lieve dat, missy.  Dat dog am nothin' but a no 'count
+fice."
+
+Beth had never heard a dog called a fice.  She feared it might be
+something very terrible.  Afterwards she learned that it was a Southern
+provincialism for a common dog.
+
+"Do you know the boy, Indianna?"
+
+"I know of him, massa.  His paw am dead, an' his maw has a dozen or so
+of chilun, an' dey are so pooh dat the maw can't get clothes 'nuff to
+cover dem.  Dey say as how dis boy am always braggin' of his dog, and
+dat the dog am no 'count."
+
+Gustus lost his hang-dog appearance.  His eyes snapped.
+
+"Dat ain't true.  Fritz kin do all I say, only he's bashful."
+
+Fritz did not appear very bashful, but was capering around Beth.
+However, her heart was won, and she cried:
+
+"Anyway, Gustus, you and I love Fritz, don't we?  Dear papa, please,
+please keep them."
+
+"What can you do, Gustus?" he asked slowly.
+
+"I--I kin brush flies," cried he exultantly.
+
+"The boy must have some clothes, anyway.  Come with me, and we'll see
+what we can do for you," said Mrs. Davenport.
+
+Beth felt that she had won.  In her joy she cried:
+
+"Here, Fritz, you stay with me."
+
+Fritz gladly obeyed.  His hungry little stomach craved some of the
+chicken a la Creole which was being passed to Beth.  As she started to
+put some of it into her mouth, she felt something pawing her lap.
+Fritz was making his wants known.  Needless to say, he got some chicken
+from her, and from that time on these two became fast friends.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+Beth's First Fishing Lesson
+
+On Monday morning, Gustus came to Beth, bringing a cat with three
+kittens.  The cat was of only a common breed, but Beth was delighted
+with the present.
+
+Gustus was no longer ragged, but he looked very comical.  There had
+been no boy's clothes in the house for him, and so Mrs. Davenport had
+fitted him out in an old suit of her husband's until another could be
+had.  Of course, everything was much too large for Gustus, but he was
+as proud as Lucifer.  He strutted up and down before Beth with his
+hands in his pockets and Fritz as usual tagging at his heels.
+
+"Missy, I looks like de quality now shure, don't I?" he asked, grinning
+from ear to ear; and, not waiting for an answer, he added, "Yo'se been
+powerful good to me, missy, an' I'm goin' to give yo' Fritz, too."
+
+Such generosity quite overcame Beth.  "But, Gustus, I couldn't think of
+taking him away from you."
+
+"Don't yo' worry, missy," he answered with a chuckle.  "Yo' ain't
+takin' him 'way from me.  I'se yo'r niggah now.  Yo' owns Fritz an' me."
+
+Beth hardly knew what to say.  She thought it would be wrong to "own"
+Gustus.  Slave days were a thing of the past.  However, his devotion
+made her feel self-important.
+
+"Well, Gustus, you must be a good boy," was all she could think to say.
+
+"Yes, 'deed, missy.  Come with me, an' I'll show yo' a bird's nest."
+
+"I can't, Gustus.  Mamma told me I must play indoors unless it clears.
+You know she's gone to town with Marian to see about a school for her.
+I'm not to go until next winter.
+
+"I went to school once for a little while," she continued presently.
+"It happened this way: Marian attended a private school kept by a poor
+lady that mamma felt sorry for.  Marian was not well, so mamma let me
+go in her place, so the lady wouldn't lose money.  They didn't think
+I'd study hard, but, Gustus, I like to know things, and learning to
+read was a great help.  So I studied very hard.  Then I was taken very
+sick and was out of my head.  I talked about books all the time.  The
+doctor said I came near having brain fever, and it wouldn't do for me
+to go for awhile.  I don't believe it would hurt me, but that's why I'm
+not going to school this year.  Did you ever go to school, Gustus?"
+
+"No, missy; me an' Fritz don't need no larnin'."
+
+"But you do, Gustus, and I'm going to teach you."
+
+He did not look particularly pleased at the offer.  Nevertheless, Beth
+put the cat and the kittens down, and started to run for her books.
+
+Bent as usual on mischief, Fritz made a dive and, catching the
+prettiest kitten by the neck, started away with it.  The mother cat was
+after him in an instant.  Her back was ruffled, and she struck Fritz
+with her sharp paw.  He dropped the kitten and ran howling from the
+room.  Gustus thought it a good opportunity to escape and started after
+Fritz.
+
+"Gustus, come back," called Beth.
+
+He looked crestfallen, but felt in duty bound to do as his little
+mistress bade.  She brought her books, and had Gustus sit down beside
+her.  Then she tried him with the alphabet.  He proved woefully
+ignorant.  After pointing out to him, A, B, and C, many, many times,
+she said:
+
+"Show me A, Gustus."
+
+He grinned.  "A what, missy?"
+
+"The letter A, of course, g----"  She almost said "goosie," but thought
+in time that such a word would not be dignified for a teacher to use.
+
+She did not find the fun in teaching that she had expected.
+Nevertheless, she persevered.  Her face grew flushed as Gustus proved
+himself more and more ignorant.
+
+When Mrs. Davenport returned from town, she found Beth at her
+self-imposed task.
+
+"Mamma, Gustus ought to go to school."
+
+"I don't wants to go," he cried, his eyes rolling so there was hardly
+any black visible in them.
+
+Mrs. Davenport did not press the point.  She intended to talk it over
+with her husband.
+
+"Mr. Davenport and I bought these for you," she said, untying a package
+and drawing out a suit of boy's clothes, stockings, shoes, and
+underwear.
+
+Gustus's pride now passed all bounds.  He let forth a perfect avalanche
+of thanks, using large words, the meaning of which he had little idea.
+Even young darkies like big-sounding speech.
+
+The morning passed quickly to Beth.  To her delight, towards noon the
+sun broke through the clouds.  This reminded her of Harvey Baker's
+invitation to fish.
+
+"Mamma, may I go down to the wharf?" she asked immediately after
+luncheon.  "Harvey Baker asked me to fish with him.  He's a neighbor's
+boy I met Saturday."
+
+"Well, I declare.  Why didn't you tell me before?"
+
+"I forgot."  She had had so many things to think of and talk about,
+that she had not thought much about Harvey except at night.  Then that
+awful alligator haunted her until she wanted to call her mamma, but she
+had not dared because of her promise.
+
+"May I go, mamma?"
+
+"But I do not know anything about him.  He may not be nice at all."
+
+Maggie, who chanced to be present, now spoke up:
+
+"De Bakers am quality, Miss Mary.  I wouldn't be feared to let missy go
+wid any Baker.  I'se s'prised, do, dat Harvey axed her, 'cause he don't
+like girls.  Are yo' sure, honey, he axed yo'?"
+
+"Of course I am."
+
+"Den yo' needn't fear, Miss Mary.  Harvey's a big boy, and he'll take
+good care of her."
+
+With this assurance, Mrs. Davenport gave her consent.
+
+Beth put on her hat and hurried down the avenue to the river.  On the
+end of the wharf sat Harvey, holding a fishing pole.  He turned his
+head at her approach.
+
+"Hello, Beth.  I hardly expected you.  I thought your mamma might be
+'fraid to let you come."
+
+She smiled.  "Maggie said you were 'quality,' and would take care of
+me."
+
+Harvey gave a grunt.  "Don't know about quality, but as long as your
+mamma trusted me, she shan't repent.  Take this line, and go to
+fishing."
+
+He handed one to her and she dropped the end into the water.  Harvey
+broke into a hearty laugh.
+
+"You don't 'spect to catch fish without bait, do you?"
+
+She answered meekly: "I s'pose not, but what is bait?"
+
+Harvey laughed harder than ever.  "Well, you are silly."
+
+Beth felt aggrieved over being called silly, but she tried to look
+dignified.
+
+"Don't care, you're just as silly as me.  My papa says if people don't
+keep quiet, they'll scare all the fish away.  You're laughing awful
+loud."
+
+He immediately sobered down.  "True for you, Beth.  It is silly to
+laugh and you're a wise girl.  You'll make a good fisher.  Here, I'll
+put the bait on for you."
+
+He baited her line and threw it out into deep water for her.
+
+She waited patiently for the fish to bite, but it seemed as if her
+patience was to go unrewarded.  She wished for Harvey's good opinion,
+and so she did not even speak.  It proved pretty dull work and to make
+matters worse, Harvey pulled in a number of fish, while she did not get
+even a nibble.
+
+She would have given up in despair had not her pride prevented.  Harvey
+felt sorry for her and proved himself magnanimous.
+
+"Beth, the fish are biting lively here.  You take my place--yes, you
+must, and I'll go around on the other side."
+
+Matters did not mend for Beth even with the change.  The fish seemed to
+follow the boy.  He caught several on the other side of the wharf,
+while the patient little fisher maiden waited in vain for the fish to
+take pity on her.
+
+Presently, she almost feel asleep, fishing proved so uninteresting.
+Then there was a terrible jerk on her line, followed by a steady pull.
+Beth was afraid the alligator had swallowed the line, and that she
+would be dragged into the river.  Nevertheless, she hung on bravely.
+
+"Harvey, Harvey, come quick.  I can't pull it in.  Come quick."
+
+He rushed to her assistance.  The two children began pulling together.
+Harvey's eyes grew almost as big as his companion's.
+
+"Beth, I believe you've caught a whale."
+
+It was a very hard tug for them, but finally something black wiggled
+out of the water.  Beth gave a little cry.
+
+"Harvey, it's a snake.  I don't want it, do you?"
+
+His eyes sparkled.  "It's no snake, Beth.  It's an eel and a beauty
+too.  My, what a monster!"
+
+"Are you sure it is not a snake?"
+
+"Of course I am.  Darkies call them second cousins to snakes and won't
+eat them, but they are fine eating.  My, just see him squirm.  Isn't he
+big, though?  You're a brick, Beth, to catch him."
+
+By this time, the eel was safely landed on the wharf, and proved to be
+indeed a monster.  It was a wonder that the children had ever been able
+to pull him in.  Harvey tried to unhook him, but failed; for just as
+the boy thought he had him, the eel would slip away.
+
+"Let's take him up to the house on the line.  I want to show him to
+mamma," cried Beth.
+
+"All right, but first we'll fix some lines for crabs."
+
+"What are crabs?"
+
+"My, don't you know?  Well, we'll catch some when we come back and then
+you'll see."
+
+He took some lines without hooks and tied raw beef on the ends of them.
+Then he threw them into the water.
+
+Beth, as proud as if she had caught a tarpon, took up her line with the
+eel on it, and away marched the children to the house.
+
+"Mamma, just see what I caught."
+
+"Well, I declare," cried Mrs. Davenport at sight of the eel.  "Did you
+really catch that all by yourself, child?"
+
+"Yes, mamma, except that Harvey had to help me pull it in, or else the
+eel would have pulled me into the water.  It tugged awfully hard, but I
+wouldn't let go.  Mamma, this is Harvey and we're just having heaps of
+fun."  She had forgotten, already, that a few minutes before she
+thought she was having a very stupid time.
+
+Harvey raised his cap.  Mrs. Davenport liked the boy's appearance.
+
+"Mamma, you keep the eel to show papa.  Harvey and I are going back to
+catch crabs.  Come on, Harvey."
+
+Mrs. Davenport detained them a moment.  "Harvey, you'll take good care
+of my little girl, won't you?"
+
+"Yes, ma'am," and back the children scampered to the wharf.
+
+"You see if there is anything on this line, Beth, while I go around to
+the other lines.  If there is, call me, and I'll come with the net, and
+help you land him."
+
+Away went Harvey.  Beth began pulling in the line.  There, hanging on
+the meat with two awful claws, was a great big greenish crab.  His eyes
+bulged out, and altogether he looked so fierce that Beth was somewhat
+frightened at him, but she wished to surprise Harvey.  Therefore she
+overcame her fear, and continued pulling up the line.  For a wonder,
+the crab hung on all the way from the water to the wharf.  Beth was
+delighted to think she had caught something without Harvey's aid.  Mr.
+Crab, however, as soon as he felt himself trapped, let go of the meat,
+and began crawling towards the side of the wharf.  Beth saw her prize
+vanishing, and made a dive for it.  Up went the crab's claws, and
+caught the child by the fingers.  A scream immediately rent the air.
+
+Harvey came running to find the cause of the commotion.  He had to
+laugh, notwithstanding tears were streaming down Beth's face.  She
+looked so ludicrous, dancing up and down with that awful crab hanging
+on like grim death.
+
+"'Beware of the Jabberwock that bites, my child,'" quoted Harvey.
+
+Beth stopped screaming an instant.  "I thought it was a crab."
+
+"So it is.  I was just repeating a line from _Alice in Wonderland_."
+
+While Harvey spoke, he was trying to loosen the crab.  The harder he
+pulled, the more angry it grew, and the harder it bit.  Finally, he
+pulled so desperately that the crab came, but a claw was left hanging
+to poor Beth's finger.
+
+Harvey started to drop the crab.  Again Beth ceased her yelling.
+
+"Harvey, don't you dare let my crab go.  Put it in the basket and then
+come and get this awful claw off my finger."
+
+He did as he was bid, secretly admiring his little friend's pluck.
+They had a great time getting off the dismembered claw, but, finally,
+they succeeded.  Poor Beth's finger was bitten to the bone.  Harvey
+really felt very sympathetic, but, boy-like, was somewhat bashful about
+expressing it.
+
+"Beth, does it hurt much?" was all he said.
+
+"Pretty bad," she admitted, forcing back the tears.  "Say, Harvey, were
+there any other crabs?"
+
+"I had time to look at only two of the lines, I got three crabs from
+the two.  There were two on one line, so with yours we have four.  But
+never mind the crabs; we must go up to the house and have your finger
+dressed."
+
+"No, we must first see if there are any other crabs.  Here, tie my
+handkerchief around my finger.  I guess I can stand it awhile."
+
+The handkerchief was tied about the sore finger, and then Beth watched
+Harvey while he pulled up the lines.  There were crabs on every one,
+and on some of them there were two.  Harvey would pull the crabs to the
+surface of the water and then scoop the net under them.  In moving the
+crabs from the net to the basket, he held them by the hind legs,
+because, in this position, a crab cannot reach around with its claws to
+bite.
+
+Altogether, the children caught about fifteen crabs, and they took them
+up to the house with them.  Arriving there, they found that Mrs.
+Davenport had driven to town to bring home Mr. Davenport and Marian.
+
+Beth therefore went to Maggie about the finger, and Harvey accompanied
+her.  Maggie proved very sympathetic.
+
+"Yo' precious little honey, yo'.  Dat finger jes' am awful, but I knows
+what'll cure it in no time.  Here, yo', Gustus, yo' run and fetch me
+some tar.  Hurry, yo' lazy niggah yo'.  Dar, dar, honey chile, it'll be
+all right in no time.  Tar am jes' fine for a sore."
+
+For a wonder, Gustus did hurry and was back in no time with the tar.
+Maggie dressed the wound with it very gently and Beth began to feel
+easier immediately.
+
+"Now, honey, it'll be all right.  If yo'd only known, and jes' held
+yo'r finger with dat crab out over the watah, it 'd have seen its
+shadah and gone aftah it."
+
+"Here, Beth," Harvey now said, "you can have all of the crabs; I guess
+I'd better go."
+
+"Please don't go, Harvey; I want you to stay.  Say, Harvey, are crabs
+good to eat?"
+
+"Of course, they are.  You just put them in water and boil them and
+they are dandy."
+
+"Oh, how I wish we could boil them.  Wouldn't papa be surprised?
+Maggie, can't we boil them?" and Beth seized the cook's hand and held
+it, pressing it coaxingly.
+
+"Law, honey, dar ain't no room on de stove.  I's gettin' de dinnah."
+
+"Please, Maggie, make room," continued Beth, already having learned her
+power of persuasion over her new mammy.
+
+"I can't, honey, but I'll tell yo' what.  Yo' an' Harvey kin do it if
+he knows how to boil dem."
+
+"Of course, I know how."
+
+"Well, I'll let yo' take dis big iron kettle into de library.  Yo' kin
+put de kettle on de fire, dar, an' boil dem."
+
+Beth danced up and down for joy.  "Oh, won't that be fun.  Thank you,
+Maggie.  You're a lovely Maggie."
+
+"Dar ain't no hot watah, but I'll take dis cold watah in fur yo', an'
+it'll heat in no time."
+
+Maggie carried the kettle, half-filled with water, and placed it
+securely, as she thought, on the big open wood-fire in the library.
+Then she left the children to their own devices, Fritz alone keeping
+them company.  A watched kettle never boils, and the children did not
+have the patience to test the truth of this.
+
+"I hate to wait for water to boil," said Beth.
+
+Just then Harvey conceived a brilliant idea.
+
+"Say, Beth, we'll put in the crabs before it begins to boil.  Then we
+can play until they're done."
+
+"And the cold water won't hurt them like hot, will it, Harvey?"
+
+Without answering, he emptied the crabs into the kettle.  Beth viewed
+them critically.
+
+"There's the horrid old thing that bit me.  I know him by his one claw."
+
+"He shall be the first one eaten to show how mean he was.  What shall
+we play?"
+
+"Let's play stage."
+
+He accepted the suggestion, and while they played, Fritz snoozed
+comfortably before the fire.
+
+The water began to get hot, and the crabs became lively.  They crawled
+around so vigorously that a log slipped and upset the kettle.  There
+was a sizzling of water, and, in an instant, fifteen crabs were loose
+in the Davenport library.
+
+This avalanche of crabs awakened Fritz, who opened his eyes halfway and
+beheld a crab at his very nose.  Perhaps in his sleepiness, he thought
+it another kind of kitten ready for a frolic.  At any rate, he put out
+his paw towards the crab, which met his advances more than halfway.
+With a wild howl, Fritz jumped up on three feet while the crab clung
+grimly to the fourth.
+
+"Poor Fritz!  You, too, should beware of the Jabberwock that bites,"
+cried Beth from the lounge where she had taken refuge.
+
+Around and around whirled Fritz in a most lively manner.
+
+"Just see him," cried Beth triumphantly.  "Gustus always said he could
+dance, and this proves it."
+
+Harvey, who was trying to catch some of the crabs, grunted
+disdainfully, but continued his unsuccessful chase without any other
+comment.
+
+Fortunately for Fritz, the crab dropped of its own accord, and the
+frightened dog tore like a streak of lightning through the house and on
+outdoors.
+
+Once Harvey stooped and thought he surely had a crab, when Beth beheld
+another crab with claws upstretched right behind.
+
+"Harvey, come here quick," cried Beth; "a crab's going to bite you in
+the back."
+
+Thereupon, he, too, jumped upon the lounge to escape the threatening
+claws.  Immediately, however, he said:
+
+"Oh, pshaw, it's silly to be afraid of crabs.  I'm going to get down
+again."  Beth, however, caught hold of his hand, saying:
+
+"No, I won't let you.  I wish somebody would come to help us.  I'm
+going to try to make Maggie hear me.  Maggie.  Maggie."
+
+Back from the kitchen floated the slow tones of Maggie.
+
+"What am it, honey?"
+
+"Maggie, come here, quick."
+
+Then they heard the soft tread of her feet crossing the piazza.
+
+"She's coming, Harvey."
+
+Maggie poked her head through the door and beheld the children upon the
+lounge.
+
+"Laws a massy, what am yo' doin' thar, honeys?"
+
+Then she saw the crabs on the floor, and she began to laugh.
+
+Now when Maggie laughed it meant more than ordinary merriment.  Her
+eyes rolled and her sides shook.
+
+"Ha, ha, ha.  Oh my, oh me.  Ha, ha, ha.  Well, dis am a sight.  I jes'
+'lows I must go to Titus about dis yere.  Ha, ha, ha," and away she
+went.
+
+"But, Maggie," cried Beth in protest, "I think you're real mean.  We
+want you to help us catch them."
+
+But Maggie paid no attention to the appeal.
+
+The one-clawed crab stopped for a moment in front of the lounge.
+
+"Harvey, he's making fun of us, too,"
+
+"The impudent thing," exclaimed Harvey, jumping down.
+
+By a dexterous move, he captured the crab.
+
+"Don't you come back here with it," commanded Beth.
+
+There was a space free from crabs between Harvey and the window.  He
+ran to the window and threw the crab out.
+
+January chanced to be working not far away, and Harvey spied him.
+
+"Come in here quick, January," he cried.  "There are a lot of crabs
+after us."
+
+January, for a wonder, came running, and his valor for once proved
+remarkable.  He showed no fear of the crabs, and darted around so
+quickly that he caught every one in the room.  The one-legged one that
+Harvey had thrown out of the window was never found.  Perhaps it made
+its way back to the river, and told of its harrowing experiences on
+land, and especially how it had lost its claw.
+
+Fritz limped for several days after his experience with the crab and
+Beth had a terrible nightmare that night in which crabs were giants
+with claws of iron.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+Visiting
+
+Beth was seated with Fritz and the kittens in a large Mexican hammock
+on the front porch.  She held up a warning finger to her mother who
+stood in the doorway.
+
+"Mamma, do not frighten birdie away.  He is not the least bit afraid of
+me, and I love to hear him sing."
+
+Mrs. Davenport was surprised to see a mocking bird perched on the
+railing directly by the side of Beth.  His little head was cocked
+sidewise, and floods of sweet sounds issued from his throat.
+
+His spouse, who was guarding their nest up in the big live oak in the
+front yard, trilled her limited paeon of praise.
+
+Beth, who often acted as interpreter for beast and bird, thought the
+proud wife-bird meant to say:
+
+"Bravo.  Isn't he the most wonderful tenor that ever lived?  Are you
+surprised that I love him so?  He is the best and smartest husband in
+all the world."
+
+Fritz and black pussy grew restless.  She spit at him, and he barked at
+her.
+
+"Now, my dears, do let me enjoy this beautiful music in peace," Beth
+said reprovingly.
+
+Hardly had she spoken, before black pussy sprang away, and Fritz was
+after her in an instant.
+
+Beth did not dare follow for fear of frightening away Mr. Mocking Bird,
+who stopped singing as cat and dog scampered away, but who had not yet
+flown back to his mate.  He was watching fearfully every move of the
+frolicsome pair.
+
+Away scurried kitty to the other end of the porch with Fritz a close
+second.  Suddenly, she turned, settling down on her back with her claws
+out-stretched, ready to receive Fritz.  In an instant he was on her.
+Over and over they rolled in their wild play.  Fritz became too rough
+to suit puss, and she gave him a sudden dab with her sharp little
+claws.  The blow disabled him for a moment, allowing puss to spring
+away from him.  She scampered down the steps and towards the big tree
+with Fritz again after her.
+
+Mr. Mocking Bird was up in arms in an instant.  How dared the impudent
+creatures approach that tree where dwelt his wife and children!  He
+flew to the rescue.
+
+Mrs. Mocking Bird, too, had grown so nervous that she, also, left her
+young, and joined in the fray.  Together Mr. and Mrs. Mocking Bird
+dived and pecked at the cat and the dog in a most ferocious manner.
+
+Beth rushed out, ready to assist the birds, if necessary, but her aid
+was not needed.
+
+Black puss and Fritz were so taken by surprise at the fierce onslaught
+of the birds that they turned and sneaked away as fast as they could
+go.  Thus, through the power of love, the weaker triumphed over the
+stronger.  Later on the mocking birds also came out victors in another
+contest, and against greater numbers, too.  It happened in this wise:
+
+As the days went by, Beth grew somewhat restless.  She did not exactly
+tire of Fritz, puss, and Arabella, but she longed for diversion.  Then
+one evening Mr. Davenport brought home a large coop of chickens, and
+calling Beth to him, he said:
+
+"You are to tend these, daughter, and hunt eggs every day."
+
+"Oh you dear, good papa.  I want to take one of the sweet things in my
+arms."
+
+Thereupon she tried to get a chicken, but somehow, in so doing, she
+upset the coop.  Away flurried the chickens in every direction.  Beth
+felt ready to cry.
+
+"Never mind," said Mr. Davenport; "when they go to roost to-night, we
+can catch them, and put them in the chicken house."
+
+That night, some of the chickens perched on sheds, and some on trees.
+A few had the hardihood to fly up on the branches of the live oak in
+the front yard.
+
+Mrs. Mocking Bird was just falling asleep in the nest with her young,
+and Mr. Mocking Bird was already asleep not far from her side.  The
+chickens aroused the mother bird in an instant.
+
+"Dearest," she piped, "I hear a dreadful noise down-stairs.  I think
+there must be burglars in the house.  You must go down and see."
+
+Now, every one knows that a man hates to be disturbed from a sound
+sleep, and Mr. Mocking Bird proved no exception.
+
+"Oh, birdie," he grumbled, "do leave me alone; you're always imagining
+things."
+
+"Imagining things, am I?" she answered shrilly.  "Just hear that awful
+noise.  You're so lazy that you would see me and the children murdered
+before you'd move.  If you don't want me to think you a coward, you'll
+go down this instant.  This instant, I say."
+
+Now Mr. Mocking Bird was, as Mrs. Mocking Bird knew, very brave, and he
+also loved her praise.  So he only blinked his eyes once more, and
+literally flew down-stairs.  There he spied the chickens settling down
+for a good night's rest.  Such impudence aroused his ire.  He did not
+hesitate a second, but dived into their midst and pecked furiously at
+the poor, unsuspecting intruders.  The chickens, taken utterly by
+surprise, fluttered to the ground without offering any resistance.
+They cackled so loudly, however, that the noise brought Titus to their
+rescue, and he succeeded in capturing the badly frightened hens.
+
+Mr. Mocking Bird, triumphant, ascended to his anxious spouse.
+
+"Dearest," she cried, "you're not hurt, are you?"
+
+"Hurt!" he repeated boastfully, "hurt?  Well, I should say not.  It was
+only some upstart chickens who dared to sneak into the house, and I'm
+more than a match for any number of such.  I guess we shan't be
+disturbed again by chickens or by impudent dogs and cats."
+
+Mr. Mocking Bird proved right in his surmise.  The birds thereafter
+enjoyed their home without further intrusion.
+
+Under Beth's care, the chickens flourished finely.  They laid many an
+egg which in due time were placed beneath mamma hens.
+
+There was a very proud little girl in the Davenport family when finally
+balls of yellow broke through the egg shells.
+
+Then Beth began saving eggs for Easter, and, on Easter Day, she found
+that she had enough to give every darky one, besides having all that
+were wanted for her own family.
+
+This Eastertide brought new diversions to Beth.  For one thing, she
+received an invitation to spend a night in town with a little girl
+named Laura Corner.  The Davenports and the Corners had been friends in
+the North before the two families moved South.
+
+Beth had never before spent a night away from home.  She thought it
+would be a "sperience" to go, and prevailed upon Mrs. Davenport to let
+her accept the invitation.
+
+The momentous day arrived at last.  Beth wished to take all her
+belongings with her, from Fritz to a small trunk.  She had to be
+content, however, with a valise.
+
+Fritz and Arabella were admonished to be good during her absence, and
+the chickens were entrusted to Marian's care.
+
+Mrs. Davenport drove Beth to town.  Upon reaching the Corners' home,
+Beth's heart sank unaccountably, and she had a hard time to keep the
+tears back, when she kissed her mother good-bye.  However, Laura and
+the Corners were so very cordial that her spirits soon revived.
+
+In the afternoon several little girls, who had been invited to play,
+came in.  Among the number was one who especially attracted Beth.  She
+was slight and graceful.  Her hair was golden and her eyes were blue.
+Beth, of course, was introduced to all the girls, but did not catch the
+name of this one.
+
+"She looks like that picture of the cherub we have at home," decided
+Beth.  "I wonder what her name is.  I guess I'll call her 'Cherub' to
+myself.  Cherub, you're very pretty, but you're too quiet to be much
+fun."
+
+Most of the little girls had their dolls with them; all, in fact,
+excepting Beth and the "Cherub."  The latter sat apart from the other
+children.  She looked so very demure that Beth thought her bashful, and
+took pity on her.  Seating herself beside her, she asked:
+
+"Wouldn't your mamma let you bring your doll?  My mamma thought I had
+better not bring mine so far."
+
+The "Cherub" showed little interest in the conversation.  She answered
+curtly:
+
+"I haven't a doll."
+
+Beth's eyes opened in surprise.  "You haven't any doll?  What a pity."
+
+Then she hesitated.  She feared the "Cherub" might be too poor to
+afford dolls.  She was soon undeceived, however, by the "Cherub"
+exclaiming:
+
+"_I_ don't think it a pity.  I don't care for dolls; they're a
+nuisance.  I like to play outdoors."
+
+"So do I."
+
+The "Cherub" grew animated.  "Do you?  Say, can you climb trees and
+walk on stilts and----"
+
+"What are stilts?"
+
+"Don't you know?"  There was a slight contempt expressed for such
+woeful ignorance.  "They are long pieces of wood with places for your
+feet up from the ground.  It's just as if you had wooden legs, only
+they make you tall so that you feel quite grown up."
+
+"I'd like to walk on stilts."
+
+"Would you?  Where do you live?"
+
+"Out on the old shell road."
+
+"What! are your folks the people who bought the place near us?"
+
+"Do you live on the shell road, too?"  Beth was delighted.  She was
+beginning to think the "Cherub" might prove very companionable.
+
+"Yes.  Your name is Beth Davenport, isn't it?  Mine's Julia Gordon.
+Say, Beth, I'll come to see you and teach you how to walk on stilts if
+you like."
+
+"Will you, really?  When will you come?"
+
+"To-morrow morning."
+
+Beth's face fell.  "Oh, that's a pity.  I shan't be home.  I'm going to
+stay here all night."
+
+"Well, never mind.  I'll come the morning after."
+
+"All right, don't forget."
+
+"No, I'll be there right after breakfast."
+
+Games were started at this juncture, and then came refreshments.  Soon
+afterwards, the guests took their departure.  The "Cherub" said in
+parting:
+
+"We'll have a jolly time with the stilts, Beth.  I've been wanting to
+teach somebody for a long time."
+
+Laura and Beth had a merry time together until tea-time.  Then, after
+tea, Laura's older sister, Florrie, told them stories.  Beth was simply
+fascinated.  She could listen forever, she thought, and not grow weary.
+Florrie made her characters live by the magic of her voice and words.
+
+Just before it was time for the children to retire, Florrie took down
+the Bible and read a chapter to them.
+
+Then the children went up-stairs to bed.  They had a pillow fight after
+they were in their night-dresses.  Sad to relate, in the scuffle, their
+clothes were strewn around the room, and Beth carelessly failed to
+gather hers together again.
+
+They talked in bed until Mrs. Corner called to them to stop.  Laura
+soon fell asleep, but Beth's heart, again, grew heavy.  She missed the
+good-night kiss from her mamma, and tears rose to her eyes.  She tried
+not to sob for fear of awakening Laura.  Minutes seemed hours to her.
+She realized more than ever the depth of her love for her mother, and
+she resolved in future to be the best girl alive.  That resolve somehow
+quieted her so that she fell asleep and forgot her heartache in
+pleasant dreams.  She dreamed that it was the day after the morrow, and
+that Julia had come with stilts so high that they touched the clouds.
+Beth walked on them without the least difficulty; then, all of a
+sudden, she dropped them, and found herself flying with the utmost
+ease.  She wondered she had never tried it before; it was so very
+delightful to fly.  But, suddenly, the clouds turned into smoke and
+fire.  Beth awakened with a start.  The room was very light, as light
+as if it was broad daylight.
+
+Beth gave Laura a poke, "Laura, it must be late.  See how light it is."
+
+Laura jumped out of bed, and, running to one of the windows, raised the
+curtain.  Both of the children cried out in fright then.  Flames shot
+and curled to the very window of their room.  Laura could not tell
+whether their house was on fire or not.  She feared so, and the house
+next door was one mass of flames.
+
+Beth sprang out of bed, too.
+
+"Mamma, mamma," screamed Laura.  Nobody answered.  "Come quick or we'll
+burn."  Still only the crackling of the flames could be heard.
+
+"They've forgotten us," cried Beth with chattering teeth.  "Laura, you
+know the way down-stairs, don't you?  Let's go."
+
+"We must dress first," answered Laura.
+
+Beth stamped her foot.  "I'm not going to wait to dress.  Besides, I
+don't know where my things are.  Oh, why didn't I mind mamma and put
+them away carefully.  Now they'll burn."
+
+The more prudent Laura gathered up her clothes from a chair where she
+had laid them, and led the way into the hall.  They found it pitch dark
+there.
+
+Suddenly Laura stopped.  "Oh, Beth, I can't let it burn."
+
+"What will burn, Laura?"
+
+"My beautiful new Easter hat.  I must go for it."
+
+"Laura Corner, you _must not_ go back for it.  We ourselves might burn
+while you were getting it."
+
+But Laura had thrust her clothes into Beth's unwilling arms, and was
+off like a flash to rescue her Easter hat.  Beth did not know the way
+sufficiently well to go on by herself, and so, trembling, she awaited
+Laura's return.
+
+[Illustration: Laura Corner in the treasured Easter hat.]
+
+Laura was soon back, pressing the precious hat close to her side.  Such
+treatment was likely to do it great damage, but, in her excitement,
+Laura did not stop to think of this.
+
+Down-stairs a light shone in the parlor.  Guided by its friendly beams,
+Laura led the way there.  No one was within.  The house was deserted
+but for the two trembling girls.
+
+"Beth, God alone can help us," and Laura's face was almost as white as
+the Easter hat under her arm.
+
+Beth's lip trembled.  "He's so far away.  I wish mamma were here."
+
+"Beth, God will hear us if we pray.  Get down on your knees beside me."
+
+"I'd rather run out into the street," answered Beth, who always
+believed in action rather than words.
+
+"You're a wicked little girl.  My mamma says I must never go on the
+street without some grown-up person.  So get on your knees this minute."
+
+Beth meekly obeyed.  Laura folded her hands.  Beth imitated her.
+
+"Begin," said Laura.
+
+"Begin what?" and Beth's eyes were wide open from surprise; yes, and
+from fear, too.
+
+"Why, to pray, of course."
+
+"I'm not going to.  You're the one who wanted to.  Why don't you begin
+yourself?"
+
+"I can't.  I'm too scared.  Go on, Beth, and pray."
+
+"I--I don't know what to say.  Would 'Now I lay me down to sleep,' do?"
+
+"No, silly.  We're not laying us down to sleep.  It's a fire.  God's to
+keep us from burning to death.  So pray."
+
+"I--I'm not going to," and Beth jumped to her feet.
+
+Laura began crying: "You're very wicked, Beth Davenport, and we'll burn
+to death, and it'll all be your fault."
+
+"We won't burn if you'll come with me into the street.  I'm going
+anyway."
+
+"Why, children, what are you doing here?" asked Mrs. Corner, coming
+into the parlor.
+
+Laura rushed to her mamma and threw her arms around her neck.
+
+"Oh, mamma, we thought you'd forgotten us, and would let us burn to
+death."
+
+"Why, you poor little things.  Of course, I hadn't forgotten you.  Our
+house is not on fire.  The fire is next door.  We've been over there
+helping, and we thought we would not waken you unless there was danger
+of this house burning.  They're getting the flames under control.
+Charlie has been working with wet blankets to keep our roof from
+catching.  Now, children, you must go back to bed.  Come, I'll go up
+with you."
+
+When the two were again in bed and alone, Beth said;
+
+"Laura, you ought to want to make up for calling me wicked."
+
+"I guess you aren't wicked, after all, for God didn't let us burn.  I'm
+sorry, Beth."
+
+The children kissed.  Then, worn out by the thrilling events of the
+night, slumber claimed them and held them captive until late next day.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+Walking on Stilts
+
+Julia came on the promised morning, and, to the delight of Beth, she
+brought not only her own stilts, but bore an extra pair as a gift to
+Beth.
+
+Poor Beth was black and blue all over before she conquered those unruly
+stilts, but it took more than bruises to dampen her ardor.
+
+Julia was an expert in stilt walking.  She could go up and down steps
+on hers; she could dance with them, and do other feats that appeared
+marvelous to Beth, and made her ambitious to do likewise.
+
+However, Beth persevered so faithfully that soon she was on the road to
+being an expert herself.  Stilts took up a good share of the morning,
+and, by lunch time, both children had fine appetites, although Beth was
+very tired.
+
+Mrs. Davenport suggested that the children play in the house for a
+change.  They soon tired, however, of the indoor sports, and Beth,
+although she was so lame that she could hardly move, declared that she
+had never felt better, and away they ran to their stilts again.
+
+Julia had already shown off about all of her stilt accomplishments, so
+she thought and thought to devise something new whereby to arouse
+Beth's admiration afresh.
+
+"Beth, I have it.  We'll walk out in the river on our stilts.  I've
+never tried that.  It will be great."
+
+Beth looked somewhat doubtful.
+
+"Weren't stilts made for land?  They're not boats."
+
+"Oh, pshaw.  If you're afraid, you can watch me."
+
+Watch her indeed!  Dragons could not have kept Beth from making the
+attempt if Julia did.
+
+They took their stilts to the river.  Beth was in such a hurry to show
+Julia she was not afraid, that she had great difficulty in starting.
+Julia mounted, and walked out into the water as proudly as a peacock.
+Beth followed, but, of necessity, more slowly, and she kept near the
+wharf.  Julia skimmed through the water for a minute or two almost as
+easily as she went on land.  But alas, pride goes before a fall.
+
+The river bed near the shore is of hard sand, but a little way out it
+becomes marshy.
+
+Suddenly Julia's stilts stuck.  She tried to raise them, but they would
+not budge.  Now, as every stilt walker knows, it is impossible to stay
+motionless on stilts.  Over Julia went into the water, headforemost.
+
+Beth was so startled that she herself almost lost her balance, but,
+fortunately, she grabbed the wharf, and scrambled up on that.  Away
+floated her stilts.
+
+"Hello, what have we here?" and Harvey's boat darted towards them from
+under the bridge.
+
+"Oh, Harvey, save her," cried poor Beth, almost in tears but somewhat
+reassured now that her boy friend was near.
+
+"The water is hardly deep enough to drown a flea," he answered.
+
+However, he rowed up to Julia, and held out his hand.
+
+"You had better step into my boat; you might be a worse stick in the
+mud than ever if you waded ashore."
+
+"I prefer to walk."
+
+Julia tried to look dignified, but the attempt was an utter failure.
+Dirty water dripped from her matted hair, while her face and clothes
+were streaked with mud.
+
+Harvey could not keep back his laughter at the odd sight, and it made
+Julia very indignant.  She said nothing to him, however, but instead
+seemed to be angry with her innocent little girl friend.
+
+Beth ran to meet her and Julia gave vent to her feelings by crying:
+
+"Beth Davenport, are you laughing at me too?  Well, I'd rather be
+laughed at than be a 'fraid cat like you."
+
+Now Beth thought this was very mean, especially when she had considered
+herself so brave.  She therefore could not resist the temptation of
+saying:
+
+"Well, anyway, I told you that stilts weren't boats."
+
+"I'm going home, Beth Davenport."
+
+Poor Julia looked so forlorn that Beth relented.
+
+"Julia, really I didn't laugh.  Please come home with me."
+
+"Beth," called Harvey from the river, "I wish you'd get Miss
+Stick-in-the-Mud's picture for me.  It would be the funniest thing I
+ever saw."
+
+"What a horrid boy," exclaimed Julia.
+
+By the time the children reached the house, Julia had been persuaded to
+remain.
+
+Mrs. Davenport refrained from giving them much of a scolding, as she
+thought Julia really needed coddling a little.  She was soon arrayed in
+some of Beth's clothes.
+
+Shortly after, Mrs. Gordon came in to make a call on Mrs. Davenport.
+She proved a very lovable woman, and won the hearts of both Beth and
+her mother immediately.
+
+The accident was related to her.  She drew Julia to her side and said:
+
+"Daughter, you really must be more careful.  What would mamma do if
+anything happened to her little girl?  Never again try walking in the
+river on stilts."
+
+Both Julia and Beth immediately experienced a sinking of the heart.
+Her words reminded them that their beloved stilts had not been rescued
+from the river.  Julia ran towards the door.
+
+"Daughter, where are you going?"
+
+"After my stilts.  They're in the river."
+
+"Leave them there.  You've had enough of stilts."  And remain in the
+river they did, although the girls pleaded very hard to get them.
+
+Julia was asked to stay all night, and her mother consented, taking her
+departure alone.
+
+"Julia," said Beth, "I must tell you about a dream I had the night of
+the fire.  It was about stilts that reached up to the clouds, and I
+walked on them.  Then I began to fly.  Oh, it was lovely.  I wish we
+could really fly."
+
+"So do I.  I believe we could if we tried.  Let's try.  We'll go up on
+that great high shed and jump off.  We can make our arms go for wings,
+and it will be just like flying.  Come on."
+
+Away they hurried to the shed.  After they had climbed up on it, it
+seemed dreadfully high to Beth, but she did not say so.  Perhaps it
+seemed formidable to Julia, also, but her actions would not have led
+one to believe it.
+
+"I'll try first, Beth."
+
+Thereupon Julia leaped from the shed, making her arms flap for wings.
+Strange to relate, she landed safely and without feeling much jar from
+it.
+
+"Oh, it's lovely, Beth.  Come on."
+
+Poor Beth did not think it so lovely.  She put a bold face on the
+matter, though, and jumped as she had seen Julia do, also keeping her
+arms going in the same manner as Julia.  However, she landed with a
+sickening thud that jarred every bone in her body.
+
+"Isn't it fun, Beth?  Let's try it again."
+
+Up Julia scampered upon the shed.  Beth, not to be outdone, followed
+after, but more slowly.
+
+Again Julia Jumped and Beth followed.  She felt the jar even more the
+second time than she had the first.
+
+Fortunately, Mr. Davenport arrived on the scene just in time to see
+their last leap.
+
+"Children, children, what are you thinking about to jump off that high
+shed?  You might hurt yourselves badly.  Don't do such a thing as that
+again.  Run into the house now; it is about dinner time."
+
+The children did as they were bidden; but when Mrs. Davenport beheld
+Beth, she exclaimed:
+
+"Why, Beth, what is the matter?  You seem to be limping."
+
+Beth tried to brace up.  "Oh, it's nothing, mamma.  I'm a little stiff,
+that's all."
+
+"What have you two been up to?"
+
+"We've been flying."
+
+Julia clasped her hands in an ecstasy of delight.  "And it was such
+fun, Mrs. Davenport."
+
+"Flying?  What do you mean?"
+
+"Well, you see, we got up on that shed back of the barn, and jumped
+off.  We made our arms go for wings."
+
+"The very idea of jumping off that tall shed!  No wonder you are lame.
+Beth cannot play another bit to-day.  You two will have to go to bed
+very early to-night."
+
+Beth for once in her life did not demur.  She was so worn out that she
+was really glad to go to bed.  After a good night's rest she was much
+better, but she continued lame for several days.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+House Building
+
+The Gordons had several cords of square cut wood in their back yard,
+and this inspired Julia and Beth to a great undertaking.  They built a
+house, piling two sticks lengthways and two crossways, one above the
+other, and so on until they had laid the walls for three rooms.  They
+worked like beavers, and Mrs. Gordon, amused by this new scheme of the
+two indefatigables, and thinking to herself that the children would
+probably be tired of the house by the time the wood was needed, allowed
+one of the servants to help.  He used the top of the box in which the
+piano came for a roof, boarded the floors, and, in the middle room,
+helped to make an alcove.  In this Julia and Beth piled up wood for a
+bed, saying that they did not mind if it was hard.
+
+When completed, the girls took out to their new paradise everything
+they dared lay hands on, and asked Mrs. Gordon to inspect their work.
+
+"'Walk into my house,' said the spider to the fly.  'It's the
+beautifulest house you ever did spy,'" quoted Julia, purposely changing
+parlor to house.  "Just walk in.  You can stand up--well, almost--if
+you stoop a little bit.  This is the kitchen," she continued, for she
+had taken her mother in the back way with a purpose in view.  "Oh,
+mamma, we do so want a stove.  No family can keep house without one.
+We don't know what to do.  Please, please help us."
+
+"How would a Dutch oven do?" suggested Mrs. Gordon.
+
+"What's that?  How's it made?"
+
+Mrs. Gordon explained: "It's made of brick, and----"
+
+"How good you are.  Who'll make it?"
+
+Mrs. Gordon could not find it in her heart to disappoint the girls, so
+she furnished the materials, and had a darky make the oven.  When done,
+it was somewhat clumsy, but it looked serviceable.
+
+"Beth," said Julia, "we can't be just you and me.  We must be man and
+wife.  Our names will be Mr. and Mrs. Newbeginner.  I'm John
+Newbeginner, and----"
+
+"I'd rather be the man, because he's the head of the family and he
+doesn't work so hard.  Besides, I don't want a little bit of a man like
+you.  I'm the taller."
+
+"Well, but I'm the elder, and the elder is always the man."
+
+"All right, but you have to help about the house.  You can't go away to
+business."
+
+"Let's stay here all night, to-night."
+
+Away they ran to beg permission.
+
+The two mothers, however, seriously objected.  Finally the young couple
+were pacified by Mrs. Newbeginner being allowed to spend the night with
+her spouse at the Gordon homestead which adjoined the Newbeginner
+mansion.
+
+The next morning, Mrs. Newbeginner awakened at peep of day.  She gave
+Mr. Newbeginner a poke and then jumped out of bed.
+
+"Jul--John, I mean, it's time to get up and build the fire."
+
+"Leave me alone," snapped Mr. Newbeginner in a truly masculine style.
+
+"But Jul--John, you know we are going to get our own breakfast, and I
+can't build the fire all by myself.  Please get up."
+
+Thus entreated, Mr. Newbeginner condescended to arise.  His wife was
+already dressing.
+
+Together they descended to the kitchen, and Jemima, the cook, furnished
+them with some uncooked steak, some potatoes, butter, material to make
+cakes, and other necessaries.
+
+The fire was soon built.  Then such a hustling as ensued.  Mr. and Mrs.
+Newbeginner had many a dispute before breakfast was ready.  Mrs.
+Newbeginner might have foreseen the result of allowing a man in her
+kitchen.
+
+Such a running back and forth as there was between their house and the
+Gordons'; for the Newbeginners began housekeeping by borrowing almost
+everything.
+
+Mr. Newbeginner insisted that he knew how to make pancakes better than
+his wife.  She therefore allowed him to try his hand at them while she
+cooked the meat and potatoes.  Her part of the breakfast was ready
+before his.  Thereupon, she set the pans containing the viands on a
+ledge of the oven above the live coals to keep them warm.
+
+Mr. Newbeginner, as soon as he had cooked one batch of cakes, placed
+them beside the meat and potatoes.  Then he baked another and another.
+
+Alas, just as the last cake was baked, Mrs. Newbeginner bustled in from
+the bedroom where they had set the table.  Now there was a long pole
+that ran out from the oven as its main support.  Poor Mrs. Newbeginner
+in her excitement over their first breakfast somehow stumbled over the
+pole.  Down she fell.  But worse, down fell the stove also, and the
+breakfast which had caused them so much trouble tumbled into the red
+hot coals.
+
+Up jumped Mrs. Newbeginner, and threw some water that happened to be
+handy on the fire.  Her quickness saved their home from being burned,
+but not their breakfast.  Tears rose and welled over the face of Mr.
+Newbeginner in a very unmanly fashion as he gave vent to his anger.
+
+"Well, I declare, you are the clumsiest person I ever saw.  I am sorry
+I ever invited you to this house."
+
+Mrs. Newbeginner looked grieved and angry.  "It's as much mine as
+yours."
+
+"No, it isn't.  The wood belongs to me, and it is built on my place.
+My beautiful pancakes are gone."  He did not seem to mind so much about
+the food that Mrs. Newbeginner had cooked, and on which she had prided
+herself.  "You are the most careless girl I ever saw."
+
+"I couldn't help it.  It hurt my legs awfully.  See how they are
+skinned, but I didn't cry, did I?"
+
+Even the sight of a pair of poor, bruised shins did not soften Mr.
+Newbeginner.
+
+"I suppose we'll have to go into the house, after all, for our
+breakfast.  It'll be dreadfully hu-mil-ia-ting."
+
+"Can't we go to work and cook another?" proposed tired, redfaced little
+Mrs. Newbeginner.
+
+"No, we can't.  The stove would have to be fixed, and we haven't time.
+Even if we had, though, I wouldn't trust you to help with another meal."
+
+Now this was too much for Mrs. Newbeginner's overtaxed nerves.  "You're
+just horrid to say that and I'll never play with you again as long as I
+live.  I'm going home to my mamma."
+
+Whereupon she stalked out through the door.  The sight of her
+retreating figure brought Mr. Newbeginner to his senses.  He ran to the
+door after her.
+
+"Please come back.  I'm sorry."
+
+His repentance came too late, however.  His wife pretended not to hear.
+He grew desperate.
+
+"If you don't come back, I'll never make up with you, either.  Please,
+please, come back."
+
+Either she did not hear, or else she was too grieved to be moved by his
+entreaties.  She did not return, but wended her way back to her
+mother's home.
+
+Now this unfortunate matrimonial experience made Beth reckless.
+Unluckily, upon reaching home, she discovered that both her mother and
+Marian had gone into town to spend the day with the Corners.  Still
+worse, temptation assailed her in the form of an invitation from Harvey
+Baker.
+
+Beth had not seen him for several days.  She had been so absorbed in
+her new love that she had scarcely even thought of him.  Harvey, on his
+part, had thought of her very often.  He had haunted the Davenport
+wharf, but no Beth appeared.  At first, pride had held him back from
+seeking her out, but her very indifference finally proved an
+irresistible attraction.  Such is the masculine nature.
+
+He came on this morning of all others to invite her out for a row.
+She, at first, resisted the temptation.
+
+"Oh, Harvey, what a shame.  Mamma is not here, so I cannot go."
+
+"Do you think she would let you go if she were here?"
+
+"Yes, I think so."
+
+"Then what harm would there be in your going?  We would be back before
+she returned."
+
+Now, as stated before, Beth was reckless.  She Just felt like doing
+something a little wrong.
+
+"I believe I'll go, Harvey."
+
+"Bully for you, Beth.  What time did you say your mother would return?"
+
+"Not before five or six this afternoon."
+
+"What do you say then to taking our lunch with us, and having a picnic?"
+
+"I'll ask Maggie."
+
+Beth knew by this time that there was little danger of Maggie refusing
+her anything.  If the child had asked her for the moon she would
+probably have said, "Shure, honey, I'll try to git it for yo'."
+
+So now Beth hunted up Maggie, who hustled around and soon had a
+tempting feast ready for them.
+
+"Does yo' maw know yo's gwine?" asked Maggie, as she handed the lunch
+to Beth.
+
+"No, but she would not mind, I know."
+
+Away ran Harvey and Beth to the boat.  The river was as smooth as
+glass.  Beth, at first, sat in the back seat, and Harvey rowed.
+
+"I guess we'll go directly across the river.  I wish it wasn't so far
+to Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe's," said Harvey.
+
+"Who is she?"
+
+"Don't you know?  I thought everybody knew about her.  She wrote 'Uncle
+Tom's Cabin.'"
+
+"Oh, I saw that acted at the theatre once.  Does she live here?"
+
+"She has a place up the river aways, but it is deserted now.  She used
+to come down here quite often.  We'll row straight across the river.
+Did you ever row, Beth?"
+
+"No, but you can teach me, can't you?"
+
+"All right.   Now move very carefully.   I wouldn't have you fall
+overboard for the world."
+
+Harvey suspended the oars in the air while Beth took the seat beside
+him.  Then he showed her how to hold the oar.
+
+"Now begin so--carefully and with me."
+
+"That's easy.  Is that all there is to rowing?"
+
+"It won't be so easy presently."
+
+Beth pulled away with ail her might, and in silence.  Suddenly, there
+was a splash of water on her side, and she almost tumbled into the
+bottom of the boat.  Harvey laughed.
+
+"I thought you'd be catching a crab before long."
+
+Beth's eyes opened wide.  "I didn't see any crab, Harvey.  My oar just
+balked."
+
+"That's what is called catching a crab, you know, when your oar doesn't
+go far enough into the water.  Say, Beth, you had better not try to row
+any more.  It'll tire you.  Don't you want to stop?"
+
+"No indeed.  I like to row."
+
+Again Beth pulled away with all her might.  Very soon, she began to
+feel uncomfortably warm.  Her hands burned terribly, and presently she
+rested a moment on her oar and pointed to the land, now within easy
+rowing distance.
+
+"Wouldn't that be a good spot for our picnic?"
+
+Harvey saw how tired she was and answered:
+
+"It's just the place, and say, Beth, we'll catch some fish, first.
+Here are lines and bait."
+
+They thereupon went to fishing, and both caught a number of fish.
+
+"Now," said Harvey, "it's time to go ashore and cook them."
+
+"Oh, I'm so terribly hungry I can't wait.  I didn't have any breakfast."
+
+"Why, you poor child.  Why didn't you say so before?"
+
+"I didn't think of it.  I was having such a good time."
+
+"I couldn't forget that I hadn't had breakfast.  How did it happen?"
+
+Beth hung her head.  She was thinking of her choleric spouse, and she
+had hard work forcing the tears back.
+
+"How did it happen, Beth?"
+
+"Why--it just happened.  That's all.  I'm dreadfully hungry, Harvey."
+
+"Suppose then, you eat a sandwich or so, now, and then we'll cook the
+fish and have lunch later."
+
+Harvey thought he could also eat a sandwich.  It ended by their eating
+three apiece.  Then he assisted her out of the boat, which he moored
+fast on shore.
+
+"Now for the fish, Beth."
+
+"How are we going to cook them?  Have you any matches?"
+
+"Yes, and there's a frying-pan in my boat.  I always carry one, as I
+cook fish quite often.  Didn't I see some butter and salt in the lunch
+basket?"
+
+"Yes, and, Harvey, here's just the spot to build our fire.  This
+straight bank back of the beach will make a good chimney for the smoke
+to go up."
+
+Harvey looked at the spot a little critically.  Scrub palmettoes and
+grass overhung the bank above, which made him wonder if there was any
+danger of their catching fire.  A little breeze was springing up, but
+he decided that it was not strong enough to carry the sparks to the
+undergrowth above.
+
+So Beth gathered dry leaves and sticks of wood while Harvey cleaned the
+fish.  Then he applied a match to the bonfire, and it blazed up and
+crackled noisily.  He next placed the butter and fish in the frying-pan
+and set it on the fire.
+
+At that moment, a little rabbit darted past the children, running up
+the bank towards the woods.
+
+Harvey started after it calling:
+
+"Come on, Beth.  Maybe it will lead us to some young rabbits."
+
+"But the fish."
+
+"They don't need watching for awhile.  Hurry on."
+
+It was quite a climb up the bank for Beth, but she succeeded in
+following close after Harvey.
+
+The rabbit, however, had quite a start of the children, and soon they
+acknowledged the uselessness of pursuit, and sat down on a log under a
+tree to rest.
+
+Harvey started to tell Beth of his experience in trying to tame rabbits.
+
+"Yes," he said, "I've had all kinds, from young ones that had to be fed
+milk out of a spoon to old ones that were so wild that they never could
+be tamed.  I never could raise the young ones.  If they didn't die a
+natural death, a cat or a dog or something would eat them up.  For a
+long time, I never wakened up mornings without finding a dead rabbit.
+I have rows and rows of rabbit graves over on our place.  You must come
+over and see----"
+
+He was interrupted by a bird that flew screeching from the tree under
+which they sat.  At the same instant a crackling sound caused them to
+spring to their feet in terror.  The woods around them were on fire.
+The breeze had grown stronger, and had carried the sparks upward to the
+palmettoes and pines, so full of oil.  Then it was but a question of
+seconds before the awful fire sped with lightning speed over the dry
+undergrowth.  Again, it swelled upwards on the scrub palmettoes, and
+with a flash leaped skywards to the taller trees as if demons were
+lifting the flames to the very heavens.  It was at this point that the
+children discovered their danger.
+
+Only a person who has seen a fire in the open among shrubs and trees
+already parched for lack of water, and fanned by a wind each moment
+growing stronger, can realize with what rapidity the fire spread.  To
+Harvey and Beth, it seemed as if from the moment of discovery, the fire
+hemmed them in.
+
+The air was sultry, notwithstanding the wind, and with the spread of
+the fire it grew more so.  The sky was marked with fantastic clouds
+which turned from gray to flaming red.
+
+Beth gazed around her helplessly.  She felt as if there was no escape
+for them from a fiery death, which made her heartily repentant that she
+had come.  She silently prayed to God to deliver them, and vowed if she
+lived, never, never to do anything again without her mother's knowledge.
+
+The awfulness of their surroundings and the enormity of his
+responsibility, came upon Harvey with overwhelming force.  He was too
+horrified for speech, and, for a few seconds, too stunned for action.
+
+On rushed the triumphant flames, blasting everything within range.  The
+hot breath from the fire recalled Harvey to the need of action.
+
+"Oh, Beth, how can I get you out of this horrible place?  We are
+surrounded by fire."  Then, in a moment, he added, "I see a way out, if
+we run."
+
+He caught her hand and half-dragged her through scorching shrubs,
+circling to the left.  Fortunately, they managed to reach a road
+skirting the woods without serious injury.
+
+Here they saw excited men running towards the woods.  "It will burn our
+homes, our all," they heard one cry.  "Our one hope is to start counter
+fires," another cried.
+
+At the word, to the horror of Beth who did not understand, the men set
+fire to the low palmettoes a short distance away where there was an
+open space.
+
+It seemed wicked to her to set more trees on fire, especially when the
+men seemed so anxious about their homes burning.
+
+"Let's go," she sobbed.
+
+Harvey held his head high.  "No, indeed, I won't go.  If their houses
+burn, it's my fault.  I have some money in the bank and I'll give them
+every cent of it.  They look like poor fishermen.  Oh, Beth, it's too
+terrible.  See how high the flames go."
+
+Up, up, they leaped, growing higher and more fierce every moment.  The
+sparks flew inland.  If some change did not occur, no power under the
+sun could save the poor fishermen's homes.
+
+The two poor, forlorn little culprits waited in the roadway and watched
+the progress of the awful flames.
+
+The two fires looked like immense dragons that were rushing at each
+other in uncontrolled fury.  The sparks flew right and left, but the
+counter fire served its purpose somewhat in that part of the flames'
+force was spent upon the other.
+
+The fires crackled and hissed, and to Harvey these were the voices of
+the dragons defying and mocking him.  To him they said:
+
+"What can you do to stop us?  Nothing.  Yes, you may well tremble.  It
+was you, you alone, that set us monsters free and we will not be
+chained now that we are loose."  Upward the fire dragons flew, and even
+as they sank down somewhat, their mocking did not cease.
+
+"Counter fires may check us momentarily, but presently we will sweep
+upwards and devour the fishermen's huts in our fiery grasp.  It is
+awful to you, but to us it is fun, fun, fun, and we will not be
+stopped.  Look at us.  Look at us."
+
+Again the flames leaped higher and higher.  Harvey covered his face
+with his hands.  He could not bear the sight another instant.
+
+Beth would have comforted him if she had known how, but what could she
+say?  She, too, felt that nothing could stop the onward rush of the
+dragons.
+
+But the one opponent that had power over them suddenly descended to
+take part in the fray.
+
+Beth clapped her hands in glee.  "It's raining, Harvey; it's raining."
+
+The sun was still shining brightly, but, sure enough, one of those
+showers peculiar to tropical lands was descending, and the wind, too,
+abated somewhat.
+
+"Thank God," murmured Harvey.  "Beth, I'm going to speak to the men."
+
+She grasped him by the arm.  "Oh, Harvey, they might arrest you."
+
+"Nonsense, Beth; they don't know how the fire started, and if their
+houses don't burn, there's no use in telling.  You wait here for me."
+
+He was gone only a few minutes, and, when Beth caught sight of his
+radiant face, she knew the good news before he said a word.
+
+"Beth, they say the houses won't burn.  We can go now."
+
+They circled around the woods by the road, and, when they came to the
+river, walked down the beach to their boat which they found unharmed.
+
+The fish were burned to cinders.
+
+"We don't care, do we, Beth?  I couldn't eat them, anyway, after all
+the trouble they have caused us.  It was all their fault.  If they
+hadn't been so foolish as to be caught, there wouldn't have been any
+fire.  But I've built fires a hundred times before and never had
+anything like this to happen."
+
+Trouble, it is said, never comes singly.  When they were once more back
+in the boat, Harvey found that he had both tide and wind against him,
+and the river had become very squally.  The St. Johns is one of the
+most treacherous rivers in the world.  It takes only a very short time
+for her waters to become white-capped.
+
+Harvey pulled manfully on the oars, but it was very hard for him to
+make any headway.  Beth finally asked if she could not help to row.
+
+"No, keep perfectly still where you are," he answered in such a short
+manner that his little companion felt grieved.  She tried to let him
+know that she was hurt, by not saying another word, but he was too busy
+to mind.  By this time, he was worried.
+
+"Supposing anything happened to us," he thought to himself, "Beth's
+mother would never forgive me.  It was my fault that Beth came."
+
+He never knew exactly how it happened.  Either the oar was defective,
+or else he pulled too hard on it as it struck a large wave; whichever
+it was, one of the oars snapped suddenly.  For a moment or so the boat
+rocked helplessly on the waves, and it was driven backwards towards the
+shore from which they had just come.
+
+"Harvey," asked Beth almost in a whisper, "are we going to be drowned?
+Can't I ever tell mamma how sorry, how very sorry, I am?"
+
+"I won't let you drown, Beth."
+
+He spoke with more assurance than he really felt, but his manner
+comforted her.  He also proved that he was a born sailor.  First, he
+skilfully steered the boat with the remaining oar.  Next, he picked up
+from under one of the seats an old umbrella which chanced to be in the
+boat, and used it for a sail.  Thus they were quickly carried back to
+shore not far from the scene of the fire.
+
+Harvey once more helped Beth out, and made the boat fast.  His plans
+were already made.
+
+"Beth, wait here for me.  I'm going to hire one of the men to take us
+back."
+
+Beth had time, while he was gone, to consider all that had happened.
+More than ever, she felt that it had been very wrong for her to come
+without permission.
+
+Harvey presently returned with a man who carried a pair of oars.
+
+"He's going to row us across, Beth."
+
+"Is it safe?"
+
+The man smiled.  "You needn't fear.  I'm strong, and the squall has
+about blown over."
+
+He helped the children in, and jumped into the boat himself as he
+pushed it from shore.
+
+"How are you ever going to get back yourself?" asked Beth, as the man
+took his place at the oars.  She was fearful that Harvey would have to
+row him back.  Otherwise, his return trip appeared to her as intricate
+as some of the puzzles she had heard about crossing streams.
+
+"I'm going to walk into town from your place.  I have some errands
+there, and will take the ferry back."
+
+Beth quieted down and watched the man.  His rowing aroused her
+admiration.  She wished that some time she could prove as great an
+expert as he, and resolved to do her very best to imitate him.  She
+noted especially, the long swinging strokes that he took.  Crossing the
+river was little work for him, and the other side was reached in
+safety.  They drew up alongside the Davenport wharf.
+
+Harvey offered to go up to the house with Beth, and take the blame upon
+himself, but she thought that her mother would rather hear of the
+adventure from her.  So the three occupants of the boat parted company.
+
+Mrs. Davenport had not yet returned when Beth reached the house, but
+came soon afterwards.  Beth immediately confessed to her every incident
+of the day.
+
+"This has taught you a lesson, Beth, without mamma's saying anything,"
+Mrs. Davenport said, when the little penitent had finished.  "You know
+yourself it was very wrong to go without permission, and I do not think
+you will ever do such a thing again, will you?"
+
+"Never," answered Beth so earnestly that Mrs. Davenport had full faith
+in her promise.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+Beth's New Playfellow
+
+Beth could not find Fritz high or low and she was worried about him.
+
+She ran out to the barn to ask January if he had seen anything of her
+pet.  She found the former inside the barn leaning up against a
+partition wall with his eyes shut and his mouth wide open.  He was fast
+asleep and looked very droll.
+
+Beth could hardly keep from laughing, but she managed to say sternly:
+
+"January, you ought to be working instead of sleeping."
+
+He wakened with a start.  A look of conscious guilt overspread his face.
+
+"My eyes were closed, Missy Beth; dat wuz all.  I jes' came in and sot
+down to comb my hair."
+
+Beth shook her finger at him.  "You were snoring."
+
+"Wuz I?  Well, I'm powe'ful warm, Missy Beth.  Don't yo' tole on me,
+an' I'll swah nevah to do so agin."
+
+Beth felt it her duty to lecture him a bit.
+
+"You ought to tell things when you do wrong.  I do.  January, have you
+seen Fritz?"
+
+"Not since dis mornin', Missy Beth.  He wuz down by the river watchin'
+a great big 'gator."
+
+She looked apprehensive.  "January, do 'gators ever eat dogs?"
+
+"I've heard tell dey do sometimes."
+
+"What would I do if that 'gator has eaten my Fritz!"
+
+Whereupon away she ran, as fast as her little legs could carry her, to
+the river, calling her beloved dog.  But no Fritz came bounding at her
+call.  In fact, he did not return even to supper, nor for breakfast the
+next morning.
+
+The conviction grew with Beth that Harvey Baker's 'gator had eaten
+Fritz.  Her resentment rose against the boy and his pet, she even
+shedding some tears of anger and of grief.
+
+Soon after breakfast, a red-eyed little girl started out to give Harvey
+Baker a piece of her mind.  She found him, as usual, on the wharf.  He
+was perfectly unconscious of the storm that was in store for him.  In
+fact, he was in the very act of feeding the 'gator.
+
+"Hello, Beth, don't make a noise.  I've just whistled for it."
+
+Her eyes snapped.  "I just guess I'll make all the noise I want to, so
+there; and I hope I'll scare the horrid old 'gator away," she
+concluded, bursting into tears.
+
+Harvey, in his surprise, dropped the meat which he held, and walked
+over to comfort her.  She, however, turned on him like a veritable
+little shrew.
+
+"Go away, Harvey Baker.  I hate both you and your 'gator.  That's what
+makes me cry."
+
+He could not fathom her meaning.  He thought, perhaps, she was cross
+because of the affair of yesterday.
+
+"Was your mamma very angry?  Stop crying and I'll go with you and tell
+her it's----"
+
+"It's not that.  Your 'gator----"  She could not finish because of
+sobs.  Harvey waited for her tears to subside, but at last grew
+desperate.
+
+"Can't you tell me what's the matter, Beth?"
+
+"Your horrid old 'gator--it--has eaten--my Fritz."
+
+"I don't believe it."
+
+"My dog's gone and----"
+
+"I'm very sorry, Beth, that Fritz is gone; but I don't believe the
+'gator ate him."
+
+"No, you're not sorry.  You were just going to feed that horrid beast,
+and after it had eaten my Fritz, too."
+
+"I didn't know about Fritz; but please don't blame me, Beth, even if
+the 'gator did eat him."  He tried to take her hand, but she pulled it
+away.
+
+"I want my dog," she said angrily.
+
+"O Beth, only like me again, and I'll promise never to feed the 'gator
+as long as I live."
+
+She was too grieved over the loss of Fritz to accept any such promise.
+Harvey would have searched with her for Fritz, but she was so hurt that
+she wished to be alone.  In fact, she was very cool towards him for
+many a day thereafter.
+
+A week passed; then two, and nothing was heard of Fritz.  The feeling
+grew with Beth that the 'gator really had made way with her pet.  She
+grieved more and more as time passed and nothing was heard of her dog.
+At first, she was inclined to be very bitter towards Harvey, but she
+could not hold a grudge long against any one.  Then, as she
+acknowledged, she was not sure the 'gator had eaten Fritz.
+
+One day, about three weeks after the loss of Fritz, Harvey walked into
+the Davenports' house, leading a handsome, big black dog.  The minute
+that the dog saw Beth, he bounded away from Harvey, and up to her.  He
+licked her hand, and was altogether so affectionate that he won her
+heart immediately.
+
+"Oh, what a beautiful fellow.  Where did you get him?  Is he yours,
+Harvey?"
+
+The boy's eyes were very bright as he answered:
+
+"Well, I guess so.  I'll tell you how I happened to get him, and then
+you can judge for yourself.  I was in town day before yesterday, and,
+while walking along Bay Street, I felt something licking my hand.  I
+looked around, and saw this dog.  I had several errands that morning
+and the dog followed me every place.  I simply couldn't get rid of him.
+Then I made inquiries to find out who owned him.  For a long time
+nobody seemed to know anything about him.  Finally I met a man down by
+the market who said he had seen him come off a Spanish vessel that was
+in port that morning.  I asked the man where the vessel was, and he
+said it had sailed.  Then I asked him what I ought to do about the dog,
+and he replied that he supposed I might as well keep him.  After that,
+I went to father and told him about the dog and asked what I should do.
+He said he would advertise it, and then if nobody answered, I might do
+what I liked with him.  We have heard nothing so far of an owner, so it
+begins to look as if the dog was mine."
+
+"Why haven't you told me before?  You have had it two whole days."
+
+"Well, Beth, I didn't want you to know about it until I was sure he was
+mine.  Besides, I'm going to give him away."
+
+Beth's eyes opened wide with astonishment.
+
+"Going to give this lovely dog away!  Don't you like him?"
+
+"Yes, but I like the person I'm going to give him to better."
+
+"You must be awfully fond of that person, then."  Beth was ashamed to
+think that she was a little jealous and tried not to show it by her
+manner.
+
+"I am.  Guess to whom I am going to give him."
+
+"I can't."
+
+"To the only nice girl I know, and her name is Beth Davenport."
+
+"Not me?"  Her eyes had grown very big.
+
+"Yes, you--really."
+
+Beth could not believe it for a while.  When she did realize that
+Harvey was truly in earnest, she gave one long gasp of delight.  Then
+she surprised both herself and Harvey by throwing her arms around his
+neck and kissing him.
+
+Harvey, boylike, was a little embarrassed, but he did not object,
+however.
+
+"Harvey, you're the nicest boy living.  I don't know how to thank you."
+
+He looked very much pleased.  "Do you really like him, Beth?"
+
+"Like him!----"  She could not think of words strong enough to tell how
+much she liked him.
+
+"Is he as nice as Fritz?  Do you forgive me now?"
+
+She immediately felt guilty, for it was a fact that she had not been
+friendly towards Harvey since the disappearance of Fritz.
+
+"He's a thousand times nicer, but perhaps you're just giving him to me
+because you think you ought to.  Maybe the 'gator didn't eat Fritz
+after all."
+
+"I'm not giving him to you because of Fritz.  You may keep Don even if
+Fritz comes back."
+
+"Is Don his name?"
+
+"I call him Don because he came off a Spanish vessel, and he seems to
+like the name, but you can call him anything you wish."
+
+"It's a pretty name, and I shall call him Don.  Shan't I, Don?"
+
+The dog looked up at her with his intelligent eyes to see what his new
+mistress wished.  She threw her arms about his neck and kissed him.
+
+"Don, I love you, I love you.  You're my dog now.  Harvey has given you
+to me."
+
+Harvey felt a little jealous to see lavished on a dog caresses, such as
+had been given to him only once.  He tried to distract Beth's attention.
+
+"Say, Beth, you just ought to see him in the water.  He loves the
+water."
+
+"Does he?  Let's go down to the river."
+
+This was just what Harvey wished, and therefore he readily consented.
+
+The two started ahead.  Don followed majestically.
+
+Mrs. Davenport saw them from the window, and stopped them.
+
+"Where are you going, Beth?"
+
+"Down to the river with Harvey, mamma.  Just see what he gave me."
+
+Beth led Don up to the window where her mother was.
+
+"Why, you nice dog, you.  He is a beauty.  Where did you get him,
+Harvey?  He must be a very valuable dog."
+
+Thereupon the history of Don's discovery was repeated to Mrs. Davenport.
+
+"Harvey ought to keep him himself," she declared.
+
+"But I wish Beth to have him, Mrs. Davenport.  Father said I might do
+what I wished with Don, and when I told mother I was going to give him
+to Beth, she thought it a very nice idea."
+
+"You are very generous, Harvey, and both Beth and I appreciate your
+present.  I love dogs almost as much as Beth does, but I don't know how
+we can repay you."
+
+"Mother says that you more than repay me by letting Beth play with me.
+You know I haven't any sisters."
+
+"Well, you and Beth must be careful not to get into mischief.  She may
+play by the water this morning, but I don't care to have her go rowing.
+The river is too rough to-day."
+
+"We won't go rowing, mamma."
+
+Thereupon they hurried with Don down to the river.
+
+The wind was quite high, which made the water choppy.  The waves were
+white-capped in many places.
+
+"Now, Beth, you just watch and see Don perform."
+
+Harvey held in his hand a good-sized stick, which he threw as far as
+possible out into the water.
+
+[Illustration: Harvey.  (Illustration missing from book)]
+
+Away bounded Don after it.  He easily breasted the waves, and returned
+in triumph with the stick.
+
+He did this time and again, much to Beth's delight.
+
+"Say, Beth, let's try him from the end of the wharf.  I wonder if he
+would dare jump in from there."
+
+"I don't like to try.  He might drown."
+
+Harvey laughed the idea to scorn, and took a stick out to the end of
+the wharf.  Beth and Don accompanied him.  Don seemed anxious to have
+the stick thrown, for he watched it with glistening eyes.  Harvey threw
+it.  Don immediately jumped after it, and succeeded in swimming to
+shore with it.  By this time, he was probably tired, for he did not
+return to the children, but lay down on the bank for a rest.
+
+The boat had been left outside the boat house, tied to a stake of the
+wharf.  Harvey eyed it longingly.
+
+"I wish we could go rowing, Beth."
+
+"So do I, but mamma said I couldn't.  You wouldn't have me disobey her,
+would you?"
+
+"Nobody has asked you to, has there?  Say, Beth, she never said for you
+not to sit in the boat, did she?"
+
+"No, but----"
+
+"She said you couldn't row.  Now, sitting in a boat that's tied isn't
+rowing, is it?"
+
+"No, but----"
+
+"Oh, come on, Beth.  It's perfectly safe when it's tied."
+
+She hesitated.  Harvey was too much of a diplomat not to press his
+advantage.
+
+"Now, Beth, I think you might.  I wouldn't ask you to do anything your
+mamma didn't like.  She won't mind, I know."
+
+Still Beth was undecided.
+
+"And, Beth, you ought to want to please me after I gave you Don."
+
+This argument appealed to her.  She wished to show her appreciation.
+
+"All right, if you really think mamma wouldn't mind."
+
+Harvey did not answer.  He jumped down into the boat, and then helped
+Beth.
+
+"Say, Beth, we'll play we're pirates.  We're out in a storm, but we are
+pursuing that boat there."
+
+"What boat?"
+
+"Why, that one there.  Don't you see that stick of wood?  It carries
+chests of gold which we are after.  Now sit down and we'll start the
+chase."
+
+The younger pirate thereupon seated herself in the stern of the craft
+while its gallant commander took charge on the middle deck.  He swayed
+from side to side.  The boat rocked in a perilous manner.  Sometimes
+the water even dashed over the pirates.
+
+"Isn't it kind of dangerous, Harvey?" suggested the younger pirate.
+
+"My name isn't Harvey.  I'm Captain Kidd, and you must never speak to
+me without saluting,--so."
+
+His self-importance caused him to move around more lively than ever,
+while the boat shipped water afresh.
+
+"But isn't it dangerous, Har--, Captain Kidd?"
+
+The captain again looked very self-important.  "Pirates never think of
+danger.  See how near we are to the English brig.  Ha, ha, mate, the
+gold is ours.  Steady now, mate, she's coming your way.  When we are
+once alongside of her, you make a dive for her, and pinion her until I
+can rush to your assistance.  Steady now."
+
+Nearer and nearer floated the English boat, unconscious of danger.
+Perhaps the nature of the pirate craft was unsuspected.  It floated no
+black flag.
+
+The younger pirate grew excited over the nearness of the prize.  She
+arose to her feet.  Surely, it was within grasp now.  Just as she was
+about to reach out for it, however, a wave took the English boat and
+started to carry it out of reach.
+
+This made the younger pirate desperate.  She leaned far out over the
+water.  Suddenly, the commander cried out in fear:
+
+"Beth, don't try.  It's too far away."
+
+His warning came too late.  The younger pirate had already reached out
+for the English boat.  A wave at that moment struck the pirate craft,
+and swayed it to one side.  Over went the younger pirate into the water.
+
+Fortunately, Beth got only a wetting.  Before she was really in the
+water, Harvey had her by the dress.  For a second or two, it seemed as
+if the boat would upset.  But presently a wet, unhappy little girl
+stood shivering beside Harvey.  Her teeth chattered from fright more
+than from cold.
+
+"What'll mamma say?"
+
+"I'll tell her it was all my fault."
+
+"How good you are," and Beth edged up nearer to him.
+
+"Stop dripping water all over me and come on."
+
+They hurried towards the house, and circled around to the back entrance
+to escape Beth's mother.
+
+The washerwoman, at the tubs on the kitchen porch, and Maggie were the
+only ones to see poor Beth.  Maggie raised her arms skyward.  "Laws a
+massa"--then she broke into hearty laughter.  "I 'lows, Penny,"--the
+name of the washerwoman,--"hyere's moh washin' fur yo'.  How yo' 'specs
+it'd be if we'd jes' run chile an' all frugh de wringer?"
+
+Beth was too humiliated to say a word, and rushed up-stairs the back
+way.
+
+When the affair was reported to Mrs. Davenport, she considered the
+situation well before seeing her little daughter.
+
+Beth was getting to be a terrible tomboy, she thought, but she was
+growing strong physically with the outdoor life.  And even while she
+did sometimes fall into danger, the same thing often occurred when
+mothers watched a child's every breath.  Mrs. Davenport decided that
+the wiser way was to educate a child to be self-reliant and fearless,
+trusting to God's guardianship and protection.
+
+She knew that in the years to come, Beth would learn the gentler
+graces, for she had a kindly heart; so, instead of punishing Beth, Mrs.
+Davenport had a long talk with her that did Beth a world of good.  In
+fact, her mother's gentleness was an inspiration to right living all
+through her life.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+Learning to Swim
+
+Marian, Julia, Beth, Harvey, and Don were in bathing.  The deep water
+enclosed by the walk and piling surrounding the boat house made a safe
+bathing place for them,--safe at least from the alligators, though the
+water was deep.  Harvey and Don were the only ones in the party who
+knew how to swim.
+
+The other children struggled hard to learn.  Harvey was a very willing
+teacher, but did not know exactly how to impart his knowledge.  He said:
+
+"Why, it's very easy.  See, you just have to start out like this, and
+there you are."
+
+Thereupon, they started out as directed, but, alas, they were not there
+as he said.  Their feet grew unaccountably light so that their heads
+disappeared under the water.  However, they enjoyed even the ducking.
+
+Don reveled in the water frolic as much, if not more, than any of them.
+He was ever ready to do the children's bidding, and ever kept a
+watchful eye on his charges.  Beth, however, was his especial care.  He
+seemed to feel an ownership for her.
+
+Don, too, tried to encourage the children in their efforts to swim.  He
+plunged out into deep water, and then looked persuasively back at the
+children nearer shore, as if to say:
+
+"Follow me.  It's really very easy."
+
+Beth as usual proved the venturesome one, and started out after Don.
+
+Mrs. Davenport, who was sitting on the wharf doing some fancy work and
+at the same time watching the children, called:
+
+"Beth, do be careful or you'll get into trouble."
+
+"Why, mamma, I am careful."
+
+Mrs. Davenport again became absorbed in her work.  Suddenly, she was
+startled by screams from the children.  Above the other voices she
+heard Marian calling:
+
+"Don, Don, save her."
+
+Poor Mrs. Davenport sprang to her feet in a frenzy of terror.  It was
+as she expected.  She saw her beloved Beth sinking.  She was so
+horrified that for a second or two she could not cry out.
+
+Harvey was near Beth, but made no effort to rescue her.
+
+"Harvey, Harvey," screamed Mrs. Davenport, "save her."
+
+But even as she cried another was swimming to the rescue, and this was
+faithful Don.  He had no idea of letting his beloved little mistress
+drown.  He grabbed her by her bathing suit and swam towards the shore
+with her.
+
+"Why, Mrs. Davenport, we didn't think you'd be frightened.  It's only
+play," called Harvey.
+
+How proud the delighted dog was.  He thought he had really saved Beth's
+life.  He did not know that she was just pretending for the fun of
+having him come to her.
+
+Day after day, the children struggled to learn to swim, but with rather
+poor success.
+
+At last, they thought of trying light logs to keep them up.  This
+proved quite successful.  They placed the log across their chests, and
+under their armpits, and then made their hands and feet go.  This was
+quite like swimming.  After a time they tried it even in the deep water
+inside the boat house.
+
+One day Beth ran down ahead of the others.  Don, for a wonder, was not
+with her that morning.  She thought she would have some fun all by
+herself.
+
+Her log was in the boat house.  She fearlessly jumped into deep water
+with it, but somehow, she got beyond the range of the walk.  In trying
+to paddle back to it, her log slipped away from her.  Then she grew
+very much frightened.
+
+It was a case of swim or sink.  Terrified as she was, she had presence
+of mind to keep her hands and feet going.  To her surprise, she did not
+sink.  She had only a little ways to go and made it without very much
+effort.
+
+When the other children came, she was all excitement.
+
+"Just see.  I can swim, I can swim."
+
+Beth hastened to show off her wonderful accomplishment.  She was
+disgusted when Harvey laughed at her.
+
+"Why, Beth, you swim in regular dog fashion.  You claw the water just
+like Don.  You ought to go like this."
+
+She tried striking out with her arms as he bid, but could not swim that
+way.  Whereupon, she declared:
+
+"I like swimming dog fashion best."
+
+One evening Mr. Davenport came home and said:
+
+"Mary, how would you like to go down to the seashore for a week?"
+
+"And take us?" exclaimed Beth.
+
+Mr. Davenport was in a teasing mood.
+
+"I will take Marian because she has been good, but as to you, I must
+find out first from mamma if any bad girl has been around here lately.
+We can't take bad girls with us."
+
+Beth held her breath for her mother's answer.
+
+"Well, James, for a wonder we have had an unusually good girl here for
+the past week.  If we go, she may go too."
+
+Beth danced a jig in the intensity of her joy.
+
+"Where are we going, papa?"
+
+"Down to Fort George Island, which is at the mouth of the St. Johns.
+We will leave to-morrow morning.  Can you be ready by that time, Mary?"
+
+"I guess so."
+
+Mrs. Davenport was accustomed to her husband's desire to start at a
+moment's notice.  He had made a like suggestion many times before.
+
+At Beth's earnest solicitation, she was allowed to take Don with her.
+
+The next morning, when they boarded the boat for Fort George's, Beth
+was very much surprised to behold Julia.
+
+"Why, Julia, how nice of you to come down to see us off, but how did
+you know we were going?"
+
+"I didn't come to see you off; I'm going to Fort George, too.  Your
+papa was over last night and persuaded papa and mamma to go."
+
+"Oh goody, goody, goody."
+
+Julia and Beth took possession of the boat from the first moment.  They
+inspected it from one end to the other.  They made friends with the
+captain and those under him.  They went up even to the pilot house and
+helped run the boat, or, at least, they thought they were helping.  The
+morning proved a very happy one for them.
+
+The trip delighted their parents also.  They were content to sit still
+and watch the St. Johns as it curved and widened on its course to the
+ocean.  There is hardly a more picturesque river in America.
+
+As they neared the sea, its briny odor was wafted to them by the
+breeze.  Great sand dunes rose on both sides of the river.
+
+Upon reaching Fort George, the Davenport party drove in the 'bus to the
+hotel, over the hardest of shell roads.  Magnificent palms lined the
+way on both sides.  All the foliage, in fact, was extremely luxuriant.
+The island was more tropical than anything that the Davenports had
+seen, so far, in Florida.
+
+A gentleman in the 'bus proffered the information to Mr. Davenport that
+the island had once been visited by Talleyrand.  He said it had been
+owned by French grandees who carried on an extensive slave trade from
+the island.
+
+When questioned about the mounds of shells that are so numerous at Fort
+George, the gentleman explained that for many centuries the Indians had
+congregated on the island in oyster season, and held high festivals.
+They probably feasted on oysters and corn, and these mounds were the
+result.
+
+The week that followed was one of almost unalloyed bliss to Julia and
+Beth.  They got into very little mischief, although they simply lived
+out of doors, and up in the trees.
+
+Each morning, a number of the people from the hotel went in surf
+bathing.  Beth was always one of the party.  Mrs. Davenport did not
+care to go in, but she generally sat on the beach and watched the
+bathers.
+
+Since Beth had learned how to swim, she caused her mother much anxiety.
+She was very venturesome, and would often swim far out beyond her depth.
+
+Don did not enjoy salt water as much as he did fresh, and therefore he
+often rested beside Mrs. Davenport.
+
+One morning only children went in bathing.  All the men were away
+fishing, and the women did not care for the sport.  Mrs. Davenport was
+unusually anxious, and she warned Beth to stay near shore with the
+other children.  Beth obeyed pretty well at first, but before she knew
+it she was out where the water was over her head.
+
+"Beth, it's time to come in," called her mother.
+
+Beth raised her head and spurted out some water.
+
+"Why, mamma, I'm coming."
+
+"No, you're not.  You're going out," and Mrs. Davenport sprang to her
+feet in sudden terror.
+
+"Why, mamma, I'm swimming as hard as ever I can."
+
+In fact, Beth was trying her very best to reach shore, but
+notwithstanding her desperate efforts, she was slowly but surely
+drifting out to sea.  One of those treacherous undertows that abound on
+the Florida coast had her in its deadly power.
+
+Mark Charlesworth, one of the boys, rushed to the side of Beth's mother.
+
+"Oh, Mrs. Davenport, she'll surely drown unless some one saves her.  A
+boy was drowned just that way last winter."
+
+Mrs. Davenport was almost frenzied.  She could not swim and she knew
+that personally she could not rescue her child.  She looked in vain for
+assistance.
+
+The other children had come from the water, and rushed frantically up
+and down the beach wringing their hands in terror.
+
+Beth realized that her position was critical, and she struck out with
+such desperate energy that soon she felt her strength failing her.
+Terror seized upon her so that she feared she could not keep up another
+instant.
+
+"Mamma," she screamed, "I'm sinking."
+
+Mrs. Davenport's heart grew leaden.  Was there no hope for her child?
+Must she stand helpless and see her drown?  No, no, there must be some
+way of saving her.  She would not despair.
+
+"Dearie, don't give out," she cried; "mamma will save you."
+
+The words strengthened Beth to strive anew.  At this instant, Mrs.
+Davenport's eye rested upon Don lying fast asleep in the shade.  Her
+heart seemed to jump into her mouth in the intensity of a new hope.
+
+"Don, Don, go to Beth," she cried.
+
+But Don would not heed.  He did not realize the danger.  He was tired
+and wished to sleep.
+
+"Beth, call Don."
+
+Beth who was drifting farther and farther away heard, and yelled:
+
+"Don, Don."
+
+The dog immediately pricked up his ears.  Then he jumped to his feet.
+
+"Don, Don."
+
+At that second appeal, he bounded into the water.
+
+Mrs. Davenport felt like falling on her knees in thanksgiving.
+
+"Dearie, don't give up.  Don's coming."
+
+Beth heard and her strength revived sufficiently for her to struggle
+afresh against that terrible undertow.
+
+The big waves swirled around Don who swam directly towards Beth.
+
+Mrs. Davenport's heart almost stood still while her anxious eyes kept
+watch on her struggling child and the noble dog.
+
+"Thank God, the eddy has Don too in its wake and is helping him on to
+my child.  Beth's strength again seems to be failing.  Will she be able
+to hold out?  On, Don, on.  Supposing he cannot make it.  Supposing the
+child sinks before he reaches her?"  These seconds of watching seemed
+an eternity to the frantic mother.
+
+"Thank God, he is almost within reach of her.  Bravo, Don, bravo.  He
+has Beth fast by the bathing suit.  Brave, brave dog.  Now he has
+headed towards shore.  Will he ever be able to make it with that awful
+undertow to work against besides the extra precious burden he carries?
+How heroically he struggles.  Oh, noble, noble Don, you will save her
+yet, and keep a mother's heart from breaking.  Yes, he is slowly but
+surely making headway against the eddying waters.  Now, now, his feet
+surely touch bottom.  Yes, and Beth knows it and struggles to her feet.
+Thank God, she is still conscious."
+
+Though Beth was very much frightened, she was in no way harmed by her
+watery experience, and rushed straight to her mother's open arms, both
+unmindful of the wetting Mrs. Davenport received.
+
+Don pricked up his ears, and wagged his tail from side to side.  He
+could not understand why they did not notice him immediately as they
+had done before when he rescued Beth.  Really, it was enough to ruffle
+the patience of any dog.  He barked to attract attention.  Thereupon,
+Mrs. Davenport turned to him, and patted him while tears trickled down
+her cheeks.
+
+"Yes, Don, we know what a very noble fellow you are, and love you with
+all our hearts.  We'll never forget what you've done."
+
+Beth said nothing, but patted Don who expressed his appreciation as
+best he could by licking Beth's hands and face.  If he could have
+talked, he would have said:
+
+"Little mistress, I'm so glad I could show my love for you.  I do
+dearly love you all, and am thankful that I saved you.  Life with you
+is better than it was at sea.  I will always be faithful to you."
+
+This narrow escape of Beth's made Mrs. Davenport wish to return home.
+She said she would not stay with the children where the water was
+treacherous.  The following day, therefore, they all returned to
+Jacksonville.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+The Little Dressmaker
+
+It must not be imagined that Beth always romped.  Although she was a
+tomboy, she was a very industrious little girl.  She did not go to
+school the first year she was in Florida, and on rainy days she learned
+how to sew.
+
+Mr. Davenport started a bank in Jacksonville, and soon after was
+elected president of the State's fair.  He was a liberal-minded
+citizen, and therefore accepted the position, wishing to advance the
+standard of Florida exhibits.
+
+Beth became interested in the undertaking.  She asked to enter the
+lists herself and compete for prizes.
+
+Mr. Davenport thought it an excellent idea that children should be
+encouraged to exhibit, and therefore offered prizes for juvenile
+displays.
+
+Beth decided to make a dress all by herself.  Her mother suggested that
+she was rather young for such a big undertaking, and that, perhaps, she
+had better first dress a doll, but Beth would not listen to such a
+thing.
+
+Mrs. Davenport, therefore, bought the material and a pattern, and gave
+them to Beth.  She offered to cut out the dress, but Beth thought that
+this would not be honorable nor fair.  She must do it all by herself.
+Mrs. Davenport admired the spirit, and encouraged it in her, although
+she feared she might make a failure.
+
+Beth, however, had one great quality of success,--perseverance.  She
+would never give up anything in which she was interested, until she had
+succeeded.  For the next three days, she could not be enticed from her
+work.
+
+"Beth, please, come with me," begged Harvey, who came quite regularly
+to persuade her from her undertaking.  But she was deaf to all
+persuasion.  Julia had no better success, and it ended by Beth
+infecting Julia with the sewing fever.  Julia brought material for a
+dress over to the Davenports' and went to work on it.  She sewed
+faithfully for an hour or two, and then jumped up in disgust.
+
+"Oh, botheration, Beth; I can't get the horrid thing right, and I'm not
+going to try."
+
+"Let me help you, Julia.  Maybe we'll get prizes."
+
+"Oh, bother prizes.  Let's quit."
+
+"No, I'm going to finish this dress.  Please stay and sew with me."
+
+"If I do, what will you do for me?"
+
+"Anything you want me to."
+
+"All right then, I'll stay, but when you've finished, you have to go up
+in a tree with me and spend the night.  We'll be like the captive
+princess."
+
+They had just finished a fairy tale of a princess confined in a tower
+which she never left during many years.  The tower was well provisioned
+so that she did not starve.
+
+"It'll be great fun," continued Julia.  "We'll take plenty of food up
+with us.  I'm so glad you promised to go."
+
+"May I tell mamma about it?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then I won't go.  I know mamma wouldn't like it, Julia, and it's wrong
+to worry her."
+
+"And it's downright wicked to break one's word.  You aren't going to be
+wicked, are you?"
+
+Beth looked worried.  "Please don't ask me to play princess, Julia."
+
+"But you just have to, Beth; that's all there is about it."
+
+This was Julia's ultimatum.  She persisted in remaining with Beth until
+the dress was finished, although, she, herself, did comparatively
+little sewing.  She even stayed nights at the Davenports for fear Beth
+would betray her secret.
+
+Beth worked so steadily that Mrs. Davenport feared that she would make
+herself sick, and was glad when finally Beth jumped up and said:
+
+"There, mamma, it's finished.  Buttonholes and all.  I guess it's all
+right, isn't it?"
+
+The dress was very creditably made for so young a girl.  Mrs. Davenport
+was justly proud of it and of Beth.
+
+"Mrs. Davenport," began Julia, "can't Beth stay all night with me?"
+
+"Yes, I'll be glad to have her out of doors.  Run along, Beth."
+
+Beth, however, held back.  "I'd rather stay with you, mamma."
+
+"Why, child, what is the matter?"
+
+"Oh, she's just tired from this everlasting sewing, Mrs. Davenport;"
+and then Julia whispered to Beth, "You're not going to be wicked and
+break your word, are you?  I'll never speak to you again if you don't
+come."
+
+Thus pressed, Beth reluctantly kissed her mother and departed.
+
+"We'll go over to my house, and get enough food for supper and
+breakfast."
+
+Away they hurried to the Gordons.  Julia robbed the larder to quite an
+extent.
+
+"Mamma, I'm going back to Beth's.  You don't mind, do you?"
+
+"No."
+
+Thereupon, avoiding observation, they ran back to Beth's.  They
+selected a grand water oak with immense spreading branches that would
+effectually screen them from view.  Besides, it was quite a ways from
+the house, which suited Julia's purpose.
+
+Julia, carrying the provisions, scrambled up into the tree as nimbly as
+a squirrel, crying:
+
+"Isn't this the grandest fortress you ever did see?"
+
+Beth was too busy climbing to answer.  She was a natural born climber,
+but she lacked practice.  Besides, her plumpness would prevent her from
+ever being quite as agile as Julia.
+
+"This will be my bedroom.  See, I do not have to build any bed.  These
+branches and leaves make a perfect resting-place," declared Julia.
+
+"Yes, but suppose you fell asleep and rolled out.  You'd break your
+neck."
+
+"I don't roll out of bed at home, and I'm not going to here."
+
+"But I do, and I don't want to break my neck.  I guess I'll stay awake
+all night, but I'll lie down."
+
+As Beth spoke, she lay back on some inviting looking branches.  Their
+appearance, however, proved deceitful.  They were not as strong as they
+looked, and she came very near having the tumble that she dreaded.
+Luckily, however, she caught on to a strong branch, and with Julia's
+assistance was soon in comparative safety.
+
+"I guess I'd better sit up all the time."
+
+"I reckon you'll do nothing of the sort.  I'll tell you what: You may
+have my bedroom, and I'll find another higher up."
+
+Although Beth was still trembling from the narrowness of her escape,
+she did not wish to take advantage of Julia's generosity, but the
+latter insisted.
+
+Thus persuaded, Beth, cautiously this time, tried reclining on the
+branches.  She found that they really made a delightful bed.
+
+"It is beautiful, Julia.  Why, I don't believe I should be afraid to
+sleep here.  These limbs would keep me from falling."
+
+"And here is another bed just as good.  You see I'm right across the
+hall from you.  I didn't have to go to the next floor as I feared at
+first.  It's nicer being near each other, isn't it, Beth?"
+
+"Yes, much nicer, but wouldn't you rather have this room, Julia?  It is
+so lovely."
+
+"No, it isn't.  Mine is best.  I can look way up to the sky."
+
+"Why, that isn't nice at all.  I wouldn't sleep in a room without a
+roof.  Mine has a roof painted green."
+
+"I don't care, mine's nicer."
+
+"No, it isn't.  Mine is."
+
+Whereupon they had a fuss, such as all children sometimes have.  They
+declared that "they didn't like each other," and that one was "hateful"
+and the other "too mean to live," and that "they'd never speak again."
+
+In a minute or two after, they were talking as lively as two young
+magpies.  They had figuratively kissed and made up.
+
+"Now," said Julia, "I'm going to draw the portcullis so we can never go
+down unless some one comes to release us."
+
+"I don't care to stay here always."
+
+"We're only playing, goosie, but you have to stay until morning because
+you promised."
+
+After that one thrust, Julia relented and tried to be as nice as she
+possibly could, and Beth had such a good time that her conscience
+stopped troubling her.
+
+The minutes passed so quickly that they both were surprised to see how
+low the sun was.  The captive ladies decided it was time to eat supper,
+so they divided supplies, using their laps as tables.
+
+Beth, the unfortunate, had not taken a mouthful when a great pinching
+bug dropped on her head.  She jumped to her feet screaming, and her
+supper was all scattered to the ground.  She decided to go after it.
+
+"Where are you going, Beth?"
+
+"After my supper."
+
+"But the portcullis is drawn."
+
+"I'm going to have my supper, portcullis or no portcullis."
+
+Already it was growing so dark that objects were becoming
+indistinguishable.  Suddenly Beth uttered a cry.
+
+"What's the matter?"
+
+"I,--I thought it was a bear.  It's only Don, however, and he's eaten
+up all my supper, the mean thing, and now he's run away."
+
+"Never mind, Beth.  You can have half of mine."
+
+They ate their scanty meal in silence.  It was growing so dark that
+immediately after supper they went to bed.
+
+Neither of the children felt comfortable, but neither would own it.
+
+"Isn't this heaps of fun, Beth?"
+
+"Yes, heaps, Julia."
+
+Then each of them let a great sigh escape.  Silence prevailed for
+awhile.  All the world seemed asleep.  Such stillness was terrifying to
+the children.
+
+"Are you asleep, Julia?"
+
+"No, but I thought you were."
+
+Again they were quiet until it had grown pitch dark.
+
+"I can't sleep."
+
+"Neither can I, but it's fun, isn't it?"
+
+"It's a sperience, Julia."
+
+Again two great sighs, and then quiet once more.
+
+Suddenly, there was a hoot right above them.  Julia and Beth both gave
+such a start that they almost tumbled out of the tree.  Then two scared
+whispers were heard:
+
+"What was that?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+Another hoot.
+
+"I wish we were together, Julia."
+
+"So do I.  Say, Beth, I believe there's room for you here with me.
+Let's try it."
+
+"I'm afraid to come."
+
+"Don't be a 'fraid cat."
+
+"I'm not, only----"  For the third time that melancholy hoot above them.
+
+"Julia, come to me."
+
+"I won't do it.  I spoke first  You come here."
+
+Solitude was so terrifying that Beth risked the trip across for
+companionship.  Fortunately, the hoot did not occur during her trip to
+Julia, or she would probably have landed on the ground.
+
+The space proved rather narrow, and rather perilous for two, but Beth
+and Julia snuggled together very close.
+
+Soon the hooting began again, and continued at regular intervals.
+
+"I believe it's a hoot-owl."
+
+"So it is."
+
+Although they knew it was only an owl, the melancholy cry was neither
+conducive to sleep nor to high spirits.  The children found it
+decidedly depressing.  They talked awhile in whispers.  The sound of
+one's own voice even is startling in such a situation.  Very often they
+sighed, and sometimes there was a pensive quietness broken only by the
+hoot-owl.
+
+"What time do you s'pose it is, Julia?"
+
+"I think it must be twelve at least.  They're not coming for us
+to-night.  They've forgotten us."
+
+Their parents had not forgotten them, but when meal-time came and they
+did not appear, the Davenports supposed they were over at the Gordons',
+and the Gordons thought they were at the Davenports'.  The children
+often stayed for meals without asking, and so neither family worried.
+
+About half-past eight the Gordons decided to go and bring Julia home.
+When they walked in at the Davenports, the first question asked them
+was:
+
+"Why did you not bring the children with you?"
+
+"The children?  Why, they are here, are they not?"
+
+Anxiety immediately possessed every one present.  Mrs. Davenport's
+first thought was of the river, and her heart became leaden.  She gave
+voice to her fear.
+
+"Nonsense," answered Mr. Davenport decidedly, although he himself was
+not so sure as he seemed; "they are not drowned."
+
+With lanterns to aid them, a search was begun through the grounds.
+
+Two scared little girls presently saw lights flitting like fireflies
+below them.
+
+"Perhaps it's burglars."
+
+"Or--or the Prince to rescue us."
+
+"I don't want any Prince; Julia.  I want my mamma.  I'm tired of being
+a Princess.  I want to go home.  Let's call."
+
+"But what if they are burglars."
+
+"Burglars don't carry lights, do they?"
+
+Then they heard voices calling:
+
+"Julia, Beth."
+
+"Here we are, papa.  Here, up in this big tree."
+
+This answer brought relief to many hearts.  Even Julia was not sorry to
+descend again to earth, and be once more an ordinary girl.  Romance is
+not always as pleasant as being practical.  Let children who are
+inclined to run away from home, remember this.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+The Horse Race
+
+"I'm going to double the recipe, Maggie."
+
+"Law, honey, yo' hadn't best.  I 'lows it's more partickiler to get
+good dat way."
+
+"I can't help it.  I want plenty of it so the judges can all have a
+taste.  They'll be sure to give me a prize."
+
+Beth had on an apron in which she was almost lost.  In her hand, she
+held an open cook book from which she read:
+
+"'The whites of five eggs.'  Twice five is ten.  Give me ten eggs,
+Maggie."
+
+The good-natured Maggie counted out the desired number.
+
+"I'll break dem for yo', honey."
+
+"No, Maggie, I must do it every bit myself or it wouldn't be fair.  Oh,
+dear me.  The yolk has got into this one so it's no good.  Another egg,
+please, Maggie."
+
+All ten of the whites were finally in one dish.  Beth tried to beat
+them and spattered them not only over herself but over the pantry floor.
+
+"Whites of eggs are very slippery, Maggie."
+
+"I wouldn't beat more'n half at a time, honey."
+
+Beth accepted the suggestion and succeeded in getting a good stiff
+froth from the eggs.  Next, she measured out the other ingredients.
+She tried to be careful, but somehow she spilled flour not only over
+the pantry floor but also over herself.
+
+"Beth, you are a powdered beauty," called a boyish voice from the open
+pantry door.
+
+"Why, Harvey, where did you come from?"
+
+"Oh, I came to see you, and your mother told me I'd find you here.
+What are you making?"
+
+"Wait until I put this pan in the oven, and I'll tell you all about it.
+Maggie," added Beth to the cook, "you're not to peep at my cake even.
+Promise me."
+
+"Law, honey, I won't even go into the kitchen if yo' don't want me to.
+I'll stay here in de pantry until yo' calls me, but I fear you'll
+forget it."
+
+"No, indeed, I won't."
+
+The precious cake was consigned to the oven, and then Beth joined
+Harvey on the piazza.
+
+"I've made an angel's cake, Harvey, and I'm going to get a prize for
+it.  Mamma says the only way to learn to cook is just to cook."
+
+All this time, Harvey had been holding one hand behind him.  Beth now
+noticed that he was hiding something.
+
+"What have you there?" she asked.
+
+Harvey looked bashful.  "Well, ever since I came so near burning you
+up, I've been saving my money to buy you a present, and here it is."
+
+Beth drew in her breath at sight of a beautiful dog collar.  "Oh, it's
+for Don, and what's this mark on it?  'Don.  Owned by Beth Davenport.'
+Oh, it's too lovely for anything.  Where is Don?  I must try it on him."
+
+The prize cake was all forgotten.  Away she and Harvey scampered.
+
+Don was out near the stable.  The collar fitted him exactly, and the
+children talked and admired it for some time.
+
+Suddenly Beth gasped, "Oh, my cake," and ran as fast as she could back
+to the kitchen.
+
+Upon opening the oven, an avalanche of smoke came forth.  The cake was
+burned to charcoal.
+
+The heart-broken little cook sat down on the floor and cried bitterly.
+Maggie stuck her head through the pantry window.
+
+"For de law's sake--dat beau'ful cake.  I knew I jes' ought to have
+'tended it."
+
+"Maggie, Maggie, why didn't you tell me it was time to look at it?"
+
+"Sure, honey, didn't yo' tol' me I must have nuffin to do with it?"
+
+"Yes, but----" the sentence ended in sobs.
+
+"Never mind, Beth," said Harvey; "Maggie will make you another, won't
+you, Maggie?"
+
+"I don't want her to make me another.  I was going to take a prize with
+this one, and the judges won't give prizes for burnt cake, boo-hoo."
+
+Suddenly Beth resolved not to cry over spilt milk.  She jumped to her
+feet.
+
+"Harvey, run away.  I'm going to make another cake, and I won't let it
+burn.  I'll get the prize yet."
+
+Harvey reluctantly departed.  Beth immediately went to work and made
+another.  When once it was in the oven, she watched it so carefully
+that Maggie feared it would be spoiled by overzeal.  For a wonder, it
+was a great success.  A professional cook could not have made a
+better-looking cake.
+
+By this time, it was growing so late that Beth did not wait to make
+frosting.
+
+She took her dress and cake over to the Fair building, which was about
+a quarter of a mile from her home.  She was in plenty of time to make
+her entries.
+
+Dollie was grazing in the pasture when Beth returned.  This reminded
+her of her great desire to ride Dollie, so she called the horse to her,
+and she came running at the call.  Dollie was always sure of sugar from
+Beth.
+
+Beth put her hand up against the horse and whispered:
+
+"I wish I might ride you, Dollie.  I know I could.  I'll go and ask
+mamma if I may."
+
+Away ran Beth to her mother.
+
+"Mamma, may I ride Dollie this morning?"
+
+"No, dear, I'm going to use Dollie myself.  I'm going to get Mrs.
+Corner, who is to spend the day with me.  We are going to the races
+this afternoon."
+
+"Won't you bring Laura back, too?"
+
+"She probably can't come.  She goes to school, you know."
+
+"Mamma, will you let me ride Dollie sometime?"
+
+"Yes, dear, sometime, but don't tease now."
+
+Beth took this as a decided promise.  She told Maggie, January, Harvey,
+and Julia that she was to ride Dollie; that her mamma had said so.  She
+did nothing but talk about the matter the whole morning.
+
+Mrs. Davenport returned with Mrs. Corner in time for luncheon.  About
+two o'clock Beth ran into the library where her mother and her guest
+were having a cozy chat before starting for the races.  She had thought
+so much about her ride that she took it for granted that Mrs. Davenport
+must know her thoughts.
+
+"Mamma, I'm going now.  May I?"
+
+At this particular moment the conversation between the two women was
+especially absorbing so that Mrs. Davenport hardly heeded Beth.
+
+"May I, mamma?"
+
+Mrs. Davenport glanced towards her for a second.  She took it for
+granted that Beth wished to play with either Julia or Harvey.
+
+"All right.  Run along, dear."
+
+In the seventh heaven of happiness, Beth skipped up-stairs.
+
+She decided that it would never do to ride in an ordinary dress, and
+believed that her mother would not object if she borrowed her riding
+habit.  Beth knew just where to find it.  The skirt was one of those
+now old-fashioned affairs that almost swept the ground even on a
+grown-up person.
+
+However, Beth was not to be daunted.  She heroically jumped into the
+skirt, but found that the belt was almost twice too large for her.
+This necessitated the use of a safety pin.  She took a step towards the
+bureau, and fell sprawling over the floor, tangled in yards of trailing
+skirt.  She tried to rise, and tripped again.  For a moment, she rested
+on the floor, thinking to herself that it must be a much harder matter
+to manage a habit than a horse.  Then, gathering up the unruly skirt in
+both hands, she managed to reach the bureau where she pinned the skirt
+tightly around her.  But even now her troubles were not over.
+
+The waist proved almost as big a problem as the skirt.  She buttoned it
+on over her own dress, but even then it was about twice too large for
+her.
+
+She looked at herself in a glass, and burst forth into hearty peals of
+laughter.
+
+"I declah"--already she pronounced "declare" almost like the
+darkies--"I feel like a cat dressed up in clothes.  It can't move
+without tumbling all over itself, and neither can I."
+
+She held up her arms and flapped them.  They were almost lost in the
+voluminous sleeves.  Her hands were not to be seen at all.
+
+"I never can manage a horse without hands," she murmured.
+
+She overcame this difficulty by pinning up the bothersome sleeves.
+
+Next, she jammed her mother's riding hat down on her curls.  It, too,
+was much too large for her, and had some blond frizzes sewn across the
+front of it.  The hat with its false front added the finishing touch of
+rakishness to Beth.  She, however, was as proud as a peacock over her
+attire.
+
+As fast as her awkward skirt would allow, she hurried in search of
+January.
+
+He was very much amused over her appearance.
+
+"Missy, I declah, yo' looks like a rag bag dat needs some rags to fill
+it out.  Whaffor don't yo' get chuck full of somethin'?"
+
+She would not heed such remarks, but said with great dignity:
+
+"I wish the saddle put on Dollie."
+
+"I'm skeered yo'r maw won't like me to."
+
+"But she told me I might ride."
+
+Still January hesitated.
+
+"I dunno as I kin kotch Dollie."
+
+"You can try.  Hurry, January."
+
+For once Dollie was easily caught and saddled.  January helped Beth to
+mount.  Nobody but him saw the start.  He was so much interested that
+he walked down as far as the gate and opened it.
+
+Dollie did not seem to wish to go for Beth, but the latter settled the
+question with a switch cut by January.  She headed Dollie in the
+direction of the Fair grounds.
+
+There was more driving than usual on the shell road, because of the
+Fair and the races.  Many a person turned, stared, and smiled to see
+that quaint little figure on Dollie going along so primly.
+
+A young lady, a cousin of Beth's, was spending the winter in
+Jacksonville that year, and was very popular in society.  On this
+particular afternoon she, too, was driving on the shell road and
+chanced upon Beth.  She and her escort laughed so heartily over the
+child's ludicrous appearance that Beth, at first, was inclined to be
+offended.  However, she drew Dollie up alongside of the carriage.
+
+"Are you laughing because we're going slow?  I'm not a bit afraid.
+Say, Cousin Lulu, would you like to have a race with me?"
+
+Lulu and her escort laughed harder than ever.  Beth tried to look more
+dignified.
+
+"I bet I could beat you, Cousin Lulu.  Are you afraid I would?  Come on
+and try."
+
+The young man in the carriage leaned forward.
+
+"Do you ride well enough for that?"
+
+"Of course, I do."
+
+This was hardly true, as she had never ridden at a fast pace in her
+life.  She did not think it necessary to own to this, however.
+
+The young man was highly amused.
+
+"Well, little lady, we'll try your skill.  If you reach the Fair
+grounds gate before we do, I'll give you a box of candy.  Now when I
+count three and say go, we'll both start.  Now one, two, three, go."
+
+Beth gave Dollie a cut with the switch.  She was bound to win that box
+of candy.
+
+Dollie, surprised by the sudden blow, leaped forward, almost unseating
+Beth who, however, managed in some way not to fall.
+
+The young man had a fine horse which also started forward at a good
+fast pace, and soon nosed ahead of his rival.
+
+Dollie, not to be outdone, quickened her gait.  Both horses began to
+feel the contagion of the race, especially Dollie who had been, as
+January said, a race horse in her day.  Her mouth tightened on the bit.
+
+Beth's blood quickened too.  After she found she could cling on, she
+was not a particle frightened but began to enjoy the sport.
+
+The young man turned to Lulu, saying:
+
+"She does well for such a little thing, doesn't she?"
+
+He touched his horse with the whip.  It went faster.  Whereupon Dollie
+took the bit so completely that Beth had no control over her.  Her
+racing blood was thoroughly aroused, and it would have taken an
+extremely strong hold to quiet her.  She simply flew, and Beth began to
+be scared.  The words of January flashed through her mind: "She'll go
+so fast, you'll wish you hadn't got on her."
+
+Nose to nose the horses sped over the hard shell road.  The situation
+grew critical for Beth.
+
+She wondered what her mother would say if she were thrown and her
+lifeless body were carried home.
+
+"She will be so sorry that she scolded me yesterday.  I wish I could
+tell her that I know I deserved it.  I don't want to die."
+
+The world seemed more beautiful than ever now that death seemed near
+her.
+
+"Whoa, Dollie, whoa," she cried.
+
+But Dollie paid not the slightest attention.  With head curved well
+down she sped as fast as in her palmiest racing days.  Slowly but
+surely she forged ahead of her fast rival.
+
+"The horse is running away with the child.  Stop her, stop her," cried
+Cousin Lulu in alarm.
+
+Her warning came too late.
+
+They were now opposite the Fair grounds, which had a very high fence
+surrounding them.  There were two gates, one for pedestrians and the
+other for carriages.
+
+Dollie swerved in at the foot passageway and her helpless rider could
+not stop her.  People scattered in every direction before the runaway
+horse.  Even the gate-keeper stepped aside, dropping his tickets in his
+fright.
+
+"Oh, what shall we do?  She'll surely be killed.  She'll be dragged
+from her horse.  Her dress has caught on the gate," cried Cousin Lulu
+with her heart in her mouth.
+
+Beth let go the reins and held with one hand to the saddle pommel, and
+with the other to Dollie's mane.  This saved her.  Her skirt tore loose
+from the gate.  Onward flew horse and child.
+
+Cousin Lulu and her escort hastened after through the driveway.  Far
+ahead of them they saw Dollie and Beth flying towards the race track
+with lightning speed.
+
+Mr. Davenport chanced to come from the Fair building at this very
+minute.
+
+"Oh, Uncle James," screamed Lulu, "Dollie is running away with Beth."
+
+He hardly understood, but saw the runaway horse now nearing the race
+track and hastened after it.
+
+With the long memory of a horse, Dollie recognized the track as a scene
+of bygone triumphs, and made straight for it.  No rider urged her on as
+of old, no rivals were by her side; but Dollie of her own accord
+started around that course at a breakneck speed with a little girl
+clinging wildly to her mane.
+
+People were already gathering on the grandstand and they held their
+breath for very fear, Beth held hers also.  Dollie needed all of her
+breath for her solitary run.  On, on, she flew.  Beth clung closer,
+while people sprang to their feet in their anxiety over the outcome.
+
+By this time Beth was hatless.  Her long curls and the clumsy torn
+skirt were flying backwards.
+
+On, on they came.  People leaned far over the stand.  Jockeys ran out
+on the track.  One of them cried enthusiastically:
+
+"It is a beautiful run if only the little one isn't killed."
+
+Dollie in truth was making a wonderful run for a horse that had no
+competition.  With long swinging strides she came around the track, and
+her speed remained unabated.  If people had not been so fearful for the
+child's life, some one might have thought to time Dollie, and it is
+very probable that it would then have been proved that she was fully
+equaling her record if she was not breaking it.
+
+Mr. Davenport ran up the track in an agony of fear, ready to head off
+the runaway animal if it seemed advisable.  The jockeys followed in his
+wake.
+
+"That is the child's father.  How terrible it must be for him," said
+some of the spectators.
+
+Dollie's speed remained unabated.
+
+When she was three-quarters of the way around, Mr. Davenport was almost
+within hailing distance of his brave little girl who still clung to the
+excited horse.
+
+Mr. Davenport was undecided whether to try to stop the horse or not,
+for fear a sudden stop might unseat his child.
+
+Beth saw her father and grew excited.
+
+"Oh, papa," she cried, taking her hand from the pommel to wave it to
+him.
+
+The action came near being fatal.  Dollie was making the curve.  Beth
+swayed, and Mr. Davenport and many another spectator shuddered, fearing
+she would be dashed to death.  She, however, proved a better rider than
+they expected.  She was growing accustomed to the rapid motion of the
+horse, and gained confidence thereby.  She straightened herself,
+clinging with one hand and gathering up the reins that had been hanging
+loose, with the other.  Then she pulled on them again, crying:
+
+"Whoa, Dollie, whoa."
+
+Dollie perhaps was tiring of her mad run, for she heeded the frantic
+appeal.  Gently as any well-regulated machinery, she slackened speed.
+
+Delighted at the success of her horsemanship, Beth repeated the action,
+crying:
+
+"Whoa--nice Dollie."  Then in a tumult of relief she shouted:
+
+"Hurrah, I'm not going to die after all."
+
+People on the grandstand heard the sweet childish cry of joy and saw
+Dollie a moment after come to a standstill.  Instantly a wild outburst
+of enthusiasm followed.  People clapped and stamped wildly, shouting
+themselves hoarse.  Mr. Davenport, too agitated for speech, rushed up
+to Beth, and clasped her close to his heart.  The jockeys clustered
+around, and they too clapped their hands in approval.
+
+"Why are all the people shouting?" asked Beth.
+
+Mr. Davenport gave her a convulsive hug and answered:
+
+"They are shouting for you, my dear."
+
+For a few seconds Beth was quite overcome, and then she whispered to
+her father:
+
+"I guess they're not shouting for me, but for Dollie.  I didn't really
+want her to go so fast, but I couldn't stop her at first.  In fact, I
+thought I was going to be killed, sure.  I am very, very glad I was not
+thrown."
+
+If she was glad, Mr. Davenport was more so, but he was still too
+overcome to say much.  Beth was rather surprised to have him hug and
+kiss her so often, for generally he was not a demonstrative man.
+
+Presently Beth said:
+
+"Papa, I know how to ride now, don't I?  And say, papa, I won a box of
+candy from Cousin Lulu's beau."
+
+One of the jockeys heard her.  He grinned his approval and said:
+
+"She's got pluck enough to be one of us.  I reckon she's born with a
+liking for horses.  My, didn't the old mare go!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+Don Meets a Sad Fate
+
+Marian and Beth were getting ready for bed.  Marian looked tragic.  She
+brushed her hair so energetically that it seemed as if she must be
+pulling it out by the handfuls.  Suddenly, she threw down the brush,
+and clasped her hands dramatically.
+
+"I simply must have the money."
+
+Beth, interested, looked up at her,
+
+"What's the matter, Marian?  I thought you had plenty of money.  You've
+been saving your allowance for weeks to spend at the Fair."
+
+"So I have, but I lost my pocketbook with every bit of the money at the
+Fair to-day."
+
+"Why, Marian Davenport," Beth gasped.
+
+Marian burst into tears.  Beth rushed up to her sister and threw her
+arms around her neck.
+
+"I'm awfully sorry, Marian."
+
+Marian brushed the tears away and continued:
+
+"I hate to have papa and mamma think me so dreadfully careless, so I'm
+not going to let them know, but I've just got to have some money.
+Beth, won't you lend me part of yours?  I'll pay you just as soon as I
+can get some more."
+
+Beth hung her head.  "I'm awfully sorry, but I've spent all my money."
+
+Marian looked at her in surprise.  "Why, Beth Davenport, how is that?"
+
+Beth seated herself upon the floor.  "Well, Marian, you know both you
+and I decided to buy mamma's birthday present before the Fair began for
+fear we wouldn't have anything left to buy it with.  Well, after that I
+had only a dollar."
+
+"But that dollar was to last you all the week."
+
+Beth took down a brush and brushed out the snarls while she talked.
+
+"Yes, I know it was, but you see, Marian, Julia and Harvey were with me
+to-day.  They were my guests.  Papa gave me the tickets to take them.
+Well, it was dreadfully hot, and we did want some ice cream awfully, so
+I asked them to have some.  There was thirty cents gone."
+
+Marian looked judicial.  "Well, what about the other seventy?"
+
+Beth brushed snarls so vigorously that she winced once or twice.
+
+"Well, you may think me dreadfully foolish, but I invited them to the
+Punch and Judy show.  That took thirty cents more."
+
+"Well, but you still should have forty cents."
+
+Beth stopped brushing and clasped her hands.
+
+"Well, I just couldn't help it.  I--well, this is how it happened.  You
+know papa gave Gustus tickets for the Fair for himself, his brothers
+and sisters, and mamma let him have the afternoon off.  Well, just as
+we came out of the Punch and Judy show we met them.  You know mamma
+gives Gustus clothes, but the others looked dreadfully ragged.  I
+stopped and spoke to them and asked them if they were going into the
+show.  Marian, tears came into Gustus's eyes, as he said, 'Missy Beth,
+the likes of us don't go to shows.  I'se never been to a show in my
+life.'"
+
+"Never been to a show in his life?  How was that, Beth?"
+
+"That was just what I asked him, Marian.  I knew mamma paid him for
+waiting on us.  He told me that he took all his money to his mother.
+Marian, I just couldn't help it.  I spent my last forty cents for four
+Punch and Judy tickets for four of them, and Harvey and Julia bought
+some for the others.  Do you think we were foolish?"
+
+Marian hesitated for an instant.
+
+"I suppose I should have done the same thing in your place.  I am
+awfully sorry, though, you haven't any money to lend me."
+
+"Maybe my dress and cake will take prizes.  Then I'll have some to lend
+you."
+
+Beth could hardly wait for the last day of the exhibition to see if she
+would be awarded any prize.  She thought that nothing could mar her
+happiness if she received one.
+
+The prices were decided upon on Friday night, but were not to be made
+public until Saturday morning.  Beth was up bright and early,
+therefore, on Saturday.  She was all impatience to be through breakfast
+that she might learn her fate, but she found that she might as well
+possess her soul in patience, as Maggie proved provoking, and would not
+hurry in the least.
+
+To pass away the time, Beth hunted up Don.  At sight of her, he barked
+and wagged his tail.  She threw her arms about his neck.  "Yes, Don, I
+know you're glad to see me, and I love you with all my heart.  Come on
+and we'll have a play."
+
+But, for some unaccountable reason, he did not seem ready for a frolic.
+As soon as she let go of him, he walked back by the stable and lay down.
+
+"Come on, Don," she called coaxingly.
+
+He did not budge.  She stamped her foot impatiently.
+
+"Oh, everybody's provoking this morning.  You're horrid and mean, Don,
+and I don't believe I love you, after all."
+
+He looked up at this.  His gaze seemed a reproach to her, but she grew
+only the crosser.
+
+"Oh, you needn't be looking that way at me.  You're lazy, and you know
+it.  If you were sorry, you'd play with me.  No, I don't love you one
+little bit."
+
+She walked back to the house, and then sulked until the breakfast gong
+sounded.
+
+To make up for being somewhat late, Maggie had prepared an extra fine
+meal.  Mr. and Mrs. Davenport and even Marian proved unusually
+talkative that morning, and they started their breakfast very happily.
+Beth, too, could not withstand the general good humor, and soon her
+spirits began to rise.  She said, however:
+
+"Do you know, that horrid old Don would not play with me this morning.
+He----"
+
+At that instant, January came running up on the piazza, where they were
+eating breakfast.
+
+"Missy Beth," he cried, "come quick; Don acts mighty queer.  'Pears
+like he's dying."
+
+Not only Beth, but Mr. and Mrs. Davenport and Marian jumped up from the
+table and ran out to the barn.
+
+They found the noble dog where Beth had left him.  He was, in truth, in
+the very throes of death.
+
+Beth fell on her knees beside him, and lifted his head upon her lap.
+Tears were streaming from her eyes so that she could hardly see him.
+
+"Don," she cried, "you know I didn't mean it.  You know I love you."
+
+His fast glazing eye brightened momentarily at the sound of her voice.
+If he could have spoken, he would have said:
+
+"Little mistress, I never doubted your love.  I wasn't lazy.  You know
+now why I wouldn't play."
+
+"Oh, we must do something for him.  It would break my heart if he
+died," cried poor Beth.
+
+"I'm skeered it's too late, but mebbe, if I fotch," began January.  But
+Don, with one long, loving look at Beth, gave up his breath with a
+gasp, stretching out in the rigidity of death.
+
+"It is too late," said Mr. Davenport huskily.
+
+"No, no, no," cried Beth; "God wouldn't be so cruel as to let him die.
+Don, look at me.  Dear old doggie, I love you, I love you."
+
+But Don was beyond range of her call.  Mrs. Davenport and Marian were
+crying softly, too, and there were tears even in the eyes of Mr.
+Davenport and January.
+
+"You'se breakfasts all gettin' cole," called Maggie, not knowing of the
+trouble.
+
+"Food would choke me," declared Marian.
+
+"I couldn't eat either.  Do you want anything, James?" asked Mrs.
+Davenport.
+
+"No,--I'm not hungry now," there was a break in Mr. Davenport's voice.
+
+"Clear off the table, Maggie.  Don is dead."
+
+"Don dead?" cried Maggie, running out, "Why what am de mattah?"
+
+"I 'lows he got hole some of de rat pizen," said January.
+
+At sight of Beth's intense grief, Maggie's heart melted.
+
+"Dar, dar, honey, don't yo' cry.  Yo'se pah'll get you anoder dog."
+
+"I don't want another dog.  I--want--my--Don.  I want him, I'll never
+be happy again," and Beth cried so hard that Mr. Davenport tried to
+comfort her.
+
+"Beth," he said, "I have some news that will make you happy.  I knew
+all about it last night, but I wouldn't tell you because I wanted you
+to find it out for yourself.  Both your dress and cake have taken
+prizes--first prizes at that."
+
+Her sobs did not lessen in the least.  She hid her face on her father's
+shoulder and murmured:
+
+"A hundred prizes wouldn't make up for dear old Don,--my dear old
+doggie who saved my life."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+The Arrival of Duke
+
+The death of Don so preyed upon Beth's spirits, that one night Mrs.
+Davenport took her in her arms and said:
+
+"Do you remember that once when I was sad about something, you slipped
+your arms around my neck and asked, 'Mamma, what makes you think of the
+unpleasant things? why don't you just think of the nice things?  That's
+the way I do.'"
+
+"Did I say that really?"
+
+Mrs. Davenport smiled at the mournfulness of Beth's tones.
+
+"Yes, dear, and now mamma wants you to practice what you preached.  I
+think you and I will have to form a 'Pleasant Club.'  Every night we
+will tell each other all the pleasant things that happen during the
+day.  What do you say?"
+
+The child nestled close to her mother.
+
+"It would be nice, mamma, only nothing pleasant happens now that Don is
+dead."
+
+"Why, why," exclaimed Mrs. Davenport, "that isn't at all like my happy
+Beth.  Put on your thinking cap and see if you can't remember something
+nice that happened to-day."
+
+Beth remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly smiled.
+
+"Why, yes, mamma, now that I think of it, a whole lot of nice things
+happened.  Do you know, ever since Don died, Julia has been perfectly
+lovely.  She always plays just as I want to.  And what do you think?
+Harvey played with Julia and me to-day, and he would never stay before
+when Julia was here.  We even got him to play dolls with us, although
+he said dolls were beneath a boy."
+
+Mrs. Davenport smiled.  "Why should he feel that way?"
+
+"Well, you see, mamma, he doesn't think much of girls and their play.
+He's always saying to me, 'Beth, don't you wish you were a boy?'  So
+one day I answered, 'No, indeed, Harvey.'  It wasn't quite the truth,
+mamma, for I should like to be a boy, but I wouldn't let him know it.
+Then I asked him:  'Don't you wish you were a girl, Harvey?'"
+
+"What did he say, dear?"
+
+"He grunted and said, 'Eh--be a girl?  I'd rather be nothing than be a
+girl.'"
+
+Mrs. Davenport could hardly keep her face straight; nevertheless, she
+said gravely:
+
+"If Harvey ever says that to you again, you tell him your mamma says
+that girls are of just as much consequence as boys.  God would not have
+created them otherwise.  Well, what else happened to-day?"
+
+"Oh, Harvey offered me a bird's nest that he'd stolen.  Mamma, I
+couldn't help scolding him about it.  You know papa doesn't think it
+right.  So I had Harvey take the nest back."
+
+"That was a good girl."
+
+"And oh, mamma, I forgot to tell you how nice Marian has been.  This
+afternoon after school, she made some candy for Julia and Harvey and
+me.  It was just lovely.  And now that I think of it, Maggie has been
+good too.  She hasn't scolded us once, although I guess we are in her
+way very much sometimes."
+
+Mrs. Davenport now kissed Beth good-night.
+
+"Doesn't my little girl see that there never was a sorrow so great but
+that it has its bright side?  You have much for which to be thankful,
+dear, and you must try to be happy."
+
+This talk helped Beth somewhat.  Nevertheless, for weeks thereafter, a
+dog did not cross her path without bringing tears to her eyes.  And
+many a night she cried herself to sleep, grieving for Don.
+
+Sorrow, however, is not eternal, and comfort came to her from an
+unexpected source.
+
+One afternoon the Davenports were driving home from Jacksonville, when
+Beth chanced to look back.  She thereupon uttered such an exclamation
+of delight that Mr. Davenport, who was driving, pulled in on the horses.
+
+"Oh, just see the beautiful dog!" exclaimed Beth.  "I believe he's
+following us."
+
+About three yards behind the carriage was a very large dog, but
+possessing a grace and a swiftness of motion unusual to his size.  He
+was not only beautiful, but also intelligent-looking.  His coat was of
+dark brown, and smooth as sealskin, showing every muscle of his body.
+His broad square head and monstrous jaw reminded the beholder of a
+tiger.  His ears were close-cropped, which gave a compactness to his
+head that brought into prominence his great changeable eyes: eyes that
+the Davenports afterwards found so fiery sometimes that they reflected
+red lights; at other times so mildly brown that they beamed with the
+greatest affection.  The dog was a combination of Russian bloodhound
+and mastiff.
+
+"He looks the thoroughbred, through and through," declared Mrs.
+Davenport.  "See how majestically he moves.  Duke would be a good name
+for him.  Here, Duke.  Here, Duke."
+
+At the call, the dog raised his head and came bounding up to the
+carriage.  By a strange coincidence, Mrs. Davenport had hit upon his
+name.
+
+"Come here, Duke," cried Beth.
+
+Large as the dog was, he jumped into the back part of the carriage
+where Marian and Beth sat.  Both children were wild with delight.
+
+"Papa, let's take him home with us," begged Marian.
+
+Mr. Davenport, however, would not listen to the suggestion.
+
+"He is a very valuable dog, and it would not be honorable," he
+declared.  "Push him out immediately."
+
+Both children began pleading, but Mr. Davenport proved relentless.
+Therefore, Duke was finally put out of the carriage.
+
+"Go home, Duke," cried Mr. Davenport, driving on.
+
+The children looked back to see if the dog obeyed.  To their joy, they
+saw him following as unconcerned as before.  Mr. Davenport took out the
+whip and waved it at him.  Duke stopped a second or two, and then
+started after them at a little greater distance.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Davenport, "all we can do is to let him come with us
+now.  To-morrow, I shall inquire in town and find his owner."
+
+So Duke lodged at the Davenports that night, and was treated by the
+children as a royal guest.  He captivated their hearts from the first,
+and he fully responded to their love.
+
+At breakfast the next morning, Mr. Davenport looked up from his paper
+and said:
+
+"Well, here is a notice of Duke's loss.  I do not wonder that he ran
+away.  This Brown who advertises is one of the hardest drinkers in
+town.  Poor dog, to have such a master."
+
+"Papa, couldn't you buy Duke?" asked Beth.
+
+"I may consider the matter.  Don't set your heart on the dog, however.
+He is very valuable, and Brown may not wish to part with him."
+
+That day, at noon, Beth and Duke were frolicing near the barn.
+Suddenly, without seeming cause, Duke rushed towards the house, looking
+crestfallen.  Beth, however, soon saw why Duke had run.  She beheld a
+man walking up the driveway towards her.  She had grown accustomed to
+Southern politeness, and resented the man's not raising his hat when he
+said:
+
+"Hello, little un.  I've come after my dog.  Where is he?"
+
+Beth's heart sank.  "Who are you?" she stammered.
+
+"My name is Brown, and I've come after Duke."
+
+"But I thought my papa was going to buy him."
+
+The man laughed.  "The old fellow did offer to buy him, but I wouldn't
+sell.  I told him I wouldn't take a hundred dollars for the dog.  But
+hurry up, little un, and get Duke for me."
+
+Beth felt more resentful than ever.  The man had dared to call her
+father "old fellow," and herself "little un."  Besides, he had come for
+Duke.  There were tears in her eyes, but she brushed them angrily away,
+and declared defiantly:
+
+"You can hunt him up for yourself.  I don't know where he is."
+
+The man swore under his breath, and muttered something about having no
+use for people who tried to steal dogs.  However, he moved on towards
+the house.
+
+Beth was so anxious about the outcome of his errand that she followed
+at a cautious distance.
+
+The man met Maggie at the kitchen door.
+
+"Hello, mammy," he said.  "Where is my dog Duke?"
+
+Maggie caught sight of Beth's eyes, and intuitively felt the child's
+solicitude.  She was up in arms in a minute.
+
+"Yo' needn't mammy me; I ain't yo'r mammy; and what's more if I cotch
+yo' takin' any dog from here, I'se gwineter give yo' the worst frailin'
+yo' ever had.  So yo' jes' bettah be skeedadlin'."
+
+At this instant, Mrs. Davenport came to the door.
+
+"If you wish Duke, you'll have to come into the house and get him.
+He's hiding behind the bed in the spare room, and I can't get him to
+come out."
+
+Brown, unmindful of Maggie's threat, perhaps realizing that her bark
+was worse than her bite, went with Mrs. Davenport to the spare room.
+Beth followed after them.  Brown got down upon his knees and tried to
+entice the dog out.  Duke, however, would not budge.
+
+"Beth, if you called him perhaps he'd come," suggested Mrs. Davenport.
+
+Beth burst into tears.  "Mamma, I can't do it.  It breaks my heart to
+have him go."
+
+The man arose.  There was a kindlier light in his eyes.  "Little un,
+get him for me and I'll promise not to whip him."
+
+"Dear," whispered Mrs. Davenport, "call him; it is a kindness to Duke.
+He belongs to the man."
+
+So Beth called, and immediately Duke answered the summons.  However, he
+shrank from his owner.
+
+"Duke," said Beth, "we'd like to keep you, but we can't.  You must go
+quietly."
+
+Mr. Brown had a leather collar which he fastened on the dog.  Then he
+led him quietly away.  Beth cried, and even Mrs. Davenport's eyes were
+suspiciously moist.
+
+That night it rained, and the Davenports had a wood-fire around which
+they gathered.  Beth was just saying, "I wish I could have kept Duke,"
+when she was interrupted by a noise upon the piazza.
+
+"It sounds like a convict with chains," suggested Marian, who had a
+lively imagination.
+
+Beth looked towards the front window and cried:
+
+"It's Duke."
+
+Sure enough, with his paws upon the window ledge, and his great
+intelligent eyes looking at them, there was Duke looking very
+triumphant.
+
+Marian and Beth rushed to the front door, and called him into the
+house.  He came all wet and muddy, dragging a great chain which he had
+evidently broken.  Notwithstanding his drabbled condition, both
+children were demonstrative in their greeting, and their parents could
+not find it in their hearts to object.  In fact, Duke was brought in
+beside the fire and made much of that night.
+
+The next forenoon his owner came to carry Duke away.  In leaving, he
+remarked to Maggie that he'd see--well, that the dog didn't get away
+again.
+
+That day passed without any new developments, but the next morning the
+Davenport family was wakened by a series of barks.
+
+Marian and Beth immediately jumped out of bed, and rushed out upon the
+upper piazza.  In the yard below, looking as conscious as a truant
+child, was Duke.
+
+Beth, not waiting to put on anything over her night-dress, rushed
+down-stairs and opened the door for the dog.  At once, she noticed an
+ugly gash on the front of his chest.  The Davenports could not imagine
+how he received it, but they doctored and petted him to his great
+delight.
+
+Soon after breakfast, Mr. Brown again appeared, very indignant over
+Duke's truancy.
+
+"I'll make the ugly beast pay for all the trouble he has caused me," he
+muttered, flourishing before the cowering dog a riding whip which he
+carried.
+
+"You shan't whip him," declared Marian, her eyes blazing.  "I'll--I'll
+have you arrested if you do."
+
+Beth looked as if she would like to hug Marian for her boldness.  The
+man laughed.
+
+"I ain't going to whip him.  It wouldn't do no sort of good.  But I'll
+outwit the ugly beast yet.  It seems as if I couldn't keep him from
+you, but I'll get the better of him yet.  Last night I locked him in a
+room in the barn where all the lower sashes are barred with iron.  He
+kept me awake howling most of the night.  Not till morning was he
+quiet.  I thought I'd conquered him, but when I went to the barn my dog
+was gone.  I found the upper glass in one of the windows broken, and
+saw that he must have jumped and escaped that way, though it seems
+incredible."
+
+"That's the way he cut himself," declared Marian, giving Duke a parting
+love pat.
+
+That day, Mr. Brown, by means of a heavy chain, led Duke down to one of
+the river boats.
+
+"Keep an eye on this dog," he said to the captain; "I'll chain him up
+well here.  At Silver Lake a man'll come aboard for him.  I'm sending
+him there because he runs away."
+
+Duke howled so pitifully that after the boat was well under way from
+Jacksonville one of the sailors took pity on him and unloosed him,
+supposing him perfectly safe aboard boat in midwater.
+
+However, Duke was not to be hindered by obstacles.  With one bound, he
+leaped to the side of the boat and jumped overboard.
+
+"Well," the captain muttered, "I don't know what Brown'll say, but it
+can't be helped."
+
+Duke swam immediately to shore.  There one of the wharf hands saw him
+as he landed, and exclaimed:
+
+"Why, that's Brown's dog.  Perhaps he'll give me something if I take
+him home."
+
+So the wharf hand caught Duke and took him up to Brown's home at noon.
+Brown, who had been drinking and was in a very unpleasant mood, was
+struck with amazement at sight of the dog.  He gave the wharf hand some
+small change, and, when he was gone, took Duke into the back yard and
+beat him.  Next, he tied the dog with an extra heavy chain.
+
+"There," he exclaimed, "you're stronger than I think you are if you
+break that."
+
+Ill-usage had thoroughly aroused Duke.  When Mr. Brown was out of
+sight, he struggled so vigorously that the collar around his neck
+worked into the raw flesh.  Undaunted, however, he struggled on until
+he again broke his fetters.  Away he bounded over the four miles to the
+Davenports'.  Needless to say, the children were overjoyed to see him.
+
+To their surprise, Mr. Brown did not appear that day, nor the following
+morning.  Consequently, Mr. Davenport went up to his house at noon, and
+asked to see him.  Brown by this time was sober, and at heart ashamed
+of his treatment of Duke.
+
+"Brown," said Mr. Davenport in greeting, "I've come to tell you that
+your dog is out at our place again."
+
+"I supposed as much," he answered curtly.
+
+"Well, why haven't you been out for him?"
+
+"It's labor lost.  I can't keep the dog."
+
+Mr. Davenport hesitated a moment.
+
+"Brown, perhaps we've been somewhat to blame in this matter, but,
+really, I couldn't help the children's making a fuss over the dog.
+Beth, my youngest child, was grieving herself sick over the death of a
+favorite dog, and Duke won her heart at once.  For her sake, I'd be
+very glad if you'd sell the dog."
+
+"I won't sell the dog."
+
+Mr. Davenport walked to the door.
+
+"I don't see that there is anything that I can do then except to send
+Duke back to you.  I'll have one of my darkies bring him in to-morrow
+morning."
+
+Mr. Brown did not answer a word.  However, when Mr. Davenport was
+halfway down the steps, he stopped him and said:
+
+"I'm the only one to blame.  I see that love is more powerful that
+hate.  Tell your little girl to keep the dog.  I make her a present of
+him with one condition.  If you ever leave Florida, I want the dog
+back.  Good-morning."
+
+Before Mr. Davenport could utter a word, Brown closed the door as if
+fearful of gratitude.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+Anxious Hours
+
+One day, a strange white dog appeared at the Davenports'.  No one knew
+whence she came.  Perhaps Duke enticed her to the house.  He tried to
+bespeak Beth's interest by barking vigorously and jumping up and down
+wildly, as if begging the child to keep her.
+
+At first, it was hard for Beth to feel any interest in the dog.  It was
+fearfully thin, and always acted as if it expected to be kicked.  It
+had one redeeming feature in that its eyes were very beautiful.  They
+were large and brown, with a mildly pathetic look that appealed to
+Beth's soft heart so that she decided to keep the dog.
+
+For the first few days the newcomer sneaked under the house when any
+one was around.  When she saw, however, that she was left unmolested,
+she gained courage.  Duke was all devotion, and the white dog thrived
+under such attention.  She freshened up so well that Beth wondered how
+she ever thought the dog ugly.  Kindness and good food work wonders
+with dogs as well as with people.  The days of her stay lengthened into
+months.
+
+One morning, Beth came running in from the barn, her eyes brilliant
+from excitement.
+
+"Mamma, mamma," she called, "what do you think?  White dog"--they had
+never given her a name--"has seven of the cutest little puppies you
+ever saw.  Duke took me out and showed them to me."
+
+"Duke took you out?"
+
+"Yes, mamma.  When I went out to play with him this morning he caught
+hold of my dress and tried to pull me towards the barn.  I thought he
+was just playing; but when he did it the second time, I followed him,
+and he led me to white dog and the puppies.  Oh, they're the cutest
+things you ever saw."
+
+[Illustration: "The cutest things you ever saw."]
+
+Beth watched the growth of the puppies with great interest.  She was
+delighted when their eyes opened, and when they began to run around she
+was almost too happy for words.
+
+That night she said to her papa: "I've been thinking about Mr. Brown.
+He must miss Duke awfully.  He wasn't such a horrid man after all, or
+he wouldn't have let me keep Duke."
+
+Mr. Davenport smiled.  "Beth, a man was talking to me about him to-day.
+The man said Brown was trying to reform; that he hadn't taken any
+liquor for some time past.  I was very glad to hear it."
+
+Beth pondered a minute or two, then asked:
+
+"Do you think if he had a dog now he'd be nice to it?"
+
+"Yes, I believe he would.  Brown wasn't half bad except when he drank.
+But you're not thinking of giving Duke back to him, are you?"
+
+Beth shook her head very vigorously.  "I couldn't do that, papa.  I
+love Duke too much."
+
+She said no more but got out paper and pencil.  She was backward in all
+schooling at this time, and could only print.  However, she sat down at
+the table beside her father and went to work.  It proved a very
+difficult task to her, but she persevered until she finished.  Most of
+the correctly spelled words she learned from her father.
+
+This is what she wrote:
+
+
+"To dukes master duke has puppies wood you like a pup i havent thanked
+you for duke but i love duke very much and think you a nice man to give
+duke to me
+
+"your little friend
+
+"Beth davenport."
+
+
+She put the note in an envelope and sealed it.  Then she said to her
+father:
+
+"Papa, will you give this to Mr. Brown?  He's to have one of Duke's
+puppies if he wants it."
+
+Mr. Davenport delivered the note as desired.
+
+The next afternoon, Beth saw a buggy turn in at their place, and
+presently she discerned Mr. Brown within it.  She waited, half-bashful,
+until he drove up.
+
+He leaped from the buggy and raised his hat.  Beth was delighted
+because in every way he seemed so much improved.
+
+"I've come for the puppy."
+
+"It's in the barn, I'll get it for you," cried Beth, running there as
+fast as she could.
+
+Duke was playing with the puppies.  When Beth appeared and took one he
+followed her out, but at sight of his former owner, he stopped still.
+Mr. Brown, however, called out pleasantly:
+
+"Hello, Duke, I'm not going to take you away.  Won't you come to me?
+Come, nice dog."
+
+Duke must have felt the transformation in his former master, for he
+allowed Mr. Brown to pat him.  Beth did not say a word, but held out
+the puppy.  Mr. Brown took it, and said a little brokenly:
+
+"I'm not used to making nice speeches to little girls, but you're very
+good to give this puppy to me."
+
+"Why, it's nothing at all.  Didn't you give me Duke?" murmured Beth.
+
+He hesitated an instant.  "But it means a great deal to me.  It shows
+that you trust me.  Missy, I promise never to strike this one as long
+as I have him.  Good-bye."
+
+Thereupon he jumped into the buggy and drove away.
+
+Beth returned to the barn with Duke.  January as usual was idling.  He
+had his fiddle and was playing "Dixie."  Beth sat down on the hay near
+him, while the dog family frolicked around her.  She was happy, so
+happy that from sheer light-heartedness she began to sing.
+
+Duke pricked up his ears.  White dog cocked her head to one side, and
+the six puppies followed their parents' example.  Duke uttered a low
+deep howl that chimed in with Beth's singing.  White dog howled in a
+high soprano and the six little dogs did likewise, but in shriller
+tones.  Beth was so surprised that she stopped singing, and the dogs
+immediately ceased howling, evidently waiting for Beth to lead them.
+
+She began to sing again, and the dogs began to howl, swaying their
+heads from side to side.
+
+Their howling was so funny that Beth had to laugh, January joining in.
+Beth then ran into the house for Mrs. Davenport.
+
+"Mamma, come and hear the concert," she cried.
+
+"What concert?"
+
+"Come with me and you'll see, if they'll do it again.  It's the
+funniest singing you ever heard."
+
+Beth led her mother to the barn.
+
+"Where are the singers?" asked Mrs. Davenport.
+
+"Wait," answered Beth, calling the dogs to her.  Then she began singing
+and the dogs began howling, holding their heads high in the air.  Duke,
+however, proved lazy.  He would come in only once in a while with his
+deep bass, but this made the effect more funny.
+
+Mrs. Davenport laughed over the performance until her sides ached.
+That afternoon Beth and the dogs had another concert for the benefit of
+Mr. Davenport and Marian.  In the evening the Gordons and the Bakers
+called, and, hearing of the wonderful concert, they insisted upon a
+repetition of it.  The lantern was brought in, therefore, and, with
+Beth heading the procession, the party adjourned to the barn.  The dogs
+were asleep, but at the first sound of Beth's shrill little voice, they
+all, even to the smallest pup, pricked up their ears, and then howled
+in concert.  After that Beth's concert became famous.  People drove out
+from Jacksonville to see and hear the canine musicale.  After a time
+Beth trained the dogs so that they would sit up in a row on their hind
+legs while they sang.  They were apparently carried away by the music,
+and appeared quite human in their vanity, swaying their bodies and
+rolling their eyes in a very ludicrous manner, while howling an
+accompaniment to Beth's singing.
+
+[Illustration: January with his perpetual laugh and fiddle.]
+
+Duke greatly endeared himself to the Davenports by his wonderful
+sagacity.  He could almost talk.  One of the very smartest things he
+ever did happened in this wise:
+
+Beth had a sudden attack of fever.
+
+"We must have a doctor," said Mrs. Davenport.
+
+Beth overheard the remark.  Since her experience of the stitches under
+her nose, she hated all doctors; so she declared:
+
+"I don't want any horrid doctor.  I'll get well without one.  Really I
+will."
+
+Mrs. Davenport laid a cooling hand on her head, and said soothingly:
+
+"Can't you trust mamma to do what is best?"
+
+Thereupon she gave private instructions to Mr. Davenport to get a
+doctor as soon as possible, after which she neglected all work, trying
+to keep Beth quiet.
+
+Two little kittens, brothers of those brought by Gustus in the winter,
+crawled up on the lounge ready for play.  Even their antics tired Beth.
+When the doctor came, he looked serious over the child's condition.
+
+"She must be put to bed immediately," was his first order.
+
+"I'll have her carried up-stairs," said Mrs. Davenport.
+
+The doctor was a very blunt man and declared plainly:
+
+"She's too sick to be moved.  Have a bed brought in here if you can."
+
+Without arguing the question, Mrs. Davenport ordered the servants to
+bring down an iron cot.  Her commands were carried out quietly and with
+haste, and soon Beth was undressed and in bed.  She was delirious by
+this time, and did not even note that a doctor was present.
+
+He studied the case silently for a few minutes.  He was a well-meaning
+man, but a doctor of the old school.  He believed that if medicine was
+a good thing, the more one took the better.  Also, if dieting was good,
+semi-starvation was better.
+
+He therefore wrote out five or six prescriptions, all of very strong
+drugs.  He also ordered that she should be fed only on gruels.
+
+Duke seemed to grieve over Beth's illness extremely.  He would not play
+with the puppies, and would eat hardly anything.  At first, he walked
+into the room where Beth was and lay down beside her cot.  When he saw
+he was in the way there, he took up his position on the piazza outside
+the door, and could hardly be induced to move.  Even white dog failed
+to entice him away.
+
+Anxious times followed for the Davenports.  The fear of losing Beth
+made each member of the family realize, as never before, how very dear
+the little, mischievous child was to them.  She was mischievous no
+longer, however.  She was so patient that Mrs. Davenport feared more
+than ever that she would die.  Often Beth would smile so beatifically
+that her mother thought she must be thinking of angels and heaven.
+
+"Dearie, of what are you thinking?" she once asked.
+
+Beth's face was illumined with a more heavenly light than ever as she
+drew a long breath and answered:
+
+"Oh mamma, I was thinking how good some Bologna sausage, or anything
+besides horrid old gruel, would taste."
+
+The truth of the matter was that the child was half-starved.  Still the
+doctor insisted that she should have nothing but mutton or rice gruel,
+and those only in very small quantities.  Under such treatment she
+wasted to a mere shadow of her former chubby self.
+
+She proved a tyrant in one respect, in that she would have no one but
+her mother to watch her.  If Mrs. Davenport left the room when Beth was
+awake, Beth at once worried herself into a high fever.  The strain was
+telling upon Mrs. Davenport, but so great was her anxiety that she
+would hardly take needed rest.
+
+One day Beth was asleep, and Maggie tip-toed into the room and
+whispered to Mrs. Davenport:
+
+"Dear Miss Mary, won't yo' please let dis ole mammy watch de honey lamb
+for jes' a little while.  Yo' knows I lub her wid all my heart, an' I
+wouldn't let nuffin harm de pet for de world.  Yo' go into de odder
+room an' rest awhile.  If de precious lamb wants yo', I'll call right
+away, honest."
+
+Thus urged, Mrs. Davenport decided to grant Maggie's request, and she
+left the room without disturbing Beth's slumbers.
+
+Maggie sat down by the cot.  The sight of Beth so emaciated melted
+Maggie almost to tears.  She thus soliloquized:
+
+"Dat horrid ole medicine man, he jes' ought to be made to live on
+gruels de rest of his life, so he ought.  It's jes' ter'ble to starve
+de chile de way he does.  I'd like to be her doctah awhile.  I'd order
+chicken and possum, an'----"
+
+Suddenly Beth's eyes opened.  "Maggie, what did you cook for dinner
+to-day?"
+
+Maggie confided to her husband afterwards:
+
+"Law, Titus, does yo' tink I could sit up dar an' tell dat precious
+chile we had chicken when I knew her little stomack was jes' groanin'
+for chicken?  No, 'deed.  Do I am deaconess, I'd rather be burned for a
+lie.  So I jes' answers as pert-like as pos'ble.  'Law, honey, we jes'
+had mutton like yo'r brof is made of.'"
+
+Beth, however, was not to be deceived.  Her senses had grown unusually
+acute during her sickness.  She pointed her finger at Maggie and said:
+
+"Maggie, that's not true.  You had chicken and biscuits, for I smelled
+them.  Oh, I'm so hungry."
+
+Maggie sighed sympathetically.  "Law, honey, would yo' like some brof?"
+
+"Broth," repeated Beth almost in tears.  "I hate broth.  I'll starve
+before I eat any more.  I want chicken.  Please, please get me some."
+
+The appeal melted Maggie completely.  She arose and called Duke from
+the doorway.
+
+"Duke," she said, pointing to the cot, "don't yo' let any one come near
+missy till I come back.  Do yo' understand?"
+
+The delighted dog wagged his tail, and Maggie left the room.
+
+Duke's first impulse was to rush up to the cot, and show his joy in
+true dog fashion.  He longed to cover Beth's face and hands with
+kisses.  He knew, however, that excitement was bad for her.  He
+therefore walked quietly up to the cot and laid his head down beside
+his little playmate as if inviting a caress.  She put a weak little
+hand on his head.
+
+"Yes, Dukie, I know you love me."
+
+Maggie re-entered the room.  In her hand was a plate, and on that plate
+was a large slice of white chicken meat.  Beth's eyes glistened at
+sight of it.
+
+"Dar, honey chile, dey jes' shan't starve yo' to death.  Here am a
+whole lot ob chicken for yo'."
+
+Beth grabbed the plate.  "Oh, Maggie, it's--it's heavenly."
+
+Suddenly, Maggie heard Mrs. Davenport approaching.  Her eyes rolled
+tragically.
+
+"Law, honey, it's yo'r maw.  Hide de chicken under yo'r pillow.  I'll
+get rid of her, an' den yo' can eat de chicken in peace.  Quick, honey,
+or she'll take it away from yo'."
+
+Beth put the plate with the chicken under her pillow.  Maggie tried to
+look unconcerned.
+
+Mrs. Davenport entered the room.  "Well, my dearie is awake, is she?"
+
+"Oh, mamma, I'm so hungry.  I do wish I could have a piece of chicken."
+
+"No, no, dearie, that would never do.  I'll get you some lovely mutton
+broth."
+
+Tears rose in Beth's eyes.  "I don't want broth."
+
+"Oh, yes, you do, dearie."  Mrs. Davenport left the room to get the
+broth.  Maggie went to the bed and drew out the chicken.
+
+"Quick, honey, yo' eat it while she's gone and she need neber know."
+
+Beth's eyes feasted on the chicken for a second or two.  She halfway
+put out a hand for it, but quickly drew it back again.
+
+"No, Maggie, it wouldn't be honorable."
+
+"Law, child, yo'd bettah eat it.  Yo'r maw'll find me with it, and den
+she'll blame me."
+
+Beth held out her hand for the plate.  She looked at the chicken very
+longingly, and Maggie thought that she had made up her mind to eat it.
+She did take up the meat, but she held it out to Duke, saying:
+
+"It'll be honorable for you to eat it.  Duke, and then mamma'll never
+blame Maggie.  It was very nice of you, Maggie, to get it for me, but I
+couldn't deceive mamma."
+
+Duke gulped the meat down at one swallow much to the envy of Beth.  She
+held out the empty plate to Maggie.
+
+"Take it away, Maggie.  The smell of it makes me so dreadfully hungry."
+
+Maggie took it and left the room, muttering:
+
+"It's a ter'ble shame, a ter'ble shame."
+
+Mrs. Davenport came in with the steaming broth.
+
+"Here, dearie, is your broth."
+
+Beth burst into tears.  "I can't eat it.  I just can't touch the horrid
+stuff.   Please take it away."
+
+Her mother did not attempt to argue the question.  That afternoon, when
+the doctor came, she asked:
+
+"Isn't there something else we can feed her on, doctor?"
+
+He pondered for a moment.  "Well, she seems to be improving a little,
+and if we could get a bird or a rabbit we might make her some broth out
+of that."
+
+"I think rabbit broth would be delicious," cried Beth rapturously.
+
+Mrs. Davenport said:
+
+"We'll send January to town to see if we can get a rabbit or a quail."
+
+An hour later January returned and reported: "Dere ain't no rabbit or
+no bird in de market, Miss Mary."
+
+Beth was very much disappointed, but was pacified, however, by the
+assurance that darkies would be sent out to hunt rabbits in the
+morning.  She even consented to take a little rice gruel, cheered by
+the prospects of having something better on the morrow.
+
+In the morning, when the darkies were ready for hunting rabbits, Mrs.
+Davenport said to Duke:
+
+"Go with them, old fellow.  Perhaps you can chase a rabbit down for
+your little mistress.  She wants a rabbit very, very much."
+
+He seemed to understand, for he rose and went with the hunters.  Rabbit
+hunting was his favorite pastime.  Therefore he displayed the first
+signs of joy that he had shown since Beth's sickness.  He bounded
+lightly across the fields, sniffing the ground expectantly.
+
+At first the darkies were encouraged by his manner, and followed him on
+and on.  When, however, they had gone many miles, and most of the
+forenoon passed without Duke's scaring up a single rabbit for them,
+they became discouraged.  In fact, they returned to the house and
+reported their ill-luck to Mrs. Davenport.
+
+"I reckon dis ain't time for rabbits.  We didn't see a single one all
+dis time."
+
+"Where is Duke?" asked Mrs. Davenport.
+
+The darkies grinned.  "Oh, dat fool dog, he ain't no sense at all.  We
+tried to get him to come wid us, but he went on sniffin' as if he was
+jes' bound to have a rabbit, even when dar ain't none."
+
+"Well," said Mrs. Davenport, with feeling, "I only wish you had half
+the perseverance of Duke.  If he could understand like you, he would go
+until he dropped before he'd give up."
+
+She therefore had to go to Beth and report their failure.  The poor
+child cried and cried, she was so very much disappointed.
+
+"I'll--I'll starve, and I'm so terribly hungry," she moaned.
+
+"Dearie, if you'll only take some gruel, I'll get you the most
+beautiful doll you ever saw, or a ring, or anything you wish."
+
+At the moment, even this promise failed in appealing to Beth.  She
+desired rabbit more than anything else in the world.
+
+"Won't you please try some gruel, dear?  Won't you, to please me?"
+
+"I'll--I'll try, but I don't believe I can swallow a bit of the nasty
+stuff.  I want rabbit."
+
+Mrs. Davenport hurried away to get the gruel.
+
+Left to herself, Beth continued to cry.
+
+"I don't believe God cares for me, or He'd have sent me a rabbit.  I
+asked Him last night when I prayed.  Miss Smith"--her Sunday-school.
+teacher--"says God always answers prayer if it is good for one, and I'm
+sure rabbit is good for me."
+
+The tears came a little faster.
+
+"She says, though, one must ask awfully hard.  Perhaps I don't ask hard
+enough.  I'll ask again."
+
+Beth folded her hands and closed her eyes.
+
+"Dear God, I can't eat gruel any more.  I'll die if I have to eat
+gruel, and I don't want to die.  I want rabbit."
+
+It would seem that the days of miracles had not passed; for even while
+she prayed, she felt two paws rest on her cot.  She opened her eyes and
+there was Duke waiting impatiently for her to notice him.  She could
+hardly believe her eyes, for in his mouth he held a little live rabbit
+as if for her to take it.  To make sure she was not dreaming, she
+stretched forth her hand for the rabbit.  Duke let her take it without
+offering the least resistance.  In fact, he looked at her as much as to
+say:
+
+"I heard them say that my little mistress wanted a rabbit.  I was bound
+she should have a rabbit, and here it is."
+
+Mrs. Davenport entered the room.  "Here is your broth, dear."
+
+"Take it away," cried Beth exultingly.  "I'm going to have a rabbit.
+God sent Duke to bring me one.  Wasn't he good not to eat it
+himself--he always used to eat them when he caught them, and God was so
+good to me, too."
+
+The speech appeared a little ambiguous to Mrs. Davenport, but it was
+all very plain to the child.
+
+Never did a stew seem more delicious to any one than did that rabbit
+stew to Beth.  In fact, it proved a turning point with her, the fever
+subsiding thereafter very rapidly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+The Rescue
+
+With the elasticity of childhood, Beth grew well rapidly, and was once
+more her mischievous self.
+
+One evening about the middle of May, Mr. and Mrs. Davenport and Marian
+went up the river a short distance to a party, and invited the Gordons
+to drive with them.
+
+Julia came over to spend the night with Beth, and Mrs. Davenport
+arranged for Maggie to stay in the house, that the girls might not be
+alone.  Duke, also, was kept within doors for protection.
+
+The girls passed a pleasant evening, and retired rather late.  Duke
+followed them up to their room, and went to sleep just outside the
+door, which they left open on his account.  Maggie slept in a room at
+the end of the hall.
+
+Gustus that night had sneaked out to see some of his friends.  He had
+stayed so late that he feared to return through the dark.  Still he
+dreaded even more the scolding that he would get if he were missed in
+the morning.  So he started home, whistling as he went, to keep up his
+spirits.  Suddenly his attention was attracted by a reddened sky in the
+direction of the Davenport home.
+
+"Foh de Lawd's sake," he muttered, "dat do look like our home wuz
+burnin' for sure.  Jes' s'pose it wuz.  Little missy am thar an' might
+burn.  I'd jes' bettah take to my heels, an' run as fas' as ever I kin,
+an' see."  He ran a few steps, and then stopped.  Besides the red in
+the sky, he thought he saw sparks flying.  His heart rose in his mouth.
+
+"Jes' s'pose dat dar fire am de work ob de debbil.  He might be waitin'
+dar spoutin' out fire to kotch me.  Dat's it.  I won't go near dar all
+by myself.  I'll jes' go back."
+
+He turned, and ran a few steps the other way, and then halted again.
+
+"Jes' s'pose dat ain't de debbil, but a real shure nuff fire.  Den
+missy'll burn, an' I'll be to blame.  I jes' ought to go an' see, but
+what if it am de debbil?  Den he'll hab me sure nuff, an' dat'd be
+worser dan burnin'."
+
+The Davenports' home was really on fire.  It was never discovered how
+the fire started.  The only plausible explanation was a defective flue
+in the kitchen stove, but it could never be proved.
+
+The house was built of fat pine, and the fire spread with alarming
+rapidity.  First the kitchen burst into a mass of flames that leaped
+along the roof of the piazza to the main part of the building.  There
+had been no rain for some time, and the dry wood proved as combustible
+as if oil had been applied.  The sparks flew over all the house until
+it was one blaze of fire.  The servants were sleeping in their
+quarters, and did not discover the terrible danger of the inmates of
+the house.
+
+Maggie and the children slept on, and it seemed as if there would be no
+awakening until it was too late, unless Gustus ran to the rescue.
+
+The flames crackled as if trying to rouse the poor, innocent sleepers,
+but still they slept.  The fire rushed on and on as if anxious to wipe
+out the precious human lives before help arrived.  Even Duke slept, and
+the silly superstition of Gustus might prove the death of those he
+loved.
+
+"White folks ain't scared ob de debbil like us black people.  Dey
+nebber see tings de way we do.  Maybe de debbil only 'pears to us kose
+we's black like he am.  If dar wuz only a white person wid me, dey
+wouldn't be scared to go an' see if it were a fire or de debbil.  I
+ought to find out which it am.  De fire might burn Missy Beth, and de
+debbil might carry her off if he don't kotch me.  De debbil nebber goes
+'way empty-handed."
+
+Gustus tarried, harrowed by his superstition, but with love trying to
+master fear.  Unless love conquered quickly, he would be too late to
+save her whom he worshiped.
+
+"Missy Beth's been powerful good to me," he moralized to himself.  "She
+wouldn't let me burn, nor she wouldn't let de debbil carry me off.  She
+always tells me dar's nuffin to fear only my own b'liefs, but if she
+was black like me she'd know bettah.  She's white like an angel, an'
+angels only see glory.  Yes, she's an angel, an' God will save her.  He
+won't let de debbil hab her nor de fire scorch her."
+
+Trying to ease his conscience thus, he once more turned away from the
+fire as if the struggle were ended, but real love is never conquered.
+It still tugged at the heart strings of Gustus.
+
+"God's far, far away.  It's night, an' maybe He sometimes snoozes like
+de rest ob us.  Den Missy Beth's in danger, an' unless I help her.  God
+won't know anything 'bout it.  I have it.  I'll go an' wake Massa
+Harvey.  He'll know what to do."
+
+Gustus ran towards the Baker homestead which was the next place to the
+Davenports'.  Love had gained a half victory, but half victories are
+always dangerous.  He might rouse Harvey, but unless God intervened in
+some way, Harvey would be too late, and his friend would burn.
+
+On ran Gustus, while the fire raged more and more fiercely.  Its fiery
+tongues leaped out nearer and nearer the children, Maggie, and Duke,
+sure to devour them unless God vouchsafed some other warning besides
+the one that had been given Gustus.  He had been tried and found
+wanting.
+
+"Massa Harvey, Massa Harvey," Gustus cried a few minutes later, under
+the window of the room where he knew Harvey slept.  "For God's sake,
+come an' save Missy Beth."
+
+Harvey wakened out of a sound sleep.  He thought he was dreaming, but
+again he heard the agonized appeal:
+
+"Massa Harvey, for God's sake, save Missy Beth."
+
+Harvey sprang to the window.  "What's the matter, Gustus?"
+
+"I think de debbil am after Missy Beth," moaned Gustus, who had decided
+that it was the Evil One instead of a real fire.
+
+His words gave Harvey no lucid idea of the situation.  He feared Beth
+was in danger, but he little realized the urgency of the case.
+However, he did not stop to question, but slipped into his clothes as
+fast as he could, and went below to join Gustus.  His parents had gone
+to the party, and he did not waken any of the servants.
+
+The minute he opened the front door, one look to the right revealed the
+awful truth to him.
+
+"Is Beth there?" he gasped to Gustus who had run around to the door to
+join him.
+
+"I reckon so.  Yo' won't let de debbil get her."
+
+"The devil?  It's worse.  It's fire.  She'll burn," cried Harvey in
+agony, tearing across the fields as fast as he could.  Gustus followed
+trembling in every limb.  He realized now that he had been a coward,
+that if his beloved little "missy" burned, he would be greatly to blame.
+
+"I didn't know," he moaned to himself, and then his cry changed to a
+prayer, "Dear God, don't let her burn.  Don't let her burn," he pleaded
+as he ran, pitifully penitent.
+
+As Harvey flew towards the burning house, his thought dwelt on the
+other fire from which he and Beth had been saved.
+
+"God won't let her burn.  He won't do it," he cried to himself, and yet
+half fearful that the fire demon which seemed to pursue Beth might
+conquer this time.
+
+"De Good Book says dat if we ask anything, an' believe, dat it will be
+granted us," gasped Gustus as if reading Harvey's doubts.  "Let's both
+pray as hard as ever we kin dat God'll save Missy Beth, an' He'll do
+it."
+
+The faith expressed by the superstitious colored boy heartened Harvey
+somewhat.  He ran on as fast as ever, but both in his heart and in that
+of Gustus was the prayer that Beth might be saved.
+
+That prayer was answered.  After the colored boy was found wanting, an
+animal was used as God's messenger.  The fire awakened Duke.  The air
+all around him was full of smoke that almost choked him.  He realized
+there was danger, but he thought more of another that he loved than of
+his own safety.  With a bound, he sprang through the open doorway
+barking wildly.  He leaped up on the bed where the children slept.  He
+had no words in which to warn them of danger, but the ways of God are
+above those of men, and weak instruments prove strong in His hands.
+
+Julia and Beth wakened at the same instant.
+
+"What is it, Duke?" cried Beth only half awake, for the dog was pulling
+wildly at her night-dress.  The smoke answered her question.  Both of
+the girls knew that Duke was warning them that the house was on fire.
+They jumped out of bed, and ran to the door.  The fire now was fast
+breaking into the house.
+
+"What shall we do?" gasped Beth at sight of the smoke and flames
+circling around the stairs at the end of the hall.
+
+"We can climb down the piazza," answered Julia turning towards it.
+Beth started to follow her, but a thought stopped her.
+
+"If we go that way Maggie'll burn.  I must try to warn her."
+
+"But we'll choke to death," cried Julia, carried away for a moment by
+the terror fire has for the bravest.
+
+"I can't help it.  I can't let Maggie burn.  You can climb down the
+piazza, but I'm going to try to reach Maggie," answered Beth, going
+towards the hall, with Duke at her heels.
+
+It was a terrible temptation to Julia to take Beth at her words.  She
+feared that Death waited in the hall.  The thought made Julia shiver
+notwithstanding the sickening heat that was beginning to fill the
+house.  Her face blanched, but it was no whiter than that of Beth, who
+felt fully as strongly as Julia the danger she ran in trying to save
+Maggie.
+
+"Let's wrap ourselves in blankets," cried Julia seizing two from the
+bed, and throwing one to Beth.  She had conquered her fear sufficiently
+to make a supreme effort to save Maggie.  She was too brave to let Beth
+outshine her in daring.
+
+"Maggie, Maggie, wake," yelled Beth, wrapping the blanket around her
+and rushing out into the smoke and fire towards the room where Maggie
+slept.
+
+"Fire, fire, fire," screamed Julia, the smoke half choking her.
+
+Their cries wakened Maggie.  She jumped out of bed, and rushed out into
+the hall.
+
+"Oh, de good Lo'd," she moaned, trembling all over in sudden horror;
+"dis house is burnin', an' we'll die."  Then she saw the two girls.
+Their danger calmed her fears.
+
+"No, we won't die, honeys," she cried more calmly.  "We kin get down de
+stairs, I know.  Come on, my honeys.  I won't leave yo'.  We'll jes'
+keep our mouths shut, an' we'll be all right."
+
+She, too, seized a blanket to protect herself from the fire.
+
+She was nearest the stairs, but she waited until the girls came up to
+her.  Not another word was said.  The smoke was drying up their throats
+and lungs, and they felt that they needed every bit of air just to
+breathe.
+
+Fortunately, in the main part of the building, the fire was worse on
+the outside than the inside.  Their greatest foe was the smoke that
+grew more dense every instant.  Down the stairs they flew.  Once at the
+bottom, the door leading outside seemed very far away.  Still they did
+not make a sound, but used every effort to escape.  There was no
+thought of trying to save anything but their lives.  That was the one
+mercy that was asked of God.  Other possessions could be replaced.  On,
+on they flew.  Thank God, the door is almost within reach.  They gasp
+for breath.  Even Duke pants.  Will their strength last until they can
+reach God's pure air?
+
+Maggie now proved leader.  Her trembling hands unbarred the door that
+alone stood between them and liberty.  With a last mighty effort, she
+swung it open.  Out they flew, and now the flames which curled in wild
+fury about the piazza almost scorched them.  Thank God, this fiery
+trial is but for a moment.  They dash through the flames, and are safe.
+Breathing is no longer a pain.  They make their way beyond the reach of
+the sparks.  Maggie fell on her knees crying:
+
+"Praise to de Lo'd.  Praise to de Lo'd."
+
+Julia looked at the piazza down which she had wished to climb.
+
+"Beth, if we had tried to come that way we couldn't have done it," she
+said, and there was thankfulness in her heart that she had conquered
+her fear.  Otherwise precious time would have been lost, and she might
+have been burned to death.
+
+"Our home is gone," sobbed Beth, for at that instant the roof fell.
+Duke howled as if he, too, knew that something had been lost that never
+again could be exactly the same.  His howls attracted Beth's attention.
+
+"You dear, dear fellow," she cried, the tears flowing faster than ever.
+"If it hadn't been for you we'd all be dead."
+
+He poked his nose into her outstretched hand, and looked up at her as
+if he would like to comfort her.  At that instant Harvey and Gustus
+rushed upon the scene.
+
+"Beth, Beth," cried Harvey wildly.
+
+"We're here," she answered.
+
+Tears of thankfulness rushed into the eyes of Harvey and Gustus, and
+for once they were not ashamed of crying.
+
+"Beth," repeated Harvey, running up to her and seizing her hands.   His
+emotion choked back the words that rose.  Never had he been more
+grateful, and never had he less power of expression.
+
+"Little missy, I done feared yo'd went up in de flames," cried Gustus,
+and added, "but I had dat dar grain of mustard seed dat made me b'lieve
+de Lo'd would somehow save yo'."
+
+"Somehow, even when I'm awfully scared, I don't think I'm going to be
+killed," said Beth.
+
+"I jes' reckon yo' has dat grain of mustard seed I'se tellin' 'bout."
+
+"I reckon it's a good thing to have, Gustus," put in Harvey.  "But
+instead of letting the mustard seed do everything by itself, I believe
+we'd better rouse the servants.  Unless care is taken their quarters
+and the barn may burn."
+
+[Illustration: The darkies' quarters.]
+
+This proved a happy suggestion; for while these buildings were far
+distant from the house, it was found the sparks had already set the
+barn afire.  However, the servants managed to put the fire out.
+
+The glare from the fire illuminated the sky, and attracted the
+attention of the Davenports and the Gordons returning in a merry mood
+from the party.
+
+"It looks like a house burning," said Mrs. Davenport.  "Supposing it
+were ours," she added forebodingly.
+
+Mr. Davenport had experienced a like fear for some moments, but had
+refrained from letting any of the party know.  They had remarked that
+he was driving the spirited span to their full speed, but supposed he
+was hurrying because of the lateness of the hour.
+
+"It is a fire," cried Mrs. Gordon.  "Our daughters--God keep them."
+
+Moments seemed hours to the anxious parents.  As dread became
+certainty, they felt as if the horses were almost standing still,
+whereas they were going as fast over the hard shell road as was
+possible.  Ambulance or fire horses could not have passed the ones Mr.
+Davenport drove, urged both by his voice and by the whip.
+
+"Beth--Julia," cried two mothers the same second, as they rushed from
+the carriage and gathered two blanketed figures to their hearts.  Tears
+of relief and thankfulness flowed thick and fast.
+
+"It's terrible that our lovely home is gone," cried Beth.
+
+"In evil there is good.  You are safe, my darling," her mother murmured.
+
+The fathers felt no less keenly the escape of their beloved children,
+but expressed themselves less emotionally.  Marian could get hardly any
+one to notice her, but finally managed to say so as to be heard:
+
+"I don't think they ought to be standing around with bare feet, and
+blankets wrapped around them."
+
+"You must all come home with us," cried Mrs. Gordon.  "I will not
+accept a refusal.  We have a great abundance of room."
+
+Already the fire was beginning to die down, and Mr. Davenport saw that
+no good could be accomplished by remaining longer.
+
+"January, I want you to watch to see that no damage is done by sparks,"
+he said.
+
+"Sparks won't have no sort of chance wid me aroun', massa."
+
+Room was made in the carriage for the two children, and the horses were
+started in the direction of the Gordon homestead.  For a few moments,
+in the excitement of telling about the fire, Beth forgot all about
+Duke.  They were almost at the Gordons' door when she thought of him.
+She looked hastily back, half hoping he might be following, and to her
+joy saw him directly behind the carriage.  Beth pleaded to be allowed
+to take her beloved dog up to Julia's room with them.  Julia added her
+entreaties, and the children were permitted to do as they wished in the
+matter.
+
+Once the children were in bed, they talked awhile of their fortunate
+deliverance.  Duke came in for a big share of praise.  Then Julia fell
+asleep, but Beth felt very wide awake.  Presently, even Duke on the
+floor near their bed also slept.  Beth knew that he was sleeping
+because he moaned as if he were haunted by a nightmare of the fire.
+
+"Poor, poor fellow, he feels almost as bad as I," thought Beth.  For a
+long time she lay awake wondering what her father would do now that
+their home with all its contents was burned.
+
+"Just s'posing--just s'posing----"  With these words Beth fell into a
+troubled sleep.
+
+About ten minutes afterwards, she began crying in her sleep, which
+wakened Julia.
+
+"Why, Beth dear, what's the matter?" and Julia twined her arm lovingly
+around her friend.
+
+Beth wakened with a start.  She sat up in bed.  "Where am I, Julia?  In
+Florida?"
+
+"Of course, dear.  What made you----"
+
+"Oh, I'm so glad I'm here.  I went to sleep s'posing----"
+
+"Supposing what, Beth?"
+
+"Oh, I don't like to tell for fear it may come true.  I dreamed that it
+did come true and it made me very miserable."
+
+"You're just nervous over the terrible fire.  All the bad that can
+happen has already happened to you."
+
+"I don't know about that," murmured Beth, but could not be persuaded to
+tell Julia more about her dream.  Julia therefore sank back into
+slumberland, and forgot all about her friend's dream, but not so Beth.
+The fear of what she dreamed haunted her, waking and sleeping.
+
+The next morning, Beth had quite a time dressing.  Most of Julia's
+clothes proved a very tight fit.
+
+"I'll have to pretend I'm a young lady.  Then I shall not mind if it is
+tight," Beth said as she struggled into Julia's blue dress.
+
+"It's a little short, but then short dresses are the style now,"
+commented Julia in an effort to be polite.
+
+Immediately after breakfast, the Davenports and the Gordons started
+over to view the fire.  For some reason known only to herself, Beth did
+not care to go.  She even refused to be moved by Julia's entreaties,
+and insisted that Julia go without her.
+
+Duke remained to keep Beth company.  When the two were alone, Beth put
+her arms around the faithful dog.  He looked up into her eyes and
+whined.
+
+"I believe you know," cried Beth.  "Are you afraid of it, too?"
+
+Again Duke whined.
+
+"You do know, Duke."  There were tears in Beth's eyes.  "If it happens,
+they'll take you from me.  Don't you remember what Mr. Brown said?"
+
+Duke looked as if he understood.
+
+"They shan't take you from me.  I'll go in town and see Mr. Brown.  You
+shall go with me, Duke."
+
+He wagged his tail as if pleased, at the promise.  Beth ran for a hat,
+and then, with Duke, started down the road towards town.
+
+The day was extremely sultry, and the warmth in combination with the
+excitement of the night before soon caused Beth to tire, but she would
+not give up her undertaking.
+
+"You'd do as much to stay with me, wouldn't you, Duke?" she asked, to
+encourage herself.
+
+Duke barked.  Perhaps it was because he did not mind the heat and was
+anxious for a frolic.  Beth envied his spirits.  To her the way seemed
+very long and dusty, but on and on she trudged.  She did not know
+exactly where Mr. Brown lived, but thought by asking she could easily
+find out, and so it proved.
+
+It was a very tired, warm, and dusty little girl who finally turned in
+at the Browns'.
+
+A great, overgrown puppy rushed at Beth and Duke as they opened the
+gate.  At first, Beth could hardly believe her own eyes.  It scarcely
+seemed possible that it was the same puppy she had given Mr. Brown such
+a short time before.  The little fellow had outgrown all his brothers
+and sisters, and could no longer be rightly termed little.  Duke was
+unaffectedly glad to see his son.  Away they ran together.
+
+"Duke, Duke, come back."
+
+Beth's call did not bring him, but Mr. Brown came around the corner of
+the house.
+
+"Why, missy," his face lighted up in greeting.  Beth wondered how she
+ever thought him ugly-looking.  "You saw my puppy, didn't you?  I tell
+you he's a fine fellow.  Duke never compared with him."
+
+"Do you really like the puppy the best?" cried Beth, eagerly rushing up
+to him in her excitement.
+
+"Not a doubt of it."  He smiled at her evident delight.  "Gift----"
+
+"Is that what you call him?"
+
+"Yes.  The name is to remind me of your kindness.  I----"
+
+"Was I really kind?" she interrupted wistfully.  She did not wait for
+an answer.  "Then perhaps you'd be willing to do me a very, very great
+favor."
+
+"What is it you want?  But you'd better sit down first.  You look
+tired."
+
+"I am a little tired.  It was pretty hot walking."
+
+"You don't mean you walked here?--and on such a hot day?"
+
+When he found that she had, he seated her in the shade on the cool
+piazza, and would not listen to another word until he went into the
+house and returned with a bottle of orangeade for her.
+
+"Now while you drink, I'll tell you why I like Gift better than Duke.
+In the first place, Gift really loves me--why, I don't believe that
+even such a charming little lady as you could get Gift to leave me.
+Let's try and see.  Here, Gift; come, Gift."
+
+The two dogs came running at his call.
+
+"He always answers just so promptly."  Beth noted how proud he looked.
+"Now little missy, call Gift and make friends with him."
+
+Beth did as bidden.  Gift proved very friendly in response.  Duke
+seemed inclined to be jealous.
+
+"Now missy, rise as if to go and call Gift to follow.  It will be as
+big a temptation as he ever had.  He doesn't usually make friends the
+way he has with you and Duke.  Perhaps I'm a fool to try him so."
+
+"Then I will not----"
+
+"No, no.  I want to know if Gift cares for me as much as I think he
+does.  You must try him."
+
+Beth was growing nervous over the situation.  Somehow, she realized
+that the love of Gift meant more to the man before her than almost
+anything in his life.  If the dog failed him at this point it might
+have a very disastrous effect.
+
+"Come, come; do as I say," cried Brown with somewhat of his original
+curtness of manner.
+
+Beth did not dare refuse, but trembled for the result.  She arose.
+Duke wagged his tail in delight that she was going.
+
+"Come on, Gift."  He paid no heed, but his master saw that she was not
+calling as if she really wanted the dog.
+
+"Call as if you meant it."
+
+She saw that she could not fool him.  She felt compelled to act under
+his direction, but it seemed the irony of fate that once she had
+unwittingly taken his dog from him, and that now she should be made to
+try again when neither of them wished the dog to leave him.  Tears were
+in her eyes, but she clapped her hands as if ready for a frolic.  "Come
+on, Gift; come on."  Duke also barked an invitation.  Gift leaped down
+the steps and was by their side in an instant.
+
+"Oh, please call him back, or let me come back."
+
+"Go on.  Don't you dare let him see that you don't want him.  If he
+follows you home, I never want to see any of you again.  Both dogs then
+are yours forever," growled Gift's owner.
+
+Tears now blinded poor Beth so that she could hardly see to open the
+gate.  Duke did not wait for it to be opened, but leaped over the
+fence.  Gift hesitated about following.  He was perfectly able to make
+the jump, but he evidently thought of his master for the first time.
+He looked back undecided what to do.
+
+"Oh, if he only would call him," but Brown stood as if turned to stone.
+Suddenly Gift ran back to his side.  Beth never felt more grateful.
+
+"Call him.  I am not sure of him yet," cried Brown in a strange voice.
+
+"It's cruel to the dog and to me," thought Beth.  She now held the gate
+open.  "Come, Gift."  Again Duke barked.
+
+"I'm ashamed of you, Duke Davenport, for tempting your own son,"
+thought Beth.
+
+Gift looked up at his master as if for a word of instruction.  He
+received no word or sign in reply.  Then Gift made a slight move as if
+to follow Beth, but suddenly turned and licked his master's hand.
+Next, he settled down on the porch for a sleep as if the matter were
+settled once and forever.
+
+Beth now expected to see Mr. Brown show some emotion, but he simply
+called, "Missy, come back."
+
+She would have thought that she had overestimated his feelings in the
+matter if she had not caught sight of tears in his eyes when she
+returned.
+
+"Gift is the best friend I have," he said quietly when Beth was
+reseated.  "Do you know he helps keep me from saloons.  If he is with
+me and I start in one, he growls.  Now, what favor do you want to ask
+of me?"
+
+She had almost forgotten the object of her visit, and the abruptness
+with which it was recalled to her embarrassed her.
+
+"I--I want to pay you for Duke.  I have some money of my own in the
+bank and I think----"
+
+"But I gave Duke to you."  He looked grieved.  "I accepted Gift from
+you, I don't see----"
+
+"You don't understand.  Do you remember what you said when you gave me
+Duke?  You said if I ever left Florida I'd have to give him back to
+you."
+
+"That was before I had Gift."
+
+"And you wouldn't take Duke from me?"  She sprang to her feet.
+
+"Not for the world."
+
+Suddenly Beth seized Duke, and danced around and around with him.  "Oh,
+goody.  Duke, you old dear, we needn't stay awake nights worrying over
+that part any more."
+
+Mr. Brown hitched up and drove Beth back.  On the way, she told him of
+the fire, and how Duke had saved their lives.  Duke and Gift were
+following the carriage, and perhaps Duke was telling his son of his own
+heroism, because Gift often barked as if excited over something.
+
+Mr. Brown said he would like to see the ruins and so Beth drove with
+him to the homestead.  They found Mr. Davenport, Julia, Harvey, Maggie,
+and Gustus out near the stables.
+
+"Why Beth, where have you been?" cried her father.
+
+She jumped out of the carriage and ran and threw herself into her
+father's arms.  "Papa, now that our house is gone, I was afraid you'd
+take us back North to live.  I don't want to go, but if I had to go, it
+would have broken my heart to part with Duke, but now, I'll never,
+never have to part with him, no matter what happens.  Mr. Brown says
+he's mine forever."
+
+"Dear, I do not expect to go back North.  Next fall, we'll build a fine
+new house, and you shall be a little Florida lady the rest of your
+life, if you wish."
+
+"I'm to live South always," cried Beth, turning a radiant face toward
+her friends.
+
+"Three cheers for our little Florida lady," proposed Harvey.  All
+present joined in the hurrahing that followed.  Gustus's voice rang out
+the loudest of any.
+
+Beth's face was radiant.  The sun was shining once more for her.  Her
+two great fears had proved groundless.  Duke was hers, and henceforth
+she was to remain A Little Florida Lady.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A LITTLE FLORIDA LADY***
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+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of A Little Florida Lady, by Dorothy C. Paine</title>
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+<h1 align="center">The Project Gutenberg eBook, A Little Florida Lady, by Dorothy C. Paine</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: A Little Florida Lady</p>
+<p>Author: Dorothy C. Paine</p>
+<p>Release Date: November 27, 2005  [eBook #17165]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A LITTLE FLORIDA LADY***</p>
+<br><br><center><h3>E-text prepared by Al Haines</h3></center><br><br>
+<hr class="full" noshade>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<A NAME="img-front"></A>
+<CENTER>
+<IMG SRC="images/img-front.jpg" ALT="The Little Florida Lady" BORDER="2" WIDTH="346" HEIGHT="622">
+<H4>
+[Frontispiece: The Little Florida Lady]
+</H4>
+</CENTER>
+
+<BR><BR>
+
+<H1 ALIGN="center">
+A LITTLE FLORIDA LADY
+</H1>
+
+<BR>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+by
+</H3>
+
+<H2 ALIGN="center">
+Dorothy C. Paine
+</H2>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<H4 ALIGN="center">
+Philadelphia
+<BR><BR>
+George W. Jacobs &amp; Company
+</H4>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<H5 ALIGN="center">
+Copyright, 1903, by
+<BR><BR>
+GEORGE W. JACOBS &amp; COMPANY
+<BR><BR><BR>
+<I>Published, October, 1903</I>
+</H5>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<H2 ALIGN="center">
+CONTENTS
+</H2>
+
+<BR>
+
+<CENTER>
+
+<TABLE WIDTH="80%">
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">I.&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap01">THE JOURNEY TO FLORIDA</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">II.&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap02">THE NEW HOME</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">III.&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap03">BETH'S FIRST FISHING LESSON</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IV.&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap04">VISITING</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">V.&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap05">WALKING ON STILTS</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VI.&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap06">HOUSE BUILDING</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VII.&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap07">BETH'S NEW PLAYFELLOW</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VIII.&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap08">LEARNING TO SWIM</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IX.&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap09">THE LITTLE DRESSMAKER</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">X.&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap10">THE HORSE RACE</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XI.&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap11">DON MEETS A SAD FATE</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XII.&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap12">THE ARRIVAL OF DUKE</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIII.&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap13">ANXIOUS HOURS</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+<TR>
+<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIV.&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
+<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">
+<A HREF="#chap14">THE RESCUE</A></TD>
+</TR>
+
+</TABLE>
+
+</CENTER>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<H2 ALIGN="center">
+ILLUSTRATIONS
+</H2>
+
+<BR>
+
+<H3>
+<A HREF="#img-front">
+The Little Florida Lady&nbsp;&#8230;&#8230;&#8230; <I>Frontispiece</I>
+</A>
+</H3>
+
+<H3>
+Beth Thought a Cotton Field a Pretty Sight [missing from book]
+</H3>
+
+<H3>
+Beth's New Home [missing from book]
+</H3>
+
+<H3>
+<A HREF="#img-040">
+Maggie, a Typical Old-Time Mammy
+</A>
+</H3>
+
+<H3>
+<A HREF="#img-094">
+Laura Corner in the Treasured Easter Hat
+</A>
+</H3>
+
+<H3>
+Harvey [missing from book]
+</H3>
+
+<H3>
+<A HREF="#img-232">
+"The Cutest Things Yon Ever Saw"
+</A>
+</H3>
+
+<H3>
+<A HREF="#img-236">
+January with His Perpetual Laugh and Fiddle
+</A>
+</H3>
+
+<H3>
+<A HREF="#img-256">
+The Darkies' Quarters
+</A>
+</H3>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap01"></A>
+<H1 ALIGN="center">
+A Little Florida Lady
+</H1>
+
+<BR>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER I
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+The Journey to Florida.
+</H3>
+
+<P>
+New York was in the throes of a blizzard.  The wind howled and
+shrieked, heralding the approach of March, the Wind King's month of the
+year.  Mrs. Davenport stood at a second story window of a room of the
+Gilsey House, and looked down idly on the bleak thoroughfare.  She was
+a young-looking woman for her thirty-five years, and had an extremely
+sweet face, denoting kindliness of heart.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The hall door opened, and Elizabeth Davenport entered, carrying in her
+arms a little ball of fluffy gray.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Elizabeth, or Beth, as she was more commonly called at the age of
+seven, might have been compared to a good fairy had she not been so
+plump.  She almost always radiated sunshine, and her face was generally
+lighted with a smile, the outcome of a warm heart.  Sometimes clouds
+slightly dimmed the sunshine, but they always proved to be summer
+clouds that quickly passed.  Her face was now flushed, and her eyes
+sparkled.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport turned, and smiled in greeting, but, at the same time,
+brushed a tear from her eye.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, mamma, dear, what's the matter?" cried Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport's eyes filled, but she bravely smiled.  "I'm a little
+unhappy over leaving all our friends, Beth.  Florida seems very far
+away."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I wouldn't be unhappy."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How would you help it, dearie?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why mamma," she answered triumphantly after a second's thought, "there
+are so many pleasant things to think about that I just never think of
+the unpleasant ones," and her face broke into a smile, so cheery that
+Mrs. Davenport's heart lightened.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma," she continued, "it's very easy for me to be happy.  Every one
+is so good to me.  The chambermaid just gave me this dear, dear kitty.
+Isn't it too cute for anything?  I mean to take it to Florida with me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, Beth, that would never do."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth was about to demur, when a door into an adjoining room opened, and
+Mr. Davenport called:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mary, come here a minute, please."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport hastened to answer the call.  She was hardly out of the
+room before Beth rushed to an open trunk.  Impatiently, she began
+pulling things out.  She burrowed almost to the very bottom.  Lastly,
+she took out a skirt of her mother's, and wrapped something very
+carefully in it.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The door into the adjoining room creaked.  Beth blushed scarlet, and
+dropped the bundle into the trunk.  Then as no one came, she threw the
+other articles pell-mell on top of the bundle, and scampered guiltily
+to the other end of the room.  Not an instant too soon to escape
+immediate detection, for Mrs. Davenport reëntered the room, followed by
+a girl of thirteen.  This was Marian, Beth's sister.  The two girls
+were totally unlike both in looks and in disposition.  Marian was a
+tall blonde, and slight for her age.  She had quiet, gentle ways.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mother, here's my red dress on the floor," she said, picking it up
+near the trunk.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, what have you been doing?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth kept her blushing, telltale face turned from her mother, and did
+not answer.  Without another word, Mrs. Davenport went to the trunk,
+and began smoothing things out.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I declare, there's something alive in here," and she drew out a poor,
+half smothered kitten.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I think you might let her go in the trunk," cried Beth, aggrieved.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Child, it would kill the poor kitty.  Marian, you take it back to the
+chambermaid."  Marian left the room with it, and Beth began to pout,
+whereupon Mrs. Davenport said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, you are so set upon having your own way, I hardly know what to
+do with you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Immediately Beth's pouting gave place to a mischievous smile.  "You'd
+better call in a policeman, and have me taken away."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport smiled too.  "So my little girl remembers the policeman,
+does she?  I was at my wits' end to know how to manage you when I
+thought of him.  Even as a little bit of a thing, you would laugh
+instead of cry, if I punished you with a whipping."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, I was afraid of the policeman, anyway.  I thought you really
+meant it when you said I was a naughty child, and not your nice Beth,
+and that the policeman would take the naughty child away."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It worked like magic," said Mrs. Davenport.  "You stopped crying
+almost immediately, and held out towards me a red dress of which you
+were very proud, and cried, 'I'm your Beth.  Don't you know my pretty
+red dress?  Don't you see my curls?'"  She sat down, having finished
+straightening out the trunk, and Beth crept up into her mother's lap.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, do you remember one night when you were ready for bed in your
+little canton-flannel night-drawers, that you lost your temper over
+some trifling matter?  You danced up and down, yelling, 'I won't.  I
+won't.'  I could hardly keep from laughing.  My young spitfire looked
+very funny capering around and around, her long curls rumpled about her
+determined, flushed face, and her feet not still an instant in her
+flapping night-drawers.  Many and many a time you escaped punishment,
+Beth, because you were so very comical even in your naughtiness."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I remember that night well," answered Beth.  "You said, 'There, that
+bad girl has come back.  Even though it's night, she'll have to go.'"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And," interrupted Mrs. Davenport, "you threw yourself into my arms,
+crying, 'Mamma, whip me, but don't send me away.'  I knew better than
+to whip you, but I punished you by not kissing you good-night."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And I cried myself to sleep," put in Beth, snuggling more closely to
+her mother.  "I thought I must be very naughty not to get my usual
+good-night kiss.  I do try to be good, but it's very hard work
+sometimes.  But I'll get the better of the bad girl, I'll leave her
+here in New York, so she won't bother you in Florida."&mdash;&mdash;
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Just then Mr. Davenport entered the room.  He was a tall, dark man with
+a very kindly face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I think the snow is not deep enough to detain the trains," he said.
+"It's time for us to start.  The porter is here to take the trunks."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We'll be ready in a moment," answered his wife.  "I fear we'll find it
+very disagreeable driving to the station."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+And, in truth, outside the weather proved bitterly cold.  The wind
+swept with blinding power up the now mostly deserted thoroughfare.  The
+Davenports were glad of the shelter of the carriage which carried them
+swiftly along the icy pavement.  Mrs. Davenport drew her furs around
+her, while the children snuggled together.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm glad we're going, aren't you, Marian?" asked Beth, as they
+descended from the carriage at the station.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I guess so," answered Marian doubtfully, remembering the friends she
+was leaving behind, perhaps forever.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Davenport already had their tickets, and the family immediately
+boarded a sleeper bound for Jacksonville.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth loved to travel, and soon was on speaking terms with every one on
+the car.  She hesitated slightly about being friends with the porter.
+He made her think of the first colored person she had ever seen.  She
+remembered even now how the man's rolling black eyes had frightened
+her, although it was the blackness of his skin that had impressed her
+the most.  She believed that he had become dirty, the way she sometimes
+did, only in a greater degree.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma," she whispered, "I never get as black as that man, do I?  Do
+you s'pose he ever washes himself?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport explained that cleanliness had nothing to do with the
+man's blackness.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is he black inside?" Beth questioned in great awe.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No.  All people are alike at heart.  Clean thinking makes even the
+black man white within, dear."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth had not seen another colored person from that time until this.
+Therefore, she was a little doubtful about making up with the porter.
+But he proved so very genial that before night arrived, he and "little
+missy," as he called Beth, were so very friendly that he considered her
+his special charge.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+That night both children slept as peacefully as if they had been in
+their own home.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+In the morning, Beth was wakened by Marian pulling up the shade.  A
+stream of sunshine flooded their berth, blinding Beth for a second or
+two.  Snow and clouds had been left far behind.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's almost like summer," cried Beth, hastening to dress.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+After breakfast, the porter, whose name Beth learned was "Bob," took
+her out on the back platform while the engine was taking on water.  To
+the left of the train were five colored children clustered around a
+stump.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Bob, how many children have you?" asked Beth, and her eyes opened wide
+in astonishment.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Law, honey," and Bob's grin widened, "I ain't got any chillun.  I'se a
+bachelor."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth stamped her foot.  She could not bear deceit.  "Bob, it's very
+wrong to tell stories.  These children must be yours; they're just like
+you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He laughed so heartily at the idea, that Beth feared his mouth never
+would get into shape again.  "Ha, ha, ha.  Dem my chillun!  Ha, ha, ha.
+Law, honey, dem ain't mine.  Thank de Lord, I don't have to feed all
+dem hungry, sassy, little niggahs."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, Bob, if they're not yours, whose are they?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dem's jes' culled chillun."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A whistle sounded, and the train was soon under way again.  Beth ran to
+her mother.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma, there were a lot of little Bobs outside, but he says they are
+not his children&mdash;that they're just colored children."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport had a hard time making her understand that Bob had told
+the truth.  Beth sat very still for a while by a window.  Suddenly, she
+cried out:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What are those little specks of white?  They look like little balls of
+snow, only they can't be.  It's too warm, and then I never saw snow
+grow on bushes."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That is cotton."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Although the bushes were not in their full glory&mdash;only having on them a
+little of last year's fruitage that was not picked&mdash;Beth thought a
+cotton field a very pretty sight.
+</P>
+
+<H3>
+[Illustration: Beth thought a cotton field a very pretty sight.
+(Illustration missing from book)]
+</H3>
+
+<P>
+The pine trees of Georgia prove monotonous to most people, except that
+their perpetual green is restful to the eye in the midst of white sand
+and dazzling sunshine.  Beth, however, liked even the pines, being a
+lover of all trees.  They seemed almost human to her.  She believed
+that trees could speak if they would.  She often talked to them, and
+fondled their rough old bark.  Children can have worse companions than
+trees.  They were a great comfort to Beth all through life.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+On the way through Georgia, the train was delayed by a hot box.  While
+it was being fixed, Bob took Beth for a walk, and she saw a moss-laden
+oak for the first time.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, Bob," she cried, "I never before saw a tree with hair."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+His hearty laugh broke out anew.  "Ha, ha, ha.  I'll jes' pull some of
+dat hair for you, missy," and he raised his great, black hand to grab
+the curling, greenish, gray moss.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don't, Bob," and when he gave her no heed, she added, "I'm afraid
+it'll hurt the tree.  I know it hurts me greatly when any one pulls my
+hair."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He laughed more than ever at her, until Beth grew ashamed, and meekly
+accepted the moss that he piled up in her little arms.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The hot box so delayed the train that Jacksonville was not reached
+until the middle of the night.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Bob took a sleeping child in his arms, and carried her out to the bus.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Good-bye, little missy," he murmured, before handing her to her father.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Her arms tightened around his neck while her eyes opened for a second.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don't leave me, Bob.  I love you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Then she did not remember anything more until she wakened in a strange
+room the next morning.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At first, she could not think where she was.  Then it came to her that
+she was in a hotel in Jacksonville.  She sprang out of bed, and ran to
+a window.  The room faced a park, and afforded Beth her first glimpse
+of tropical beauty.  Strange trees glistened in the glorious sunshine.
+From pictures she had seen, Beth recognized the palms, and the orange
+trees.  Below, on the piazza, the band was playing "Dixie."  Delighted
+as Beth was, she did not linger long by the window, but dressed as fast
+as she could.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Davenport entered the room.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do you know what time it is?  It's fully eleven, and I was up at six
+this morning."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"At six, papa?  What have you been doing?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I went down town, and then I drove far out into the country."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, why didn't you waken me and let me go?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I had business on hand.  Come along down to the dining-room.  Your
+mother had some breakfast saved for you.  I have a surprise for you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A surprise, papa?  What is it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It wouldn't be as great a surprise if I told you."  This was all the
+satisfaction she received until after she had breakfasted.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We're going for a drive," said Mr. Davenport as she came out of the
+dining-room.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is the drive the surprise, papa?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You'll know all in good time, Beth.  You must have patience," he
+answered as he led the way out to the piazza.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Get your hats, and bring Beth's with you," he said to Mrs. Davenport
+and Marian who were listening to the music.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What do you think of that man and the rig?" asked Mr. Davenport of
+Beth, indicating a middle-aged negro who stood holding a bay mare
+hitched to a surrey.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth noted that the man looked good-natured.  There were funny little
+curves on his face suggestive of laughter even when in repose.  Jolly
+wrinkles lurked around his eyes.  Beth saw two rows of pearly teeth
+though his mouth was partly hidden by a mustache and beard.  His nose
+was large and flat.  It looked like a dirty piece of putty thrown at
+haphazard on a black background.  Beth, however, did not mind his
+homeliness.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He's nice, and the horse is beautiful," she said.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Then let's go down and talk to the man."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+As Mr. Davenport and Beth walked to the side of the darky, he lifted
+his stovepipe hat that had been brushed until the silk was wearing
+away.  He revealed thereby a shock of iron-gray wool.  He made a
+sweeping bow.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Massa, am dis de little missy dat yo' wuz tellin' 'bout?  I'se
+powerful glad to meet yo', missy."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He was so very polite that even irrepressible Beth was a little awed.
+She hid halfway behind her father.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"This is January, Beth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What a very queer name," she whispered.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It is queer, but you are in a strange land.  For awhile you'll think
+you are in fairy-land.  Everything will be so different.  Do you want
+to stay with January while I go in to bring your mother?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She nodded that she did.  Mr. Davenport reëntered the hotel.  Beth
+seated herself upon the curbstone, and looked at the bay horse behind
+which she was soon to have the bliss of driving.  She thought it about
+as nice a horse as she had ever seen.  Her curiosity overcame her
+momentary shyness.  "Is it your horse, January?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He smiled.  "No, 'deed, missy, but I raised her from a colt, and she
+loves me like I wuz her massa.  Why, she runs to me from de pasture
+when I jes' calls, while she's dat ornary wid odders, dey jes' can't
+cotch her.  It takes old January to cotch dis horse, don't it, Dolly?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The horse whinnied.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is Dolly her name?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dat's what I calls her, honey.  It ain't her real name.  Her real
+name&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, has she a nickname, too?  She's like me then.  My name isn't
+really Beth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"'Deed?" he asked with polite interest.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's Elizabeth, but I'm called that only when I have tantrums."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What am dem, missy?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well," she blushingly stammered, "I sometimes forget to be good, and
+then I can't help having them&mdash;tantrums, you know.  Just like the
+little girl with the curl who, when she was bad, was horrid.  January,
+are you ever horrid?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He looked self-conscious.  "Law, missy, I nebber tinks I am, but Titus
+'lows I am, but he don't know much nohow."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Dolly whinnied again, which recalled Beth's thoughts to the horse.
+"Who owns Dolly, January?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Law, missy, didn't I tole yo' dat she 'longs to yer paw now?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth was so excited that she jumped to her feet, and began to clap her
+hands.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Her antics made her parents and Marian smile as they came from the
+hotel.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma, she's our horse.  January said so.  Dolly, do you like me?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Dolly pricked up her ears as if she understood, and whinnied.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"She wants some sugar," declared Beth, believing that she understood
+horse language.  She took a stale piece of candy out of her pocket, and
+gave it to Dolly.  This attention sealed a never-ending friendship
+between the two.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dolly's the surprise, isn't she?" asked Beth, running up to her
+father.  He smiled enigmatically, and that was all the answer she
+received.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Meantime, January, hat in hand, was bowing with Chesterfieldian
+politeness to Mrs. Davenport and Marian.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"All aboard," cried Mr. Davenport.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Let me sit with January," begged Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Marian, also, expressed a like wish.  The two children, therefore,
+scrambled up in front beside the driver, while Mr. and Mrs. Davenport
+took the back seat.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+January sat bolt upright.  His dignity fitted the occasion.  His
+driving, however, worried Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She loved to go fast.  She knew no fear of horses.  She would have
+undertaken to drive the car of Phaeton, himself, had she been given the
+chance.  She had little patience to poke along, and that was exactly
+what Dolly did when January drove.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Can't she go faster?" she asked.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"She don't 'pear to go very fast, does she?" said January mildly.
+"Missy Beth, yo' jes' wait until her racing blood am up, and den she'll
+go so fast, yo'll wish she didn't go so fast."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth had her doubts of this, and even of Dolly's racing blood.  Its
+truth, however, was to be proven by a later experience which will be
+told in due course.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Has Dolly really racing blood?" asked Marian.  Although January was
+sitting so straight that it seemed impossible for him to sit any
+straighter, he stiffened up at least an inch.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Racing blood?  Well, I jes' 'lows she has.  Onct she wuz de fastest
+horse in dis State or any odder, I reckon.  She could clean beat ebbery
+horse far and near.  Many's de race I'se ridden her in, an' nebber onct
+lost.  My ole massa wuz powerful proud of us.  Now he's gone, an' Dolly
+an' me's gettin' old."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How old are you, January?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Powerful ole, massa.  I reckon I'm nigh on a hundred."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That's impossible," interrupted Mrs. Davenport.  "When were you born?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He scratched his head to help his memory.  "Well, de truf is, Miss
+Mary"&mdash;he had heard Mr. Davenport call her Mary, and so from the start
+he addressed her in Southern style&mdash;"I can't say 'xactly, but I know
+I'se powerful old.  I wuz an ole man when de wah broke out.  I must
+have been 'bout&mdash;well 'bout twenty then."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The war was only about forty years ago, January," broke in Marian,
+"and that would make you sixty now."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I reckon, I'm 'bout dat."  He had no idea of his age.  The longer the
+Davenports knew him, the more they realized the truth of this.
+Sometimes he would make himself out a centenarian, and then, by his own
+reckoning, he was not out of his teens.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Get up, Dolly," he cried.  She paid no more attention to this mild
+command than she would have to the buzzing of a fly&mdash;probably not so
+much.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Papa, may I drive?" asked Marian in her quiet way.  Receiving consent,
+she took the reins.  Dolly soon noticed a difference in drivers.
+Presently she went so fast, that she satisfied even Beth as to speed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Look at the river," cried Beth.  They were driving under great,
+over-arching trees.  To the right of them, between the openings of the
+trees, the glorious St. Johns was to be seen gleaming under the
+brilliant tropical sun.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That's a beautiful hammock yonder," said Mr. Davenport.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth could see no hammock.  There was a wonderful, intricate growth of
+shrubs, trees, and vines which formed an almost impenetrable mass of
+green, but no hammock.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Where is it?" she asked.  "It seems a very queer place for a hammock."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Davenport laughed at her, and explained that such a mass of green
+is called a hammock in Florida, not hummock as in the North.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Very soon they were past the swamps.  The banks of the river grew
+higher and nice houses were to be seen on either side of the road.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Dolly, of her own accord, turned in at the gate of an unusually
+beautiful place.  There are no fine lawns in Florida.  In this case,
+the lack of such green was made up by a waving mass of blooming
+cardinal phlox, behind which was an orange grove in full bearing.  In
+the well-cultivated grounds there were many inviting drives through
+avenues of trees.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What are we going in here for?" asked Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do you think it a pretty place?" returned Mr. Davenport.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I never saw a prettier place.  It's grand."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Guess who owns it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How should I know?  I don't know any people in Florida."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You know the Davenports.  They are to live here.  I bought the place
+this morning."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth could hardly believe her father.  He had, indeed, greatly
+surprised her.  That she was to be a little Florida lady henceforth,
+hardly seemed possible.  She thought she must be a fairy-story
+princess, and that the fairies were vying with one another in showering
+upon her the good things of life.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm so happy, I don't know what to say or do.  Why, if a good fairy
+offered to grant me three wishes, I shouldn't know what to ask.  I have
+everything," declared Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"There aren't any fairies, and you know it.  So what's the use of
+talking about them," interrupted practical Marian.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma says our thoughts are the real fairies," returned Beth, nothing
+daunted, and added, "papa has given me plenty of good ones to-day."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I was in great luck to secure this place," said Mr. Davenport.  "It
+had just been put on the market as Mr. Marlowe, the former owner, was
+called North by the death of his wife.  The agent brought me out this
+morning, and I was so delighted with it that I would look no farther.
+I found the title all right, and so I signed the papers at once."
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap02"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER II
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+The New Home
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+The house on the place just described was a rambling two-storied
+building with many porches&mdash;a typical vine-covered Southern cottage.
+It was picturesque from every side, and seemed to have no prosaic back.
+Marechal Niel roses, and honeysuckles, and some tropical vines, climbed
+over latticework almost to the roof.  There were, also, many trees near
+the house, some of which were rare.
+</P>
+
+<H3>
+[Illustration: Beth's new home.  (Illustration missing from book)]
+</H3>
+
+<P>
+A colored woman bustled out of a side door, and looked down the road
+leading to the gate through which the Davenports' carriage had entered.
+Evidently, she was no common negro, but had served "quality" all her
+life&mdash;a typical old-time mammy.  A red bandanna was drawn tightly over
+her short curly wool.  Her dress was of flowered calico, and around her
+neck was a brilliant-hued shawl.  A neat gingham apron covered her
+skirt.  Her face broke into a smile, and she pointed to the palm-lined
+driveway.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yo' Titus&mdash;yo' Glory&mdash;Indianna&mdash;all yo' niggahs come hyere.  De new
+massa and missus am comin'," she called.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Out from the house, from the fields, from the quarters, they came
+trooping; old and young; weazened and pretty; black and yellow; all
+rolling their gleaming black eyes in the direction of the carriage
+which they saw come to a sudden standstill.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What's de mattah?" they cried, and one young darky started down the
+road to see.  He beheld January descend from the carriage, and walk to
+a persimmon tree and pluck some of the fruit.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The darky wondered what was to be done with the fruit that he knew was
+still green.  His curiosity made him sneak up within earshot.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+January returned to the carriage, and handed the fruit to Beth.  The
+darky heard him say:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I wouldn't eat dem, Missy Beth, if I wuz yo'.  Dey am powerful green."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+To her the little round fruit looked very tempting, especially the
+light yellow ones.  Therefore she did not heed him.  She selected one,
+but, instead of taking a dainty nibble, she put the whole fruit into
+her mouth, and bit down on it.  Immediately, she set up a cry, and spit
+out the persimmon.  "Ow-ow-ow, how it puckers!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+January chuckled, and, before driving on, he said: "I tole yo' so,
+Missy Beth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Marian laughed until she was tired.  "Beth, if you are drawn up inside
+the way your face is outside, it must be terrible."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It is.  It is."  But she did not receive any sympathy.  Even Mr.
+Davenport laughed at her.  He had told her not to have January get
+them, but she had insisted on having her own way.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth," he said, "I hope this may teach you a lesson.  You must not
+taste things that you know nothing about."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Her mouth was still so drawn up that she did not care to do any more
+tasting&mdash;at least, not for the present.  When she thought nobody was
+looking, she let the rest of the persimmons roll out of the carriage.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What do they all do?" asked Beth as the carriage came to a standstill,
+and she noted the waiting negroes.  As January helped her out, he
+chuckled, and swelled visibly with pride.  "Dey all work for us, Missy
+Beth.  She's de boss," he added in a low tone pointing to the colored
+woman with the bandanna.  "Dat's Maggie; yo'd bettah make up with her."
+</P>
+
+<A NAME="img-040"></A>
+<CENTER>
+<IMG SRC="images/img-040.jpg" ALT="Maggie, a typical old-time mammy." BORDER="2" WIDTH="352" HEIGHT="514">
+<H4>
+[Illustration: Maggie, a typical old-time mammy.]
+</H4>
+</CENTER>
+
+<P>
+The darkies courtesied.  Their manners were of the old school.  Beth
+ran up to Maggie.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I hope you'll like me, Maggie, for I know I'll like you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Maggie's face beamed.  "Of cou'se, honey, I jes' kan't help likin' yo'.
+Yo'se de sweetest little missy I knows," and then she added: "Massa,
+I'se 'sidered yore proposition, an' me an' Titus 'cided to stay."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"All right, Maggie.  You can show Mrs. Davenport and the children
+around the house."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Marian was willing to go with her mother, but Beth hung back.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't care for the house.  I want to see the front yard and river.
+May I go, papa?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"If you'll come back in half an hour, you may go."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"All right, papa," and Beth was off like a flash around the corner of
+the house.  She was impatient to see everything in that half hour.  She
+felt that she needed a thousand eyes.  The trees bewildered her.  There
+were so many varieties she had never seen before&mdash;magnolias with their
+wonderful glossy foliage; bamboos with their tropical stalks covered
+with luxuriant green; pomegranates; live-oaks and water-oaks; the wild
+olive with its feathery white blossoms, and many others.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The moss on the oaks swayed back and forth, seeming to murmur, "Beth,
+these trees are the best of playfellows.  Climb up here with us.  We'll
+have great fun," but she would not heed them.  There was too much to
+see.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+All of a sudden, she stopped perfectly still.  She thought there must
+be a fairy up in one of the trees with the most wonderful voice she had
+ever heard.  Such singing, she thought, was too sweet to be human.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She looked up and beheld a bird of medium size, and of plain plumage.
+It cocked its little head to one side, and eyed the child as if it knew
+no fear.  It sang on undisturbed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth," this is what the warbler said to her, "come up into this
+beautiful tree with us.  Stay with us."  The enticement of the bird,
+added to the fascination trees had for her, was almost too much for so
+little a girl to resist.  However, she put her fingers into her ears,
+and ran on.  But, she did not escape temptation thus.  Countless beds
+of roses, of geraniums, and of many other flowers tempted her to
+linger, and gather the fragrant blossoms, but, still she did not
+succumb, for there was greater beauty ahead.  She beheld a lovely
+avenue formed of orange trees and red and white oleanders trimmed to a
+perfect archway.  The winter had been a mild one.  Not only did
+luscious ripe oranges cling to the trees, but green fruit was forming,
+and there was, also, a wealth of fragrant blossoms.  The oleanders,
+too, were coming into bloom.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth stopped for a moment to draw in some of the wonderful fragrance
+that filled the air.  No perfume is more delightful than that of orange
+blossoms in their native grove.  The fruit, too, looks more tempting on
+the trees.  The glistening green leaves are just the right setting for
+the golden yellow balls.  Beth wished to stop and eat some of the
+fruit, but again she proved firm.  She ran on and on under the shade of
+the archway that extended a quarter of a mile at the very least.  She
+ran so fast that her breath shortened and her cheeks flamed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At the end of the avenue was an arch of stone covered with climbing
+Cherokees spread in wild confusion.  Beth did not stop to gather any of
+the pure, fragrant blossoms, for right in front of the arch was a wharf
+leading out on the beautiful St. Johns.  The river was from one to two
+miles wide at this point.  It glistened and rippled under the brilliant
+sunshine.  As Beth ran out on the wharf, she thought she had never seen
+a sight more charming.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The wharf extended far out into the river, and near the end of it, Beth
+came suddenly upon a boy with a loaf of bread in his hand.  She stopped
+undecided, and looked at the boy.  He was, perhaps, three or four years
+older than Beth.  His hair was as light as hers was dark.  His eyes
+were blue, and his naturally fair skin was tanned.  He looked up at
+Beth for an instant, and frowned.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What are you doing here, little un?  I don't like girls to bother me.
+Go away."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+If there was one thing above another that made Beth's temper rise, it
+was to be called "little one," and to be twitted upon being a girl.
+She felt like making up a face at this boy, but, instead, she assumed
+as much dignity as she could command.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I won't go away.  This is my place.  What are you doing here?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The boy laughed incredulously.  "Your place, indeed.  The Marlowes own
+this place, and they are away.  Good-bye."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+This was too much for her.  She stamped her foot in rage.  "I won't go.
+My papa bought this place to-day."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He looked a little interested.  "Indeed?  What's your name?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Elizabeth Davenport;" she said 'Elizabeth' to be dignified, "and
+really my father owns the place."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"If what you say is so, I'd better go," he said somewhat sheepishly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She relented.  "Oh, I'll let you stay."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm not sure I want to.  I don't like girls.  They're 'fraid-cats."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm no 'fraid-cat," and her eyes snapped.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How can you prove it, Elizabeth?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don't call me that.  I hate to be called Elizabeth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But you told me that was your name."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Everybody calls me Beth.  If you're nice, you may call me Beth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"All right.  How are you going to prove you're no 'fraid-cat,
+Eli&mdash;Beth?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She pondered a moment.  "'Fraid-cats cry when they're hurt, don't they?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Of course.  So do girls."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't cry when I'm hurt," and she looked triumphant as if that
+settled the matter.  "Once when I was a little bit of a girl&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You're pretty small now."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm a big girl, and you shouldn't interrupt.  Well, once Marian&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Who's she?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"She's my sister.  Well, I wanted to light the gas, but Marian said I
+was too small, but I'd not listen.  I jumped up on a rocker to light
+the gas.  The chair rocked and, I fell against the windowsill.  Marian
+screamed, 'Beth's killed.  She's covered with blood!'"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Were you really?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes."  Beth felt she was arguing her case well.  "Mamma thought I just
+had the nose bleed, but what do you s'pose?  I had two mouths."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The boy's eyes grew big.  "Two mouths&mdash;how jolly.  How did it happen?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The window-sill had cut me right across here," she pointed to the
+space just below her nose.  "The doctor took five stitches, and when it
+healed, took them out again.  It hurt very much, but I didn't cry a
+bit."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Didn't it leave a scar on your face?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She threw back her head.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"There, do you see that little white line under my nose?  You can
+hardly see it now."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The boy examined the spot critically.  Then he changed the subject.
+"Where did you live before you came here?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"New York."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Did you like it there?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, it was horrid.  I hated to be dressed up and sent for a walk."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He looked incredulous.  "Most girls like to be dressed up."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don't you like to be told you are a pretty little girl with nice
+clothes?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, I don't."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He sniffed disdainfully.  "Oh, go long.  I don't believe that."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth grew very much in earnest, and thought of another little
+illustration.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Truth 'pon honor.  One day a strange lady in a store put her hand on
+my head, and said: 'What a pretty little girl.'  It made me mad, so
+that I just grunted and made up a face at her.  My mamma said, 'Why,
+Beth, that is very naughty.'  I said, 'Well, mamma, what business is it
+of hers whether I am pretty or not?  It isn't my fault if I am pretty
+and people shouldn't bother me.'"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The boy laughed.  "I believe I rather like you, Beth, but I only have
+your word for it that you are not like other girls.  I have a big mind
+to try you.  Shall I?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She was a little afraid to consent, but she was ashamed to show it.  So
+she delayed matters by asking "How?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The boy drew down his face until it was very long, and when he spoke it
+was in an awe-inspiring whisper.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Swear never to tell what I tell you.  Repeat after me, 'Harvey
+Baker&mdash;&mdash;'"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is that your name?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes&mdash;don't interrupt me.  'Harvey Baker, if I tell what you show me, I
+hope I may be forever doomed and tortured.'"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth looked shocked.  "I won't say that."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"'Fraid-cat.  'Fraid-cat."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Again she stamped her foot.  "I won't be called that.  It's not true.
+I will promise not to tell.  Can't you believe me?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The boy considered.  "Girls are hardly ever to be trusted, but I'll try
+you.  In this river there is a great, big, black animal that hates
+fraid-cats as much as I do.  He eats them up.  Why, he has such fierce
+jaws and sharp teeth that he could gobble up a little girl like you in
+one mouthful."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth felt that her hair must be standing up on end.  She would have run
+away, had not pride detained her&mdash;and then the recital rather
+fascinated her.  Harvey continued, relishing the effect of his story:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Now I have only to whistle to have the awful animal appear.  His head
+will slowly rise above the water.  His jaws will open.  His teeth will
+gleam.  If any little girl cries, he will snap at her, and it will be
+good-bye girl.  Now, if you are not a fraid-cat you'll say, 'Harvey
+Baker, whistle.'"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She wanted to run more than ever, but instead she repeated slowly:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Harvey Baker, whistle."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The boy pursed up his lips, but he then made an impressive pause, and
+finally pointed his finger at Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Elizabeth Davenport, remember.  If you give the least little bit of a
+cry, you die.  But, if you keep perfectly still, and never tell what
+you see, I am your friend for life."  Thereupon he whistled very
+shrilly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth's eyes were glued upon the water.  Every little ripple seemed to
+her excited imagination an awful head rising to gobble her up.
+However, nothing appeared.  Beth gave a sigh of relief.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Harvey Baker, you were fooling."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He motioned to her to be silent.  Again, he whistled.  Still no
+horrible head appeared.  Beth was now fully convinced that he was only
+making believe, but still she could not take her eyes off the water.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For the third time, Harvey whistled.  Suddenly the waters parted.
+There, right below them, was a head more fearful than anything Beth had
+imagined.  There was no doubt of the reality of this fearful
+apparition.  The jaws and teeth that Harvey had spoken about were even
+worse than he had predicted.  Slowly, slowly, those loathsome jaws
+parted.  Beth looked down into that awful gulf, like a great dark pit,
+opening to receive her.  There were the two rows of gleaming white
+teeth ready to devour girls who screamed.  How she kept from screaming
+she never knew.  Perhaps she was too much paralyzed with fear.
+However, she kept so still that she hardly breathed.  The color ebbed
+out of her face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey picked up some meat that lay on the wharf beside him, and threw
+that and the bread into the waiting mouth below.  The jaws snapped
+together, and opened again as suddenly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth shuddered a little, involuntarily.  She wondered if she would have
+disappeared as quickly as the meat if she had screamed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey had no more food for the animal below.  It waited an instant,
+then slowly sank.  The waters closed where the head had been.  Beth
+felt as though she were wakening from a horrible nightmare.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Three cheers for Beth," cried Harvey so unexpectedly that she gave a
+great start.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Was it a dragon?" asked Beth with her eyes unnaturally big.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He laughed.  "A dragon&mdash;&mdash;  No, indeed.  It's only a 'gator."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A 'gator&mdash;&mdash;  Would it really have eaten me if I had screamed?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It might, although I said that to try you.  They do say, though, that
+'gators sometimes eat pickaninnies.  The Northerners who come down here
+winters are killing off the 'gators pretty fast, so the pickaninnies
+are likely to live.  Now mind, Beth, don't say a word about my 'gator.
+You see if my folks heard about it, they might put a stop to my feeding
+it.  They don't think 'gators as nice as I do."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I think they are just horrid."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey laughed.  "Oh, you'll like them in time."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She had her doubts about ever being fond of such pets, but did not say
+so.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I can't whistle, but would it come if I could whistle, Harvey?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He looked very superior.  "No, indeed.  It won't come for any one but
+me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How did you get it to come for you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, you see, I used to watch that 'gator in the river; then began
+bringing food for it.  I reckon it thought that an easy way to live,
+and it soon grew to know me.  Then it learned my whistle.  That's all."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth now remembered that her half hour must be more than over.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Harvey, I must go.  Good-bye."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Wait a minute.  I say, I really like you, and will teach you how to
+fish some day."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+This was the greatest compliment he could pay her, for he was an expert
+angler, and had never allowed a girl to share in the sport with him.
+Such an invitation as he had just extended surprised even himself, but
+he actually hoped that it would be accepted.  He even decided to set a
+definite time.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Come here&mdash;well, say Monday afternoon between four and five."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'll come if mamma will let me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Remember, you mustn't tell any one about the 'gator."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Not even mamma?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, indeed.  You wouldn't break your word, would you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I never do that."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You're a trump, Beth.  Good-bye."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She skipped back towards the house, revelling in her adventure now that
+it was over.  Being called a trump by Harvey pleased her, but even this
+praise only half reconciled her for keeping any secret from her mother.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Halfway up the avenue, a homely, impudent, scraggy little dog, sprang
+from among the trees and yelped at Beth.  A ragged little darky
+followed.  Beth had never seen any human being quite so ragged.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Come 'way, Fritz.  What yo' mean by jumpin' on de missy?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth eyed doubtfully both the dog and his master.  The latter looked at
+her reassuringly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yo' needn't be 'fraid, missy.  I won't let Fritz hurt yo'."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I&mdash;afraid&mdash;of him!  He don't look as if he could harm anything," and
+Beth laughed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The boy appeared grieved.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Really, missy, he's a wonderful dog.  I'll show yo' what he can do.
+Come, Fritz, dance for missy."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The ragged leader held up a warning finger.  Fritz wagged his stubby
+tail, but did not budge.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Come, come, Fritz.  Dance for de missy."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Fritz wagged his stubby tail more vigorously, but gave no other
+response.  The boy looked wise.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He's bashful, missy, jes' like me.  Perhaps, if I whipped him like my
+mother whips me&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Does she whip you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, 'deed she does&mdash;if she kotches me," added the boy laughingly.
+"If I'd whip Fritz, he'd dance, but I likes him too well to whip him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth liked all dogs, with or without pedigree, and said warmly:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I wouldn't whip him either, but it's too bad he won't dance.  I'd
+really like to see him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Again the boy said coaxingly, "Fritz, do dance," but the dog was not to
+be coaxed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The boy frowned.  "Yo'll think he can't dance, but 'deed he can.
+Maybe, if I dance, he'll dance too."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At the word, the ragged pickaninny began whistling, and then he capered
+around and around performing some wonderful steps.  Whereupon Fritz
+began to bark and caught at his master's heels.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Stop, Fritz, stop," but the dog would not heed, and so the dancing
+came to a sudden stand-still.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The pickaninny cocked his head on one side and whispered to Beth:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He's out of sorts with me.  I'm disgraced in his sight.  He can dance
+so much bettah 'n me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Can he really?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, a hundred times bettah."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He must be a wonderful dog"&mdash;Beth was about to add, "Although he
+doesn't look it," and then desisted out of consideration for the dog's
+master.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He's mighty smart.  Why, 'less yo'd see all the tricks he does, yo'd
+never believe dem.  Besides dancin', he jumps the rope, plays ball,
+says his prayers, gives his paw, jumps that high yo' wouldn't b'lieve
+it possible, rolls over&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What kind of dog is he?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The boy scratched his head.  "Well, missy, I can't jes' 'xactly say."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"If he is so very wonderful, you ought to know."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The boy was nonplused for a moment.  Then he declared triumphantly;
+"Angels am very wonderful, ain't they?  But yo' can't say 'xactly what
+they am."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth had not been much impressed by the dog, but now she began to feel
+astounded that she had had so little discernment.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'd like to own such a dog," she said.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'd give him to yo', only I couldn't spare him.  Fritz never goes any
+place widout me.  But, I'll tell yo' what: I'll let yo' play with him
+when yo' want to."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do you work for us?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Again the boy laughed.  "I work for yo'?  No, 'deed; I'se too no 'count
+to work for the likes of yo'.  I wuz jes' cuttin' 'cross fields through
+yo'r yard.  If Titus found me here, he'd kick me an' Fritz out."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What is your name?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Caesar Augustus Jones, but they calls me Gustus.  I wish I could work
+for yo'."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth pondered a moment.  "If you did, would you keep Fritz here?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Gustus caught the trend of her thoughts.  His eyes sparkled and his
+teeth gleamed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Me and Fritz 'd stay all the time&mdash;nights, too, if yo' wanted."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'll ask papa.  He'll take you to please me, I know.  Come on."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Gustus hung back, and his face sobered.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, what's the matter?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Titus 'll kick me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I won't let him.  Come on."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Thus encouraged, Gustus and Fritz followed her as she ran to the front
+steps, and on into a large old-fashioned hall.  She stopped,
+momentarily, to peek into rooms on either side.  There were two
+apartments on the right.  She afterwards learned that they were parlor
+and library.  On the left was one spacious room designed either for a
+sitting-room or a bedroom.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At the end of the hall was the dining-room, running two-thirds of the
+way across the house.  To Beth's surprise, she found the table unset,
+and no one within.  She feared she had missed luncheon.  Chancing,
+however, to look out through an open door, she immediately gave a
+little cry of delight, for she beheld Mr. and Mrs. Davenport and Marian
+seated at a table on the roomy piazza that ran between the dining-room
+and the kitchen.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth seized Gustus by the hand and drew him towards the family party.
+Fritz bounded and yelped at their heels.  His cries attracted the
+attention of the occupants of the piazza.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, Elizabeth Davenport, what&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, papa, this is Gustus, and I want you to let him work for us.  This
+wonderful, wonderful dog is his, and if Gustus works for us, I can have
+Fritz to play with."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth stopped an instant for breath, which gave some of the others a
+chance to speak.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma, aren't his rags disgraceful?" whispered Marian to her mother.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"James, what shall we do?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Davenport addressed the boy.  "Are you looking for work?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Gustus hung his head, but managed to say:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, massa, an' little missy 'lowed yo'd hire me and Fritz."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, papa, please, please hire them.  Fritz is such a very wonderful
+dog."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Whereupon Indianna Scott, who was acting as waitress, spoke up:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don't yo' b'lieve dat, missy.  Dat dog am nothin' but a no 'count
+fice."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth had never heard a dog called a fice.  She feared it might be
+something very terrible.  Afterwards she learned that it was a Southern
+provincialism for a common dog.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do you know the boy, Indianna?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I know of him, massa.  His paw am dead, an' his maw has a dozen or so
+of chilun, an' dey are so pooh dat the maw can't get clothes 'nuff to
+cover dem.  Dey say as how dis boy am always braggin' of his dog, and
+dat the dog am no 'count."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Gustus lost his hang-dog appearance.  His eyes snapped.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dat ain't true.  Fritz kin do all I say, only he's bashful."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Fritz did not appear very bashful, but was capering around Beth.
+However, her heart was won, and she cried:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Anyway, Gustus, you and I love Fritz, don't we?  Dear papa, please,
+please keep them."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What can you do, Gustus?" he asked slowly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I&mdash;I kin brush flies," cried he exultantly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The boy must have some clothes, anyway.  Come with me, and we'll see
+what we can do for you," said Mrs. Davenport.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth felt that she had won.  In her joy she cried:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Here, Fritz, you stay with me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Fritz gladly obeyed.  His hungry little stomach craved some of the
+chicken a la Creole which was being passed to Beth.  As she started to
+put some of it into her mouth, she felt something pawing her lap.
+Fritz was making his wants known.  Needless to say, he got some chicken
+from her, and from that time on these two became fast friends.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap03"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER III
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+Beth's First Fishing Lesson
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+On Monday morning, Gustus came to Beth, bringing a cat with three
+kittens.  The cat was of only a common breed, but Beth was delighted
+with the present.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Gustus was no longer ragged, but he looked very comical.  There had
+been no boy's clothes in the house for him, and so Mrs. Davenport had
+fitted him out in an old suit of her husband's until another could be
+had.  Of course, everything was much too large for Gustus, but he was
+as proud as Lucifer.  He strutted up and down before Beth with his
+hands in his pockets and Fritz as usual tagging at his heels.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Missy, I looks like de quality now shure, don't I?" he asked, grinning
+from ear to ear; and, not waiting for an answer, he added, "Yo'se been
+powerful good to me, missy, an' I'm goin' to give yo' Fritz, too."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Such generosity quite overcame Beth.  "But, Gustus, I couldn't think of
+taking him away from you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don't yo' worry, missy," he answered with a chuckle.  "Yo' ain't
+takin' him 'way from me.  I'se yo'r niggah now.  Yo' owns Fritz an' me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth hardly knew what to say.  She thought it would be wrong to "own"
+Gustus.  Slave days were a thing of the past.  However, his devotion
+made her feel self-important.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, Gustus, you must be a good boy," was all she could think to say.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, 'deed, missy.  Come with me, an' I'll show yo' a bird's nest."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I can't, Gustus.  Mamma told me I must play indoors unless it clears.
+You know she's gone to town with Marian to see about a school for her.
+I'm not to go until next winter.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I went to school once for a little while," she continued presently.
+"It happened this way: Marian attended a private school kept by a poor
+lady that mamma felt sorry for.  Marian was not well, so mamma let me
+go in her place, so the lady wouldn't lose money.  They didn't think
+I'd study hard, but, Gustus, I like to know things, and learning to
+read was a great help.  So I studied very hard.  Then I was taken very
+sick and was out of my head.  I talked about books all the time.  The
+doctor said I came near having brain fever, and it wouldn't do for me
+to go for awhile.  I don't believe it would hurt me, but that's why I'm
+not going to school this year.  Did you ever go to school, Gustus?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, missy; me an' Fritz don't need no larnin'."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But you do, Gustus, and I'm going to teach you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He did not look particularly pleased at the offer.  Nevertheless, Beth
+put the cat and the kittens down, and started to run for her books.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Bent as usual on mischief, Fritz made a dive and, catching the
+prettiest kitten by the neck, started away with it.  The mother cat was
+after him in an instant.  Her back was ruffled, and she struck Fritz
+with her sharp paw.  He dropped the kitten and ran howling from the
+room.  Gustus thought it a good opportunity to escape and started after
+Fritz.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Gustus, come back," called Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He looked crestfallen, but felt in duty bound to do as his little
+mistress bade.  She brought her books, and had Gustus sit down beside
+her.  Then she tried him with the alphabet.  He proved woefully
+ignorant.  After pointing out to him, A, B, and C, many, many times,
+she said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Show me A, Gustus."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He grinned.  "A what, missy?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The letter A, of course, g&mdash;&mdash;"  She almost said "goosie," but thought
+in time that such a word would not be dignified for a teacher to use.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She did not find the fun in teaching that she had expected.
+Nevertheless, she persevered.  Her face grew flushed as Gustus proved
+himself more and more ignorant.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+When Mrs. Davenport returned from town, she found Beth at her
+self-imposed task.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma, Gustus ought to go to school."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't wants to go," he cried, his eyes rolling so there was hardly
+any black visible in them.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport did not press the point.  She intended to talk it over
+with her husband.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mr. Davenport and I bought these for you," she said, untying a package
+and drawing out a suit of boy's clothes, stockings, shoes, and
+underwear.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Gustus's pride now passed all bounds.  He let forth a perfect avalanche
+of thanks, using large words, the meaning of which he had little idea.
+Even young darkies like big-sounding speech.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The morning passed quickly to Beth.  To her delight, towards noon the
+sun broke through the clouds.  This reminded her of Harvey Baker's
+invitation to fish.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma, may I go down to the wharf?" she asked immediately after
+luncheon.  "Harvey Baker asked me to fish with him.  He's a neighbor's
+boy I met Saturday."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, I declare.  Why didn't you tell me before?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I forgot."  She had had so many things to think of and talk about,
+that she had not thought much about Harvey except at night.  Then that
+awful alligator haunted her until she wanted to call her mamma, but she
+had not dared because of her promise.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"May I go, mamma?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But I do not know anything about him.  He may not be nice at all."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Maggie, who chanced to be present, now spoke up:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"De Bakers am quality, Miss Mary.  I wouldn't be feared to let missy go
+wid any Baker.  I'se s'prised, do, dat Harvey axed her, 'cause he don't
+like girls.  Are yo' sure, honey, he axed yo'?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Of course I am."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Den yo' needn't fear, Miss Mary.  Harvey's a big boy, and he'll take
+good care of her."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+With this assurance, Mrs. Davenport gave her consent.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth put on her hat and hurried down the avenue to the river.  On the
+end of the wharf sat Harvey, holding a fishing pole.  He turned his
+head at her approach.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Hello, Beth.  I hardly expected you.  I thought your mamma might be
+'fraid to let you come."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She smiled.  "Maggie said you were 'quality,' and would take care of
+me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey gave a grunt.  "Don't know about quality, but as long as your
+mamma trusted me, she shan't repent.  Take this line, and go to
+fishing."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He handed one to her and she dropped the end into the water.  Harvey
+broke into a hearty laugh.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You don't 'spect to catch fish without bait, do you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She answered meekly: "I s'pose not, but what is bait?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey laughed harder than ever.  "Well, you are silly."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth felt aggrieved over being called silly, but she tried to look
+dignified.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don't care, you're just as silly as me.  My papa says if people don't
+keep quiet, they'll scare all the fish away.  You're laughing awful
+loud."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He immediately sobered down.  "True for you, Beth.  It is silly to
+laugh and you're a wise girl.  You'll make a good fisher.  Here, I'll
+put the bait on for you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He baited her line and threw it out into deep water for her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She waited patiently for the fish to bite, but it seemed as if her
+patience was to go unrewarded.  She wished for Harvey's good opinion,
+and so she did not even speak.  It proved pretty dull work and to make
+matters worse, Harvey pulled in a number of fish, while she did not get
+even a nibble.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She would have given up in despair had not her pride prevented.  Harvey
+felt sorry for her and proved himself magnanimous.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, the fish are biting lively here.  You take my place&mdash;yes, you
+must, and I'll go around on the other side."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Matters did not mend for Beth even with the change.  The fish seemed to
+follow the boy.  He caught several on the other side of the wharf,
+while the patient little fisher maiden waited in vain for the fish to
+take pity on her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Presently, she almost feel asleep, fishing proved so uninteresting.
+Then there was a terrible jerk on her line, followed by a steady pull.
+Beth was afraid the alligator had swallowed the line, and that she
+would be dragged into the river.  Nevertheless, she hung on bravely.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Harvey, Harvey, come quick.  I can't pull it in.  Come quick."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He rushed to her assistance.  The two children began pulling together.
+Harvey's eyes grew almost as big as his companion's.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, I believe you've caught a whale."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was a very hard tug for them, but finally something black wiggled
+out of the water.  Beth gave a little cry.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Harvey, it's a snake.  I don't want it, do you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+His eyes sparkled.  "It's no snake, Beth.  It's an eel and a beauty
+too.  My, what a monster!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Are you sure it is not a snake?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Of course I am.  Darkies call them second cousins to snakes and won't
+eat them, but they are fine eating.  My, just see him squirm.  Isn't he
+big, though?  You're a brick, Beth, to catch him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+By this time, the eel was safely landed on the wharf, and proved to be
+indeed a monster.  It was a wonder that the children had ever been able
+to pull him in.  Harvey tried to unhook him, but failed; for just as
+the boy thought he had him, the eel would slip away.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Let's take him up to the house on the line.  I want to show him to
+mamma," cried Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"All right, but first we'll fix some lines for crabs."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What are crabs?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"My, don't you know?  Well, we'll catch some when we come back and then
+you'll see."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He took some lines without hooks and tied raw beef on the ends of them.
+Then he threw them into the water.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth, as proud as if she had caught a tarpon, took up her line with the
+eel on it, and away marched the children to the house.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma, just see what I caught."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, I declare," cried Mrs. Davenport at sight of the eel.  "Did you
+really catch that all by yourself, child?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, mamma, except that Harvey had to help me pull it in, or else the
+eel would have pulled me into the water.  It tugged awfully hard, but I
+wouldn't let go.  Mamma, this is Harvey and we're just having heaps of
+fun."  She had forgotten, already, that a few minutes before she
+thought she was having a very stupid time.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey raised his cap.  Mrs. Davenport liked the boy's appearance.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma, you keep the eel to show papa.  Harvey and I are going back to
+catch crabs.  Come on, Harvey."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport detained them a moment.  "Harvey, you'll take good care
+of my little girl, won't you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, ma'am," and back the children scampered to the wharf.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You see if there is anything on this line, Beth, while I go around to
+the other lines.  If there is, call me, and I'll come with the net, and
+help you land him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Away went Harvey.  Beth began pulling in the line.  There, hanging on
+the meat with two awful claws, was a great big greenish crab.  His eyes
+bulged out, and altogether he looked so fierce that Beth was somewhat
+frightened at him, but she wished to surprise Harvey.  Therefore she
+overcame her fear, and continued pulling up the line.  For a wonder,
+the crab hung on all the way from the water to the wharf.  Beth was
+delighted to think she had caught something without Harvey's aid.  Mr.
+Crab, however, as soon as he felt himself trapped, let go of the meat,
+and began crawling towards the side of the wharf.  Beth saw her prize
+vanishing, and made a dive for it.  Up went the crab's claws, and
+caught the child by the fingers.  A scream immediately rent the air.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey came running to find the cause of the commotion.  He had to
+laugh, notwithstanding tears were streaming down Beth's face.  She
+looked so ludicrous, dancing up and down with that awful crab hanging
+on like grim death.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"'Beware of the Jabberwock that bites, my child,'" quoted Harvey.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth stopped screaming an instant.  "I thought it was a crab."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"So it is.  I was just repeating a line from <I>Alice in Wonderland</I>."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+While Harvey spoke, he was trying to loosen the crab.  The harder he
+pulled, the more angry it grew, and the harder it bit.  Finally, he
+pulled so desperately that the crab came, but a claw was left hanging
+to poor Beth's finger.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey started to drop the crab.  Again Beth ceased her yelling.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Harvey, don't you dare let my crab go.  Put it in the basket and then
+come and get this awful claw off my finger."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He did as he was bid, secretly admiring his little friend's pluck.
+They had a great time getting off the dismembered claw, but, finally,
+they succeeded.  Poor Beth's finger was bitten to the bone.  Harvey
+really felt very sympathetic, but, boy-like, was somewhat bashful about
+expressing it.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, does it hurt much?" was all he said.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Pretty bad," she admitted, forcing back the tears.  "Say, Harvey, were
+there any other crabs?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I had time to look at only two of the lines, I got three crabs from
+the two.  There were two on one line, so with yours we have four.  But
+never mind the crabs; we must go up to the house and have your finger
+dressed."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, we must first see if there are any other crabs.  Here, tie my
+handkerchief around my finger.  I guess I can stand it awhile."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The handkerchief was tied about the sore finger, and then Beth watched
+Harvey while he pulled up the lines.  There were crabs on every one,
+and on some of them there were two.  Harvey would pull the crabs to the
+surface of the water and then scoop the net under them.  In moving the
+crabs from the net to the basket, he held them by the hind legs,
+because, in this position, a crab cannot reach around with its claws to
+bite.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Altogether, the children caught about fifteen crabs, and they took them
+up to the house with them.  Arriving there, they found that Mrs.
+Davenport had driven to town to bring home Mr. Davenport and Marian.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth therefore went to Maggie about the finger, and Harvey accompanied
+her.  Maggie proved very sympathetic.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yo' precious little honey, yo'.  Dat finger jes' am awful, but I knows
+what'll cure it in no time.  Here, yo', Gustus, yo' run and fetch me
+some tar.  Hurry, yo' lazy niggah yo'.  Dar, dar, honey chile, it'll be
+all right in no time.  Tar am jes' fine for a sore."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For a wonder, Gustus did hurry and was back in no time with the tar.
+Maggie dressed the wound with it very gently and Beth began to feel
+easier immediately.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Now, honey, it'll be all right.  If yo'd only known, and jes' held
+yo'r finger with dat crab out over the watah, it 'd have seen its
+shadah and gone aftah it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Here, Beth," Harvey now said, "you can have all of the crabs; I guess
+I'd better go."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Please don't go, Harvey; I want you to stay.  Say, Harvey, are crabs
+good to eat?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Of course, they are.  You just put them in water and boil them and
+they are dandy."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, how I wish we could boil them.  Wouldn't papa be surprised?
+Maggie, can't we boil them?" and Beth seized the cook's hand and held
+it, pressing it coaxingly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Law, honey, dar ain't no room on de stove.  I's gettin' de dinnah."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Please, Maggie, make room," continued Beth, already having learned her
+power of persuasion over her new mammy.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I can't, honey, but I'll tell yo' what.  Yo' an' Harvey kin do it if
+he knows how to boil dem."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Of course, I know how."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, I'll let yo' take dis big iron kettle into de library.  Yo' kin
+put de kettle on de fire, dar, an' boil dem."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth danced up and down for joy.  "Oh, won't that be fun.  Thank you,
+Maggie.  You're a lovely Maggie."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dar ain't no hot watah, but I'll take dis cold watah in fur yo', an'
+it'll heat in no time."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Maggie carried the kettle, half-filled with water, and placed it
+securely, as she thought, on the big open wood-fire in the library.
+Then she left the children to their own devices, Fritz alone keeping
+them company.  A watched kettle never boils, and the children did not
+have the patience to test the truth of this.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I hate to wait for water to boil," said Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Just then Harvey conceived a brilliant idea.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Say, Beth, we'll put in the crabs before it begins to boil.  Then we
+can play until they're done."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And the cold water won't hurt them like hot, will it, Harvey?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Without answering, he emptied the crabs into the kettle.  Beth viewed
+them critically.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"There's the horrid old thing that bit me.  I know him by his one claw."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He shall be the first one eaten to show how mean he was.  What shall
+we play?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Let's play stage."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He accepted the suggestion, and while they played, Fritz snoozed
+comfortably before the fire.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The water began to get hot, and the crabs became lively.  They crawled
+around so vigorously that a log slipped and upset the kettle.  There
+was a sizzling of water, and, in an instant, fifteen crabs were loose
+in the Davenport library.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+This avalanche of crabs awakened Fritz, who opened his eyes halfway and
+beheld a crab at his very nose.  Perhaps in his sleepiness, he thought
+it another kind of kitten ready for a frolic.  At any rate, he put out
+his paw towards the crab, which met his advances more than halfway.
+With a wild howl, Fritz jumped up on three feet while the crab clung
+grimly to the fourth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Poor Fritz!  You, too, should beware of the Jabberwock that bites,"
+cried Beth from the lounge where she had taken refuge.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Around and around whirled Fritz in a most lively manner.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Just see him," cried Beth triumphantly.  "Gustus always said he could
+dance, and this proves it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey, who was trying to catch some of the crabs, grunted
+disdainfully, but continued his unsuccessful chase without any other
+comment.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Fortunately for Fritz, the crab dropped of its own accord, and the
+frightened dog tore like a streak of lightning through the house and on
+outdoors.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Once Harvey stooped and thought he surely had a crab, when Beth beheld
+another crab with claws upstretched right behind.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Harvey, come here quick," cried Beth; "a crab's going to bite you in
+the back."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Thereupon, he, too, jumped upon the lounge to escape the threatening
+claws.  Immediately, however, he said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, pshaw, it's silly to be afraid of crabs.  I'm going to get down
+again."  Beth, however, caught hold of his hand, saying:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, I won't let you.  I wish somebody would come to help us.  I'm
+going to try to make Maggie hear me.  Maggie.  Maggie."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Back from the kitchen floated the slow tones of Maggie.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What am it, honey?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Maggie, come here, quick."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Then they heard the soft tread of her feet crossing the piazza.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"She's coming, Harvey."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Maggie poked her head through the door and beheld the children upon the
+lounge.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Laws a massy, what am yo' doin' thar, honeys?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Then she saw the crabs on the floor, and she began to laugh.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Now when Maggie laughed it meant more than ordinary merriment.  Her
+eyes rolled and her sides shook.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Ha, ha, ha.  Oh my, oh me.  Ha, ha, ha.  Well, dis am a sight.  I jes'
+'lows I must go to Titus about dis yere.  Ha, ha, ha," and away she
+went.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But, Maggie," cried Beth in protest, "I think you're real mean.  We
+want you to help us catch them."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+But Maggie paid no attention to the appeal.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The one-clawed crab stopped for a moment in front of the lounge.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Harvey, he's making fun of us, too,"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The impudent thing," exclaimed Harvey, jumping down.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+By a dexterous move, he captured the crab.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don't you come back here with it," commanded Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was a space free from crabs between Harvey and the window.  He
+ran to the window and threw the crab out.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+January chanced to be working not far away, and Harvey spied him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Come in here quick, January," he cried.  "There are a lot of crabs
+after us."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+January, for a wonder, came running, and his valor for once proved
+remarkable.  He showed no fear of the crabs, and darted around so
+quickly that he caught every one in the room.  The one-legged one that
+Harvey had thrown out of the window was never found.  Perhaps it made
+its way back to the river, and told of its harrowing experiences on
+land, and especially how it had lost its claw.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Fritz limped for several days after his experience with the crab and
+Beth had a terrible nightmare that night in which crabs were giants
+with claws of iron.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap04"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER IV
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+Visiting
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Beth was seated with Fritz and the kittens in a large Mexican hammock
+on the front porch.  She held up a warning finger to her mother who
+stood in the doorway.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma, do not frighten birdie away.  He is not the least bit afraid of
+me, and I love to hear him sing."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport was surprised to see a mocking bird perched on the
+railing directly by the side of Beth.  His little head was cocked
+sidewise, and floods of sweet sounds issued from his throat.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+His spouse, who was guarding their nest up in the big live oak in the
+front yard, trilled her limited paeon of praise.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth, who often acted as interpreter for beast and bird, thought the
+proud wife-bird meant to say:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Bravo.  Isn't he the most wonderful tenor that ever lived?  Are you
+surprised that I love him so?  He is the best and smartest husband in
+all the world."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Fritz and black pussy grew restless.  She spit at him, and he barked at
+her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Now, my dears, do let me enjoy this beautiful music in peace," Beth
+said reprovingly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Hardly had she spoken, before black pussy sprang away, and Fritz was
+after her in an instant.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth did not dare follow for fear of frightening away Mr. Mocking Bird,
+who stopped singing as cat and dog scampered away, but who had not yet
+flown back to his mate.  He was watching fearfully every move of the
+frolicsome pair.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Away scurried kitty to the other end of the porch with Fritz a close
+second.  Suddenly, she turned, settling down on her back with her claws
+out-stretched, ready to receive Fritz.  In an instant he was on her.
+Over and over they rolled in their wild play.  Fritz became too rough
+to suit puss, and she gave him a sudden dab with her sharp little
+claws.  The blow disabled him for a moment, allowing puss to spring
+away from him.  She scampered down the steps and towards the big tree
+with Fritz again after her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Mocking Bird was up in arms in an instant.  How dared the impudent
+creatures approach that tree where dwelt his wife and children!  He
+flew to the rescue.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Mocking Bird, too, had grown so nervous that she, also, left her
+young, and joined in the fray.  Together Mr. and Mrs. Mocking Bird
+dived and pecked at the cat and the dog in a most ferocious manner.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth rushed out, ready to assist the birds, if necessary, but her aid
+was not needed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Black puss and Fritz were so taken by surprise at the fierce onslaught
+of the birds that they turned and sneaked away as fast as they could
+go.  Thus, through the power of love, the weaker triumphed over the
+stronger.  Later on the mocking birds also came out victors in another
+contest, and against greater numbers, too.  It happened in this wise:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+As the days went by, Beth grew somewhat restless.  She did not exactly
+tire of Fritz, puss, and Arabella, but she longed for diversion.  Then
+one evening Mr. Davenport brought home a large coop of chickens, and
+calling Beth to him, he said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You are to tend these, daughter, and hunt eggs every day."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh you dear, good papa.  I want to take one of the sweet things in my
+arms."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Thereupon she tried to get a chicken, but somehow, in so doing, she
+upset the coop.  Away flurried the chickens in every direction.  Beth
+felt ready to cry.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Never mind," said Mr. Davenport; "when they go to roost to-night, we
+can catch them, and put them in the chicken house."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+That night, some of the chickens perched on sheds, and some on trees.
+A few had the hardihood to fly up on the branches of the live oak in
+the front yard.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Mocking Bird was just falling asleep in the nest with her young,
+and Mr. Mocking Bird was already asleep not far from her side.  The
+chickens aroused the mother bird in an instant.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dearest," she piped, "I hear a dreadful noise down-stairs.  I think
+there must be burglars in the house.  You must go down and see."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Now, every one knows that a man hates to be disturbed from a sound
+sleep, and Mr. Mocking Bird proved no exception.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, birdie," he grumbled, "do leave me alone; you're always imagining
+things."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Imagining things, am I?" she answered shrilly.  "Just hear that awful
+noise.  You're so lazy that you would see me and the children murdered
+before you'd move.  If you don't want me to think you a coward, you'll
+go down this instant.  This instant, I say."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Now Mr. Mocking Bird was, as Mrs. Mocking Bird knew, very brave, and he
+also loved her praise.  So he only blinked his eyes once more, and
+literally flew down-stairs.  There he spied the chickens settling down
+for a good night's rest.  Such impudence aroused his ire.  He did not
+hesitate a second, but dived into their midst and pecked furiously at
+the poor, unsuspecting intruders.  The chickens, taken utterly by
+surprise, fluttered to the ground without offering any resistance.
+They cackled so loudly, however, that the noise brought Titus to their
+rescue, and he succeeded in capturing the badly frightened hens.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Mocking Bird, triumphant, ascended to his anxious spouse.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dearest," she cried, "you're not hurt, are you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Hurt!" he repeated boastfully, "hurt?  Well, I should say not.  It was
+only some upstart chickens who dared to sneak into the house, and I'm
+more than a match for any number of such.  I guess we shan't be
+disturbed again by chickens or by impudent dogs and cats."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Mocking Bird proved right in his surmise.  The birds thereafter
+enjoyed their home without further intrusion.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Under Beth's care, the chickens flourished finely.  They laid many an
+egg which in due time were placed beneath mamma hens.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was a very proud little girl in the Davenport family when finally
+balls of yellow broke through the egg shells.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Then Beth began saving eggs for Easter, and, on Easter Day, she found
+that she had enough to give every darky one, besides having all that
+were wanted for her own family.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+This Eastertide brought new diversions to Beth.  For one thing, she
+received an invitation to spend a night in town with a little girl
+named Laura Corner.  The Davenports and the Corners had been friends in
+the North before the two families moved South.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth had never before spent a night away from home.  She thought it
+would be a "sperience" to go, and prevailed upon Mrs. Davenport to let
+her accept the invitation.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The momentous day arrived at last.  Beth wished to take all her
+belongings with her, from Fritz to a small trunk.  She had to be
+content, however, with a valise.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Fritz and Arabella were admonished to be good during her absence, and
+the chickens were entrusted to Marian's care.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport drove Beth to town.  Upon reaching the Corners' home,
+Beth's heart sank unaccountably, and she had a hard time to keep the
+tears back, when she kissed her mother good-bye.  However, Laura and
+the Corners were so very cordial that her spirits soon revived.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+In the afternoon several little girls, who had been invited to play,
+came in.  Among the number was one who especially attracted Beth.  She
+was slight and graceful.  Her hair was golden and her eyes were blue.
+Beth, of course, was introduced to all the girls, but did not catch the
+name of this one.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"She looks like that picture of the cherub we have at home," decided
+Beth.  "I wonder what her name is.  I guess I'll call her 'Cherub' to
+myself.  Cherub, you're very pretty, but you're too quiet to be much
+fun."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Most of the little girls had their dolls with them; all, in fact,
+excepting Beth and the "Cherub."  The latter sat apart from the other
+children.  She looked so very demure that Beth thought her bashful, and
+took pity on her.  Seating herself beside her, she asked:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Wouldn't your mamma let you bring your doll?  My mamma thought I had
+better not bring mine so far."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The "Cherub" showed little interest in the conversation.  She answered
+curtly:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I haven't a doll."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth's eyes opened in surprise.  "You haven't any doll?  What a pity."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Then she hesitated.  She feared the "Cherub" might be too poor to
+afford dolls.  She was soon undeceived, however, by the "Cherub"
+exclaiming:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"<I>I</I> don't think it a pity.  I don't care for dolls; they're a
+nuisance.  I like to play outdoors."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"So do I."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The "Cherub" grew animated.  "Do you?  Say, can you climb trees and
+walk on stilts and&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What are stilts?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don't you know?"  There was a slight contempt expressed for such
+woeful ignorance.  "They are long pieces of wood with places for your
+feet up from the ground.  It's just as if you had wooden legs, only
+they make you tall so that you feel quite grown up."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'd like to walk on stilts."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Would you?  Where do you live?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Out on the old shell road."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What! are your folks the people who bought the place near us?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do you live on the shell road, too?"  Beth was delighted.  She was
+beginning to think the "Cherub" might prove very companionable.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes.  Your name is Beth Davenport, isn't it?  Mine's Julia Gordon.
+Say, Beth, I'll come to see you and teach you how to walk on stilts if
+you like."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Will you, really?  When will you come?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"To-morrow morning."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth's face fell.  "Oh, that's a pity.  I shan't be home.  I'm going to
+stay here all night."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, never mind.  I'll come the morning after."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"All right, don't forget."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, I'll be there right after breakfast."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Games were started at this juncture, and then came refreshments.  Soon
+afterwards, the guests took their departure.  The "Cherub" said in
+parting:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We'll have a jolly time with the stilts, Beth.  I've been wanting to
+teach somebody for a long time."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Laura and Beth had a merry time together until tea-time.  Then, after
+tea, Laura's older sister, Florrie, told them stories.  Beth was simply
+fascinated.  She could listen forever, she thought, and not grow weary.
+Florrie made her characters live by the magic of her voice and words.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Just before it was time for the children to retire, Florrie took down
+the Bible and read a chapter to them.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Then the children went up-stairs to bed.  They had a pillow fight after
+they were in their night-dresses.  Sad to relate, in the scuffle, their
+clothes were strewn around the room, and Beth carelessly failed to
+gather hers together again.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They talked in bed until Mrs. Corner called to them to stop.  Laura
+soon fell asleep, but Beth's heart, again, grew heavy.  She missed the
+good-night kiss from her mamma, and tears rose to her eyes.  She tried
+not to sob for fear of awakening Laura.  Minutes seemed hours to her.
+She realized more than ever the depth of her love for her mother, and
+she resolved in future to be the best girl alive.  That resolve somehow
+quieted her so that she fell asleep and forgot her heartache in
+pleasant dreams.  She dreamed that it was the day after the morrow, and
+that Julia had come with stilts so high that they touched the clouds.
+Beth walked on them without the least difficulty; then, all of a
+sudden, she dropped them, and found herself flying with the utmost
+ease.  She wondered she had never tried it before; it was so very
+delightful to fly.  But, suddenly, the clouds turned into smoke and
+fire.  Beth awakened with a start.  The room was very light, as light
+as if it was broad daylight.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth gave Laura a poke, "Laura, it must be late.  See how light it is."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Laura jumped out of bed, and, running to one of the windows, raised the
+curtain.  Both of the children cried out in fright then.  Flames shot
+and curled to the very window of their room.  Laura could not tell
+whether their house was on fire or not.  She feared so, and the house
+next door was one mass of flames.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth sprang out of bed, too.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma, mamma," screamed Laura.  Nobody answered.  "Come quick or we'll
+burn."  Still only the crackling of the flames could be heard.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"They've forgotten us," cried Beth with chattering teeth.  "Laura, you
+know the way down-stairs, don't you?  Let's go."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We must dress first," answered Laura.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth stamped her foot.  "I'm not going to wait to dress.  Besides, I
+don't know where my things are.  Oh, why didn't I mind mamma and put
+them away carefully.  Now they'll burn."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The more prudent Laura gathered up her clothes from a chair where she
+had laid them, and led the way into the hall.  They found it pitch dark
+there.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Suddenly Laura stopped.  "Oh, Beth, I can't let it burn."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What will burn, Laura?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"My beautiful new Easter hat.  I must go for it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Laura Corner, you <I>must not</I> go back for it.  We ourselves might burn
+while you were getting it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+But Laura had thrust her clothes into Beth's unwilling arms, and was
+off like a flash to rescue her Easter hat.  Beth did not know the way
+sufficiently well to go on by herself, and so, trembling, she awaited
+Laura's return.
+</P>
+
+<A NAME="img-094"></A>
+<CENTER>
+<IMG SRC="images/img-094.jpg" ALT="Laura Corner in the treasured Easter hat." BORDER="2" WIDTH="340" HEIGHT="591">
+<H4>
+[Illustration: Laura Corner in the treasured Easter hat.]
+</H4>
+</CENTER>
+
+<P>
+Laura was soon back, pressing the precious hat close to her side.  Such
+treatment was likely to do it great damage, but, in her excitement,
+Laura did not stop to think of this.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Down-stairs a light shone in the parlor.  Guided by its friendly beams,
+Laura led the way there.  No one was within.  The house was deserted
+but for the two trembling girls.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, God alone can help us," and Laura's face was almost as white as
+the Easter hat under her arm.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth's lip trembled.  "He's so far away.  I wish mamma were here."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, God will hear us if we pray.  Get down on your knees beside me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'd rather run out into the street," answered Beth, who always
+believed in action rather than words.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You're a wicked little girl.  My mamma says I must never go on the
+street without some grown-up person.  So get on your knees this minute."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth meekly obeyed.  Laura folded her hands.  Beth imitated her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Begin," said Laura.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Begin what?" and Beth's eyes were wide open from surprise; yes, and
+from fear, too.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, to pray, of course."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm not going to.  You're the one who wanted to.  Why don't you begin
+yourself?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I can't.  I'm too scared.  Go on, Beth, and pray."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I&mdash;I don't know what to say.  Would 'Now I lay me down to sleep,' do?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, silly.  We're not laying us down to sleep.  It's a fire.  God's to
+keep us from burning to death.  So pray."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I&mdash;I'm not going to," and Beth jumped to her feet.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Laura began crying: "You're very wicked, Beth Davenport, and we'll burn
+to death, and it'll all be your fault."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We won't burn if you'll come with me into the street.  I'm going
+anyway."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, children, what are you doing here?" asked Mrs. Corner, coming
+into the parlor.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Laura rushed to her mamma and threw her arms around her neck.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, mamma, we thought you'd forgotten us, and would let us burn to
+death."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, you poor little things.  Of course, I hadn't forgotten you.  Our
+house is not on fire.  The fire is next door.  We've been over there
+helping, and we thought we would not waken you unless there was danger
+of this house burning.  They're getting the flames under control.
+Charlie has been working with wet blankets to keep our roof from
+catching.  Now, children, you must go back to bed.  Come, I'll go up
+with you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+When the two were again in bed and alone, Beth said;
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Laura, you ought to want to make up for calling me wicked."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I guess you aren't wicked, after all, for God didn't let us burn.  I'm
+sorry, Beth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The children kissed.  Then, worn out by the thrilling events of the
+night, slumber claimed them and held them captive until late next day.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap05"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER V
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+Walking on Stilts
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Julia came on the promised morning, and, to the delight of Beth, she
+brought not only her own stilts, but bore an extra pair as a gift to
+Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Poor Beth was black and blue all over before she conquered those unruly
+stilts, but it took more than bruises to dampen her ardor.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Julia was an expert in stilt walking.  She could go up and down steps
+on hers; she could dance with them, and do other feats that appeared
+marvelous to Beth, and made her ambitious to do likewise.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+However, Beth persevered so faithfully that soon she was on the road to
+being an expert herself.  Stilts took up a good share of the morning,
+and, by lunch time, both children had fine appetites, although Beth was
+very tired.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport suggested that the children play in the house for a
+change.  They soon tired, however, of the indoor sports, and Beth,
+although she was so lame that she could hardly move, declared that she
+had never felt better, and away they ran to their stilts again.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Julia had already shown off about all of her stilt accomplishments, so
+she thought and thought to devise something new whereby to arouse
+Beth's admiration afresh.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, I have it.  We'll walk out in the river on our stilts.  I've
+never tried that.  It will be great."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth looked somewhat doubtful.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Weren't stilts made for land?  They're not boats."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, pshaw.  If you're afraid, you can watch me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Watch her indeed!  Dragons could not have kept Beth from making the
+attempt if Julia did.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They took their stilts to the river.  Beth was in such a hurry to show
+Julia she was not afraid, that she had great difficulty in starting.
+Julia mounted, and walked out into the water as proudly as a peacock.
+Beth followed, but, of necessity, more slowly, and she kept near the
+wharf.  Julia skimmed through the water for a minute or two almost as
+easily as she went on land.  But alas, pride goes before a fall.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The river bed near the shore is of hard sand, but a little way out it
+becomes marshy.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Suddenly Julia's stilts stuck.  She tried to raise them, but they would
+not budge.  Now, as every stilt walker knows, it is impossible to stay
+motionless on stilts.  Over Julia went into the water, headforemost.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth was so startled that she herself almost lost her balance, but,
+fortunately, she grabbed the wharf, and scrambled up on that.  Away
+floated her stilts.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Hello, what have we here?" and Harvey's boat darted towards them from
+under the bridge.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, Harvey, save her," cried poor Beth, almost in tears but somewhat
+reassured now that her boy friend was near.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The water is hardly deep enough to drown a flea," he answered.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+However, he rowed up to Julia, and held out his hand.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You had better step into my boat; you might be a worse stick in the
+mud than ever if you waded ashore."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I prefer to walk."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Julia tried to look dignified, but the attempt was an utter failure.
+Dirty water dripped from her matted hair, while her face and clothes
+were streaked with mud.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey could not keep back his laughter at the odd sight, and it made
+Julia very indignant.  She said nothing to him, however, but instead
+seemed to be angry with her innocent little girl friend.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth ran to meet her and Julia gave vent to her feelings by crying:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth Davenport, are you laughing at me too?  Well, I'd rather be
+laughed at than be a 'fraid cat like you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Now Beth thought this was very mean, especially when she had considered
+herself so brave.  She therefore could not resist the temptation of
+saying:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, anyway, I told you that stilts weren't boats."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm going home, Beth Davenport."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Poor Julia looked so forlorn that Beth relented.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Julia, really I didn't laugh.  Please come home with me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth," called Harvey from the river, "I wish you'd get Miss
+Stick-in-the-Mud's picture for me.  It would be the funniest thing I
+ever saw."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What a horrid boy," exclaimed Julia.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+By the time the children reached the house, Julia had been persuaded to
+remain.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport refrained from giving them much of a scolding, as she
+thought Julia really needed coddling a little.  She was soon arrayed in
+some of Beth's clothes.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Shortly after, Mrs. Gordon came in to make a call on Mrs. Davenport.
+She proved a very lovable woman, and won the hearts of both Beth and
+her mother immediately.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The accident was related to her.  She drew Julia to her side and said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Daughter, you really must be more careful.  What would mamma do if
+anything happened to her little girl?  Never again try walking in the
+river on stilts."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Both Julia and Beth immediately experienced a sinking of the heart.
+Her words reminded them that their beloved stilts had not been rescued
+from the river.  Julia ran towards the door.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Daughter, where are you going?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"After my stilts.  They're in the river."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Leave them there.  You've had enough of stilts."  And remain in the
+river they did, although the girls pleaded very hard to get them.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Julia was asked to stay all night, and her mother consented, taking her
+departure alone.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Julia," said Beth, "I must tell you about a dream I had the night of
+the fire.  It was about stilts that reached up to the clouds, and I
+walked on them.  Then I began to fly.  Oh, it was lovely.  I wish we
+could really fly."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"So do I.  I believe we could if we tried.  Let's try.  We'll go up on
+that great high shed and jump off.  We can make our arms go for wings,
+and it will be just like flying.  Come on."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Away they hurried to the shed.  After they had climbed up on it, it
+seemed dreadfully high to Beth, but she did not say so.  Perhaps it
+seemed formidable to Julia, also, but her actions would not have led
+one to believe it.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'll try first, Beth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Thereupon Julia leaped from the shed, making her arms flap for wings.
+Strange to relate, she landed safely and without feeling much jar from
+it.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, it's lovely, Beth.  Come on."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Poor Beth did not think it so lovely.  She put a bold face on the
+matter, though, and jumped as she had seen Julia do, also keeping her
+arms going in the same manner as Julia.  However, she landed with a
+sickening thud that jarred every bone in her body.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Isn't it fun, Beth?  Let's try it again."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Up Julia scampered upon the shed.  Beth, not to be outdone, followed
+after, but more slowly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Again Julia Jumped and Beth followed.  She felt the jar even more the
+second time than she had the first.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Fortunately, Mr. Davenport arrived on the scene just in time to see
+their last leap.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Children, children, what are you thinking about to jump off that high
+shed?  You might hurt yourselves badly.  Don't do such a thing as that
+again.  Run into the house now; it is about dinner time."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The children did as they were bidden; but when Mrs. Davenport beheld
+Beth, she exclaimed:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, Beth, what is the matter?  You seem to be limping."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth tried to brace up.  "Oh, it's nothing, mamma.  I'm a little stiff,
+that's all."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What have you two been up to?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We've been flying."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Julia clasped her hands in an ecstasy of delight.  "And it was such
+fun, Mrs. Davenport."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Flying?  What do you mean?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, you see, we got up on that shed back of the barn, and jumped
+off.  We made our arms go for wings."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The very idea of jumping off that tall shed!  No wonder you are lame.
+Beth cannot play another bit to-day.  You two will have to go to bed
+very early to-night."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth for once in her life did not demur.  She was so worn out that she
+was really glad to go to bed.  After a good night's rest she was much
+better, but she continued lame for several days.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap06"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER VI
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+House Building
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+The Gordons had several cords of square cut wood in their back yard,
+and this inspired Julia and Beth to a great undertaking.  They built a
+house, piling two sticks lengthways and two crossways, one above the
+other, and so on until they had laid the walls for three rooms.  They
+worked like beavers, and Mrs. Gordon, amused by this new scheme of the
+two indefatigables, and thinking to herself that the children would
+probably be tired of the house by the time the wood was needed, allowed
+one of the servants to help.  He used the top of the box in which the
+piano came for a roof, boarded the floors, and, in the middle room,
+helped to make an alcove.  In this Julia and Beth piled up wood for a
+bed, saying that they did not mind if it was hard.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+When completed, the girls took out to their new paradise everything
+they dared lay hands on, and asked Mrs. Gordon to inspect their work.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"'Walk into my house,' said the spider to the fly.  'It's the
+beautifulest house you ever did spy,'" quoted Julia, purposely changing
+parlor to house.  "Just walk in.  You can stand up&mdash;well, almost&mdash;if
+you stoop a little bit.  This is the kitchen," she continued, for she
+had taken her mother in the back way with a purpose in view.  "Oh,
+mamma, we do so want a stove.  No family can keep house without one.
+We don't know what to do.  Please, please help us."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How would a Dutch oven do?" suggested Mrs. Gordon.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What's that?  How's it made?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Gordon explained: "It's made of brick, and&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How good you are.  Who'll make it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Gordon could not find it in her heart to disappoint the girls, so
+she furnished the materials, and had a darky make the oven.  When done,
+it was somewhat clumsy, but it looked serviceable.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth," said Julia, "we can't be just you and me.  We must be man and
+wife.  Our names will be Mr. and Mrs. Newbeginner.  I'm John
+Newbeginner, and&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'd rather be the man, because he's the head of the family and he
+doesn't work so hard.  Besides, I don't want a little bit of a man like
+you.  I'm the taller."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, but I'm the elder, and the elder is always the man."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"All right, but you have to help about the house.  You can't go away to
+business."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Let's stay here all night, to-night."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Away they ran to beg permission.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The two mothers, however, seriously objected.  Finally the young couple
+were pacified by Mrs. Newbeginner being allowed to spend the night with
+her spouse at the Gordon homestead which adjoined the Newbeginner
+mansion.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The next morning, Mrs. Newbeginner awakened at peep of day.  She gave
+Mr. Newbeginner a poke and then jumped out of bed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Jul&mdash;John, I mean, it's time to get up and build the fire."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Leave me alone," snapped Mr. Newbeginner in a truly masculine style.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But Jul&mdash;John, you know we are going to get our own breakfast, and I
+can't build the fire all by myself.  Please get up."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Thus entreated, Mr. Newbeginner condescended to arise.  His wife was
+already dressing.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Together they descended to the kitchen, and Jemima, the cook, furnished
+them with some uncooked steak, some potatoes, butter, material to make
+cakes, and other necessaries.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The fire was soon built.  Then such a hustling as ensued.  Mr. and Mrs.
+Newbeginner had many a dispute before breakfast was ready.  Mrs.
+Newbeginner might have foreseen the result of allowing a man in her
+kitchen.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Such a running back and forth as there was between their house and the
+Gordons'; for the Newbeginners began housekeeping by borrowing almost
+everything.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Newbeginner insisted that he knew how to make pancakes better than
+his wife.  She therefore allowed him to try his hand at them while she
+cooked the meat and potatoes.  Her part of the breakfast was ready
+before his.  Thereupon, she set the pans containing the viands on a
+ledge of the oven above the live coals to keep them warm.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Newbeginner, as soon as he had cooked one batch of cakes, placed
+them beside the meat and potatoes.  Then he baked another and another.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Alas, just as the last cake was baked, Mrs. Newbeginner bustled in from
+the bedroom where they had set the table.  Now there was a long pole
+that ran out from the oven as its main support.  Poor Mrs. Newbeginner
+in her excitement over their first breakfast somehow stumbled over the
+pole.  Down she fell.  But worse, down fell the stove also, and the
+breakfast which had caused them so much trouble tumbled into the red
+hot coals.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Up jumped Mrs. Newbeginner, and threw some water that happened to be
+handy on the fire.  Her quickness saved their home from being burned,
+but not their breakfast.  Tears rose and welled over the face of Mr.
+Newbeginner in a very unmanly fashion as he gave vent to his anger.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, I declare, you are the clumsiest person I ever saw.  I am sorry
+I ever invited you to this house."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Newbeginner looked grieved and angry.  "It's as much mine as
+yours."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, it isn't.  The wood belongs to me, and it is built on my place.
+My beautiful pancakes are gone."  He did not seem to mind so much about
+the food that Mrs. Newbeginner had cooked, and on which she had prided
+herself.  "You are the most careless girl I ever saw."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I couldn't help it.  It hurt my legs awfully.  See how they are
+skinned, but I didn't cry, did I?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Even the sight of a pair of poor, bruised shins did not soften Mr.
+Newbeginner.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I suppose we'll have to go into the house, after all, for our
+breakfast.  It'll be dreadfully hu-mil-ia-ting."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Can't we go to work and cook another?" proposed tired, redfaced little
+Mrs. Newbeginner.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, we can't.  The stove would have to be fixed, and we haven't time.
+Even if we had, though, I wouldn't trust you to help with another meal."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Now this was too much for Mrs. Newbeginner's overtaxed nerves.  "You're
+just horrid to say that and I'll never play with you again as long as I
+live.  I'm going home to my mamma."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Whereupon she stalked out through the door.  The sight of her
+retreating figure brought Mr. Newbeginner to his senses.  He ran to the
+door after her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Please come back.  I'm sorry."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+His repentance came too late, however.  His wife pretended not to hear.
+He grew desperate.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"If you don't come back, I'll never make up with you, either.  Please,
+please, come back."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Either she did not hear, or else she was too grieved to be moved by his
+entreaties.  She did not return, but wended her way back to her
+mother's home.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Now this unfortunate matrimonial experience made Beth reckless.
+Unluckily, upon reaching home, she discovered that both her mother and
+Marian had gone into town to spend the day with the Corners.  Still
+worse, temptation assailed her in the form of an invitation from Harvey
+Baker.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth had not seen him for several days.  She had been so absorbed in
+her new love that she had scarcely even thought of him.  Harvey, on his
+part, had thought of her very often.  He had haunted the Davenport
+wharf, but no Beth appeared.  At first, pride had held him back from
+seeking her out, but her very indifference finally proved an
+irresistible attraction.  Such is the masculine nature.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He came on this morning of all others to invite her out for a row.
+She, at first, resisted the temptation.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, Harvey, what a shame.  Mamma is not here, so I cannot go."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do you think she would let you go if she were here?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, I think so."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Then what harm would there be in your going?  We would be back before
+she returned."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Now, as stated before, Beth was reckless.  She Just felt like doing
+something a little wrong.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I believe I'll go, Harvey."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Bully for you, Beth.  What time did you say your mother would return?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Not before five or six this afternoon."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What do you say then to taking our lunch with us, and having a picnic?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'll ask Maggie."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth knew by this time that there was little danger of Maggie refusing
+her anything.  If the child had asked her for the moon she would
+probably have said, "Shure, honey, I'll try to git it for yo'."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+So now Beth hunted up Maggie, who hustled around and soon had a
+tempting feast ready for them.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Does yo' maw know yo's gwine?" asked Maggie, as she handed the lunch
+to Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, but she would not mind, I know."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Away ran Harvey and Beth to the boat.  The river was as smooth as
+glass.  Beth, at first, sat in the back seat, and Harvey rowed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I guess we'll go directly across the river.  I wish it wasn't so far
+to Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe's," said Harvey.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Who is she?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don't you know?  I thought everybody knew about her.  She wrote 'Uncle
+Tom's Cabin.'"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, I saw that acted at the theatre once.  Does she live here?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"She has a place up the river aways, but it is deserted now.  She used
+to come down here quite often.  We'll row straight across the river.
+Did you ever row, Beth?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, but you can teach me, can't you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"All right.   Now move very carefully.   I wouldn't have you fall
+overboard for the world."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey suspended the oars in the air while Beth took the seat beside
+him.  Then he showed her how to hold the oar.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Now begin so&mdash;carefully and with me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That's easy.  Is that all there is to rowing?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It won't be so easy presently."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth pulled away with ail her might, and in silence.  Suddenly, there
+was a splash of water on her side, and she almost tumbled into the
+bottom of the boat.  Harvey laughed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I thought you'd be catching a crab before long."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth's eyes opened wide.  "I didn't see any crab, Harvey.  My oar just
+balked."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That's what is called catching a crab, you know, when your oar doesn't
+go far enough into the water.  Say, Beth, you had better not try to row
+any more.  It'll tire you.  Don't you want to stop?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No indeed.  I like to row."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Again Beth pulled away with all her might.  Very soon, she began to
+feel uncomfortably warm.  Her hands burned terribly, and presently she
+rested a moment on her oar and pointed to the land, now within easy
+rowing distance.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Wouldn't that be a good spot for our picnic?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey saw how tired she was and answered:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's just the place, and say, Beth, we'll catch some fish, first.
+Here are lines and bait."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They thereupon went to fishing, and both caught a number of fish.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Now," said Harvey, "it's time to go ashore and cook them."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, I'm so terribly hungry I can't wait.  I didn't have any breakfast."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, you poor child.  Why didn't you say so before?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I didn't think of it.  I was having such a good time."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I couldn't forget that I hadn't had breakfast.  How did it happen?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth hung her head.  She was thinking of her choleric spouse, and she
+had hard work forcing the tears back.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How did it happen, Beth?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why&mdash;it just happened.  That's all.  I'm dreadfully hungry, Harvey."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Suppose then, you eat a sandwich or so, now, and then we'll cook the
+fish and have lunch later."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey thought he could also eat a sandwich.  It ended by their eating
+three apiece.  Then he assisted her out of the boat, which he moored
+fast on shore.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Now for the fish, Beth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How are we going to cook them?  Have you any matches?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, and there's a frying-pan in my boat.  I always carry one, as I
+cook fish quite often.  Didn't I see some butter and salt in the lunch
+basket?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, and, Harvey, here's just the spot to build our fire.  This
+straight bank back of the beach will make a good chimney for the smoke
+to go up."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey looked at the spot a little critically.  Scrub palmettoes and
+grass overhung the bank above, which made him wonder if there was any
+danger of their catching fire.  A little breeze was springing up, but
+he decided that it was not strong enough to carry the sparks to the
+undergrowth above.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+So Beth gathered dry leaves and sticks of wood while Harvey cleaned the
+fish.  Then he applied a match to the bonfire, and it blazed up and
+crackled noisily.  He next placed the butter and fish in the frying-pan
+and set it on the fire.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At that moment, a little rabbit darted past the children, running up
+the bank towards the woods.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey started after it calling:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Come on, Beth.  Maybe it will lead us to some young rabbits."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But the fish."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"They don't need watching for awhile.  Hurry on."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was quite a climb up the bank for Beth, but she succeeded in
+following close after Harvey.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The rabbit, however, had quite a start of the children, and soon they
+acknowledged the uselessness of pursuit, and sat down on a log under a
+tree to rest.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey started to tell Beth of his experience in trying to tame rabbits.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes," he said, "I've had all kinds, from young ones that had to be fed
+milk out of a spoon to old ones that were so wild that they never could
+be tamed.  I never could raise the young ones.  If they didn't die a
+natural death, a cat or a dog or something would eat them up.  For a
+long time, I never wakened up mornings without finding a dead rabbit.
+I have rows and rows of rabbit graves over on our place.  You must come
+over and see&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He was interrupted by a bird that flew screeching from the tree under
+which they sat.  At the same instant a crackling sound caused them to
+spring to their feet in terror.  The woods around them were on fire.
+The breeze had grown stronger, and had carried the sparks upward to the
+palmettoes and pines, so full of oil.  Then it was but a question of
+seconds before the awful fire sped with lightning speed over the dry
+undergrowth.  Again, it swelled upwards on the scrub palmettoes, and
+with a flash leaped skywards to the taller trees as if demons were
+lifting the flames to the very heavens.  It was at this point that the
+children discovered their danger.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Only a person who has seen a fire in the open among shrubs and trees
+already parched for lack of water, and fanned by a wind each moment
+growing stronger, can realize with what rapidity the fire spread.  To
+Harvey and Beth, it seemed as if from the moment of discovery, the fire
+hemmed them in.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The air was sultry, notwithstanding the wind, and with the spread of
+the fire it grew more so.  The sky was marked with fantastic clouds
+which turned from gray to flaming red.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth gazed around her helplessly.  She felt as if there was no escape
+for them from a fiery death, which made her heartily repentant that she
+had come.  She silently prayed to God to deliver them, and vowed if she
+lived, never, never to do anything again without her mother's knowledge.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The awfulness of their surroundings and the enormity of his
+responsibility, came upon Harvey with overwhelming force.  He was too
+horrified for speech, and, for a few seconds, too stunned for action.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+On rushed the triumphant flames, blasting everything within range.  The
+hot breath from the fire recalled Harvey to the need of action.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, Beth, how can I get you out of this horrible place?  We are
+surrounded by fire."  Then, in a moment, he added, "I see a way out, if
+we run."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He caught her hand and half-dragged her through scorching shrubs,
+circling to the left.  Fortunately, they managed to reach a road
+skirting the woods without serious injury.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Here they saw excited men running towards the woods.  "It will burn our
+homes, our all," they heard one cry.  "Our one hope is to start counter
+fires," another cried.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At the word, to the horror of Beth who did not understand, the men set
+fire to the low palmettoes a short distance away where there was an
+open space.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It seemed wicked to her to set more trees on fire, especially when the
+men seemed so anxious about their homes burning.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Let's go," she sobbed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey held his head high.  "No, indeed, I won't go.  If their houses
+burn, it's my fault.  I have some money in the bank and I'll give them
+every cent of it.  They look like poor fishermen.  Oh, Beth, it's too
+terrible.  See how high the flames go."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Up, up, they leaped, growing higher and more fierce every moment.  The
+sparks flew inland.  If some change did not occur, no power under the
+sun could save the poor fishermen's homes.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The two poor, forlorn little culprits waited in the roadway and watched
+the progress of the awful flames.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The two fires looked like immense dragons that were rushing at each
+other in uncontrolled fury.  The sparks flew right and left, but the
+counter fire served its purpose somewhat in that part of the flames'
+force was spent upon the other.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The fires crackled and hissed, and to Harvey these were the voices of
+the dragons defying and mocking him.  To him they said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What can you do to stop us?  Nothing.  Yes, you may well tremble.  It
+was you, you alone, that set us monsters free and we will not be
+chained now that we are loose."  Upward the fire dragons flew, and even
+as they sank down somewhat, their mocking did not cease.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Counter fires may check us momentarily, but presently we will sweep
+upwards and devour the fishermen's huts in our fiery grasp.  It is
+awful to you, but to us it is fun, fun, fun, and we will not be
+stopped.  Look at us.  Look at us."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Again the flames leaped higher and higher.  Harvey covered his face
+with his hands.  He could not bear the sight another instant.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth would have comforted him if she had known how, but what could she
+say?  She, too, felt that nothing could stop the onward rush of the
+dragons.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+But the one opponent that had power over them suddenly descended to
+take part in the fray.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth clapped her hands in glee.  "It's raining, Harvey; it's raining."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The sun was still shining brightly, but, sure enough, one of those
+showers peculiar to tropical lands was descending, and the wind, too,
+abated somewhat.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Thank God," murmured Harvey.  "Beth, I'm going to speak to the men."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She grasped him by the arm.  "Oh, Harvey, they might arrest you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Nonsense, Beth; they don't know how the fire started, and if their
+houses don't burn, there's no use in telling.  You wait here for me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He was gone only a few minutes, and, when Beth caught sight of his
+radiant face, she knew the good news before he said a word.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, they say the houses won't burn.  We can go now."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They circled around the woods by the road, and, when they came to the
+river, walked down the beach to their boat which they found unharmed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The fish were burned to cinders.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We don't care, do we, Beth?  I couldn't eat them, anyway, after all
+the trouble they have caused us.  It was all their fault.  If they
+hadn't been so foolish as to be caught, there wouldn't have been any
+fire.  But I've built fires a hundred times before and never had
+anything like this to happen."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Trouble, it is said, never comes singly.  When they were once more back
+in the boat, Harvey found that he had both tide and wind against him,
+and the river had become very squally.  The St. Johns is one of the
+most treacherous rivers in the world.  It takes only a very short time
+for her waters to become white-capped.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey pulled manfully on the oars, but it was very hard for him to
+make any headway.  Beth finally asked if she could not help to row.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, keep perfectly still where you are," he answered in such a short
+manner that his little companion felt grieved.  She tried to let him
+know that she was hurt, by not saying another word, but he was too busy
+to mind.  By this time, he was worried.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Supposing anything happened to us," he thought to himself, "Beth's
+mother would never forgive me.  It was my fault that Beth came."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He never knew exactly how it happened.  Either the oar was defective,
+or else he pulled too hard on it as it struck a large wave; whichever
+it was, one of the oars snapped suddenly.  For a moment or so the boat
+rocked helplessly on the waves, and it was driven backwards towards the
+shore from which they had just come.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Harvey," asked Beth almost in a whisper, "are we going to be drowned?
+Can't I ever tell mamma how sorry, how very sorry, I am?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I won't let you drown, Beth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He spoke with more assurance than he really felt, but his manner
+comforted her.  He also proved that he was a born sailor.  First, he
+skilfully steered the boat with the remaining oar.  Next, he picked up
+from under one of the seats an old umbrella which chanced to be in the
+boat, and used it for a sail.  Thus they were quickly carried back to
+shore not far from the scene of the fire.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey once more helped Beth out, and made the boat fast.  His plans
+were already made.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, wait here for me.  I'm going to hire one of the men to take us
+back."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth had time, while he was gone, to consider all that had happened.
+More than ever, she felt that it had been very wrong for her to come
+without permission.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey presently returned with a man who carried a pair of oars.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He's going to row us across, Beth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is it safe?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The man smiled.  "You needn't fear.  I'm strong, and the squall has
+about blown over."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He helped the children in, and jumped into the boat himself as he
+pushed it from shore.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How are you ever going to get back yourself?" asked Beth, as the man
+took his place at the oars.  She was fearful that Harvey would have to
+row him back.  Otherwise, his return trip appeared to her as intricate
+as some of the puzzles she had heard about crossing streams.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm going to walk into town from your place.  I have some errands
+there, and will take the ferry back."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth quieted down and watched the man.  His rowing aroused her
+admiration.  She wished that some time she could prove as great an
+expert as he, and resolved to do her very best to imitate him.  She
+noted especially, the long swinging strokes that he took.  Crossing the
+river was little work for him, and the other side was reached in
+safety.  They drew up alongside the Davenport wharf.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey offered to go up to the house with Beth, and take the blame upon
+himself, but she thought that her mother would rather hear of the
+adventure from her.  So the three occupants of the boat parted company.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport had not yet returned when Beth reached the house, but
+came soon afterwards.  Beth immediately confessed to her every incident
+of the day.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"This has taught you a lesson, Beth, without mamma's saying anything,"
+Mrs. Davenport said, when the little penitent had finished.  "You know
+yourself it was very wrong to go without permission, and I do not think
+you will ever do such a thing again, will you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Never," answered Beth so earnestly that Mrs. Davenport had full faith
+in her promise.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap07"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER VII
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+Beth's New Playfellow
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Beth could not find Fritz high or low and she was worried about him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She ran out to the barn to ask January if he had seen anything of her
+pet.  She found the former inside the barn leaning up against a
+partition wall with his eyes shut and his mouth wide open.  He was fast
+asleep and looked very droll.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth could hardly keep from laughing, but she managed to say sternly:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"January, you ought to be working instead of sleeping."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He wakened with a start.  A look of conscious guilt overspread his face.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"My eyes were closed, Missy Beth; dat wuz all.  I jes' came in and sot
+down to comb my hair."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth shook her finger at him.  "You were snoring."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Wuz I?  Well, I'm powe'ful warm, Missy Beth.  Don't yo' tole on me,
+an' I'll swah nevah to do so agin."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth felt it her duty to lecture him a bit.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You ought to tell things when you do wrong.  I do.  January, have you
+seen Fritz?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Not since dis mornin', Missy Beth.  He wuz down by the river watchin'
+a great big 'gator."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She looked apprehensive.  "January, do 'gators ever eat dogs?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I've heard tell dey do sometimes."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What would I do if that 'gator has eaten my Fritz!"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Whereupon away she ran, as fast as her little legs could carry her, to
+the river, calling her beloved dog.  But no Fritz came bounding at her
+call.  In fact, he did not return even to supper, nor for breakfast the
+next morning.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The conviction grew with Beth that Harvey Baker's 'gator had eaten
+Fritz.  Her resentment rose against the boy and his pet, she even
+shedding some tears of anger and of grief.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Soon after breakfast, a red-eyed little girl started out to give Harvey
+Baker a piece of her mind.  She found him, as usual, on the wharf.  He
+was perfectly unconscious of the storm that was in store for him.  In
+fact, he was in the very act of feeding the 'gator.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Hello, Beth, don't make a noise.  I've just whistled for it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Her eyes snapped.  "I just guess I'll make all the noise I want to, so
+there; and I hope I'll scare the horrid old 'gator away," she
+concluded, bursting into tears.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey, in his surprise, dropped the meat which he held, and walked
+over to comfort her.  She, however, turned on him like a veritable
+little shrew.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Go away, Harvey Baker.  I hate both you and your 'gator.  That's what
+makes me cry."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He could not fathom her meaning.  He thought, perhaps, she was cross
+because of the affair of yesterday.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Was your mamma very angry?  Stop crying and I'll go with you and tell
+her it's&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's not that.  Your 'gator&mdash;&mdash;"  She could not finish because of
+sobs.  Harvey waited for her tears to subside, but at last grew
+desperate.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Can't you tell me what's the matter, Beth?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Your horrid old 'gator&mdash;it&mdash;has eaten&mdash;my Fritz."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't believe it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"My dog's gone and&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm very sorry, Beth, that Fritz is gone; but I don't believe the
+'gator ate him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, you're not sorry.  You were just going to feed that horrid beast,
+and after it had eaten my Fritz, too."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I didn't know about Fritz; but please don't blame me, Beth, even if
+the 'gator did eat him."  He tried to take her hand, but she pulled it
+away.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I want my dog," she said angrily.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"O Beth, only like me again, and I'll promise never to feed the 'gator
+as long as I live."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She was too grieved over the loss of Fritz to accept any such promise.
+Harvey would have searched with her for Fritz, but she was so hurt that
+she wished to be alone.  In fact, she was very cool towards him for
+many a day thereafter.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A week passed; then two, and nothing was heard of Fritz.  The feeling
+grew with Beth that the 'gator really had made way with her pet.  She
+grieved more and more as time passed and nothing was heard of her dog.
+At first, she was inclined to be very bitter towards Harvey, but she
+could not hold a grudge long against any one.  Then, as she
+acknowledged, she was not sure the 'gator had eaten Fritz.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+One day, about three weeks after the loss of Fritz, Harvey walked into
+the Davenports' house, leading a handsome, big black dog.  The minute
+that the dog saw Beth, he bounded away from Harvey, and up to her.  He
+licked her hand, and was altogether so affectionate that he won her
+heart immediately.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, what a beautiful fellow.  Where did you get him?  Is he yours,
+Harvey?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The boy's eyes were very bright as he answered:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, I guess so.  I'll tell you how I happened to get him, and then
+you can judge for yourself.  I was in town day before yesterday, and,
+while walking along Bay Street, I felt something licking my hand.  I
+looked around, and saw this dog.  I had several errands that morning
+and the dog followed me every place.  I simply couldn't get rid of him.
+Then I made inquiries to find out who owned him.  For a long time
+nobody seemed to know anything about him.  Finally I met a man down by
+the market who said he had seen him come off a Spanish vessel that was
+in port that morning.  I asked the man where the vessel was, and he
+said it had sailed.  Then I asked him what I ought to do about the dog,
+and he replied that he supposed I might as well keep him.  After that,
+I went to father and told him about the dog and asked what I should do.
+He said he would advertise it, and then if nobody answered, I might do
+what I liked with him.  We have heard nothing so far of an owner, so it
+begins to look as if the dog was mine."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why haven't you told me before?  You have had it two whole days."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, Beth, I didn't want you to know about it until I was sure he was
+mine.  Besides, I'm going to give him away."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth's eyes opened wide with astonishment.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Going to give this lovely dog away!  Don't you like him?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, but I like the person I'm going to give him to better."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You must be awfully fond of that person, then."  Beth was ashamed to
+think that she was a little jealous and tried not to show it by her
+manner.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I am.  Guess to whom I am going to give him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I can't."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"To the only nice girl I know, and her name is Beth Davenport."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Not me?"  Her eyes had grown very big.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, you&mdash;really."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth could not believe it for a while.  When she did realize that
+Harvey was truly in earnest, she gave one long gasp of delight.  Then
+she surprised both herself and Harvey by throwing her arms around his
+neck and kissing him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey, boylike, was a little embarrassed, but he did not object,
+however.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Harvey, you're the nicest boy living.  I don't know how to thank you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He looked very much pleased.  "Do you really like him, Beth?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Like him!&mdash;&mdash;"  She could not think of words strong enough to tell how
+much she liked him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is he as nice as Fritz?  Do you forgive me now?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She immediately felt guilty, for it was a fact that she had not been
+friendly towards Harvey since the disappearance of Fritz.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He's a thousand times nicer, but perhaps you're just giving him to me
+because you think you ought to.  Maybe the 'gator didn't eat Fritz
+after all."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm not giving him to you because of Fritz.  You may keep Don even if
+Fritz comes back."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is Don his name?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I call him Don because he came off a Spanish vessel, and he seems to
+like the name, but you can call him anything you wish."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's a pretty name, and I shall call him Don.  Shan't I, Don?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The dog looked up at her with his intelligent eyes to see what his new
+mistress wished.  She threw her arms about his neck and kissed him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don, I love you, I love you.  You're my dog now.  Harvey has given you
+to me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey felt a little jealous to see lavished on a dog caresses, such as
+had been given to him only once.  He tried to distract Beth's attention.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Say, Beth, you just ought to see him in the water.  He loves the
+water."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Does he?  Let's go down to the river."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+This was just what Harvey wished, and therefore he readily consented.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The two started ahead.  Don followed majestically.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport saw them from the window, and stopped them.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Where are you going, Beth?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Down to the river with Harvey, mamma.  Just see what he gave me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth led Don up to the window where her mother was.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, you nice dog, you.  He is a beauty.  Where did you get him,
+Harvey?  He must be a very valuable dog."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Thereupon the history of Don's discovery was repeated to Mrs. Davenport.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Harvey ought to keep him himself," she declared.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But I wish Beth to have him, Mrs. Davenport.  Father said I might do
+what I wished with Don, and when I told mother I was going to give him
+to Beth, she thought it a very nice idea."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You are very generous, Harvey, and both Beth and I appreciate your
+present.  I love dogs almost as much as Beth does, but I don't know how
+we can repay you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mother says that you more than repay me by letting Beth play with me.
+You know I haven't any sisters."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, you and Beth must be careful not to get into mischief.  She may
+play by the water this morning, but I don't care to have her go rowing.
+The river is too rough to-day."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We won't go rowing, mamma."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Thereupon they hurried with Don down to the river.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The wind was quite high, which made the water choppy.  The waves were
+white-capped in many places.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Now, Beth, you just watch and see Don perform."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey held in his hand a good-sized stick, which he threw as far as
+possible out into the water.
+</P>
+
+<H3>
+[Illustration: Harvey.  (Illustration missing from book)]
+</H3>
+
+<P>
+Away bounded Don after it.  He easily breasted the waves, and returned
+in triumph with the stick.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He did this time and again, much to Beth's delight.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Say, Beth, let's try him from the end of the wharf.  I wonder if he
+would dare jump in from there."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't like to try.  He might drown."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey laughed the idea to scorn, and took a stick out to the end of
+the wharf.  Beth and Don accompanied him.  Don seemed anxious to have
+the stick thrown, for he watched it with glistening eyes.  Harvey threw
+it.  Don immediately jumped after it, and succeeded in swimming to
+shore with it.  By this time, he was probably tired, for he did not
+return to the children, but lay down on the bank for a rest.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The boat had been left outside the boat house, tied to a stake of the
+wharf.  Harvey eyed it longingly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I wish we could go rowing, Beth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"So do I, but mamma said I couldn't.  You wouldn't have me disobey her,
+would you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Nobody has asked you to, has there?  Say, Beth, she never said for you
+not to sit in the boat, did she?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, but&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"She said you couldn't row.  Now, sitting in a boat that's tied isn't
+rowing, is it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, but&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, come on, Beth.  It's perfectly safe when it's tied."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She hesitated.  Harvey was too much of a diplomat not to press his
+advantage.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Now, Beth, I think you might.  I wouldn't ask you to do anything your
+mamma didn't like.  She won't mind, I know."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Still Beth was undecided.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And, Beth, you ought to want to please me after I gave you Don."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+This argument appealed to her.  She wished to show her appreciation.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"All right, if you really think mamma wouldn't mind."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey did not answer.  He jumped down into the boat, and then helped
+Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Say, Beth, we'll play we're pirates.  We're out in a storm, but we are
+pursuing that boat there."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What boat?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, that one there.  Don't you see that stick of wood?  It carries
+chests of gold which we are after.  Now sit down and we'll start the
+chase."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The younger pirate thereupon seated herself in the stern of the craft
+while its gallant commander took charge on the middle deck.  He swayed
+from side to side.  The boat rocked in a perilous manner.  Sometimes
+the water even dashed over the pirates.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Isn't it kind of dangerous, Harvey?" suggested the younger pirate.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"My name isn't Harvey.  I'm Captain Kidd, and you must never speak to
+me without saluting,&mdash;so."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+His self-importance caused him to move around more lively than ever,
+while the boat shipped water afresh.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But isn't it dangerous, Har&mdash;, Captain Kidd?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The captain again looked very self-important.  "Pirates never think of
+danger.  See how near we are to the English brig.  Ha, ha, mate, the
+gold is ours.  Steady now, mate, she's coming your way.  When we are
+once alongside of her, you make a dive for her, and pinion her until I
+can rush to your assistance.  Steady now."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Nearer and nearer floated the English boat, unconscious of danger.
+Perhaps the nature of the pirate craft was unsuspected.  It floated no
+black flag.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The younger pirate grew excited over the nearness of the prize.  She
+arose to her feet.  Surely, it was within grasp now.  Just as she was
+about to reach out for it, however, a wave took the English boat and
+started to carry it out of reach.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+This made the younger pirate desperate.  She leaned far out over the
+water.  Suddenly, the commander cried out in fear:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, don't try.  It's too far away."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+His warning came too late.  The younger pirate had already reached out
+for the English boat.  A wave at that moment struck the pirate craft,
+and swayed it to one side.  Over went the younger pirate into the water.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Fortunately, Beth got only a wetting.  Before she was really in the
+water, Harvey had her by the dress.  For a second or two, it seemed as
+if the boat would upset.  But presently a wet, unhappy little girl
+stood shivering beside Harvey.  Her teeth chattered from fright more
+than from cold.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What'll mamma say?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'll tell her it was all my fault."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"How good you are," and Beth edged up nearer to him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Stop dripping water all over me and come on."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They hurried towards the house, and circled around to the back entrance
+to escape Beth's mother.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The washerwoman, at the tubs on the kitchen porch, and Maggie were the
+only ones to see poor Beth.  Maggie raised her arms skyward.  "Laws a
+massa"&mdash;then she broke into hearty laughter.  "I 'lows, Penny,"&mdash;the
+name of the washerwoman,&mdash;"hyere's moh washin' fur yo'.  How yo' 'specs
+it'd be if we'd jes' run chile an' all frugh de wringer?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth was too humiliated to say a word, and rushed up-stairs the back
+way.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+When the affair was reported to Mrs. Davenport, she considered the
+situation well before seeing her little daughter.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth was getting to be a terrible tomboy, she thought, but she was
+growing strong physically with the outdoor life.  And even while she
+did sometimes fall into danger, the same thing often occurred when
+mothers watched a child's every breath.  Mrs. Davenport decided that
+the wiser way was to educate a child to be self-reliant and fearless,
+trusting to God's guardianship and protection.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She knew that in the years to come, Beth would learn the gentler
+graces, for she had a kindly heart; so, instead of punishing Beth, Mrs.
+Davenport had a long talk with her that did Beth a world of good.  In
+fact, her mother's gentleness was an inspiration to right living all
+through her life.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap08"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER VIII
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+Learning to Swim
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Marian, Julia, Beth, Harvey, and Don were in bathing.  The deep water
+enclosed by the walk and piling surrounding the boat house made a safe
+bathing place for them,&mdash;safe at least from the alligators, though the
+water was deep.  Harvey and Don were the only ones in the party who
+knew how to swim.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The other children struggled hard to learn.  Harvey was a very willing
+teacher, but did not know exactly how to impart his knowledge.  He said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, it's very easy.  See, you just have to start out like this, and
+there you are."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Thereupon, they started out as directed, but, alas, they were not there
+as he said.  Their feet grew unaccountably light so that their heads
+disappeared under the water.  However, they enjoyed even the ducking.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Don reveled in the water frolic as much, if not more, than any of them.
+He was ever ready to do the children's bidding, and ever kept a
+watchful eye on his charges.  Beth, however, was his especial care.  He
+seemed to feel an ownership for her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Don, too, tried to encourage the children in their efforts to swim.  He
+plunged out into deep water, and then looked persuasively back at the
+children nearer shore, as if to say:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Follow me.  It's really very easy."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth as usual proved the venturesome one, and started out after Don.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport, who was sitting on the wharf doing some fancy work and
+at the same time watching the children, called:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, do be careful or you'll get into trouble."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, mamma, I am careful."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport again became absorbed in her work.  Suddenly, she was
+startled by screams from the children.  Above the other voices she
+heard Marian calling:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don, Don, save her."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Poor Mrs. Davenport sprang to her feet in a frenzy of terror.  It was
+as she expected.  She saw her beloved Beth sinking.  She was so
+horrified that for a second or two she could not cry out.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey was near Beth, but made no effort to rescue her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Harvey, Harvey," screamed Mrs. Davenport, "save her."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+But even as she cried another was swimming to the rescue, and this was
+faithful Don.  He had no idea of letting his beloved little mistress
+drown.  He grabbed her by her bathing suit and swam towards the shore
+with her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, Mrs. Davenport, we didn't think you'd be frightened.  It's only
+play," called Harvey.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+How proud the delighted dog was.  He thought he had really saved Beth's
+life.  He did not know that she was just pretending for the fun of
+having him come to her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Day after day, the children struggled to learn to swim, but with rather
+poor success.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At last, they thought of trying light logs to keep them up.  This
+proved quite successful.  They placed the log across their chests, and
+under their armpits, and then made their hands and feet go.  This was
+quite like swimming.  After a time they tried it even in the deep water
+inside the boat house.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+One day Beth ran down ahead of the others.  Don, for a wonder, was not
+with her that morning.  She thought she would have some fun all by
+herself.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Her log was in the boat house.  She fearlessly jumped into deep water
+with it, but somehow, she got beyond the range of the walk.  In trying
+to paddle back to it, her log slipped away from her.  Then she grew
+very much frightened.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was a case of swim or sink.  Terrified as she was, she had presence
+of mind to keep her hands and feet going.  To her surprise, she did not
+sink.  She had only a little ways to go and made it without very much
+effort.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+When the other children came, she was all excitement.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Just see.  I can swim, I can swim."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth hastened to show off her wonderful accomplishment.  She was
+disgusted when Harvey laughed at her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, Beth, you swim in regular dog fashion.  You claw the water just
+like Don.  You ought to go like this."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She tried striking out with her arms as he bid, but could not swim that
+way.  Whereupon, she declared:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I like swimming dog fashion best."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+One evening Mr. Davenport came home and said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mary, how would you like to go down to the seashore for a week?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And take us?" exclaimed Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Davenport was in a teasing mood.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I will take Marian because she has been good, but as to you, I must
+find out first from mamma if any bad girl has been around here lately.
+We can't take bad girls with us."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth held her breath for her mother's answer.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, James, for a wonder we have had an unusually good girl here for
+the past week.  If we go, she may go too."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth danced a jig in the intensity of her joy.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Where are we going, papa?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Down to Fort George Island, which is at the mouth of the St. Johns.
+We will leave to-morrow morning.  Can you be ready by that time, Mary?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I guess so."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport was accustomed to her husband's desire to start at a
+moment's notice.  He had made a like suggestion many times before.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At Beth's earnest solicitation, she was allowed to take Don with her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The next morning, when they boarded the boat for Fort George's, Beth
+was very much surprised to behold Julia.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, Julia, how nice of you to come down to see us off, but how did
+you know we were going?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I didn't come to see you off; I'm going to Fort George, too.  Your
+papa was over last night and persuaded papa and mamma to go."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh goody, goody, goody."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Julia and Beth took possession of the boat from the first moment.  They
+inspected it from one end to the other.  They made friends with the
+captain and those under him.  They went up even to the pilot house and
+helped run the boat, or, at least, they thought they were helping.  The
+morning proved a very happy one for them.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The trip delighted their parents also.  They were content to sit still
+and watch the St. Johns as it curved and widened on its course to the
+ocean.  There is hardly a more picturesque river in America.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+As they neared the sea, its briny odor was wafted to them by the
+breeze.  Great sand dunes rose on both sides of the river.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Upon reaching Fort George, the Davenport party drove in the 'bus to the
+hotel, over the hardest of shell roads.  Magnificent palms lined the
+way on both sides.  All the foliage, in fact, was extremely luxuriant.
+The island was more tropical than anything that the Davenports had
+seen, so far, in Florida.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A gentleman in the 'bus proffered the information to Mr. Davenport that
+the island had once been visited by Talleyrand.  He said it had been
+owned by French grandees who carried on an extensive slave trade from
+the island.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+When questioned about the mounds of shells that are so numerous at Fort
+George, the gentleman explained that for many centuries the Indians had
+congregated on the island in oyster season, and held high festivals.
+They probably feasted on oysters and corn, and these mounds were the
+result.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The week that followed was one of almost unalloyed bliss to Julia and
+Beth.  They got into very little mischief, although they simply lived
+out of doors, and up in the trees.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Each morning, a number of the people from the hotel went in surf
+bathing.  Beth was always one of the party.  Mrs. Davenport did not
+care to go in, but she generally sat on the beach and watched the
+bathers.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Since Beth had learned how to swim, she caused her mother much anxiety.
+She was very venturesome, and would often swim far out beyond her depth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Don did not enjoy salt water as much as he did fresh, and therefore he
+often rested beside Mrs. Davenport.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+One morning only children went in bathing.  All the men were away
+fishing, and the women did not care for the sport.  Mrs. Davenport was
+unusually anxious, and she warned Beth to stay near shore with the
+other children.  Beth obeyed pretty well at first, but before she knew
+it she was out where the water was over her head.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, it's time to come in," called her mother.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth raised her head and spurted out some water.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, mamma, I'm coming."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, you're not.  You're going out," and Mrs. Davenport sprang to her
+feet in sudden terror.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, mamma, I'm swimming as hard as ever I can."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+In fact, Beth was trying her very best to reach shore, but
+notwithstanding her desperate efforts, she was slowly but surely
+drifting out to sea.  One of those treacherous undertows that abound on
+the Florida coast had her in its deadly power.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mark Charlesworth, one of the boys, rushed to the side of Beth's mother.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, Mrs. Davenport, she'll surely drown unless some one saves her.  A
+boy was drowned just that way last winter."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport was almost frenzied.  She could not swim and she knew
+that personally she could not rescue her child.  She looked in vain for
+assistance.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The other children had come from the water, and rushed frantically up
+and down the beach wringing their hands in terror.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth realized that her position was critical, and she struck out with
+such desperate energy that soon she felt her strength failing her.
+Terror seized upon her so that she feared she could not keep up another
+instant.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma," she screamed, "I'm sinking."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport's heart grew leaden.  Was there no hope for her child?
+Must she stand helpless and see her drown?  No, no, there must be some
+way of saving her.  She would not despair.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dearie, don't give out," she cried; "mamma will save you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The words strengthened Beth to strive anew.  At this instant, Mrs.
+Davenport's eye rested upon Don lying fast asleep in the shade.  Her
+heart seemed to jump into her mouth in the intensity of a new hope.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don, Don, go to Beth," she cried.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+But Don would not heed.  He did not realize the danger.  He was tired
+and wished to sleep.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, call Don."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth who was drifting farther and farther away heard, and yelled:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don, Don."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The dog immediately pricked up his ears.  Then he jumped to his feet.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don, Don."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At that second appeal, he bounded into the water.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport felt like falling on her knees in thanksgiving.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dearie, don't give up.  Don's coming."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth heard and her strength revived sufficiently for her to struggle
+afresh against that terrible undertow.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The big waves swirled around Don who swam directly towards Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport's heart almost stood still while her anxious eyes kept
+watch on her struggling child and the noble dog.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Thank God, the eddy has Don too in its wake and is helping him on to
+my child.  Beth's strength again seems to be failing.  Will she be able
+to hold out?  On, Don, on.  Supposing he cannot make it.  Supposing the
+child sinks before he reaches her?"  These seconds of watching seemed
+an eternity to the frantic mother.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Thank God, he is almost within reach of her.  Bravo, Don, bravo.  He
+has Beth fast by the bathing suit.  Brave, brave dog.  Now he has
+headed towards shore.  Will he ever be able to make it with that awful
+undertow to work against besides the extra precious burden he carries?
+How heroically he struggles.  Oh, noble, noble Don, you will save her
+yet, and keep a mother's heart from breaking.  Yes, he is slowly but
+surely making headway against the eddying waters.  Now, now, his feet
+surely touch bottom.  Yes, and Beth knows it and struggles to her feet.
+Thank God, she is still conscious."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Though Beth was very much frightened, she was in no way harmed by her
+watery experience, and rushed straight to her mother's open arms, both
+unmindful of the wetting Mrs. Davenport received.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Don pricked up his ears, and wagged his tail from side to side.  He
+could not understand why they did not notice him immediately as they
+had done before when he rescued Beth.  Really, it was enough to ruffle
+the patience of any dog.  He barked to attract attention.  Thereupon,
+Mrs. Davenport turned to him, and patted him while tears trickled down
+her cheeks.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, Don, we know what a very noble fellow you are, and love you with
+all our hearts.  We'll never forget what you've done."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth said nothing, but patted Don who expressed his appreciation as
+best he could by licking Beth's hands and face.  If he could have
+talked, he would have said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Little mistress, I'm so glad I could show my love for you.  I do
+dearly love you all, and am thankful that I saved you.  Life with you
+is better than it was at sea.  I will always be faithful to you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+This narrow escape of Beth's made Mrs. Davenport wish to return home.
+She said she would not stay with the children where the water was
+treacherous.  The following day, therefore, they all returned to
+Jacksonville.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap09"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER IX
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+The Little Dressmaker
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+It must not be imagined that Beth always romped.  Although she was a
+tomboy, she was a very industrious little girl.  She did not go to
+school the first year she was in Florida, and on rainy days she learned
+how to sew.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Davenport started a bank in Jacksonville, and soon after was
+elected president of the State's fair.  He was a liberal-minded
+citizen, and therefore accepted the position, wishing to advance the
+standard of Florida exhibits.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth became interested in the undertaking.  She asked to enter the
+lists herself and compete for prizes.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Davenport thought it an excellent idea that children should be
+encouraged to exhibit, and therefore offered prizes for juvenile
+displays.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth decided to make a dress all by herself.  Her mother suggested that
+she was rather young for such a big undertaking, and that, perhaps, she
+had better first dress a doll, but Beth would not listen to such a
+thing.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport, therefore, bought the material and a pattern, and gave
+them to Beth.  She offered to cut out the dress, but Beth thought that
+this would not be honorable nor fair.  She must do it all by herself.
+Mrs. Davenport admired the spirit, and encouraged it in her, although
+she feared she might make a failure.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth, however, had one great quality of success,&mdash;perseverance.  She
+would never give up anything in which she was interested, until she had
+succeeded.  For the next three days, she could not be enticed from her
+work.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, please, come with me," begged Harvey, who came quite regularly
+to persuade her from her undertaking.  But she was deaf to all
+persuasion.  Julia had no better success, and it ended by Beth
+infecting Julia with the sewing fever.  Julia brought material for a
+dress over to the Davenports' and went to work on it.  She sewed
+faithfully for an hour or two, and then jumped up in disgust.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, botheration, Beth; I can't get the horrid thing right, and I'm not
+going to try."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Let me help you, Julia.  Maybe we'll get prizes."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, bother prizes.  Let's quit."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, I'm going to finish this dress.  Please stay and sew with me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"If I do, what will you do for me?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Anything you want me to."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"All right then, I'll stay, but when you've finished, you have to go up
+in a tree with me and spend the night.  We'll be like the captive
+princess."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They had just finished a fairy tale of a princess confined in a tower
+which she never left during many years.  The tower was well provisioned
+so that she did not starve.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It'll be great fun," continued Julia.  "We'll take plenty of food up
+with us.  I'm so glad you promised to go."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"May I tell mamma about it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Then I won't go.  I know mamma wouldn't like it, Julia, and it's wrong
+to worry her."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And it's downright wicked to break one's word.  You aren't going to be
+wicked, are you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth looked worried.  "Please don't ask me to play princess, Julia."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But you just have to, Beth; that's all there is about it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+This was Julia's ultimatum.  She persisted in remaining with Beth until
+the dress was finished, although, she, herself, did comparatively
+little sewing.  She even stayed nights at the Davenports for fear Beth
+would betray her secret.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth worked so steadily that Mrs. Davenport feared that she would make
+herself sick, and was glad when finally Beth jumped up and said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"There, mamma, it's finished.  Buttonholes and all.  I guess it's all
+right, isn't it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The dress was very creditably made for so young a girl.  Mrs. Davenport
+was justly proud of it and of Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mrs. Davenport," began Julia, "can't Beth stay all night with me?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, I'll be glad to have her out of doors.  Run along, Beth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth, however, held back.  "I'd rather stay with you, mamma."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, child, what is the matter?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, she's just tired from this everlasting sewing, Mrs. Davenport;"
+and then Julia whispered to Beth, "You're not going to be wicked and
+break your word, are you?  I'll never speak to you again if you don't
+come."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Thus pressed, Beth reluctantly kissed her mother and departed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We'll go over to my house, and get enough food for supper and
+breakfast."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Away they hurried to the Gordons.  Julia robbed the larder to quite an
+extent.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma, I'm going back to Beth's.  You don't mind, do you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Thereupon, avoiding observation, they ran back to Beth's.  They
+selected a grand water oak with immense spreading branches that would
+effectually screen them from view.  Besides, it was quite a ways from
+the house, which suited Julia's purpose.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Julia, carrying the provisions, scrambled up into the tree as nimbly as
+a squirrel, crying:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Isn't this the grandest fortress you ever did see?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth was too busy climbing to answer.  She was a natural born climber,
+but she lacked practice.  Besides, her plumpness would prevent her from
+ever being quite as agile as Julia.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"This will be my bedroom.  See, I do not have to build any bed.  These
+branches and leaves make a perfect resting-place," declared Julia.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, but suppose you fell asleep and rolled out.  You'd break your
+neck."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't roll out of bed at home, and I'm not going to here."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But I do, and I don't want to break my neck.  I guess I'll stay awake
+all night, but I'll lie down."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+As Beth spoke, she lay back on some inviting looking branches.  Their
+appearance, however, proved deceitful.  They were not as strong as they
+looked, and she came very near having the tumble that she dreaded.
+Luckily, however, she caught on to a strong branch, and with Julia's
+assistance was soon in comparative safety.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I guess I'd better sit up all the time."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I reckon you'll do nothing of the sort.  I'll tell you what: You may
+have my bedroom, and I'll find another higher up."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Although Beth was still trembling from the narrowness of her escape,
+she did not wish to take advantage of Julia's generosity, but the
+latter insisted.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Thus persuaded, Beth, cautiously this time, tried reclining on the
+branches.  She found that they really made a delightful bed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It is beautiful, Julia.  Why, I don't believe I should be afraid to
+sleep here.  These limbs would keep me from falling."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And here is another bed just as good.  You see I'm right across the
+hall from you.  I didn't have to go to the next floor as I feared at
+first.  It's nicer being near each other, isn't it, Beth?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, much nicer, but wouldn't you rather have this room, Julia?  It is
+so lovely."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, it isn't.  Mine is best.  I can look way up to the sky."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, that isn't nice at all.  I wouldn't sleep in a room without a
+roof.  Mine has a roof painted green."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't care, mine's nicer."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, it isn't.  Mine is."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Whereupon they had a fuss, such as all children sometimes have.  They
+declared that "they didn't like each other," and that one was "hateful"
+and the other "too mean to live," and that "they'd never speak again."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+In a minute or two after, they were talking as lively as two young
+magpies.  They had figuratively kissed and made up.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Now," said Julia, "I'm going to draw the portcullis so we can never go
+down unless some one comes to release us."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't care to stay here always."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We're only playing, goosie, but you have to stay until morning because
+you promised."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+After that one thrust, Julia relented and tried to be as nice as she
+possibly could, and Beth had such a good time that her conscience
+stopped troubling her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The minutes passed so quickly that they both were surprised to see how
+low the sun was.  The captive ladies decided it was time to eat supper,
+so they divided supplies, using their laps as tables.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth, the unfortunate, had not taken a mouthful when a great pinching
+bug dropped on her head.  She jumped to her feet screaming, and her
+supper was all scattered to the ground.  She decided to go after it.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Where are you going, Beth?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"After my supper."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But the portcullis is drawn."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm going to have my supper, portcullis or no portcullis."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Already it was growing so dark that objects were becoming
+indistinguishable.  Suddenly Beth uttered a cry.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What's the matter?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I,&mdash;I thought it was a bear.  It's only Don, however, and he's eaten
+up all my supper, the mean thing, and now he's run away."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Never mind, Beth.  You can have half of mine."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They ate their scanty meal in silence.  It was growing so dark that
+immediately after supper they went to bed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Neither of the children felt comfortable, but neither would own it.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Isn't this heaps of fun, Beth?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, heaps, Julia."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Then each of them let a great sigh escape.  Silence prevailed for
+awhile.  All the world seemed asleep.  Such stillness was terrifying to
+the children.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Are you asleep, Julia?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, but I thought you were."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Again they were quiet until it had grown pitch dark.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I can't sleep."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Neither can I, but it's fun, isn't it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's a sperience, Julia."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Again two great sighs, and then quiet once more.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Suddenly, there was a hoot right above them.  Julia and Beth both gave
+such a start that they almost tumbled out of the tree.  Then two scared
+whispers were heard:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What was that?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't know."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Another hoot.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I wish we were together, Julia."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"So do I.  Say, Beth, I believe there's room for you here with me.
+Let's try it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm afraid to come."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don't be a 'fraid cat."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm not, only&mdash;&mdash;"  For the third time that melancholy hoot above them.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Julia, come to me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I won't do it.  I spoke first  You come here."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Solitude was so terrifying that Beth risked the trip across for
+companionship.  Fortunately, the hoot did not occur during her trip to
+Julia, or she would probably have landed on the ground.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The space proved rather narrow, and rather perilous for two, but Beth
+and Julia snuggled together very close.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Soon the hooting began again, and continued at regular intervals.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I believe it's a hoot-owl."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"So it is."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Although they knew it was only an owl, the melancholy cry was neither
+conducive to sleep nor to high spirits.  The children found it
+decidedly depressing.  They talked awhile in whispers.  The sound of
+one's own voice even is startling in such a situation.  Very often they
+sighed, and sometimes there was a pensive quietness broken only by the
+hoot-owl.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What time do you s'pose it is, Julia?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I think it must be twelve at least.  They're not coming for us
+to-night.  They've forgotten us."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Their parents had not forgotten them, but when meal-time came and they
+did not appear, the Davenports supposed they were over at the Gordons',
+and the Gordons thought they were at the Davenports'.  The children
+often stayed for meals without asking, and so neither family worried.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+About half-past eight the Gordons decided to go and bring Julia home.
+When they walked in at the Davenports, the first question asked them
+was:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why did you not bring the children with you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The children?  Why, they are here, are they not?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Anxiety immediately possessed every one present.  Mrs. Davenport's
+first thought was of the river, and her heart became leaden.  She gave
+voice to her fear.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Nonsense," answered Mr. Davenport decidedly, although he himself was
+not so sure as he seemed; "they are not drowned."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+With lanterns to aid them, a search was begun through the grounds.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Two scared little girls presently saw lights flitting like fireflies
+below them.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Perhaps it's burglars."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Or&mdash;or the Prince to rescue us."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't want any Prince; Julia.  I want my mamma.  I'm tired of being
+a Princess.  I want to go home.  Let's call."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But what if they are burglars."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Burglars don't carry lights, do they?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Then they heard voices calling:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Julia, Beth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Here we are, papa.  Here, up in this big tree."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+This answer brought relief to many hearts.  Even Julia was not sorry to
+descend again to earth, and be once more an ordinary girl.  Romance is
+not always as pleasant as being practical.  Let children who are
+inclined to run away from home, remember this.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap10"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER X
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+The Horse Race
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+"I'm going to double the recipe, Maggie."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Law, honey, yo' hadn't best.  I 'lows it's more partickiler to get
+good dat way."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I can't help it.  I want plenty of it so the judges can all have a
+taste.  They'll be sure to give me a prize."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth had on an apron in which she was almost lost.  In her hand, she
+held an open cook book from which she read:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"'The whites of five eggs.'  Twice five is ten.  Give me ten eggs,
+Maggie."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The good-natured Maggie counted out the desired number.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'll break dem for yo', honey."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, Maggie, I must do it every bit myself or it wouldn't be fair.  Oh,
+dear me.  The yolk has got into this one so it's no good.  Another egg,
+please, Maggie."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+All ten of the whites were finally in one dish.  Beth tried to beat
+them and spattered them not only over herself but over the pantry floor.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Whites of eggs are very slippery, Maggie."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I wouldn't beat more'n half at a time, honey."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth accepted the suggestion and succeeded in getting a good stiff
+froth from the eggs.  Next, she measured out the other ingredients.
+She tried to be careful, but somehow she spilled flour not only over
+the pantry floor but also over herself.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, you are a powdered beauty," called a boyish voice from the open
+pantry door.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, Harvey, where did you come from?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, I came to see you, and your mother told me I'd find you here.
+What are you making?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Wait until I put this pan in the oven, and I'll tell you all about it.
+Maggie," added Beth to the cook, "you're not to peep at my cake even.
+Promise me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Law, honey, I won't even go into the kitchen if yo' don't want me to.
+I'll stay here in de pantry until yo' calls me, but I fear you'll
+forget it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, indeed, I won't."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The precious cake was consigned to the oven, and then Beth joined
+Harvey on the piazza.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I've made an angel's cake, Harvey, and I'm going to get a prize for
+it.  Mamma says the only way to learn to cook is just to cook."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+All this time, Harvey had been holding one hand behind him.  Beth now
+noticed that he was hiding something.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What have you there?" she asked.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey looked bashful.  "Well, ever since I came so near burning you
+up, I've been saving my money to buy you a present, and here it is."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth drew in her breath at sight of a beautiful dog collar.  "Oh, it's
+for Don, and what's this mark on it?  'Don.  Owned by Beth Davenport.'
+Oh, it's too lovely for anything.  Where is Don?  I must try it on him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The prize cake was all forgotten.  Away she and Harvey scampered.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Don was out near the stable.  The collar fitted him exactly, and the
+children talked and admired it for some time.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Suddenly Beth gasped, "Oh, my cake," and ran as fast as she could back
+to the kitchen.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Upon opening the oven, an avalanche of smoke came forth.  The cake was
+burned to charcoal.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The heart-broken little cook sat down on the floor and cried bitterly.
+Maggie stuck her head through the pantry window.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"For de law's sake&mdash;dat beau'ful cake.  I knew I jes' ought to have
+'tended it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Maggie, Maggie, why didn't you tell me it was time to look at it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sure, honey, didn't yo' tol' me I must have nuffin to do with it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, but&mdash;&mdash;" the sentence ended in sobs.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Never mind, Beth," said Harvey; "Maggie will make you another, won't
+you, Maggie?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't want her to make me another.  I was going to take a prize with
+this one, and the judges won't give prizes for burnt cake, boo-hoo."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Suddenly Beth resolved not to cry over spilt milk.  She jumped to her
+feet.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Harvey, run away.  I'm going to make another cake, and I won't let it
+burn.  I'll get the prize yet."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey reluctantly departed.  Beth immediately went to work and made
+another.  When once it was in the oven, she watched it so carefully
+that Maggie feared it would be spoiled by overzeal.  For a wonder, it
+was a great success.  A professional cook could not have made a
+better-looking cake.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+By this time, it was growing so late that Beth did not wait to make
+frosting.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She took her dress and cake over to the Fair building, which was about
+a quarter of a mile from her home.  She was in plenty of time to make
+her entries.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Dollie was grazing in the pasture when Beth returned.  This reminded
+her of her great desire to ride Dollie, so she called the horse to her,
+and she came running at the call.  Dollie was always sure of sugar from
+Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth put her hand up against the horse and whispered:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I wish I might ride you, Dollie.  I know I could.  I'll go and ask
+mamma if I may."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Away ran Beth to her mother.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma, may I ride Dollie this morning?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, dear, I'm going to use Dollie myself.  I'm going to get Mrs.
+Corner, who is to spend the day with me.  We are going to the races
+this afternoon."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Won't you bring Laura back, too?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"She probably can't come.  She goes to school, you know."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma, will you let me ride Dollie sometime?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, dear, sometime, but don't tease now."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth took this as a decided promise.  She told Maggie, January, Harvey,
+and Julia that she was to ride Dollie; that her mamma had said so.  She
+did nothing but talk about the matter the whole morning.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport returned with Mrs. Corner in time for luncheon.  About
+two o'clock Beth ran into the library where her mother and her guest
+were having a cozy chat before starting for the races.  She had thought
+so much about her ride that she took it for granted that Mrs. Davenport
+must know her thoughts.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma, I'm going now.  May I?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At this particular moment the conversation between the two women was
+especially absorbing so that Mrs. Davenport hardly heeded Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"May I, mamma?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport glanced towards her for a second.  She took it for
+granted that Beth wished to play with either Julia or Harvey.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"All right.  Run along, dear."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+In the seventh heaven of happiness, Beth skipped up-stairs.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She decided that it would never do to ride in an ordinary dress, and
+believed that her mother would not object if she borrowed her riding
+habit.  Beth knew just where to find it.  The skirt was one of those
+now old-fashioned affairs that almost swept the ground even on a
+grown-up person.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+However, Beth was not to be daunted.  She heroically jumped into the
+skirt, but found that the belt was almost twice too large for her.
+This necessitated the use of a safety pin.  She took a step towards the
+bureau, and fell sprawling over the floor, tangled in yards of trailing
+skirt.  She tried to rise, and tripped again.  For a moment, she rested
+on the floor, thinking to herself that it must be a much harder matter
+to manage a habit than a horse.  Then, gathering up the unruly skirt in
+both hands, she managed to reach the bureau where she pinned the skirt
+tightly around her.  But even now her troubles were not over.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The waist proved almost as big a problem as the skirt.  She buttoned it
+on over her own dress, but even then it was about twice too large for
+her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She looked at herself in a glass, and burst forth into hearty peals of
+laughter.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I declah"&mdash;already she pronounced "declare" almost like the
+darkies&mdash;"I feel like a cat dressed up in clothes.  It can't move
+without tumbling all over itself, and neither can I."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She held up her arms and flapped them.  They were almost lost in the
+voluminous sleeves.  Her hands were not to be seen at all.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I never can manage a horse without hands," she murmured.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She overcame this difficulty by pinning up the bothersome sleeves.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Next, she jammed her mother's riding hat down on her curls.  It, too,
+was much too large for her, and had some blond frizzes sewn across the
+front of it.  The hat with its false front added the finishing touch of
+rakishness to Beth.  She, however, was as proud as a peacock over her
+attire.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+As fast as her awkward skirt would allow, she hurried in search of
+January.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He was very much amused over her appearance.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Missy, I declah, yo' looks like a rag bag dat needs some rags to fill
+it out.  Whaffor don't yo' get chuck full of somethin'?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She would not heed such remarks, but said with great dignity:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I wish the saddle put on Dollie."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm skeered yo'r maw won't like me to."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But she told me I might ride."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Still January hesitated.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I dunno as I kin kotch Dollie."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You can try.  Hurry, January."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For once Dollie was easily caught and saddled.  January helped Beth to
+mount.  Nobody but him saw the start.  He was so much interested that
+he walked down as far as the gate and opened it.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Dollie did not seem to wish to go for Beth, but the latter settled the
+question with a switch cut by January.  She headed Dollie in the
+direction of the Fair grounds.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+There was more driving than usual on the shell road, because of the
+Fair and the races.  Many a person turned, stared, and smiled to see
+that quaint little figure on Dollie going along so primly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A young lady, a cousin of Beth's, was spending the winter in
+Jacksonville that year, and was very popular in society.  On this
+particular afternoon she, too, was driving on the shell road and
+chanced upon Beth.  She and her escort laughed so heartily over the
+child's ludicrous appearance that Beth, at first, was inclined to be
+offended.  However, she drew Dollie up alongside of the carriage.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Are you laughing because we're going slow?  I'm not a bit afraid.
+Say, Cousin Lulu, would you like to have a race with me?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Lulu and her escort laughed harder than ever.  Beth tried to look more
+dignified.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I bet I could beat you, Cousin Lulu.  Are you afraid I would?  Come on
+and try."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The young man in the carriage leaned forward.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do you ride well enough for that?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Of course, I do."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+This was hardly true, as she had never ridden at a fast pace in her
+life.  She did not think it necessary to own to this, however.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The young man was highly amused.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, little lady, we'll try your skill.  If you reach the Fair
+grounds gate before we do, I'll give you a box of candy.  Now when I
+count three and say go, we'll both start.  Now one, two, three, go."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth gave Dollie a cut with the switch.  She was bound to win that box
+of candy.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Dollie, surprised by the sudden blow, leaped forward, almost unseating
+Beth who, however, managed in some way not to fall.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The young man had a fine horse which also started forward at a good
+fast pace, and soon nosed ahead of his rival.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Dollie, not to be outdone, quickened her gait.  Both horses began to
+feel the contagion of the race, especially Dollie who had been, as
+January said, a race horse in her day.  Her mouth tightened on the bit.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth's blood quickened too.  After she found she could cling on, she
+was not a particle frightened but began to enjoy the sport.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The young man turned to Lulu, saying:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"She does well for such a little thing, doesn't she?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He touched his horse with the whip.  It went faster.  Whereupon Dollie
+took the bit so completely that Beth had no control over her.  Her
+racing blood was thoroughly aroused, and it would have taken an
+extremely strong hold to quiet her.  She simply flew, and Beth began to
+be scared.  The words of January flashed through her mind: "She'll go
+so fast, you'll wish you hadn't got on her."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Nose to nose the horses sped over the hard shell road.  The situation
+grew critical for Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She wondered what her mother would say if she were thrown and her
+lifeless body were carried home.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"She will be so sorry that she scolded me yesterday.  I wish I could
+tell her that I know I deserved it.  I don't want to die."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The world seemed more beautiful than ever now that death seemed near
+her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Whoa, Dollie, whoa," she cried.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+But Dollie paid not the slightest attention.  With head curved well
+down she sped as fast as in her palmiest racing days.  Slowly but
+surely she forged ahead of her fast rival.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The horse is running away with the child.  Stop her, stop her," cried
+Cousin Lulu in alarm.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Her warning came too late.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They were now opposite the Fair grounds, which had a very high fence
+surrounding them.  There were two gates, one for pedestrians and the
+other for carriages.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Dollie swerved in at the foot passageway and her helpless rider could
+not stop her.  People scattered in every direction before the runaway
+horse.  Even the gate-keeper stepped aside, dropping his tickets in his
+fright.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, what shall we do?  She'll surely be killed.  She'll be dragged
+from her horse.  Her dress has caught on the gate," cried Cousin Lulu
+with her heart in her mouth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth let go the reins and held with one hand to the saddle pommel, and
+with the other to Dollie's mane.  This saved her.  Her skirt tore loose
+from the gate.  Onward flew horse and child.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Cousin Lulu and her escort hastened after through the driveway.  Far
+ahead of them they saw Dollie and Beth flying towards the race track
+with lightning speed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Davenport chanced to come from the Fair building at this very
+minute.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, Uncle James," screamed Lulu, "Dollie is running away with Beth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He hardly understood, but saw the runaway horse now nearing the race
+track and hastened after it.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+With the long memory of a horse, Dollie recognized the track as a scene
+of bygone triumphs, and made straight for it.  No rider urged her on as
+of old, no rivals were by her side; but Dollie of her own accord
+started around that course at a breakneck speed with a little girl
+clinging wildly to her mane.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+People were already gathering on the grandstand and they held their
+breath for very fear, Beth held hers also.  Dollie needed all of her
+breath for her solitary run.  On, on, she flew.  Beth clung closer,
+while people sprang to their feet in their anxiety over the outcome.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+By this time Beth was hatless.  Her long curls and the clumsy torn
+skirt were flying backwards.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+On, on they came.  People leaned far over the stand.  Jockeys ran out
+on the track.  One of them cried enthusiastically:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It is a beautiful run if only the little one isn't killed."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Dollie in truth was making a wonderful run for a horse that had no
+competition.  With long swinging strides she came around the track, and
+her speed remained unabated.  If people had not been so fearful for the
+child's life, some one might have thought to time Dollie, and it is
+very probable that it would then have been proved that she was fully
+equaling her record if she was not breaking it.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Davenport ran up the track in an agony of fear, ready to head off
+the runaway animal if it seemed advisable.  The jockeys followed in his
+wake.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That is the child's father.  How terrible it must be for him," said
+some of the spectators.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Dollie's speed remained unabated.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+When she was three-quarters of the way around, Mr. Davenport was almost
+within hailing distance of his brave little girl who still clung to the
+excited horse.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Davenport was undecided whether to try to stop the horse or not,
+for fear a sudden stop might unseat his child.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth saw her father and grew excited.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, papa," she cried, taking her hand from the pommel to wave it to
+him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The action came near being fatal.  Dollie was making the curve.  Beth
+swayed, and Mr. Davenport and many another spectator shuddered, fearing
+she would be dashed to death.  She, however, proved a better rider than
+they expected.  She was growing accustomed to the rapid motion of the
+horse, and gained confidence thereby.  She straightened herself,
+clinging with one hand and gathering up the reins that had been hanging
+loose, with the other.  Then she pulled on them again, crying:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Whoa, Dollie, whoa."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Dollie perhaps was tiring of her mad run, for she heeded the frantic
+appeal.  Gently as any well-regulated machinery, she slackened speed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Delighted at the success of her horsemanship, Beth repeated the action,
+crying:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Whoa&mdash;nice Dollie."  Then in a tumult of relief she shouted:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Hurrah, I'm not going to die after all."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+People on the grandstand heard the sweet childish cry of joy and saw
+Dollie a moment after come to a standstill.  Instantly a wild outburst
+of enthusiasm followed.  People clapped and stamped wildly, shouting
+themselves hoarse.  Mr. Davenport, too agitated for speech, rushed up
+to Beth, and clasped her close to his heart.  The jockeys clustered
+around, and they too clapped their hands in approval.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why are all the people shouting?" asked Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Davenport gave her a convulsive hug and answered:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"They are shouting for you, my dear."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For a few seconds Beth was quite overcome, and then she whispered to
+her father:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I guess they're not shouting for me, but for Dollie.  I didn't really
+want her to go so fast, but I couldn't stop her at first.  In fact, I
+thought I was going to be killed, sure.  I am very, very glad I was not
+thrown."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+If she was glad, Mr. Davenport was more so, but he was still too
+overcome to say much.  Beth was rather surprised to have him hug and
+kiss her so often, for generally he was not a demonstrative man.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Presently Beth said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Papa, I know how to ride now, don't I?  And say, papa, I won a box of
+candy from Cousin Lulu's beau."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+One of the jockeys heard her.  He grinned his approval and said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"She's got pluck enough to be one of us.  I reckon she's born with a
+liking for horses.  My, didn't the old mare go!"
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap11"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER XI
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+Don Meets a Sad Fate
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+Marian and Beth were getting ready for bed.  Marian looked tragic.  She
+brushed her hair so energetically that it seemed as if she must be
+pulling it out by the handfuls.  Suddenly, she threw down the brush,
+and clasped her hands dramatically.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I simply must have the money."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth, interested, looked up at her,
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What's the matter, Marian?  I thought you had plenty of money.  You've
+been saving your allowance for weeks to spend at the Fair."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"So I have, but I lost my pocketbook with every bit of the money at the
+Fair to-day."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, Marian Davenport," Beth gasped.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Marian burst into tears.  Beth rushed up to her sister and threw her
+arms around her neck.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm awfully sorry, Marian."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Marian brushed the tears away and continued:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I hate to have papa and mamma think me so dreadfully careless, so I'm
+not going to let them know, but I've just got to have some money.
+Beth, won't you lend me part of yours?  I'll pay you just as soon as I
+can get some more."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth hung her head.  "I'm awfully sorry, but I've spent all my money."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Marian looked at her in surprise.  "Why, Beth Davenport, how is that?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth seated herself upon the floor.  "Well, Marian, you know both you
+and I decided to buy mamma's birthday present before the Fair began for
+fear we wouldn't have anything left to buy it with.  Well, after that I
+had only a dollar."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But that dollar was to last you all the week."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth took down a brush and brushed out the snarls while she talked.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, I know it was, but you see, Marian, Julia and Harvey were with me
+to-day.  They were my guests.  Papa gave me the tickets to take them.
+Well, it was dreadfully hot, and we did want some ice cream awfully, so
+I asked them to have some.  There was thirty cents gone."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Marian looked judicial.  "Well, what about the other seventy?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth brushed snarls so vigorously that she winced once or twice.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, you may think me dreadfully foolish, but I invited them to the
+Punch and Judy show.  That took thirty cents more."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, but you still should have forty cents."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth stopped brushing and clasped her hands.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, I just couldn't help it.  I&mdash;well, this is how it happened.  You
+know papa gave Gustus tickets for the Fair for himself, his brothers
+and sisters, and mamma let him have the afternoon off.  Well, just as
+we came out of the Punch and Judy show we met them.  You know mamma
+gives Gustus clothes, but the others looked dreadfully ragged.  I
+stopped and spoke to them and asked them if they were going into the
+show.  Marian, tears came into Gustus's eyes, as he said, 'Missy Beth,
+the likes of us don't go to shows.  I'se never been to a show in my
+life.'"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Never been to a show in his life?  How was that, Beth?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That was just what I asked him, Marian.  I knew mamma paid him for
+waiting on us.  He told me that he took all his money to his mother.
+Marian, I just couldn't help it.  I spent my last forty cents for four
+Punch and Judy tickets for four of them, and Harvey and Julia bought
+some for the others.  Do you think we were foolish?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Marian hesitated for an instant.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I suppose I should have done the same thing in your place.  I am
+awfully sorry, though, you haven't any money to lend me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Maybe my dress and cake will take prizes.  Then I'll have some to lend
+you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth could hardly wait for the last day of the exhibition to see if she
+would be awarded any prize.  She thought that nothing could mar her
+happiness if she received one.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The prices were decided upon on Friday night, but were not to be made
+public until Saturday morning.  Beth was up bright and early,
+therefore, on Saturday.  She was all impatience to be through breakfast
+that she might learn her fate, but she found that she might as well
+possess her soul in patience, as Maggie proved provoking, and would not
+hurry in the least.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+To pass away the time, Beth hunted up Don.  At sight of her, he barked
+and wagged his tail.  She threw her arms about his neck.  "Yes, Don, I
+know you're glad to see me, and I love you with all my heart.  Come on
+and we'll have a play."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+But, for some unaccountable reason, he did not seem ready for a frolic.
+As soon as she let go of him, he walked back by the stable and lay down.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Come on, Don," she called coaxingly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He did not budge.  She stamped her foot impatiently.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, everybody's provoking this morning.  You're horrid and mean, Don,
+and I don't believe I love you, after all."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He looked up at this.  His gaze seemed a reproach to her, but she grew
+only the crosser.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, you needn't be looking that way at me.  You're lazy, and you know
+it.  If you were sorry, you'd play with me.  No, I don't love you one
+little bit."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She walked back to the house, and then sulked until the breakfast gong
+sounded.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+To make up for being somewhat late, Maggie had prepared an extra fine
+meal.  Mr. and Mrs. Davenport and even Marian proved unusually
+talkative that morning, and they started their breakfast very happily.
+Beth, too, could not withstand the general good humor, and soon her
+spirits began to rise.  She said, however:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do you know, that horrid old Don would not play with me this morning.
+He&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At that instant, January came running up on the piazza, where they were
+eating breakfast.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Missy Beth," he cried, "come quick; Don acts mighty queer.  'Pears
+like he's dying."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Not only Beth, but Mr. and Mrs. Davenport and Marian jumped up from the
+table and ran out to the barn.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+They found the noble dog where Beth had left him.  He was, in truth, in
+the very throes of death.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth fell on her knees beside him, and lifted his head upon her lap.
+Tears were streaming from her eyes so that she could hardly see him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don," she cried, "you know I didn't mean it.  You know I love you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+His fast glazing eye brightened momentarily at the sound of her voice.
+If he could have spoken, he would have said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Little mistress, I never doubted your love.  I wasn't lazy.  You know
+now why I wouldn't play."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, we must do something for him.  It would break my heart if he
+died," cried poor Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm skeered it's too late, but mebbe, if I fotch," began January.  But
+Don, with one long, loving look at Beth, gave up his breath with a
+gasp, stretching out in the rigidity of death.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It is too late," said Mr. Davenport huskily.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, no, no," cried Beth; "God wouldn't be so cruel as to let him die.
+Don, look at me.  Dear old doggie, I love you, I love you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+But Don was beyond range of her call.  Mrs. Davenport and Marian were
+crying softly, too, and there were tears even in the eyes of Mr.
+Davenport and January.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You'se breakfasts all gettin' cole," called Maggie, not knowing of the
+trouble.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Food would choke me," declared Marian.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I couldn't eat either.  Do you want anything, James?" asked Mrs.
+Davenport.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No,&mdash;I'm not hungry now," there was a break in Mr. Davenport's voice.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Clear off the table, Maggie.  Don is dead."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Don dead?" cried Maggie, running out, "Why what am de mattah?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I 'lows he got hole some of de rat pizen," said January.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At sight of Beth's intense grief, Maggie's heart melted.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dar, dar, honey, don't yo' cry.  Yo'se pah'll get you anoder dog."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't want another dog.  I&mdash;want&mdash;my&mdash;Don.  I want him, I'll never
+be happy again," and Beth cried so hard that Mr. Davenport tried to
+comfort her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth," he said, "I have some news that will make you happy.  I knew
+all about it last night, but I wouldn't tell you because I wanted you
+to find it out for yourself.  Both your dress and cake have taken
+prizes&mdash;first prizes at that."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Her sobs did not lessen in the least.  She hid her face on her father's
+shoulder and murmured:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"A hundred prizes wouldn't make up for dear old Don,&mdash;my dear old
+doggie who saved my life."
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap12"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER XII
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+The Arrival of Duke
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+The death of Don so preyed upon Beth's spirits, that one night Mrs.
+Davenport took her in her arms and said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do you remember that once when I was sad about something, you slipped
+your arms around my neck and asked, 'Mamma, what makes you think of the
+unpleasant things? why don't you just think of the nice things?  That's
+the way I do.'"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Did I say that really?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport smiled at the mournfulness of Beth's tones.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, dear, and now mamma wants you to practice what you preached.  I
+think you and I will have to form a 'Pleasant Club.'  Every night we
+will tell each other all the pleasant things that happen during the
+day.  What do you say?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The child nestled close to her mother.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It would be nice, mamma, only nothing pleasant happens now that Don is
+dead."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, why," exclaimed Mrs. Davenport, "that isn't at all like my happy
+Beth.  Put on your thinking cap and see if you can't remember something
+nice that happened to-day."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly smiled.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, yes, mamma, now that I think of it, a whole lot of nice things
+happened.  Do you know, ever since Don died, Julia has been perfectly
+lovely.  She always plays just as I want to.  And what do you think?
+Harvey played with Julia and me to-day, and he would never stay before
+when Julia was here.  We even got him to play dolls with us, although
+he said dolls were beneath a boy."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport smiled.  "Why should he feel that way?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, you see, mamma, he doesn't think much of girls and their play.
+He's always saying to me, 'Beth, don't you wish you were a boy?'  So
+one day I answered, 'No, indeed, Harvey.'  It wasn't quite the truth,
+mamma, for I should like to be a boy, but I wouldn't let him know it.
+Then I asked him:  'Don't you wish you were a girl, Harvey?'"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What did he say, dear?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He grunted and said, 'Eh&mdash;be a girl?  I'd rather be nothing than be a
+girl.'"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport could hardly keep her face straight; nevertheless, she
+said gravely:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"If Harvey ever says that to you again, you tell him your mamma says
+that girls are of just as much consequence as boys.  God would not have
+created them otherwise.  Well, what else happened to-day?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, Harvey offered me a bird's nest that he'd stolen.  Mamma, I
+couldn't help scolding him about it.  You know papa doesn't think it
+right.  So I had Harvey take the nest back."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That was a good girl."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And oh, mamma, I forgot to tell you how nice Marian has been.  This
+afternoon after school, she made some candy for Julia and Harvey and
+me.  It was just lovely.  And now that I think of it, Maggie has been
+good too.  She hasn't scolded us once, although I guess we are in her
+way very much sometimes."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport now kissed Beth good-night.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Doesn't my little girl see that there never was a sorrow so great but
+that it has its bright side?  You have much for which to be thankful,
+dear, and you must try to be happy."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+This talk helped Beth somewhat.  Nevertheless, for weeks thereafter, a
+dog did not cross her path without bringing tears to her eyes.  And
+many a night she cried herself to sleep, grieving for Don.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Sorrow, however, is not eternal, and comfort came to her from an
+unexpected source.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+One afternoon the Davenports were driving home from Jacksonville, when
+Beth chanced to look back.  She thereupon uttered such an exclamation
+of delight that Mr. Davenport, who was driving, pulled in on the horses.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, just see the beautiful dog!" exclaimed Beth.  "I believe he's
+following us."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+About three yards behind the carriage was a very large dog, but
+possessing a grace and a swiftness of motion unusual to his size.  He
+was not only beautiful, but also intelligent-looking.  His coat was of
+dark brown, and smooth as sealskin, showing every muscle of his body.
+His broad square head and monstrous jaw reminded the beholder of a
+tiger.  His ears were close-cropped, which gave a compactness to his
+head that brought into prominence his great changeable eyes: eyes that
+the Davenports afterwards found so fiery sometimes that they reflected
+red lights; at other times so mildly brown that they beamed with the
+greatest affection.  The dog was a combination of Russian bloodhound
+and mastiff.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He looks the thoroughbred, through and through," declared Mrs.
+Davenport.  "See how majestically he moves.  Duke would be a good name
+for him.  Here, Duke.  Here, Duke."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At the call, the dog raised his head and came bounding up to the
+carriage.  By a strange coincidence, Mrs. Davenport had hit upon his
+name.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Come here, Duke," cried Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Large as the dog was, he jumped into the back part of the carriage
+where Marian and Beth sat.  Both children were wild with delight.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Papa, let's take him home with us," begged Marian.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Davenport, however, would not listen to the suggestion.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He is a very valuable dog, and it would not be honorable," he
+declared.  "Push him out immediately."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Both children began pleading, but Mr. Davenport proved relentless.
+Therefore, Duke was finally put out of the carriage.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Go home, Duke," cried Mr. Davenport, driving on.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The children looked back to see if the dog obeyed.  To their joy, they
+saw him following as unconcerned as before.  Mr. Davenport took out the
+whip and waved it at him.  Duke stopped a second or two, and then
+started after them at a little greater distance.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well," said Mr. Davenport, "all we can do is to let him come with us
+now.  To-morrow, I shall inquire in town and find his owner."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+So Duke lodged at the Davenports that night, and was treated by the
+children as a royal guest.  He captivated their hearts from the first,
+and he fully responded to their love.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At breakfast the next morning, Mr. Davenport looked up from his paper
+and said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, here is a notice of Duke's loss.  I do not wonder that he ran
+away.  This Brown who advertises is one of the hardest drinkers in
+town.  Poor dog, to have such a master."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Papa, couldn't you buy Duke?" asked Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I may consider the matter.  Don't set your heart on the dog, however.
+He is very valuable, and Brown may not wish to part with him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+That day, at noon, Beth and Duke were frolicing near the barn.
+Suddenly, without seeming cause, Duke rushed towards the house, looking
+crestfallen.  Beth, however, soon saw why Duke had run.  She beheld a
+man walking up the driveway towards her.  She had grown accustomed to
+Southern politeness, and resented the man's not raising his hat when he
+said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Hello, little un.  I've come after my dog.  Where is he?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth's heart sank.  "Who are you?" she stammered.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"My name is Brown, and I've come after Duke."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But I thought my papa was going to buy him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The man laughed.  "The old fellow did offer to buy him, but I wouldn't
+sell.  I told him I wouldn't take a hundred dollars for the dog.  But
+hurry up, little un, and get Duke for me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth felt more resentful than ever.  The man had dared to call her
+father "old fellow," and herself "little un."  Besides, he had come for
+Duke.  There were tears in her eyes, but she brushed them angrily away,
+and declared defiantly:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You can hunt him up for yourself.  I don't know where he is."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The man swore under his breath, and muttered something about having no
+use for people who tried to steal dogs.  However, he moved on towards
+the house.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth was so anxious about the outcome of his errand that she followed
+at a cautious distance.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The man met Maggie at the kitchen door.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Hello, mammy," he said.  "Where is my dog Duke?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Maggie caught sight of Beth's eyes, and intuitively felt the child's
+solicitude.  She was up in arms in a minute.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yo' needn't mammy me; I ain't yo'r mammy; and what's more if I cotch
+yo' takin' any dog from here, I'se gwineter give yo' the worst frailin'
+yo' ever had.  So yo' jes' bettah be skeedadlin'."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At this instant, Mrs. Davenport came to the door.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"If you wish Duke, you'll have to come into the house and get him.
+He's hiding behind the bed in the spare room, and I can't get him to
+come out."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Brown, unmindful of Maggie's threat, perhaps realizing that her bark
+was worse than her bite, went with Mrs. Davenport to the spare room.
+Beth followed after them.  Brown got down upon his knees and tried to
+entice the dog out.  Duke, however, would not budge.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, if you called him perhaps he'd come," suggested Mrs. Davenport.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth burst into tears.  "Mamma, I can't do it.  It breaks my heart to
+have him go."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The man arose.  There was a kindlier light in his eyes.  "Little un,
+get him for me and I'll promise not to whip him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dear," whispered Mrs. Davenport, "call him; it is a kindness to Duke.
+He belongs to the man."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+So Beth called, and immediately Duke answered the summons.  However, he
+shrank from his owner.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Duke," said Beth, "we'd like to keep you, but we can't.  You must go
+quietly."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Brown had a leather collar which he fastened on the dog.  Then he
+led him quietly away.  Beth cried, and even Mrs. Davenport's eyes were
+suspiciously moist.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+That night it rained, and the Davenports had a wood-fire around which
+they gathered.  Beth was just saying, "I wish I could have kept Duke,"
+when she was interrupted by a noise upon the piazza.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It sounds like a convict with chains," suggested Marian, who had a
+lively imagination.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth looked towards the front window and cried:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's Duke."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Sure enough, with his paws upon the window ledge, and his great
+intelligent eyes looking at them, there was Duke looking very
+triumphant.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Marian and Beth rushed to the front door, and called him into the
+house.  He came all wet and muddy, dragging a great chain which he had
+evidently broken.  Notwithstanding his drabbled condition, both
+children were demonstrative in their greeting, and their parents could
+not find it in their hearts to object.  In fact, Duke was brought in
+beside the fire and made much of that night.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The next forenoon his owner came to carry Duke away.  In leaving, he
+remarked to Maggie that he'd see&mdash;well, that the dog didn't get away
+again.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+That day passed without any new developments, but the next morning the
+Davenport family was wakened by a series of barks.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Marian and Beth immediately jumped out of bed, and rushed out upon the
+upper piazza.  In the yard below, looking as conscious as a truant
+child, was Duke.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth, not waiting to put on anything over her night-dress, rushed
+down-stairs and opened the door for the dog.  At once, she noticed an
+ugly gash on the front of his chest.  The Davenports could not imagine
+how he received it, but they doctored and petted him to his great
+delight.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Soon after breakfast, Mr. Brown again appeared, very indignant over
+Duke's truancy.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'll make the ugly beast pay for all the trouble he has caused me," he
+muttered, flourishing before the cowering dog a riding whip which he
+carried.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You shan't whip him," declared Marian, her eyes blazing.  "I'll&mdash;I'll
+have you arrested if you do."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth looked as if she would like to hug Marian for her boldness.  The
+man laughed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I ain't going to whip him.  It wouldn't do no sort of good.  But I'll
+outwit the ugly beast yet.  It seems as if I couldn't keep him from
+you, but I'll get the better of him yet.  Last night I locked him in a
+room in the barn where all the lower sashes are barred with iron.  He
+kept me awake howling most of the night.  Not till morning was he
+quiet.  I thought I'd conquered him, but when I went to the barn my dog
+was gone.  I found the upper glass in one of the windows broken, and
+saw that he must have jumped and escaped that way, though it seems
+incredible."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That's the way he cut himself," declared Marian, giving Duke a parting
+love pat.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+That day, Mr. Brown, by means of a heavy chain, led Duke down to one of
+the river boats.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Keep an eye on this dog," he said to the captain; "I'll chain him up
+well here.  At Silver Lake a man'll come aboard for him.  I'm sending
+him there because he runs away."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Duke howled so pitifully that after the boat was well under way from
+Jacksonville one of the sailors took pity on him and unloosed him,
+supposing him perfectly safe aboard boat in midwater.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+However, Duke was not to be hindered by obstacles.  With one bound, he
+leaped to the side of the boat and jumped overboard.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well," the captain muttered, "I don't know what Brown'll say, but it
+can't be helped."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Duke swam immediately to shore.  There one of the wharf hands saw him
+as he landed, and exclaimed:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, that's Brown's dog.  Perhaps he'll give me something if I take
+him home."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+So the wharf hand caught Duke and took him up to Brown's home at noon.
+Brown, who had been drinking and was in a very unpleasant mood, was
+struck with amazement at sight of the dog.  He gave the wharf hand some
+small change, and, when he was gone, took Duke into the back yard and
+beat him.  Next, he tied the dog with an extra heavy chain.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"There," he exclaimed, "you're stronger than I think you are if you
+break that."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Ill-usage had thoroughly aroused Duke.  When Mr. Brown was out of
+sight, he struggled so vigorously that the collar around his neck
+worked into the raw flesh.  Undaunted, however, he struggled on until
+he again broke his fetters.  Away he bounded over the four miles to the
+Davenports'.  Needless to say, the children were overjoyed to see him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+To their surprise, Mr. Brown did not appear that day, nor the following
+morning.  Consequently, Mr. Davenport went up to his house at noon, and
+asked to see him.  Brown by this time was sober, and at heart ashamed
+of his treatment of Duke.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Brown," said Mr. Davenport in greeting, "I've come to tell you that
+your dog is out at our place again."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I supposed as much," he answered curtly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well, why haven't you been out for him?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's labor lost.  I can't keep the dog."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Davenport hesitated a moment.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Brown, perhaps we've been somewhat to blame in this matter, but,
+really, I couldn't help the children's making a fuss over the dog.
+Beth, my youngest child, was grieving herself sick over the death of a
+favorite dog, and Duke won her heart at once.  For her sake, I'd be
+very glad if you'd sell the dog."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I won't sell the dog."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Davenport walked to the door.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't see that there is anything that I can do then except to send
+Duke back to you.  I'll have one of my darkies bring him in to-morrow
+morning."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Brown did not answer a word.  However, when Mr. Davenport was
+halfway down the steps, he stopped him and said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm the only one to blame.  I see that love is more powerful that
+hate.  Tell your little girl to keep the dog.  I make her a present of
+him with one condition.  If you ever leave Florida, I want the dog
+back.  Good-morning."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Before Mr. Davenport could utter a word, Brown closed the door as if
+fearful of gratitude.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap13"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER XIII
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+Anxious Hours
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+One day, a strange white dog appeared at the Davenports'.  No one knew
+whence she came.  Perhaps Duke enticed her to the house.  He tried to
+bespeak Beth's interest by barking vigorously and jumping up and down
+wildly, as if begging the child to keep her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At first, it was hard for Beth to feel any interest in the dog.  It was
+fearfully thin, and always acted as if it expected to be kicked.  It
+had one redeeming feature in that its eyes were very beautiful.  They
+were large and brown, with a mildly pathetic look that appealed to
+Beth's soft heart so that she decided to keep the dog.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+For the first few days the newcomer sneaked under the house when any
+one was around.  When she saw, however, that she was left unmolested,
+she gained courage.  Duke was all devotion, and the white dog thrived
+under such attention.  She freshened up so well that Beth wondered how
+she ever thought the dog ugly.  Kindness and good food work wonders
+with dogs as well as with people.  The days of her stay lengthened into
+months.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+One morning, Beth came running in from the barn, her eyes brilliant
+from excitement.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma, mamma," she called, "what do you think?  White dog"&mdash;they had
+never given her a name&mdash;"has seven of the cutest little puppies you
+ever saw.  Duke took me out and showed them to me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Duke took you out?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, mamma.  When I went out to play with him this morning he caught
+hold of my dress and tried to pull me towards the barn.  I thought he
+was just playing; but when he did it the second time, I followed him,
+and he led me to white dog and the puppies.  Oh, they're the cutest
+things you ever saw."
+</P>
+
+<A NAME="img-232"></A>
+<CENTER>
+<IMG SRC="images/img-232.jpg" ALT="&quot;The cutest things you ever saw.&quot;" BORDER="2" WIDTH="503" HEIGHT="391">
+<H4>
+[Illustration: "The cutest things you ever saw."]
+</H4>
+</CENTER>
+
+<P>
+Beth watched the growth of the puppies with great interest.  She was
+delighted when their eyes opened, and when they began to run around she
+was almost too happy for words.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+That night she said to her papa: "I've been thinking about Mr. Brown.
+He must miss Duke awfully.  He wasn't such a horrid man after all, or
+he wouldn't have let me keep Duke."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Davenport smiled.  "Beth, a man was talking to me about him to-day.
+The man said Brown was trying to reform; that he hadn't taken any
+liquor for some time past.  I was very glad to hear it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth pondered a minute or two, then asked:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do you think if he had a dog now he'd be nice to it?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, I believe he would.  Brown wasn't half bad except when he drank.
+But you're not thinking of giving Duke back to him, are you?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth shook her head very vigorously.  "I couldn't do that, papa.  I
+love Duke too much."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She said no more but got out paper and pencil.  She was backward in all
+schooling at this time, and could only print.  However, she sat down at
+the table beside her father and went to work.  It proved a very
+difficult task to her, but she persevered until she finished.  Most of
+the correctly spelled words she learned from her father.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+This is what she wrote:
+</P>
+
+<BR>
+
+<P CLASS="letter">
+"To dukes master duke has puppies wood you like a pup i havent thanked
+you for duke but i love duke very much and think you a nice man to give
+duke to me
+<BR><BR>
+"your little friend
+<BR><BR>
+"Beth davenport."
+</P>
+
+<BR>
+
+<P>
+She put the note in an envelope and sealed it.  Then she said to her
+father:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Papa, will you give this to Mr. Brown?  He's to have one of Duke's
+puppies if he wants it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Davenport delivered the note as desired.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The next afternoon, Beth saw a buggy turn in at their place, and
+presently she discerned Mr. Brown within it.  She waited, half-bashful,
+until he drove up.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He leaped from the buggy and raised his hat.  Beth was delighted
+because in every way he seemed so much improved.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I've come for the puppy."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's in the barn, I'll get it for you," cried Beth, running there as
+fast as she could.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Duke was playing with the puppies.  When Beth appeared and took one he
+followed her out, but at sight of his former owner, he stopped still.
+Mr. Brown, however, called out pleasantly:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Hello, Duke, I'm not going to take you away.  Won't you come to me?
+Come, nice dog."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Duke must have felt the transformation in his former master, for he
+allowed Mr. Brown to pat him.  Beth did not say a word, but held out
+the puppy.  Mr. Brown took it, and said a little brokenly:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm not used to making nice speeches to little girls, but you're very
+good to give this puppy to me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, it's nothing at all.  Didn't you give me Duke?" murmured Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He hesitated an instant.  "But it means a great deal to me.  It shows
+that you trust me.  Missy, I promise never to strike this one as long
+as I have him.  Good-bye."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Thereupon he jumped into the buggy and drove away.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth returned to the barn with Duke.  January as usual was idling.  He
+had his fiddle and was playing "Dixie."  Beth sat down on the hay near
+him, while the dog family frolicked around her.  She was happy, so
+happy that from sheer light-heartedness she began to sing.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Duke pricked up his ears.  White dog cocked her head to one side, and
+the six puppies followed their parents' example.  Duke uttered a low
+deep howl that chimed in with Beth's singing.  White dog howled in a
+high soprano and the six little dogs did likewise, but in shriller
+tones.  Beth was so surprised that she stopped singing, and the dogs
+immediately ceased howling, evidently waiting for Beth to lead them.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She began to sing again, and the dogs began to howl, swaying their
+heads from side to side.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Their howling was so funny that Beth had to laugh, January joining in.
+Beth then ran into the house for Mrs. Davenport.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Mamma, come and hear the concert," she cried.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What concert?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Come with me and you'll see, if they'll do it again.  It's the
+funniest singing you ever heard."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth led her mother to the barn.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Where are the singers?" asked Mrs. Davenport.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Wait," answered Beth, calling the dogs to her.  Then she began singing
+and the dogs began howling, holding their heads high in the air.  Duke,
+however, proved lazy.  He would come in only once in a while with his
+deep bass, but this made the effect more funny.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport laughed over the performance until her sides ached.
+That afternoon Beth and the dogs had another concert for the benefit of
+Mr. Davenport and Marian.  In the evening the Gordons and the Bakers
+called, and, hearing of the wonderful concert, they insisted upon a
+repetition of it.  The lantern was brought in, therefore, and, with
+Beth heading the procession, the party adjourned to the barn.  The dogs
+were asleep, but at the first sound of Beth's shrill little voice, they
+all, even to the smallest pup, pricked up their ears, and then howled
+in concert.  After that Beth's concert became famous.  People drove out
+from Jacksonville to see and hear the canine musicale.  After a time
+Beth trained the dogs so that they would sit up in a row on their hind
+legs while they sang.  They were apparently carried away by the music,
+and appeared quite human in their vanity, swaying their bodies and
+rolling their eyes in a very ludicrous manner, while howling an
+accompaniment to Beth's singing.
+</P>
+
+<A NAME="img-236"></A>
+<CENTER>
+<IMG SRC="images/img-236.jpg" ALT="January with his perpetual laugh and fiddle." BORDER="2" WIDTH="351" HEIGHT="534">
+<H4>
+[Illustration: January with his perpetual laugh and fiddle.]
+</H4>
+</CENTER>
+
+<P>
+Duke greatly endeared himself to the Davenports by his wonderful
+sagacity.  He could almost talk.  One of the very smartest things he
+ever did happened in this wise:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth had a sudden attack of fever.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We must have a doctor," said Mrs. Davenport.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth overheard the remark.  Since her experience of the stitches under
+her nose, she hated all doctors; so she declared:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't want any horrid doctor.  I'll get well without one.  Really I
+will."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport laid a cooling hand on her head, and said soothingly:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Can't you trust mamma to do what is best?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Thereupon she gave private instructions to Mr. Davenport to get a
+doctor as soon as possible, after which she neglected all work, trying
+to keep Beth quiet.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Two little kittens, brothers of those brought by Gustus in the winter,
+crawled up on the lounge ready for play.  Even their antics tired Beth.
+When the doctor came, he looked serious over the child's condition.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"She must be put to bed immediately," was his first order.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'll have her carried up-stairs," said Mrs. Davenport.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The doctor was a very blunt man and declared plainly:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"She's too sick to be moved.  Have a bed brought in here if you can."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Without arguing the question, Mrs. Davenport ordered the servants to
+bring down an iron cot.  Her commands were carried out quietly and with
+haste, and soon Beth was undressed and in bed.  She was delirious by
+this time, and did not even note that a doctor was present.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He studied the case silently for a few minutes.  He was a well-meaning
+man, but a doctor of the old school.  He believed that if medicine was
+a good thing, the more one took the better.  Also, if dieting was good,
+semi-starvation was better.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He therefore wrote out five or six prescriptions, all of very strong
+drugs.  He also ordered that she should be fed only on gruels.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Duke seemed to grieve over Beth's illness extremely.  He would not play
+with the puppies, and would eat hardly anything.  At first, he walked
+into the room where Beth was and lay down beside her cot.  When he saw
+he was in the way there, he took up his position on the piazza outside
+the door, and could hardly be induced to move.  Even white dog failed
+to entice him away.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Anxious times followed for the Davenports.  The fear of losing Beth
+made each member of the family realize, as never before, how very dear
+the little, mischievous child was to them.  She was mischievous no
+longer, however.  She was so patient that Mrs. Davenport feared more
+than ever that she would die.  Often Beth would smile so beatifically
+that her mother thought she must be thinking of angels and heaven.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dearie, of what are you thinking?" she once asked.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth's face was illumined with a more heavenly light than ever as she
+drew a long breath and answered:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh mamma, I was thinking how good some Bologna sausage, or anything
+besides horrid old gruel, would taste."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The truth of the matter was that the child was half-starved.  Still the
+doctor insisted that she should have nothing but mutton or rice gruel,
+and those only in very small quantities.  Under such treatment she
+wasted to a mere shadow of her former chubby self.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She proved a tyrant in one respect, in that she would have no one but
+her mother to watch her.  If Mrs. Davenport left the room when Beth was
+awake, Beth at once worried herself into a high fever.  The strain was
+telling upon Mrs. Davenport, but so great was her anxiety that she
+would hardly take needed rest.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+One day Beth was asleep, and Maggie tip-toed into the room and
+whispered to Mrs. Davenport:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dear Miss Mary, won't yo' please let dis ole mammy watch de honey lamb
+for jes' a little while.  Yo' knows I lub her wid all my heart, an' I
+wouldn't let nuffin harm de pet for de world.  Yo' go into de odder
+room an' rest awhile.  If de precious lamb wants yo', I'll call right
+away, honest."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Thus urged, Mrs. Davenport decided to grant Maggie's request, and she
+left the room without disturbing Beth's slumbers.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Maggie sat down by the cot.  The sight of Beth so emaciated melted
+Maggie almost to tears.  She thus soliloquized:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dat horrid ole medicine man, he jes' ought to be made to live on
+gruels de rest of his life, so he ought.  It's jes' ter'ble to starve
+de chile de way he does.  I'd like to be her doctah awhile.  I'd order
+chicken and possum, an'&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Suddenly Beth's eyes opened.  "Maggie, what did you cook for dinner
+to-day?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Maggie confided to her husband afterwards:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Law, Titus, does yo' tink I could sit up dar an' tell dat precious
+chile we had chicken when I knew her little stomack was jes' groanin'
+for chicken?  No, 'deed.  Do I am deaconess, I'd rather be burned for a
+lie.  So I jes' answers as pert-like as pos'ble.  'Law, honey, we jes'
+had mutton like yo'r brof is made of.'"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth, however, was not to be deceived.  Her senses had grown unusually
+acute during her sickness.  She pointed her finger at Maggie and said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Maggie, that's not true.  You had chicken and biscuits, for I smelled
+them.  Oh, I'm so hungry."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Maggie sighed sympathetically.  "Law, honey, would yo' like some brof?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Broth," repeated Beth almost in tears.  "I hate broth.  I'll starve
+before I eat any more.  I want chicken.  Please, please get me some."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The appeal melted Maggie completely.  She arose and called Duke from
+the doorway.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Duke," she said, pointing to the cot, "don't yo' let any one come near
+missy till I come back.  Do yo' understand?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The delighted dog wagged his tail, and Maggie left the room.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Duke's first impulse was to rush up to the cot, and show his joy in
+true dog fashion.  He longed to cover Beth's face and hands with
+kisses.  He knew, however, that excitement was bad for her.  He
+therefore walked quietly up to the cot and laid his head down beside
+his little playmate as if inviting a caress.  She put a weak little
+hand on his head.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes, Dukie, I know you love me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Maggie re-entered the room.  In her hand was a plate, and on that plate
+was a large slice of white chicken meat.  Beth's eyes glistened at
+sight of it.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dar, honey chile, dey jes' shan't starve yo' to death.  Here am a
+whole lot ob chicken for yo'."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth grabbed the plate.  "Oh, Maggie, it's&mdash;it's heavenly."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Suddenly, Maggie heard Mrs. Davenport approaching.  Her eyes rolled
+tragically.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Law, honey, it's yo'r maw.  Hide de chicken under yo'r pillow.  I'll
+get rid of her, an' den yo' can eat de chicken in peace.  Quick, honey,
+or she'll take it away from yo'."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth put the plate with the chicken under her pillow.  Maggie tried to
+look unconcerned.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport entered the room.  "Well, my dearie is awake, is she?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, mamma, I'm so hungry.  I do wish I could have a piece of chicken."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, no, dearie, that would never do.  I'll get you some lovely mutton
+broth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Tears rose in Beth's eyes.  "I don't want broth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, yes, you do, dearie."  Mrs. Davenport left the room to get the
+broth.  Maggie went to the bed and drew out the chicken.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Quick, honey, yo' eat it while she's gone and she need neber know."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth's eyes feasted on the chicken for a second or two.  She halfway
+put out a hand for it, but quickly drew it back again.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, Maggie, it wouldn't be honorable."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Law, child, yo'd bettah eat it.  Yo'r maw'll find me with it, and den
+she'll blame me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth held out her hand for the plate.  She looked at the chicken very
+longingly, and Maggie thought that she had made up her mind to eat it.
+She did take up the meat, but she held it out to Duke, saying:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It'll be honorable for you to eat it.  Duke, and then mamma'll never
+blame Maggie.  It was very nice of you, Maggie, to get it for me, but I
+couldn't deceive mamma."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Duke gulped the meat down at one swallow much to the envy of Beth.  She
+held out the empty plate to Maggie.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Take it away, Maggie.  The smell of it makes me so dreadfully hungry."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Maggie took it and left the room, muttering:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's a ter'ble shame, a ter'ble shame."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport came in with the steaming broth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Here, dearie, is your broth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth burst into tears.  "I can't eat it.  I just can't touch the horrid
+stuff.   Please take it away."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Her mother did not attempt to argue the question.  That afternoon, when
+the doctor came, she asked:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Isn't there something else we can feed her on, doctor?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He pondered for a moment.  "Well, she seems to be improving a little,
+and if we could get a bird or a rabbit we might make her some broth out
+of that."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I think rabbit broth would be delicious," cried Beth rapturously.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport said:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We'll send January to town to see if we can get a rabbit or a quail."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+An hour later January returned and reported: "Dere ain't no rabbit or
+no bird in de market, Miss Mary."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth was very much disappointed, but was pacified, however, by the
+assurance that darkies would be sent out to hunt rabbits in the
+morning.  She even consented to take a little rice gruel, cheered by
+the prospects of having something better on the morrow.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+In the morning, when the darkies were ready for hunting rabbits, Mrs.
+Davenport said to Duke:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Go with them, old fellow.  Perhaps you can chase a rabbit down for
+your little mistress.  She wants a rabbit very, very much."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He seemed to understand, for he rose and went with the hunters.  Rabbit
+hunting was his favorite pastime.  Therefore he displayed the first
+signs of joy that he had shown since Beth's sickness.  He bounded
+lightly across the fields, sniffing the ground expectantly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At first the darkies were encouraged by his manner, and followed him on
+and on.  When, however, they had gone many miles, and most of the
+forenoon passed without Duke's scaring up a single rabbit for them,
+they became discouraged.  In fact, they returned to the house and
+reported their ill-luck to Mrs. Davenport.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I reckon dis ain't time for rabbits.  We didn't see a single one all
+dis time."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Where is Duke?" asked Mrs. Davenport.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The darkies grinned.  "Oh, dat fool dog, he ain't no sense at all.  We
+tried to get him to come wid us, but he went on sniffin' as if he was
+jes' bound to have a rabbit, even when dar ain't none."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Well," said Mrs. Davenport, with feeling, "I only wish you had half
+the perseverance of Duke.  If he could understand like you, he would go
+until he dropped before he'd give up."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She therefore had to go to Beth and report their failure.  The poor
+child cried and cried, she was so very much disappointed.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'll&mdash;I'll starve, and I'm so terribly hungry," she moaned.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dearie, if you'll only take some gruel, I'll get you the most
+beautiful doll you ever saw, or a ring, or anything you wish."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+At the moment, even this promise failed in appealing to Beth.  She
+desired rabbit more than anything else in the world.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Won't you please try some gruel, dear?  Won't you, to please me?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'll&mdash;I'll try, but I don't believe I can swallow a bit of the nasty
+stuff.  I want rabbit."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport hurried away to get the gruel.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Left to herself, Beth continued to cry.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't believe God cares for me, or He'd have sent me a rabbit.  I
+asked Him last night when I prayed.  Miss Smith"&mdash;her Sunday-school.
+teacher&mdash;"says God always answers prayer if it is good for one, and I'm
+sure rabbit is good for me."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The tears came a little faster.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"She says, though, one must ask awfully hard.  Perhaps I don't ask hard
+enough.  I'll ask again."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth folded her hands and closed her eyes.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dear God, I can't eat gruel any more.  I'll die if I have to eat
+gruel, and I don't want to die.  I want rabbit."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It would seem that the days of miracles had not passed; for even while
+she prayed, she felt two paws rest on her cot.  She opened her eyes and
+there was Duke waiting impatiently for her to notice him.  She could
+hardly believe her eyes, for in his mouth he held a little live rabbit
+as if for her to take it.  To make sure she was not dreaming, she
+stretched forth her hand for the rabbit.  Duke let her take it without
+offering the least resistance.  In fact, he looked at her as much as to
+say:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I heard them say that my little mistress wanted a rabbit.  I was bound
+she should have a rabbit, and here it is."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Davenport entered the room.  "Here is your broth, dear."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Take it away," cried Beth exultingly.  "I'm going to have a rabbit.
+God sent Duke to bring me one.  Wasn't he good not to eat it
+himself&mdash;he always used to eat them when he caught them, and God was so
+good to me, too."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The speech appeared a little ambiguous to Mrs. Davenport, but it was
+all very plain to the child.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Never did a stew seem more delicious to any one than did that rabbit
+stew to Beth.  In fact, it proved a turning point with her, the fever
+subsiding thereafter very rapidly.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR>
+
+<A NAME="chap14"></A>
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+CHAPTER XIV
+</H3>
+
+<H3 ALIGN="center">
+The Rescue
+</H3>
+
+
+<P>
+With the elasticity of childhood, Beth grew well rapidly, and was once
+more her mischievous self.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+One evening about the middle of May, Mr. and Mrs. Davenport and Marian
+went up the river a short distance to a party, and invited the Gordons
+to drive with them.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Julia came over to spend the night with Beth, and Mrs. Davenport
+arranged for Maggie to stay in the house, that the girls might not be
+alone.  Duke, also, was kept within doors for protection.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The girls passed a pleasant evening, and retired rather late.  Duke
+followed them up to their room, and went to sleep just outside the
+door, which they left open on his account.  Maggie slept in a room at
+the end of the hall.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Gustus that night had sneaked out to see some of his friends.  He had
+stayed so late that he feared to return through the dark.  Still he
+dreaded even more the scolding that he would get if he were missed in
+the morning.  So he started home, whistling as he went, to keep up his
+spirits.  Suddenly his attention was attracted by a reddened sky in the
+direction of the Davenport home.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Foh de Lawd's sake," he muttered, "dat do look like our home wuz
+burnin' for sure.  Jes' s'pose it wuz.  Little missy am thar an' might
+burn.  I'd jes' bettah take to my heels, an' run as fas' as ever I kin,
+an' see."  He ran a few steps, and then stopped.  Besides the red in
+the sky, he thought he saw sparks flying.  His heart rose in his mouth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Jes' s'pose dat dar fire am de work ob de debbil.  He might be waitin'
+dar spoutin' out fire to kotch me.  Dat's it.  I won't go near dar all
+by myself.  I'll jes' go back."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He turned, and ran a few steps the other way, and then halted again.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Jes' s'pose dat ain't de debbil, but a real shure nuff fire.  Den
+missy'll burn, an' I'll be to blame.  I jes' ought to go an' see, but
+what if it am de debbil?  Den he'll hab me sure nuff, an' dat'd be
+worser dan burnin'."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The Davenports' home was really on fire.  It was never discovered how
+the fire started.  The only plausible explanation was a defective flue
+in the kitchen stove, but it could never be proved.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The house was built of fat pine, and the fire spread with alarming
+rapidity.  First the kitchen burst into a mass of flames that leaped
+along the roof of the piazza to the main part of the building.  There
+had been no rain for some time, and the dry wood proved as combustible
+as if oil had been applied.  The sparks flew over all the house until
+it was one blaze of fire.  The servants were sleeping in their
+quarters, and did not discover the terrible danger of the inmates of
+the house.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Maggie and the children slept on, and it seemed as if there would be no
+awakening until it was too late, unless Gustus ran to the rescue.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The flames crackled as if trying to rouse the poor, innocent sleepers,
+but still they slept.  The fire rushed on and on as if anxious to wipe
+out the precious human lives before help arrived.  Even Duke slept, and
+the silly superstition of Gustus might prove the death of those he
+loved.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"White folks ain't scared ob de debbil like us black people.  Dey
+nebber see tings de way we do.  Maybe de debbil only 'pears to us kose
+we's black like he am.  If dar wuz only a white person wid me, dey
+wouldn't be scared to go an' see if it were a fire or de debbil.  I
+ought to find out which it am.  De fire might burn Missy Beth, and de
+debbil might carry her off if he don't kotch me.  De debbil nebber goes
+'way empty-handed."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Gustus tarried, harrowed by his superstition, but with love trying to
+master fear.  Unless love conquered quickly, he would be too late to
+save her whom he worshiped.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Missy Beth's been powerful good to me," he moralized to himself.  "She
+wouldn't let me burn, nor she wouldn't let de debbil carry me off.  She
+always tells me dar's nuffin to fear only my own b'liefs, but if she
+was black like me she'd know bettah.  She's white like an angel, an'
+angels only see glory.  Yes, she's an angel, an' God will save her.  He
+won't let de debbil hab her nor de fire scorch her."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Trying to ease his conscience thus, he once more turned away from the
+fire as if the struggle were ended, but real love is never conquered.
+It still tugged at the heart strings of Gustus.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"God's far, far away.  It's night, an' maybe He sometimes snoozes like
+de rest ob us.  Den Missy Beth's in danger, an' unless I help her.  God
+won't know anything 'bout it.  I have it.  I'll go an' wake Massa
+Harvey.  He'll know what to do."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Gustus ran towards the Baker homestead which was the next place to the
+Davenports'.  Love had gained a half victory, but half victories are
+always dangerous.  He might rouse Harvey, but unless God intervened in
+some way, Harvey would be too late, and his friend would burn.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+On ran Gustus, while the fire raged more and more fiercely.  Its fiery
+tongues leaped out nearer and nearer the children, Maggie, and Duke,
+sure to devour them unless God vouchsafed some other warning besides
+the one that had been given Gustus.  He had been tried and found
+wanting.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Massa Harvey, Massa Harvey," Gustus cried a few minutes later, under
+the window of the room where he knew Harvey slept.  "For God's sake,
+come an' save Missy Beth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey wakened out of a sound sleep.  He thought he was dreaming, but
+again he heard the agonized appeal:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Massa Harvey, for God's sake, save Missy Beth."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Harvey sprang to the window.  "What's the matter, Gustus?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I think de debbil am after Missy Beth," moaned Gustus, who had decided
+that it was the Evil One instead of a real fire.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+His words gave Harvey no lucid idea of the situation.  He feared Beth
+was in danger, but he little realized the urgency of the case.
+However, he did not stop to question, but slipped into his clothes as
+fast as he could, and went below to join Gustus.  His parents had gone
+to the party, and he did not waken any of the servants.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The minute he opened the front door, one look to the right revealed the
+awful truth to him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is Beth there?" he gasped to Gustus who had run around to the door to
+join him.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I reckon so.  Yo' won't let de debbil get her."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"The devil?  It's worse.  It's fire.  She'll burn," cried Harvey in
+agony, tearing across the fields as fast as he could.  Gustus followed
+trembling in every limb.  He realized now that he had been a coward,
+that if his beloved little "missy" burned, he would be greatly to blame.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I didn't know," he moaned to himself, and then his cry changed to a
+prayer, "Dear God, don't let her burn.  Don't let her burn," he pleaded
+as he ran, pitifully penitent.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+As Harvey flew towards the burning house, his thought dwelt on the
+other fire from which he and Beth had been saved.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"God won't let her burn.  He won't do it," he cried to himself, and yet
+half fearful that the fire demon which seemed to pursue Beth might
+conquer this time.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"De Good Book says dat if we ask anything, an' believe, dat it will be
+granted us," gasped Gustus as if reading Harvey's doubts.  "Let's both
+pray as hard as ever we kin dat God'll save Missy Beth, an' He'll do
+it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The faith expressed by the superstitious colored boy heartened Harvey
+somewhat.  He ran on as fast as ever, but both in his heart and in that
+of Gustus was the prayer that Beth might be saved.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+That prayer was answered.  After the colored boy was found wanting, an
+animal was used as God's messenger.  The fire awakened Duke.  The air
+all around him was full of smoke that almost choked him.  He realized
+there was danger, but he thought more of another that he loved than of
+his own safety.  With a bound, he sprang through the open doorway
+barking wildly.  He leaped up on the bed where the children slept.  He
+had no words in which to warn them of danger, but the ways of God are
+above those of men, and weak instruments prove strong in His hands.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Julia and Beth wakened at the same instant.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What is it, Duke?" cried Beth only half awake, for the dog was pulling
+wildly at her night-dress.  The smoke answered her question.  Both of
+the girls knew that Duke was warning them that the house was on fire.
+They jumped out of bed, and ran to the door.  The fire now was fast
+breaking into the house.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What shall we do?" gasped Beth at sight of the smoke and flames
+circling around the stairs at the end of the hall.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We can climb down the piazza," answered Julia turning towards it.
+Beth started to follow her, but a thought stopped her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"If we go that way Maggie'll burn.  I must try to warn her."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But we'll choke to death," cried Julia, carried away for a moment by
+the terror fire has for the bravest.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I can't help it.  I can't let Maggie burn.  You can climb down the
+piazza, but I'm going to try to reach Maggie," answered Beth, going
+towards the hall, with Duke at her heels.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was a terrible temptation to Julia to take Beth at her words.  She
+feared that Death waited in the hall.  The thought made Julia shiver
+notwithstanding the sickening heat that was beginning to fill the
+house.  Her face blanched, but it was no whiter than that of Beth, who
+felt fully as strongly as Julia the danger she ran in trying to save
+Maggie.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Let's wrap ourselves in blankets," cried Julia seizing two from the
+bed, and throwing one to Beth.  She had conquered her fear sufficiently
+to make a supreme effort to save Maggie.  She was too brave to let Beth
+outshine her in daring.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Maggie, Maggie, wake," yelled Beth, wrapping the blanket around her
+and rushing out into the smoke and fire towards the room where Maggie
+slept.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Fire, fire, fire," screamed Julia, the smoke half choking her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Their cries wakened Maggie.  She jumped out of bed, and rushed out into
+the hall.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, de good Lo'd," she moaned, trembling all over in sudden horror;
+"dis house is burnin', an' we'll die."  Then she saw the two girls.
+Their danger calmed her fears.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, we won't die, honeys," she cried more calmly.  "We kin get down de
+stairs, I know.  Come on, my honeys.  I won't leave yo'.  We'll jes'
+keep our mouths shut, an' we'll be all right."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She, too, seized a blanket to protect herself from the fire.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She was nearest the stairs, but she waited until the girls came up to
+her.  Not another word was said.  The smoke was drying up their throats
+and lungs, and they felt that they needed every bit of air just to
+breathe.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Fortunately, in the main part of the building, the fire was worse on
+the outside than the inside.  Their greatest foe was the smoke that
+grew more dense every instant.  Down the stairs they flew.  Once at the
+bottom, the door leading outside seemed very far away.  Still they did
+not make a sound, but used every effort to escape.  There was no
+thought of trying to save anything but their lives.  That was the one
+mercy that was asked of God.  Other possessions could be replaced.  On,
+on they flew.  Thank God, the door is almost within reach.  They gasp
+for breath.  Even Duke pants.  Will their strength last until they can
+reach God's pure air?
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Maggie now proved leader.  Her trembling hands unbarred the door that
+alone stood between them and liberty.  With a last mighty effort, she
+swung it open.  Out they flew, and now the flames which curled in wild
+fury about the piazza almost scorched them.  Thank God, this fiery
+trial is but for a moment.  They dash through the flames, and are safe.
+Breathing is no longer a pain.  They make their way beyond the reach of
+the sparks.  Maggie fell on her knees crying:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Praise to de Lo'd.  Praise to de Lo'd."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Julia looked at the piazza down which she had wished to climb.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, if we had tried to come that way we couldn't have done it," she
+said, and there was thankfulness in her heart that she had conquered
+her fear.  Otherwise precious time would have been lost, and she might
+have been burned to death.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Our home is gone," sobbed Beth, for at that instant the roof fell.
+Duke howled as if he, too, knew that something had been lost that never
+again could be exactly the same.  His howls attracted Beth's attention.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You dear, dear fellow," she cried, the tears flowing faster than ever.
+"If it hadn't been for you we'd all be dead."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He poked his nose into her outstretched hand, and looked up at her as
+if he would like to comfort her.  At that instant Harvey and Gustus
+rushed upon the scene.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth, Beth," cried Harvey wildly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"We're here," she answered.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Tears of thankfulness rushed into the eyes of Harvey and Gustus, and
+for once they were not ashamed of crying.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth," repeated Harvey, running up to her and seizing her hands.   His
+emotion choked back the words that rose.  Never had he been more
+grateful, and never had he less power of expression.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Little missy, I done feared yo'd went up in de flames," cried Gustus,
+and added, "but I had dat dar grain of mustard seed dat made me b'lieve
+de Lo'd would somehow save yo'."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Somehow, even when I'm awfully scared, I don't think I'm going to be
+killed," said Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I jes' reckon yo' has dat grain of mustard seed I'se tellin' 'bout."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I reckon it's a good thing to have, Gustus," put in Harvey.  "But
+instead of letting the mustard seed do everything by itself, I believe
+we'd better rouse the servants.  Unless care is taken their quarters
+and the barn may burn."
+</P>
+
+<A NAME="img-256"></A>
+<CENTER>
+<IMG SRC="images/img-256.jpg" ALT="The darkies' quarters." BORDER="2" WIDTH="494" HEIGHT="420">
+<H4>
+[Illustration: The darkies' quarters.]
+</H4>
+</CENTER>
+
+<P>
+This proved a happy suggestion; for while these buildings were far
+distant from the house, it was found the sparks had already set the
+barn afire.  However, the servants managed to put the fire out.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The glare from the fire illuminated the sky, and attracted the
+attention of the Davenports and the Gordons returning in a merry mood
+from the party.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It looks like a house burning," said Mrs. Davenport.  "Supposing it
+were ours," she added forebodingly.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Davenport had experienced a like fear for some moments, but had
+refrained from letting any of the party know.  They had remarked that
+he was driving the spirited span to their full speed, but supposed he
+was hurrying because of the lateness of the hour.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It is a fire," cried Mrs. Gordon.  "Our daughters&mdash;God keep them."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Moments seemed hours to the anxious parents.  As dread became
+certainty, they felt as if the horses were almost standing still,
+whereas they were going as fast over the hard shell road as was
+possible.  Ambulance or fire horses could not have passed the ones Mr.
+Davenport drove, urged both by his voice and by the whip.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Beth&mdash;Julia," cried two mothers the same second, as they rushed from
+the carriage and gathered two blanketed figures to their hearts.  Tears
+of relief and thankfulness flowed thick and fast.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's terrible that our lovely home is gone," cried Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"In evil there is good.  You are safe, my darling," her mother murmured.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The fathers felt no less keenly the escape of their beloved children,
+but expressed themselves less emotionally.  Marian could get hardly any
+one to notice her, but finally managed to say so as to be heard:
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't think they ought to be standing around with bare feet, and
+blankets wrapped around them."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You must all come home with us," cried Mrs. Gordon.  "I will not
+accept a refusal.  We have a great abundance of room."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Already the fire was beginning to die down, and Mr. Davenport saw that
+no good could be accomplished by remaining longer.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"January, I want you to watch to see that no damage is done by sparks,"
+he said.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Sparks won't have no sort of chance wid me aroun', massa."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Room was made in the carriage for the two children, and the horses were
+started in the direction of the Gordon homestead.  For a few moments,
+in the excitement of telling about the fire, Beth forgot all about
+Duke.  They were almost at the Gordons' door when she thought of him.
+She looked hastily back, half hoping he might be following, and to her
+joy saw him directly behind the carriage.  Beth pleaded to be allowed
+to take her beloved dog up to Julia's room with them.  Julia added her
+entreaties, and the children were permitted to do as they wished in the
+matter.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Once the children were in bed, they talked awhile of their fortunate
+deliverance.  Duke came in for a big share of praise.  Then Julia fell
+asleep, but Beth felt very wide awake.  Presently, even Duke on the
+floor near their bed also slept.  Beth knew that he was sleeping
+because he moaned as if he were haunted by a nightmare of the fire.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Poor, poor fellow, he feels almost as bad as I," thought Beth.  For a
+long time she lay awake wondering what her father would do now that
+their home with all its contents was burned.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Just s'posing&mdash;just s'posing&mdash;&mdash;"  With these words Beth fell into a
+troubled sleep.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+About ten minutes afterwards, she began crying in her sleep, which
+wakened Julia.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, Beth dear, what's the matter?" and Julia twined her arm lovingly
+around her friend.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth wakened with a start.  She sat up in bed.  "Where am I, Julia?  In
+Florida?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Of course, dear.  What made you&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, I'm so glad I'm here.  I went to sleep s'posing&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Supposing what, Beth?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, I don't like to tell for fear it may come true.  I dreamed that it
+did come true and it made me very miserable."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You're just nervous over the terrible fire.  All the bad that can
+happen has already happened to you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I don't know about that," murmured Beth, but could not be persuaded to
+tell Julia more about her dream.  Julia therefore sank back into
+slumberland, and forgot all about her friend's dream, but not so Beth.
+The fear of what she dreamed haunted her, waking and sleeping.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The next morning, Beth had quite a time dressing.  Most of Julia's
+clothes proved a very tight fit.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'll have to pretend I'm a young lady.  Then I shall not mind if it is
+tight," Beth said as she struggled into Julia's blue dress.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's a little short, but then short dresses are the style now,"
+commented Julia in an effort to be polite.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Immediately after breakfast, the Davenports and the Gordons started
+over to view the fire.  For some reason known only to herself, Beth did
+not care to go.  She even refused to be moved by Julia's entreaties,
+and insisted that Julia go without her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Duke remained to keep Beth company.  When the two were alone, Beth put
+her arms around the faithful dog.  He looked up into her eyes and
+whined.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I believe you know," cried Beth.  "Are you afraid of it, too?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Again Duke whined.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You do know, Duke."  There were tears in Beth's eyes.  "If it happens,
+they'll take you from me.  Don't you remember what Mr. Brown said?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Duke looked as if he understood.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"They shan't take you from me.  I'll go in town and see Mr. Brown.  You
+shall go with me, Duke."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+He wagged his tail as if pleased, at the promise.  Beth ran for a hat,
+and then, with Duke, started down the road towards town.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The day was extremely sultry, and the warmth in combination with the
+excitement of the night before soon caused Beth to tire, but she would
+not give up her undertaking.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You'd do as much to stay with me, wouldn't you, Duke?" she asked, to
+encourage herself.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Duke barked.  Perhaps it was because he did not mind the heat and was
+anxious for a frolic.  Beth envied his spirits.  To her the way seemed
+very long and dusty, but on and on she trudged.  She did not know
+exactly where Mr. Brown lived, but thought by asking she could easily
+find out, and so it proved.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+It was a very tired, warm, and dusty little girl who finally turned in
+at the Browns'.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+A great, overgrown puppy rushed at Beth and Duke as they opened the
+gate.  At first, Beth could hardly believe her own eyes.  It scarcely
+seemed possible that it was the same puppy she had given Mr. Brown such
+a short time before.  The little fellow had outgrown all his brothers
+and sisters, and could no longer be rightly termed little.  Duke was
+unaffectedly glad to see his son.  Away they ran together.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Duke, Duke, come back."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth's call did not bring him, but Mr. Brown came around the corner of
+the house.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why, missy," his face lighted up in greeting.  Beth wondered how she
+ever thought him ugly-looking.  "You saw my puppy, didn't you?  I tell
+you he's a fine fellow.  Duke never compared with him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Do you really like the puppy the best?" cried Beth, eagerly rushing up
+to him in her excitement.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Not a doubt of it."  He smiled at her evident delight.  "Gift&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Is that what you call him?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Yes.  The name is to remind me of your kindness.  I&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Was I really kind?" she interrupted wistfully.  She did not wait for
+an answer.  "Then perhaps you'd be willing to do me a very, very great
+favor."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"What is it you want?  But you'd better sit down first.  You look
+tired."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I am a little tired.  It was pretty hot walking."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You don't mean you walked here?&mdash;and on such a hot day?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+When he found that she had, he seated her in the shade on the cool
+piazza, and would not listen to another word until he went into the
+house and returned with a bottle of orangeade for her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Now while you drink, I'll tell you why I like Gift better than Duke.
+In the first place, Gift really loves me&mdash;why, I don't believe that
+even such a charming little lady as you could get Gift to leave me.
+Let's try and see.  Here, Gift; come, Gift."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+The two dogs came running at his call.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"He always answers just so promptly."  Beth noted how proud he looked.
+"Now little missy, call Gift and make friends with him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth did as bidden.  Gift proved very friendly in response.  Duke
+seemed inclined to be jealous.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Now missy, rise as if to go and call Gift to follow.  It will be as
+big a temptation as he ever had.  He doesn't usually make friends the
+way he has with you and Duke.  Perhaps I'm a fool to try him so."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Then I will not&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"No, no.  I want to know if Gift cares for me as much as I think he
+does.  You must try him."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth was growing nervous over the situation.  Somehow, she realized
+that the love of Gift meant more to the man before her than almost
+anything in his life.  If the dog failed him at this point it might
+have a very disastrous effect.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Come, come; do as I say," cried Brown with somewhat of his original
+curtness of manner.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth did not dare refuse, but trembled for the result.  She arose.
+Duke wagged his tail in delight that she was going.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Come on, Gift."  He paid no heed, but his master saw that she was not
+calling as if she really wanted the dog.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Call as if you meant it."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She saw that she could not fool him.  She felt compelled to act under
+his direction, but it seemed the irony of fate that once she had
+unwittingly taken his dog from him, and that now she should be made to
+try again when neither of them wished the dog to leave him.  Tears were
+in her eyes, but she clapped her hands as if ready for a frolic.  "Come
+on, Gift; come on."  Duke also barked an invitation.  Gift leaped down
+the steps and was by their side in an instant.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, please call him back, or let me come back."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Go on.  Don't you dare let him see that you don't want him.  If he
+follows you home, I never want to see any of you again.  Both dogs then
+are yours forever," growled Gift's owner.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Tears now blinded poor Beth so that she could hardly see to open the
+gate.  Duke did not wait for it to be opened, but leaped over the
+fence.  Gift hesitated about following.  He was perfectly able to make
+the jump, but he evidently thought of his master for the first time.
+He looked back undecided what to do.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Oh, if he only would call him," but Brown stood as if turned to stone.
+Suddenly Gift ran back to his side.  Beth never felt more grateful.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Call him.  I am not sure of him yet," cried Brown in a strange voice.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"It's cruel to the dog and to me," thought Beth.  She now held the gate
+open.  "Come, Gift."  Again Duke barked.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm ashamed of you, Duke Davenport, for tempting your own son,"
+thought Beth.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Gift looked up at his master as if for a word of instruction.  He
+received no word or sign in reply.  Then Gift made a slight move as if
+to follow Beth, but suddenly turned and licked his master's hand.
+Next, he settled down on the porch for a sleep as if the matter were
+settled once and forever.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth now expected to see Mr. Brown show some emotion, but he simply
+called, "Missy, come back."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She would have thought that she had overestimated his feelings in the
+matter if she had not caught sight of tears in his eyes when she
+returned.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Gift is the best friend I have," he said quietly when Beth was
+reseated.  "Do you know he helps keep me from saloons.  If he is with
+me and I start in one, he growls.  Now, what favor do you want to ask
+of me?"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She had almost forgotten the object of her visit, and the abruptness
+with which it was recalled to her embarrassed her.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I&mdash;I want to pay you for Duke.  I have some money of my own in the
+bank and I think&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"But I gave Duke to you."  He looked grieved.  "I accepted Gift from
+you, I don't see&mdash;&mdash;"
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"You don't understand.  Do you remember what you said when you gave me
+Duke?  You said if I ever left Florida I'd have to give him back to
+you."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"That was before I had Gift."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"And you wouldn't take Duke from me?"  She sprang to her feet.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Not for the world."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Suddenly Beth seized Duke, and danced around and around with him.  "Oh,
+goody.  Duke, you old dear, we needn't stay awake nights worrying over
+that part any more."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Brown hitched up and drove Beth back.  On the way, she told him of
+the fire, and how Duke had saved their lives.  Duke and Gift were
+following the carriage, and perhaps Duke was telling his son of his own
+heroism, because Gift often barked as if excited over something.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Mr. Brown said he would like to see the ruins and so Beth drove with
+him to the homestead.  They found Mr. Davenport, Julia, Harvey, Maggie,
+and Gustus out near the stables.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Why Beth, where have you been?" cried her father.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+She jumped out of the carriage and ran and threw herself into her
+father's arms.  "Papa, now that our house is gone, I was afraid you'd
+take us back North to live.  I don't want to go, but if I had to go, it
+would have broken my heart to part with Duke, but now, I'll never,
+never have to part with him, no matter what happens.  Mr. Brown says
+he's mine forever."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Dear, I do not expect to go back North.  Next fall, we'll build a fine
+new house, and you shall be a little Florida lady the rest of your
+life, if you wish."
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"I'm to live South always," cried Beth, turning a radiant face toward
+her friends.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+"Three cheers for our little Florida lady," proposed Harvey.  All
+present joined in the hurrahing that followed.  Gustus's voice rang out
+the loudest of any.
+</P>
+
+<P>
+Beth's face was radiant.  The sun was shining once more for her.  Her
+two great fears had proved groundless.  Duke was hers, and henceforth
+she was to remain A Little Florida Lady.
+</P>
+
+<BR><BR><BR><BR>
+
+<hr class="full" noshade>
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A LITTLE FLORIDA LADY***</p>
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, A Little Florida Lady, by Dorothy C. Paine
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: A Little Florida Lady
+
+
+Author: Dorothy C. Paine
+
+
+
+Release Date: November 27, 2005  [eBook #17165]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A LITTLE FLORIDA LADY***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Al Haines
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 17165-h.htm or 17165-h.zip:
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/1/6/17165/17165-h/17165-h.htm)
+      or
+      (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/7/1/6/17165/17165-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+A LITTLE FLORIDA LADY
+
+by
+
+DOROTHY C. PAINE
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Frontispiece: The Little Florida Lady]
+
+
+
+
+Philadelphia
+George W. Jacobs & Company
+Copyright, 1903, by
+George W. Jacobs & Company
+Published, October, 1903
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+    I.  THE JOURNEY TO FLORIDA
+   II.  THE NEW HOME
+  III.  BETH'S FIRST FISHING LESSON
+   IV.  VISITING
+    V.  WALKING ON STILTS
+   VI.  HOUSE BUILDING
+  VII.  BETH'S NEW PLAYFELLOW
+ VIII.  LEARNING TO SWIM
+   IX.  THE LITTLE DRESSMAKER
+    X.  THE HORSE RACE
+   XI.  DON MEETS A SAD FATE
+  XII.  THE ARRIVAL OF DUKE
+ XIII.  ANXIOUS HOURS
+  XIV.  THE RESCUE
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+   The Little Florida Lady . . . . . . _Frontispiece_
+
+   Beth Thought a Cotton Field a Pretty Sight [missing from book]
+
+   Beth's New Home [missing from book]
+
+   Maggie, a Typical Old-Time Mammy
+
+   Laura Corner in the Treasured Easter Hat
+
+   Harvey [missing from book]
+
+   "The Cutest Things Yon Ever Saw"
+
+   January with His Perpetual Laugh and Fiddle
+
+   The Darkies' Quarters
+
+
+
+
+A Little Florida Lady
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+The Journey to Florida.
+
+New York was in the throes of a blizzard.  The wind howled and
+shrieked, heralding the approach of March, the Wind King's month of the
+year.  Mrs. Davenport stood at a second story window of a room of the
+Gilsey House, and looked down idly on the bleak thoroughfare.  She was
+a young-looking woman for her thirty-five years, and had an extremely
+sweet face, denoting kindliness of heart.
+
+The hall door opened, and Elizabeth Davenport entered, carrying in her
+arms a little ball of fluffy gray.
+
+Elizabeth, or Beth, as she was more commonly called at the age of
+seven, might have been compared to a good fairy had she not been so
+plump.  She almost always radiated sunshine, and her face was generally
+lighted with a smile, the outcome of a warm heart.  Sometimes clouds
+slightly dimmed the sunshine, but they always proved to be summer
+clouds that quickly passed.  Her face was now flushed, and her eyes
+sparkled.
+
+Mrs. Davenport turned, and smiled in greeting, but, at the same time,
+brushed a tear from her eye.
+
+"Why, mamma, dear, what's the matter?" cried Beth.
+
+Mrs. Davenport's eyes filled, but she bravely smiled.  "I'm a little
+unhappy over leaving all our friends, Beth.  Florida seems very far
+away."
+
+"I wouldn't be unhappy."
+
+"How would you help it, dearie?"
+
+"Why mamma," she answered triumphantly after a second's thought, "there
+are so many pleasant things to think about that I just never think of
+the unpleasant ones," and her face broke into a smile, so cheery that
+Mrs. Davenport's heart lightened.
+
+"Mamma," she continued, "it's very easy for me to be happy.  Every one
+is so good to me.  The chambermaid just gave me this dear, dear kitty.
+Isn't it too cute for anything?  I mean to take it to Florida with me."
+
+"Why, Beth, that would never do."
+
+Beth was about to demur, when a door into an adjoining room opened, and
+Mr. Davenport called:
+
+"Mary, come here a minute, please."
+
+Mrs. Davenport hastened to answer the call.  She was hardly out of the
+room before Beth rushed to an open trunk.  Impatiently, she began
+pulling things out.  She burrowed almost to the very bottom.  Lastly,
+she took out a skirt of her mother's, and wrapped something very
+carefully in it.
+
+The door into the adjoining room creaked.  Beth blushed scarlet, and
+dropped the bundle into the trunk.  Then as no one came, she threw the
+other articles pell-mell on top of the bundle, and scampered guiltily
+to the other end of the room.  Not an instant too soon to escape
+immediate detection, for Mrs. Davenport reentered the room, followed by
+a girl of thirteen.  This was Marian, Beth's sister.  The two girls
+were totally unlike both in looks and in disposition.  Marian was a
+tall blonde, and slight for her age.  She had quiet, gentle ways.
+
+"Mother, here's my red dress on the floor," she said, picking it up
+near the trunk.
+
+"Beth, what have you been doing?"
+
+Beth kept her blushing, telltale face turned from her mother, and did
+not answer.  Without another word, Mrs. Davenport went to the trunk,
+and began smoothing things out.
+
+"I declare, there's something alive in here," and she drew out a poor,
+half smothered kitten.
+
+"I think you might let her go in the trunk," cried Beth, aggrieved.
+
+"Child, it would kill the poor kitty.  Marian, you take it back to the
+chambermaid."  Marian left the room with it, and Beth began to pout,
+whereupon Mrs. Davenport said:
+
+"Beth, you are so set upon having your own way, I hardly know what to
+do with you."
+
+Immediately Beth's pouting gave place to a mischievous smile.  "You'd
+better call in a policeman, and have me taken away."
+
+Mrs. Davenport smiled too.  "So my little girl remembers the policeman,
+does she?  I was at my wits' end to know how to manage you when I
+thought of him.  Even as a little bit of a thing, you would laugh
+instead of cry, if I punished you with a whipping."
+
+"Well, I was afraid of the policeman, anyway.  I thought you really
+meant it when you said I was a naughty child, and not your nice Beth,
+and that the policeman would take the naughty child away."
+
+"It worked like magic," said Mrs. Davenport.  "You stopped crying
+almost immediately, and held out towards me a red dress of which you
+were very proud, and cried, 'I'm your Beth.  Don't you know my pretty
+red dress?  Don't you see my curls?'"  She sat down, having finished
+straightening out the trunk, and Beth crept up into her mother's lap.
+
+"Beth, do you remember one night when you were ready for bed in your
+little canton-flannel night-drawers, that you lost your temper over
+some trifling matter?  You danced up and down, yelling, 'I won't.  I
+won't.'  I could hardly keep from laughing.  My young spitfire looked
+very funny capering around and around, her long curls rumpled about her
+determined, flushed face, and her feet not still an instant in her
+flapping night-drawers.  Many and many a time you escaped punishment,
+Beth, because you were so very comical even in your naughtiness."
+
+"I remember that night well," answered Beth.  "You said, 'There, that
+bad girl has come back.  Even though it's night, she'll have to go.'"
+
+"And," interrupted Mrs. Davenport, "you threw yourself into my arms,
+crying, 'Mamma, whip me, but don't send me away.'  I knew better than
+to whip you, but I punished you by not kissing you good-night."
+
+"And I cried myself to sleep," put in Beth, snuggling more closely to
+her mother.  "I thought I must be very naughty not to get my usual
+good-night kiss.  I do try to be good, but it's very hard work
+sometimes.  But I'll get the better of the bad girl, I'll leave her
+here in New York, so she won't bother you in Florida."----
+
+Just then Mr. Davenport entered the room.  He was a tall, dark man with
+a very kindly face.
+
+"I think the snow is not deep enough to detain the trains," he said.
+"It's time for us to start.  The porter is here to take the trunks."
+
+"We'll be ready in a moment," answered his wife.  "I fear we'll find it
+very disagreeable driving to the station."
+
+And, in truth, outside the weather proved bitterly cold.  The wind
+swept with blinding power up the now mostly deserted thoroughfare.  The
+Davenports were glad of the shelter of the carriage which carried them
+swiftly along the icy pavement.  Mrs. Davenport drew her furs around
+her, while the children snuggled together.
+
+"I'm glad we're going, aren't you, Marian?" asked Beth, as they
+descended from the carriage at the station.
+
+"I guess so," answered Marian doubtfully, remembering the friends she
+was leaving behind, perhaps forever.
+
+Mr. Davenport already had their tickets, and the family immediately
+boarded a sleeper bound for Jacksonville.
+
+Beth loved to travel, and soon was on speaking terms with every one on
+the car.  She hesitated slightly about being friends with the porter.
+He made her think of the first colored person she had ever seen.  She
+remembered even now how the man's rolling black eyes had frightened
+her, although it was the blackness of his skin that had impressed her
+the most.  She believed that he had become dirty, the way she sometimes
+did, only in a greater degree.
+
+"Mamma," she whispered, "I never get as black as that man, do I?  Do
+you s'pose he ever washes himself?"
+
+Mrs. Davenport explained that cleanliness had nothing to do with the
+man's blackness.
+
+"Is he black inside?" Beth questioned in great awe.
+
+"No.  All people are alike at heart.  Clean thinking makes even the
+black man white within, dear."
+
+Beth had not seen another colored person from that time until this.
+Therefore, she was a little doubtful about making up with the porter.
+But he proved so very genial that before night arrived, he and "little
+missy," as he called Beth, were so very friendly that he considered her
+his special charge.
+
+That night both children slept as peacefully as if they had been in
+their own home.
+
+In the morning, Beth was wakened by Marian pulling up the shade.  A
+stream of sunshine flooded their berth, blinding Beth for a second or
+two.  Snow and clouds had been left far behind.
+
+"It's almost like summer," cried Beth, hastening to dress.
+
+After breakfast, the porter, whose name Beth learned was "Bob," took
+her out on the back platform while the engine was taking on water.  To
+the left of the train were five colored children clustered around a
+stump.
+
+"Bob, how many children have you?" asked Beth, and her eyes opened wide
+in astonishment.
+
+"Law, honey," and Bob's grin widened, "I ain't got any chillun.  I'se a
+bachelor."
+
+Beth stamped her foot.  She could not bear deceit.  "Bob, it's very
+wrong to tell stories.  These children must be yours; they're just like
+you."
+
+He laughed so heartily at the idea, that Beth feared his mouth never
+would get into shape again.  "Ha, ha, ha.  Dem my chillun!  Ha, ha, ha.
+Law, honey, dem ain't mine.  Thank de Lord, I don't have to feed all
+dem hungry, sassy, little niggahs."
+
+"Well, Bob, if they're not yours, whose are they?"
+
+"Dem's jes' culled chillun."
+
+A whistle sounded, and the train was soon under way again.  Beth ran to
+her mother.
+
+"Mamma, there were a lot of little Bobs outside, but he says they are
+not his children--that they're just colored children."
+
+Mrs. Davenport had a hard time making her understand that Bob had told
+the truth.  Beth sat very still for a while by a window.  Suddenly, she
+cried out:
+
+"What are those little specks of white?  They look like little balls of
+snow, only they can't be.  It's too warm, and then I never saw snow
+grow on bushes."
+
+"That is cotton."
+
+Although the bushes were not in their full glory--only having on them a
+little of last year's fruitage that was not picked--Beth thought a
+cotton field a very pretty sight.
+
+[Illustration: Beth thought a cotton field a very pretty sight.
+(Illustration missing from book)]
+
+The pine trees of Georgia prove monotonous to most people, except that
+their perpetual green is restful to the eye in the midst of white sand
+and dazzling sunshine.  Beth, however, liked even the pines, being a
+lover of all trees.  They seemed almost human to her.  She believed
+that trees could speak if they would.  She often talked to them, and
+fondled their rough old bark.  Children can have worse companions than
+trees.  They were a great comfort to Beth all through life.
+
+On the way through Georgia, the train was delayed by a hot box.  While
+it was being fixed, Bob took Beth for a walk, and she saw a moss-laden
+oak for the first time.
+
+"Oh, Bob," she cried, "I never before saw a tree with hair."
+
+His hearty laugh broke out anew.  "Ha, ha, ha.  I'll jes' pull some of
+dat hair for you, missy," and he raised his great, black hand to grab
+the curling, greenish, gray moss.
+
+"Don't, Bob," and when he gave her no heed, she added, "I'm afraid
+it'll hurt the tree.  I know it hurts me greatly when any one pulls my
+hair."
+
+He laughed more than ever at her, until Beth grew ashamed, and meekly
+accepted the moss that he piled up in her little arms.
+
+The hot box so delayed the train that Jacksonville was not reached
+until the middle of the night.
+
+Bob took a sleeping child in his arms, and carried her out to the bus.
+
+"Good-bye, little missy," he murmured, before handing her to her father.
+
+Her arms tightened around his neck while her eyes opened for a second.
+
+"Don't leave me, Bob.  I love you."
+
+Then she did not remember anything more until she wakened in a strange
+room the next morning.
+
+At first, she could not think where she was.  Then it came to her that
+she was in a hotel in Jacksonville.  She sprang out of bed, and ran to
+a window.  The room faced a park, and afforded Beth her first glimpse
+of tropical beauty.  Strange trees glistened in the glorious sunshine.
+From pictures she had seen, Beth recognized the palms, and the orange
+trees.  Below, on the piazza, the band was playing "Dixie."  Delighted
+as Beth was, she did not linger long by the window, but dressed as fast
+as she could.
+
+Mr. Davenport entered the room.
+
+"Do you know what time it is?  It's fully eleven, and I was up at six
+this morning."
+
+"At six, papa?  What have you been doing?"
+
+"I went down town, and then I drove far out into the country."
+
+"Oh, why didn't you waken me and let me go?"
+
+"I had business on hand.  Come along down to the dining-room.  Your
+mother had some breakfast saved for you.  I have a surprise for you."
+
+"A surprise, papa?  What is it?"
+
+"It wouldn't be as great a surprise if I told you."  This was all the
+satisfaction she received until after she had breakfasted.
+
+"We're going for a drive," said Mr. Davenport as she came out of the
+dining-room.
+
+"Is the drive the surprise, papa?"
+
+"You'll know all in good time, Beth.  You must have patience," he
+answered as he led the way out to the piazza.
+
+"Get your hats, and bring Beth's with you," he said to Mrs. Davenport
+and Marian who were listening to the music.
+
+"What do you think of that man and the rig?" asked Mr. Davenport of
+Beth, indicating a middle-aged negro who stood holding a bay mare
+hitched to a surrey.
+
+Beth noted that the man looked good-natured.  There were funny little
+curves on his face suggestive of laughter even when in repose.  Jolly
+wrinkles lurked around his eyes.  Beth saw two rows of pearly teeth
+though his mouth was partly hidden by a mustache and beard.  His nose
+was large and flat.  It looked like a dirty piece of putty thrown at
+haphazard on a black background.  Beth, however, did not mind his
+homeliness.
+
+"He's nice, and the horse is beautiful," she said.
+
+"Then let's go down and talk to the man."
+
+As Mr. Davenport and Beth walked to the side of the darky, he lifted
+his stovepipe hat that had been brushed until the silk was wearing
+away.  He revealed thereby a shock of iron-gray wool.  He made a
+sweeping bow.
+
+"Massa, am dis de little missy dat yo' wuz tellin' 'bout?  I'se
+powerful glad to meet yo', missy."
+
+He was so very polite that even irrepressible Beth was a little awed.
+She hid halfway behind her father.
+
+"This is January, Beth."
+
+"What a very queer name," she whispered.
+
+"It is queer, but you are in a strange land.  For awhile you'll think
+you are in fairy-land.  Everything will be so different.  Do you want
+to stay with January while I go in to bring your mother?"
+
+She nodded that she did.  Mr. Davenport reentered the hotel.  Beth
+seated herself upon the curbstone, and looked at the bay horse behind
+which she was soon to have the bliss of driving.  She thought it about
+as nice a horse as she had ever seen.  Her curiosity overcame her
+momentary shyness.  "Is it your horse, January?"
+
+He smiled.  "No, 'deed, missy, but I raised her from a colt, and she
+loves me like I wuz her massa.  Why, she runs to me from de pasture
+when I jes' calls, while she's dat ornary wid odders, dey jes' can't
+cotch her.  It takes old January to cotch dis horse, don't it, Dolly?"
+
+The horse whinnied.
+
+"Is Dolly her name?"
+
+"Dat's what I calls her, honey.  It ain't her real name.  Her real
+name----"
+
+"Oh, has she a nickname, too?  She's like me then.  My name isn't
+really Beth."
+
+"'Deed?" he asked with polite interest.
+
+"It's Elizabeth, but I'm called that only when I have tantrums."
+
+"What am dem, missy?"
+
+"Well," she blushingly stammered, "I sometimes forget to be good, and
+then I can't help having them--tantrums, you know.  Just like the
+little girl with the curl who, when she was bad, was horrid.  January,
+are you ever horrid?"
+
+He looked self-conscious.  "Law, missy, I nebber tinks I am, but Titus
+'lows I am, but he don't know much nohow."
+
+Dolly whinnied again, which recalled Beth's thoughts to the horse.
+"Who owns Dolly, January?"
+
+"Law, missy, didn't I tole yo' dat she 'longs to yer paw now?"
+
+Beth was so excited that she jumped to her feet, and began to clap her
+hands.
+
+Her antics made her parents and Marian smile as they came from the
+hotel.
+
+"Mamma, she's our horse.  January said so.  Dolly, do you like me?"
+
+Dolly pricked up her ears as if she understood, and whinnied.
+
+"She wants some sugar," declared Beth, believing that she understood
+horse language.  She took a stale piece of candy out of her pocket, and
+gave it to Dolly.  This attention sealed a never-ending friendship
+between the two.
+
+"Dolly's the surprise, isn't she?" asked Beth, running up to her
+father.  He smiled enigmatically, and that was all the answer she
+received.
+
+Meantime, January, hat in hand, was bowing with Chesterfieldian
+politeness to Mrs. Davenport and Marian.
+
+"All aboard," cried Mr. Davenport.
+
+"Let me sit with January," begged Beth.
+
+Marian, also, expressed a like wish.  The two children, therefore,
+scrambled up in front beside the driver, while Mr. and Mrs. Davenport
+took the back seat.
+
+January sat bolt upright.  His dignity fitted the occasion.  His
+driving, however, worried Beth.
+
+She loved to go fast.  She knew no fear of horses.  She would have
+undertaken to drive the car of Phaeton, himself, had she been given the
+chance.  She had little patience to poke along, and that was exactly
+what Dolly did when January drove.
+
+"Can't she go faster?" she asked.
+
+"She don't 'pear to go very fast, does she?" said January mildly.
+"Missy Beth, yo' jes' wait until her racing blood am up, and den she'll
+go so fast, yo'll wish she didn't go so fast."
+
+Beth had her doubts of this, and even of Dolly's racing blood.  Its
+truth, however, was to be proven by a later experience which will be
+told in due course.
+
+"Has Dolly really racing blood?" asked Marian.  Although January was
+sitting so straight that it seemed impossible for him to sit any
+straighter, he stiffened up at least an inch.
+
+"Racing blood?  Well, I jes' 'lows she has.  Onct she wuz de fastest
+horse in dis State or any odder, I reckon.  She could clean beat ebbery
+horse far and near.  Many's de race I'se ridden her in, an' nebber onct
+lost.  My ole massa wuz powerful proud of us.  Now he's gone, an' Dolly
+an' me's gettin' old."
+
+"How old are you, January?"
+
+"Powerful ole, massa.  I reckon I'm nigh on a hundred."
+
+"That's impossible," interrupted Mrs. Davenport.  "When were you born?"
+
+He scratched his head to help his memory.  "Well, de truf is, Miss
+Mary"--he had heard Mr. Davenport call her Mary, and so from the start
+he addressed her in Southern style--"I can't say 'xactly, but I know
+I'se powerful old.  I wuz an ole man when de wah broke out.  I must
+have been 'bout--well 'bout twenty then."
+
+"The war was only about forty years ago, January," broke in Marian,
+"and that would make you sixty now."
+
+"I reckon, I'm 'bout dat."  He had no idea of his age.  The longer the
+Davenports knew him, the more they realized the truth of this.
+Sometimes he would make himself out a centenarian, and then, by his own
+reckoning, he was not out of his teens.
+
+"Get up, Dolly," he cried.  She paid no more attention to this mild
+command than she would have to the buzzing of a fly--probably not so
+much.
+
+"Papa, may I drive?" asked Marian in her quiet way.  Receiving consent,
+she took the reins.  Dolly soon noticed a difference in drivers.
+Presently she went so fast, that she satisfied even Beth as to speed.
+
+"Look at the river," cried Beth.  They were driving under great,
+over-arching trees.  To the right of them, between the openings of the
+trees, the glorious St. Johns was to be seen gleaming under the
+brilliant tropical sun.
+
+"That's a beautiful hammock yonder," said Mr. Davenport.
+
+Beth could see no hammock.  There was a wonderful, intricate growth of
+shrubs, trees, and vines which formed an almost impenetrable mass of
+green, but no hammock.
+
+"Where is it?" she asked.  "It seems a very queer place for a hammock."
+
+Mr. Davenport laughed at her, and explained that such a mass of green
+is called a hammock in Florida, not hummock as in the North.
+
+Very soon they were past the swamps.  The banks of the river grew
+higher and nice houses were to be seen on either side of the road.
+
+Dolly, of her own accord, turned in at the gate of an unusually
+beautiful place.  There are no fine lawns in Florida.  In this case,
+the lack of such green was made up by a waving mass of blooming
+cardinal phlox, behind which was an orange grove in full bearing.  In
+the well-cultivated grounds there were many inviting drives through
+avenues of trees.
+
+"What are we going in here for?" asked Beth.
+
+"Do you think it a pretty place?" returned Mr. Davenport.
+
+"I never saw a prettier place.  It's grand."
+
+"Guess who owns it."
+
+"How should I know?  I don't know any people in Florida."
+
+"You know the Davenports.  They are to live here.  I bought the place
+this morning."
+
+Beth could hardly believe her father.  He had, indeed, greatly
+surprised her.  That she was to be a little Florida lady henceforth,
+hardly seemed possible.  She thought she must be a fairy-story
+princess, and that the fairies were vying with one another in showering
+upon her the good things of life.
+
+"I'm so happy, I don't know what to say or do.  Why, if a good fairy
+offered to grant me three wishes, I shouldn't know what to ask.  I have
+everything," declared Beth.
+
+"There aren't any fairies, and you know it.  So what's the use of
+talking about them," interrupted practical Marian.
+
+"Mamma says our thoughts are the real fairies," returned Beth, nothing
+daunted, and added, "papa has given me plenty of good ones to-day."
+
+"I was in great luck to secure this place," said Mr. Davenport.  "It
+had just been put on the market as Mr. Marlowe, the former owner, was
+called North by the death of his wife.  The agent brought me out this
+morning, and I was so delighted with it that I would look no farther.
+I found the title all right, and so I signed the papers at once."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+The New Home
+
+The house on the place just described was a rambling two-storied
+building with many porches--a typical vine-covered Southern cottage.
+It was picturesque from every side, and seemed to have no prosaic back.
+Marechal Niel roses, and honeysuckles, and some tropical vines, climbed
+over latticework almost to the roof.  There were, also, many trees near
+the house, some of which were rare.
+
+[Illustration: Beth's new home.  (Illustration missing from book)]
+
+A colored woman bustled out of a side door, and looked down the road
+leading to the gate through which the Davenports' carriage had entered.
+Evidently, she was no common negro, but had served "quality" all her
+life--a typical old-time mammy.  A red bandanna was drawn tightly over
+her short curly wool.  Her dress was of flowered calico, and around her
+neck was a brilliant-hued shawl.  A neat gingham apron covered her
+skirt.  Her face broke into a smile, and she pointed to the palm-lined
+driveway.
+
+"Yo' Titus--yo' Glory--Indianna--all yo' niggahs come hyere.  De new
+massa and missus am comin'," she called.
+
+Out from the house, from the fields, from the quarters, they came
+trooping; old and young; weazened and pretty; black and yellow; all
+rolling their gleaming black eyes in the direction of the carriage
+which they saw come to a sudden standstill.
+
+"What's de mattah?" they cried, and one young darky started down the
+road to see.  He beheld January descend from the carriage, and walk to
+a persimmon tree and pluck some of the fruit.
+
+The darky wondered what was to be done with the fruit that he knew was
+still green.  His curiosity made him sneak up within earshot.
+
+January returned to the carriage, and handed the fruit to Beth.  The
+darky heard him say:
+
+"I wouldn't eat dem, Missy Beth, if I wuz yo'.  Dey am powerful green."
+
+To her the little round fruit looked very tempting, especially the
+light yellow ones.  Therefore she did not heed him.  She selected one,
+but, instead of taking a dainty nibble, she put the whole fruit into
+her mouth, and bit down on it.  Immediately, she set up a cry, and spit
+out the persimmon.  "Ow-ow-ow, how it puckers!"
+
+January chuckled, and, before driving on, he said: "I tole yo' so,
+Missy Beth."
+
+Marian laughed until she was tired.  "Beth, if you are drawn up inside
+the way your face is outside, it must be terrible."
+
+"It is.  It is."  But she did not receive any sympathy.  Even Mr.
+Davenport laughed at her.  He had told her not to have January get
+them, but she had insisted on having her own way.
+
+"Beth," he said, "I hope this may teach you a lesson.  You must not
+taste things that you know nothing about."
+
+Her mouth was still so drawn up that she did not care to do any more
+tasting--at least, not for the present.  When she thought nobody was
+looking, she let the rest of the persimmons roll out of the carriage.
+
+"What do they all do?" asked Beth as the carriage came to a standstill,
+and she noted the waiting negroes.  As January helped her out, he
+chuckled, and swelled visibly with pride.  "Dey all work for us, Missy
+Beth.  She's de boss," he added in a low tone pointing to the colored
+woman with the bandanna.  "Dat's Maggie; yo'd bettah make up with her."
+
+[Illustration: Maggie, a typical old-time mammy.]
+
+The darkies courtesied.  Their manners were of the old school.  Beth
+ran up to Maggie.
+
+"I hope you'll like me, Maggie, for I know I'll like you."
+
+Maggie's face beamed.  "Of cou'se, honey, I jes' kan't help likin' yo'.
+Yo'se de sweetest little missy I knows," and then she added: "Massa,
+I'se 'sidered yore proposition, an' me an' Titus 'cided to stay."
+
+"All right, Maggie.  You can show Mrs. Davenport and the children
+around the house."
+
+Marian was willing to go with her mother, but Beth hung back.
+
+"I don't care for the house.  I want to see the front yard and river.
+May I go, papa?"
+
+"If you'll come back in half an hour, you may go."
+
+"All right, papa," and Beth was off like a flash around the corner of
+the house.  She was impatient to see everything in that half hour.  She
+felt that she needed a thousand eyes.  The trees bewildered her.  There
+were so many varieties she had never seen before--magnolias with their
+wonderful glossy foliage; bamboos with their tropical stalks covered
+with luxuriant green; pomegranates; live-oaks and water-oaks; the wild
+olive with its feathery white blossoms, and many others.
+
+The moss on the oaks swayed back and forth, seeming to murmur, "Beth,
+these trees are the best of playfellows.  Climb up here with us.  We'll
+have great fun," but she would not heed them.  There was too much to
+see.
+
+All of a sudden, she stopped perfectly still.  She thought there must
+be a fairy up in one of the trees with the most wonderful voice she had
+ever heard.  Such singing, she thought, was too sweet to be human.
+
+She looked up and beheld a bird of medium size, and of plain plumage.
+It cocked its little head to one side, and eyed the child as if it knew
+no fear.  It sang on undisturbed.
+
+"Beth," this is what the warbler said to her, "come up into this
+beautiful tree with us.  Stay with us."  The enticement of the bird,
+added to the fascination trees had for her, was almost too much for so
+little a girl to resist.  However, she put her fingers into her ears,
+and ran on.  But, she did not escape temptation thus.  Countless beds
+of roses, of geraniums, and of many other flowers tempted her to
+linger, and gather the fragrant blossoms, but, still she did not
+succumb, for there was greater beauty ahead.  She beheld a lovely
+avenue formed of orange trees and red and white oleanders trimmed to a
+perfect archway.  The winter had been a mild one.  Not only did
+luscious ripe oranges cling to the trees, but green fruit was forming,
+and there was, also, a wealth of fragrant blossoms.  The oleanders,
+too, were coming into bloom.
+
+Beth stopped for a moment to draw in some of the wonderful fragrance
+that filled the air.  No perfume is more delightful than that of orange
+blossoms in their native grove.  The fruit, too, looks more tempting on
+the trees.  The glistening green leaves are just the right setting for
+the golden yellow balls.  Beth wished to stop and eat some of the
+fruit, but again she proved firm.  She ran on and on under the shade of
+the archway that extended a quarter of a mile at the very least.  She
+ran so fast that her breath shortened and her cheeks flamed.
+
+At the end of the avenue was an arch of stone covered with climbing
+Cherokees spread in wild confusion.  Beth did not stop to gather any of
+the pure, fragrant blossoms, for right in front of the arch was a wharf
+leading out on the beautiful St. Johns.  The river was from one to two
+miles wide at this point.  It glistened and rippled under the brilliant
+sunshine.  As Beth ran out on the wharf, she thought she had never seen
+a sight more charming.
+
+The wharf extended far out into the river, and near the end of it, Beth
+came suddenly upon a boy with a loaf of bread in his hand.  She stopped
+undecided, and looked at the boy.  He was, perhaps, three or four years
+older than Beth.  His hair was as light as hers was dark.  His eyes
+were blue, and his naturally fair skin was tanned.  He looked up at
+Beth for an instant, and frowned.
+
+"What are you doing here, little un?  I don't like girls to bother me.
+Go away."
+
+If there was one thing above another that made Beth's temper rise, it
+was to be called "little one," and to be twitted upon being a girl.
+She felt like making up a face at this boy, but, instead, she assumed
+as much dignity as she could command.
+
+"I won't go away.  This is my place.  What are you doing here?"
+
+The boy laughed incredulously.  "Your place, indeed.  The Marlowes own
+this place, and they are away.  Good-bye."
+
+This was too much for her.  She stamped her foot in rage.  "I won't go.
+My papa bought this place to-day."
+
+He looked a little interested.  "Indeed?  What's your name?"
+
+"Elizabeth Davenport;" she said 'Elizabeth' to be dignified, "and
+really my father owns the place."
+
+"If what you say is so, I'd better go," he said somewhat sheepishly.
+
+She relented.  "Oh, I'll let you stay."
+
+"I'm not sure I want to.  I don't like girls.  They're 'fraid-cats."
+
+"I'm no 'fraid-cat," and her eyes snapped.
+
+"How can you prove it, Elizabeth?"
+
+"Don't call me that.  I hate to be called Elizabeth."
+
+"But you told me that was your name."
+
+"Everybody calls me Beth.  If you're nice, you may call me Beth."
+
+"All right.  How are you going to prove you're no 'fraid-cat,
+Eli--Beth?"
+
+She pondered a moment.  "'Fraid-cats cry when they're hurt, don't they?"
+
+"Of course.  So do girls."
+
+"I don't cry when I'm hurt," and she looked triumphant as if that
+settled the matter.  "Once when I was a little bit of a girl----"
+
+"You're pretty small now."
+
+"I'm a big girl, and you shouldn't interrupt.  Well, once Marian----"
+
+"Who's she?"
+
+"She's my sister.  Well, I wanted to light the gas, but Marian said I
+was too small, but I'd not listen.  I jumped up on a rocker to light
+the gas.  The chair rocked and, I fell against the windowsill.  Marian
+screamed, 'Beth's killed.  She's covered with blood!'"
+
+"Were you really?"
+
+"Yes."  Beth felt she was arguing her case well.  "Mamma thought I just
+had the nose bleed, but what do you s'pose?  I had two mouths."
+
+The boy's eyes grew big.  "Two mouths--how jolly.  How did it happen?"
+
+"The window-sill had cut me right across here," she pointed to the
+space just below her nose.  "The doctor took five stitches, and when it
+healed, took them out again.  It hurt very much, but I didn't cry a
+bit."
+
+"Didn't it leave a scar on your face?"
+
+She threw back her head.
+
+"There, do you see that little white line under my nose?  You can
+hardly see it now."
+
+The boy examined the spot critically.  Then he changed the subject.
+"Where did you live before you came here?"
+
+"New York."
+
+"Did you like it there?"
+
+"No, it was horrid.  I hated to be dressed up and sent for a walk."
+
+He looked incredulous.  "Most girls like to be dressed up."
+
+"I don't."
+
+"Don't you like to be told you are a pretty little girl with nice
+clothes?"
+
+"No, I don't."
+
+He sniffed disdainfully.  "Oh, go long.  I don't believe that."
+
+Beth grew very much in earnest, and thought of another little
+illustration.
+
+"Truth 'pon honor.  One day a strange lady in a store put her hand on
+my head, and said: 'What a pretty little girl.'  It made me mad, so
+that I just grunted and made up a face at her.  My mamma said, 'Why,
+Beth, that is very naughty.'  I said, 'Well, mamma, what business is it
+of hers whether I am pretty or not?  It isn't my fault if I am pretty
+and people shouldn't bother me.'"
+
+The boy laughed.  "I believe I rather like you, Beth, but I only have
+your word for it that you are not like other girls.  I have a big mind
+to try you.  Shall I?"
+
+She was a little afraid to consent, but she was ashamed to show it.  So
+she delayed matters by asking "How?"
+
+The boy drew down his face until it was very long, and when he spoke it
+was in an awe-inspiring whisper.
+
+"Swear never to tell what I tell you.  Repeat after me, 'Harvey
+Baker----'"
+
+"Is that your name?"
+
+"Yes--don't interrupt me.  'Harvey Baker, if I tell what you show me, I
+hope I may be forever doomed and tortured.'"
+
+Beth looked shocked.  "I won't say that."
+
+"'Fraid-cat.  'Fraid-cat."
+
+Again she stamped her foot.  "I won't be called that.  It's not true.
+I will promise not to tell.  Can't you believe me?"
+
+The boy considered.  "Girls are hardly ever to be trusted, but I'll try
+you.  In this river there is a great, big, black animal that hates
+fraid-cats as much as I do.  He eats them up.  Why, he has such fierce
+jaws and sharp teeth that he could gobble up a little girl like you in
+one mouthful."
+
+Beth felt that her hair must be standing up on end.  She would have run
+away, had not pride detained her--and then the recital rather
+fascinated her.  Harvey continued, relishing the effect of his story:
+
+"Now I have only to whistle to have the awful animal appear.  His head
+will slowly rise above the water.  His jaws will open.  His teeth will
+gleam.  If any little girl cries, he will snap at her, and it will be
+good-bye girl.  Now, if you are not a fraid-cat you'll say, 'Harvey
+Baker, whistle.'"
+
+She wanted to run more than ever, but instead she repeated slowly:
+
+"Harvey Baker, whistle."
+
+The boy pursed up his lips, but he then made an impressive pause, and
+finally pointed his finger at Beth.
+
+"Elizabeth Davenport, remember.  If you give the least little bit of a
+cry, you die.  But, if you keep perfectly still, and never tell what
+you see, I am your friend for life."  Thereupon he whistled very
+shrilly.
+
+Beth's eyes were glued upon the water.  Every little ripple seemed to
+her excited imagination an awful head rising to gobble her up.
+However, nothing appeared.  Beth gave a sigh of relief.
+
+"Harvey Baker, you were fooling."
+
+He motioned to her to be silent.  Again, he whistled.  Still no
+horrible head appeared.  Beth was now fully convinced that he was only
+making believe, but still she could not take her eyes off the water.
+
+For the third time, Harvey whistled.  Suddenly the waters parted.
+There, right below them, was a head more fearful than anything Beth had
+imagined.  There was no doubt of the reality of this fearful
+apparition.  The jaws and teeth that Harvey had spoken about were even
+worse than he had predicted.  Slowly, slowly, those loathsome jaws
+parted.  Beth looked down into that awful gulf, like a great dark pit,
+opening to receive her.  There were the two rows of gleaming white
+teeth ready to devour girls who screamed.  How she kept from screaming
+she never knew.  Perhaps she was too much paralyzed with fear.
+However, she kept so still that she hardly breathed.  The color ebbed
+out of her face.
+
+Harvey picked up some meat that lay on the wharf beside him, and threw
+that and the bread into the waiting mouth below.  The jaws snapped
+together, and opened again as suddenly.
+
+Beth shuddered a little, involuntarily.  She wondered if she would have
+disappeared as quickly as the meat if she had screamed.
+
+Harvey had no more food for the animal below.  It waited an instant,
+then slowly sank.  The waters closed where the head had been.  Beth
+felt as though she were wakening from a horrible nightmare.
+
+"Three cheers for Beth," cried Harvey so unexpectedly that she gave a
+great start.
+
+"Was it a dragon?" asked Beth with her eyes unnaturally big.
+
+He laughed.  "A dragon----  No, indeed.  It's only a 'gator."
+
+"A 'gator----  Would it really have eaten me if I had screamed?"
+
+"It might, although I said that to try you.  They do say, though, that
+'gators sometimes eat pickaninnies.  The Northerners who come down here
+winters are killing off the 'gators pretty fast, so the pickaninnies
+are likely to live.  Now mind, Beth, don't say a word about my 'gator.
+You see if my folks heard about it, they might put a stop to my feeding
+it.  They don't think 'gators as nice as I do."
+
+"I think they are just horrid."
+
+Harvey laughed.  "Oh, you'll like them in time."
+
+She had her doubts about ever being fond of such pets, but did not say
+so.
+
+"I can't whistle, but would it come if I could whistle, Harvey?"
+
+He looked very superior.  "No, indeed.  It won't come for any one but
+me."
+
+"How did you get it to come for you?"
+
+"Well, you see, I used to watch that 'gator in the river; then began
+bringing food for it.  I reckon it thought that an easy way to live,
+and it soon grew to know me.  Then it learned my whistle.  That's all."
+
+Beth now remembered that her half hour must be more than over.
+
+"Harvey, I must go.  Good-bye."
+
+"Wait a minute.  I say, I really like you, and will teach you how to
+fish some day."
+
+This was the greatest compliment he could pay her, for he was an expert
+angler, and had never allowed a girl to share in the sport with him.
+Such an invitation as he had just extended surprised even himself, but
+he actually hoped that it would be accepted.  He even decided to set a
+definite time.
+
+"Come here--well, say Monday afternoon between four and five."
+
+"I'll come if mamma will let me."
+
+"Remember, you mustn't tell any one about the 'gator."
+
+"Not even mamma?"
+
+"No, indeed.  You wouldn't break your word, would you?"
+
+"I never do that."
+
+"You're a trump, Beth.  Good-bye."
+
+She skipped back towards the house, revelling in her adventure now that
+it was over.  Being called a trump by Harvey pleased her, but even this
+praise only half reconciled her for keeping any secret from her mother.
+
+Halfway up the avenue, a homely, impudent, scraggy little dog, sprang
+from among the trees and yelped at Beth.  A ragged little darky
+followed.  Beth had never seen any human being quite so ragged.
+
+"Come 'way, Fritz.  What yo' mean by jumpin' on de missy?"
+
+Beth eyed doubtfully both the dog and his master.  The latter looked at
+her reassuringly.
+
+"Yo' needn't be 'fraid, missy.  I won't let Fritz hurt yo'."
+
+"I--afraid--of him!  He don't look as if he could harm anything," and
+Beth laughed.
+
+The boy appeared grieved.
+
+"Really, missy, he's a wonderful dog.  I'll show yo' what he can do.
+Come, Fritz, dance for missy."
+
+The ragged leader held up a warning finger.  Fritz wagged his stubby
+tail, but did not budge.
+
+"Come, come, Fritz.  Dance for de missy."
+
+Fritz wagged his stubby tail more vigorously, but gave no other
+response.  The boy looked wise.
+
+"He's bashful, missy, jes' like me.  Perhaps, if I whipped him like my
+mother whips me----"
+
+"Does she whip you?"
+
+"Yes, 'deed she does--if she kotches me," added the boy laughingly.
+"If I'd whip Fritz, he'd dance, but I likes him too well to whip him."
+
+Beth liked all dogs, with or without pedigree, and said warmly:
+
+"I wouldn't whip him either, but it's too bad he won't dance.  I'd
+really like to see him."
+
+Again the boy said coaxingly, "Fritz, do dance," but the dog was not to
+be coaxed.
+
+The boy frowned.  "Yo'll think he can't dance, but 'deed he can.
+Maybe, if I dance, he'll dance too."
+
+At the word, the ragged pickaninny began whistling, and then he capered
+around and around performing some wonderful steps.  Whereupon Fritz
+began to bark and caught at his master's heels.
+
+"Stop, Fritz, stop," but the dog would not heed, and so the dancing
+came to a sudden stand-still.
+
+The pickaninny cocked his head on one side and whispered to Beth:
+
+"He's out of sorts with me.  I'm disgraced in his sight.  He can dance
+so much bettah 'n me."
+
+"Can he really?"
+
+"Oh, a hundred times bettah."
+
+"He must be a wonderful dog"--Beth was about to add, "Although he
+doesn't look it," and then desisted out of consideration for the dog's
+master.
+
+"He's mighty smart.  Why, 'less yo'd see all the tricks he does, yo'd
+never believe dem.  Besides dancin', he jumps the rope, plays ball,
+says his prayers, gives his paw, jumps that high yo' wouldn't b'lieve
+it possible, rolls over----"
+
+"What kind of dog is he?"
+
+The boy scratched his head.  "Well, missy, I can't jes' 'xactly say."
+
+"If he is so very wonderful, you ought to know."
+
+The boy was nonplused for a moment.  Then he declared triumphantly;
+"Angels am very wonderful, ain't they?  But yo' can't say 'xactly what
+they am."
+
+Beth had not been much impressed by the dog, but now she began to feel
+astounded that she had had so little discernment.
+
+"I'd like to own such a dog," she said.
+
+"I'd give him to yo', only I couldn't spare him.  Fritz never goes any
+place widout me.  But, I'll tell yo' what: I'll let yo' play with him
+when yo' want to."
+
+"Do you work for us?"
+
+Again the boy laughed.  "I work for yo'?  No, 'deed; I'se too no 'count
+to work for the likes of yo'.  I wuz jes' cuttin' 'cross fields through
+yo'r yard.  If Titus found me here, he'd kick me an' Fritz out."
+
+"What is your name?"
+
+"Caesar Augustus Jones, but they calls me Gustus.  I wish I could work
+for yo'."
+
+Beth pondered a moment.  "If you did, would you keep Fritz here?"
+
+Gustus caught the trend of her thoughts.  His eyes sparkled and his
+teeth gleamed.
+
+"Me and Fritz 'd stay all the time--nights, too, if yo' wanted."
+
+"I'll ask papa.  He'll take you to please me, I know.  Come on."
+
+Gustus hung back, and his face sobered.
+
+"Why, what's the matter?"
+
+"Titus 'll kick me."
+
+"I won't let him.  Come on."
+
+Thus encouraged, Gustus and Fritz followed her as she ran to the front
+steps, and on into a large old-fashioned hall.  She stopped,
+momentarily, to peek into rooms on either side.  There were two
+apartments on the right.  She afterwards learned that they were parlor
+and library.  On the left was one spacious room designed either for a
+sitting-room or a bedroom.
+
+At the end of the hall was the dining-room, running two-thirds of the
+way across the house.  To Beth's surprise, she found the table unset,
+and no one within.  She feared she had missed luncheon.  Chancing,
+however, to look out through an open door, she immediately gave a
+little cry of delight, for she beheld Mr. and Mrs. Davenport and Marian
+seated at a table on the roomy piazza that ran between the dining-room
+and the kitchen.
+
+Beth seized Gustus by the hand and drew him towards the family party.
+Fritz bounded and yelped at their heels.  His cries attracted the
+attention of the occupants of the piazza.
+
+"Why, Elizabeth Davenport, what----"
+
+"Oh, papa, this is Gustus, and I want you to let him work for us.  This
+wonderful, wonderful dog is his, and if Gustus works for us, I can have
+Fritz to play with."
+
+Beth stopped an instant for breath, which gave some of the others a
+chance to speak.
+
+"Mamma, aren't his rags disgraceful?" whispered Marian to her mother.
+
+"James, what shall we do?"
+
+Mr. Davenport addressed the boy.  "Are you looking for work?"
+
+Gustus hung his head, but managed to say:
+
+"Yes, massa, an' little missy 'lowed yo'd hire me and Fritz."
+
+"Oh, papa, please, please hire them.  Fritz is such a very wonderful
+dog."
+
+Whereupon Indianna Scott, who was acting as waitress, spoke up:
+
+"Don't yo' b'lieve dat, missy.  Dat dog am nothin' but a no 'count
+fice."
+
+Beth had never heard a dog called a fice.  She feared it might be
+something very terrible.  Afterwards she learned that it was a Southern
+provincialism for a common dog.
+
+"Do you know the boy, Indianna?"
+
+"I know of him, massa.  His paw am dead, an' his maw has a dozen or so
+of chilun, an' dey are so pooh dat the maw can't get clothes 'nuff to
+cover dem.  Dey say as how dis boy am always braggin' of his dog, and
+dat the dog am no 'count."
+
+Gustus lost his hang-dog appearance.  His eyes snapped.
+
+"Dat ain't true.  Fritz kin do all I say, only he's bashful."
+
+Fritz did not appear very bashful, but was capering around Beth.
+However, her heart was won, and she cried:
+
+"Anyway, Gustus, you and I love Fritz, don't we?  Dear papa, please,
+please keep them."
+
+"What can you do, Gustus?" he asked slowly.
+
+"I--I kin brush flies," cried he exultantly.
+
+"The boy must have some clothes, anyway.  Come with me, and we'll see
+what we can do for you," said Mrs. Davenport.
+
+Beth felt that she had won.  In her joy she cried:
+
+"Here, Fritz, you stay with me."
+
+Fritz gladly obeyed.  His hungry little stomach craved some of the
+chicken a la Creole which was being passed to Beth.  As she started to
+put some of it into her mouth, she felt something pawing her lap.
+Fritz was making his wants known.  Needless to say, he got some chicken
+from her, and from that time on these two became fast friends.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+Beth's First Fishing Lesson
+
+On Monday morning, Gustus came to Beth, bringing a cat with three
+kittens.  The cat was of only a common breed, but Beth was delighted
+with the present.
+
+Gustus was no longer ragged, but he looked very comical.  There had
+been no boy's clothes in the house for him, and so Mrs. Davenport had
+fitted him out in an old suit of her husband's until another could be
+had.  Of course, everything was much too large for Gustus, but he was
+as proud as Lucifer.  He strutted up and down before Beth with his
+hands in his pockets and Fritz as usual tagging at his heels.
+
+"Missy, I looks like de quality now shure, don't I?" he asked, grinning
+from ear to ear; and, not waiting for an answer, he added, "Yo'se been
+powerful good to me, missy, an' I'm goin' to give yo' Fritz, too."
+
+Such generosity quite overcame Beth.  "But, Gustus, I couldn't think of
+taking him away from you."
+
+"Don't yo' worry, missy," he answered with a chuckle.  "Yo' ain't
+takin' him 'way from me.  I'se yo'r niggah now.  Yo' owns Fritz an' me."
+
+Beth hardly knew what to say.  She thought it would be wrong to "own"
+Gustus.  Slave days were a thing of the past.  However, his devotion
+made her feel self-important.
+
+"Well, Gustus, you must be a good boy," was all she could think to say.
+
+"Yes, 'deed, missy.  Come with me, an' I'll show yo' a bird's nest."
+
+"I can't, Gustus.  Mamma told me I must play indoors unless it clears.
+You know she's gone to town with Marian to see about a school for her.
+I'm not to go until next winter.
+
+"I went to school once for a little while," she continued presently.
+"It happened this way: Marian attended a private school kept by a poor
+lady that mamma felt sorry for.  Marian was not well, so mamma let me
+go in her place, so the lady wouldn't lose money.  They didn't think
+I'd study hard, but, Gustus, I like to know things, and learning to
+read was a great help.  So I studied very hard.  Then I was taken very
+sick and was out of my head.  I talked about books all the time.  The
+doctor said I came near having brain fever, and it wouldn't do for me
+to go for awhile.  I don't believe it would hurt me, but that's why I'm
+not going to school this year.  Did you ever go to school, Gustus?"
+
+"No, missy; me an' Fritz don't need no larnin'."
+
+"But you do, Gustus, and I'm going to teach you."
+
+He did not look particularly pleased at the offer.  Nevertheless, Beth
+put the cat and the kittens down, and started to run for her books.
+
+Bent as usual on mischief, Fritz made a dive and, catching the
+prettiest kitten by the neck, started away with it.  The mother cat was
+after him in an instant.  Her back was ruffled, and she struck Fritz
+with her sharp paw.  He dropped the kitten and ran howling from the
+room.  Gustus thought it a good opportunity to escape and started after
+Fritz.
+
+"Gustus, come back," called Beth.
+
+He looked crestfallen, but felt in duty bound to do as his little
+mistress bade.  She brought her books, and had Gustus sit down beside
+her.  Then she tried him with the alphabet.  He proved woefully
+ignorant.  After pointing out to him, A, B, and C, many, many times,
+she said:
+
+"Show me A, Gustus."
+
+He grinned.  "A what, missy?"
+
+"The letter A, of course, g----"  She almost said "goosie," but thought
+in time that such a word would not be dignified for a teacher to use.
+
+She did not find the fun in teaching that she had expected.
+Nevertheless, she persevered.  Her face grew flushed as Gustus proved
+himself more and more ignorant.
+
+When Mrs. Davenport returned from town, she found Beth at her
+self-imposed task.
+
+"Mamma, Gustus ought to go to school."
+
+"I don't wants to go," he cried, his eyes rolling so there was hardly
+any black visible in them.
+
+Mrs. Davenport did not press the point.  She intended to talk it over
+with her husband.
+
+"Mr. Davenport and I bought these for you," she said, untying a package
+and drawing out a suit of boy's clothes, stockings, shoes, and
+underwear.
+
+Gustus's pride now passed all bounds.  He let forth a perfect avalanche
+of thanks, using large words, the meaning of which he had little idea.
+Even young darkies like big-sounding speech.
+
+The morning passed quickly to Beth.  To her delight, towards noon the
+sun broke through the clouds.  This reminded her of Harvey Baker's
+invitation to fish.
+
+"Mamma, may I go down to the wharf?" she asked immediately after
+luncheon.  "Harvey Baker asked me to fish with him.  He's a neighbor's
+boy I met Saturday."
+
+"Well, I declare.  Why didn't you tell me before?"
+
+"I forgot."  She had had so many things to think of and talk about,
+that she had not thought much about Harvey except at night.  Then that
+awful alligator haunted her until she wanted to call her mamma, but she
+had not dared because of her promise.
+
+"May I go, mamma?"
+
+"But I do not know anything about him.  He may not be nice at all."
+
+Maggie, who chanced to be present, now spoke up:
+
+"De Bakers am quality, Miss Mary.  I wouldn't be feared to let missy go
+wid any Baker.  I'se s'prised, do, dat Harvey axed her, 'cause he don't
+like girls.  Are yo' sure, honey, he axed yo'?"
+
+"Of course I am."
+
+"Den yo' needn't fear, Miss Mary.  Harvey's a big boy, and he'll take
+good care of her."
+
+With this assurance, Mrs. Davenport gave her consent.
+
+Beth put on her hat and hurried down the avenue to the river.  On the
+end of the wharf sat Harvey, holding a fishing pole.  He turned his
+head at her approach.
+
+"Hello, Beth.  I hardly expected you.  I thought your mamma might be
+'fraid to let you come."
+
+She smiled.  "Maggie said you were 'quality,' and would take care of
+me."
+
+Harvey gave a grunt.  "Don't know about quality, but as long as your
+mamma trusted me, she shan't repent.  Take this line, and go to
+fishing."
+
+He handed one to her and she dropped the end into the water.  Harvey
+broke into a hearty laugh.
+
+"You don't 'spect to catch fish without bait, do you?"
+
+She answered meekly: "I s'pose not, but what is bait?"
+
+Harvey laughed harder than ever.  "Well, you are silly."
+
+Beth felt aggrieved over being called silly, but she tried to look
+dignified.
+
+"Don't care, you're just as silly as me.  My papa says if people don't
+keep quiet, they'll scare all the fish away.  You're laughing awful
+loud."
+
+He immediately sobered down.  "True for you, Beth.  It is silly to
+laugh and you're a wise girl.  You'll make a good fisher.  Here, I'll
+put the bait on for you."
+
+He baited her line and threw it out into deep water for her.
+
+She waited patiently for the fish to bite, but it seemed as if her
+patience was to go unrewarded.  She wished for Harvey's good opinion,
+and so she did not even speak.  It proved pretty dull work and to make
+matters worse, Harvey pulled in a number of fish, while she did not get
+even a nibble.
+
+She would have given up in despair had not her pride prevented.  Harvey
+felt sorry for her and proved himself magnanimous.
+
+"Beth, the fish are biting lively here.  You take my place--yes, you
+must, and I'll go around on the other side."
+
+Matters did not mend for Beth even with the change.  The fish seemed to
+follow the boy.  He caught several on the other side of the wharf,
+while the patient little fisher maiden waited in vain for the fish to
+take pity on her.
+
+Presently, she almost feel asleep, fishing proved so uninteresting.
+Then there was a terrible jerk on her line, followed by a steady pull.
+Beth was afraid the alligator had swallowed the line, and that she
+would be dragged into the river.  Nevertheless, she hung on bravely.
+
+"Harvey, Harvey, come quick.  I can't pull it in.  Come quick."
+
+He rushed to her assistance.  The two children began pulling together.
+Harvey's eyes grew almost as big as his companion's.
+
+"Beth, I believe you've caught a whale."
+
+It was a very hard tug for them, but finally something black wiggled
+out of the water.  Beth gave a little cry.
+
+"Harvey, it's a snake.  I don't want it, do you?"
+
+His eyes sparkled.  "It's no snake, Beth.  It's an eel and a beauty
+too.  My, what a monster!"
+
+"Are you sure it is not a snake?"
+
+"Of course I am.  Darkies call them second cousins to snakes and won't
+eat them, but they are fine eating.  My, just see him squirm.  Isn't he
+big, though?  You're a brick, Beth, to catch him."
+
+By this time, the eel was safely landed on the wharf, and proved to be
+indeed a monster.  It was a wonder that the children had ever been able
+to pull him in.  Harvey tried to unhook him, but failed; for just as
+the boy thought he had him, the eel would slip away.
+
+"Let's take him up to the house on the line.  I want to show him to
+mamma," cried Beth.
+
+"All right, but first we'll fix some lines for crabs."
+
+"What are crabs?"
+
+"My, don't you know?  Well, we'll catch some when we come back and then
+you'll see."
+
+He took some lines without hooks and tied raw beef on the ends of them.
+Then he threw them into the water.
+
+Beth, as proud as if she had caught a tarpon, took up her line with the
+eel on it, and away marched the children to the house.
+
+"Mamma, just see what I caught."
+
+"Well, I declare," cried Mrs. Davenport at sight of the eel.  "Did you
+really catch that all by yourself, child?"
+
+"Yes, mamma, except that Harvey had to help me pull it in, or else the
+eel would have pulled me into the water.  It tugged awfully hard, but I
+wouldn't let go.  Mamma, this is Harvey and we're just having heaps of
+fun."  She had forgotten, already, that a few minutes before she
+thought she was having a very stupid time.
+
+Harvey raised his cap.  Mrs. Davenport liked the boy's appearance.
+
+"Mamma, you keep the eel to show papa.  Harvey and I are going back to
+catch crabs.  Come on, Harvey."
+
+Mrs. Davenport detained them a moment.  "Harvey, you'll take good care
+of my little girl, won't you?"
+
+"Yes, ma'am," and back the children scampered to the wharf.
+
+"You see if there is anything on this line, Beth, while I go around to
+the other lines.  If there is, call me, and I'll come with the net, and
+help you land him."
+
+Away went Harvey.  Beth began pulling in the line.  There, hanging on
+the meat with two awful claws, was a great big greenish crab.  His eyes
+bulged out, and altogether he looked so fierce that Beth was somewhat
+frightened at him, but she wished to surprise Harvey.  Therefore she
+overcame her fear, and continued pulling up the line.  For a wonder,
+the crab hung on all the way from the water to the wharf.  Beth was
+delighted to think she had caught something without Harvey's aid.  Mr.
+Crab, however, as soon as he felt himself trapped, let go of the meat,
+and began crawling towards the side of the wharf.  Beth saw her prize
+vanishing, and made a dive for it.  Up went the crab's claws, and
+caught the child by the fingers.  A scream immediately rent the air.
+
+Harvey came running to find the cause of the commotion.  He had to
+laugh, notwithstanding tears were streaming down Beth's face.  She
+looked so ludicrous, dancing up and down with that awful crab hanging
+on like grim death.
+
+"'Beware of the Jabberwock that bites, my child,'" quoted Harvey.
+
+Beth stopped screaming an instant.  "I thought it was a crab."
+
+"So it is.  I was just repeating a line from _Alice in Wonderland_."
+
+While Harvey spoke, he was trying to loosen the crab.  The harder he
+pulled, the more angry it grew, and the harder it bit.  Finally, he
+pulled so desperately that the crab came, but a claw was left hanging
+to poor Beth's finger.
+
+Harvey started to drop the crab.  Again Beth ceased her yelling.
+
+"Harvey, don't you dare let my crab go.  Put it in the basket and then
+come and get this awful claw off my finger."
+
+He did as he was bid, secretly admiring his little friend's pluck.
+They had a great time getting off the dismembered claw, but, finally,
+they succeeded.  Poor Beth's finger was bitten to the bone.  Harvey
+really felt very sympathetic, but, boy-like, was somewhat bashful about
+expressing it.
+
+"Beth, does it hurt much?" was all he said.
+
+"Pretty bad," she admitted, forcing back the tears.  "Say, Harvey, were
+there any other crabs?"
+
+"I had time to look at only two of the lines, I got three crabs from
+the two.  There were two on one line, so with yours we have four.  But
+never mind the crabs; we must go up to the house and have your finger
+dressed."
+
+"No, we must first see if there are any other crabs.  Here, tie my
+handkerchief around my finger.  I guess I can stand it awhile."
+
+The handkerchief was tied about the sore finger, and then Beth watched
+Harvey while he pulled up the lines.  There were crabs on every one,
+and on some of them there were two.  Harvey would pull the crabs to the
+surface of the water and then scoop the net under them.  In moving the
+crabs from the net to the basket, he held them by the hind legs,
+because, in this position, a crab cannot reach around with its claws to
+bite.
+
+Altogether, the children caught about fifteen crabs, and they took them
+up to the house with them.  Arriving there, they found that Mrs.
+Davenport had driven to town to bring home Mr. Davenport and Marian.
+
+Beth therefore went to Maggie about the finger, and Harvey accompanied
+her.  Maggie proved very sympathetic.
+
+"Yo' precious little honey, yo'.  Dat finger jes' am awful, but I knows
+what'll cure it in no time.  Here, yo', Gustus, yo' run and fetch me
+some tar.  Hurry, yo' lazy niggah yo'.  Dar, dar, honey chile, it'll be
+all right in no time.  Tar am jes' fine for a sore."
+
+For a wonder, Gustus did hurry and was back in no time with the tar.
+Maggie dressed the wound with it very gently and Beth began to feel
+easier immediately.
+
+"Now, honey, it'll be all right.  If yo'd only known, and jes' held
+yo'r finger with dat crab out over the watah, it 'd have seen its
+shadah and gone aftah it."
+
+"Here, Beth," Harvey now said, "you can have all of the crabs; I guess
+I'd better go."
+
+"Please don't go, Harvey; I want you to stay.  Say, Harvey, are crabs
+good to eat?"
+
+"Of course, they are.  You just put them in water and boil them and
+they are dandy."
+
+"Oh, how I wish we could boil them.  Wouldn't papa be surprised?
+Maggie, can't we boil them?" and Beth seized the cook's hand and held
+it, pressing it coaxingly.
+
+"Law, honey, dar ain't no room on de stove.  I's gettin' de dinnah."
+
+"Please, Maggie, make room," continued Beth, already having learned her
+power of persuasion over her new mammy.
+
+"I can't, honey, but I'll tell yo' what.  Yo' an' Harvey kin do it if
+he knows how to boil dem."
+
+"Of course, I know how."
+
+"Well, I'll let yo' take dis big iron kettle into de library.  Yo' kin
+put de kettle on de fire, dar, an' boil dem."
+
+Beth danced up and down for joy.  "Oh, won't that be fun.  Thank you,
+Maggie.  You're a lovely Maggie."
+
+"Dar ain't no hot watah, but I'll take dis cold watah in fur yo', an'
+it'll heat in no time."
+
+Maggie carried the kettle, half-filled with water, and placed it
+securely, as she thought, on the big open wood-fire in the library.
+Then she left the children to their own devices, Fritz alone keeping
+them company.  A watched kettle never boils, and the children did not
+have the patience to test the truth of this.
+
+"I hate to wait for water to boil," said Beth.
+
+Just then Harvey conceived a brilliant idea.
+
+"Say, Beth, we'll put in the crabs before it begins to boil.  Then we
+can play until they're done."
+
+"And the cold water won't hurt them like hot, will it, Harvey?"
+
+Without answering, he emptied the crabs into the kettle.  Beth viewed
+them critically.
+
+"There's the horrid old thing that bit me.  I know him by his one claw."
+
+"He shall be the first one eaten to show how mean he was.  What shall
+we play?"
+
+"Let's play stage."
+
+He accepted the suggestion, and while they played, Fritz snoozed
+comfortably before the fire.
+
+The water began to get hot, and the crabs became lively.  They crawled
+around so vigorously that a log slipped and upset the kettle.  There
+was a sizzling of water, and, in an instant, fifteen crabs were loose
+in the Davenport library.
+
+This avalanche of crabs awakened Fritz, who opened his eyes halfway and
+beheld a crab at his very nose.  Perhaps in his sleepiness, he thought
+it another kind of kitten ready for a frolic.  At any rate, he put out
+his paw towards the crab, which met his advances more than halfway.
+With a wild howl, Fritz jumped up on three feet while the crab clung
+grimly to the fourth.
+
+"Poor Fritz!  You, too, should beware of the Jabberwock that bites,"
+cried Beth from the lounge where she had taken refuge.
+
+Around and around whirled Fritz in a most lively manner.
+
+"Just see him," cried Beth triumphantly.  "Gustus always said he could
+dance, and this proves it."
+
+Harvey, who was trying to catch some of the crabs, grunted
+disdainfully, but continued his unsuccessful chase without any other
+comment.
+
+Fortunately for Fritz, the crab dropped of its own accord, and the
+frightened dog tore like a streak of lightning through the house and on
+outdoors.
+
+Once Harvey stooped and thought he surely had a crab, when Beth beheld
+another crab with claws upstretched right behind.
+
+"Harvey, come here quick," cried Beth; "a crab's going to bite you in
+the back."
+
+Thereupon, he, too, jumped upon the lounge to escape the threatening
+claws.  Immediately, however, he said:
+
+"Oh, pshaw, it's silly to be afraid of crabs.  I'm going to get down
+again."  Beth, however, caught hold of his hand, saying:
+
+"No, I won't let you.  I wish somebody would come to help us.  I'm
+going to try to make Maggie hear me.  Maggie.  Maggie."
+
+Back from the kitchen floated the slow tones of Maggie.
+
+"What am it, honey?"
+
+"Maggie, come here, quick."
+
+Then they heard the soft tread of her feet crossing the piazza.
+
+"She's coming, Harvey."
+
+Maggie poked her head through the door and beheld the children upon the
+lounge.
+
+"Laws a massy, what am yo' doin' thar, honeys?"
+
+Then she saw the crabs on the floor, and she began to laugh.
+
+Now when Maggie laughed it meant more than ordinary merriment.  Her
+eyes rolled and her sides shook.
+
+"Ha, ha, ha.  Oh my, oh me.  Ha, ha, ha.  Well, dis am a sight.  I jes'
+'lows I must go to Titus about dis yere.  Ha, ha, ha," and away she
+went.
+
+"But, Maggie," cried Beth in protest, "I think you're real mean.  We
+want you to help us catch them."
+
+But Maggie paid no attention to the appeal.
+
+The one-clawed crab stopped for a moment in front of the lounge.
+
+"Harvey, he's making fun of us, too,"
+
+"The impudent thing," exclaimed Harvey, jumping down.
+
+By a dexterous move, he captured the crab.
+
+"Don't you come back here with it," commanded Beth.
+
+There was a space free from crabs between Harvey and the window.  He
+ran to the window and threw the crab out.
+
+January chanced to be working not far away, and Harvey spied him.
+
+"Come in here quick, January," he cried.  "There are a lot of crabs
+after us."
+
+January, for a wonder, came running, and his valor for once proved
+remarkable.  He showed no fear of the crabs, and darted around so
+quickly that he caught every one in the room.  The one-legged one that
+Harvey had thrown out of the window was never found.  Perhaps it made
+its way back to the river, and told of its harrowing experiences on
+land, and especially how it had lost its claw.
+
+Fritz limped for several days after his experience with the crab and
+Beth had a terrible nightmare that night in which crabs were giants
+with claws of iron.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+Visiting
+
+Beth was seated with Fritz and the kittens in a large Mexican hammock
+on the front porch.  She held up a warning finger to her mother who
+stood in the doorway.
+
+"Mamma, do not frighten birdie away.  He is not the least bit afraid of
+me, and I love to hear him sing."
+
+Mrs. Davenport was surprised to see a mocking bird perched on the
+railing directly by the side of Beth.  His little head was cocked
+sidewise, and floods of sweet sounds issued from his throat.
+
+His spouse, who was guarding their nest up in the big live oak in the
+front yard, trilled her limited paeon of praise.
+
+Beth, who often acted as interpreter for beast and bird, thought the
+proud wife-bird meant to say:
+
+"Bravo.  Isn't he the most wonderful tenor that ever lived?  Are you
+surprised that I love him so?  He is the best and smartest husband in
+all the world."
+
+Fritz and black pussy grew restless.  She spit at him, and he barked at
+her.
+
+"Now, my dears, do let me enjoy this beautiful music in peace," Beth
+said reprovingly.
+
+Hardly had she spoken, before black pussy sprang away, and Fritz was
+after her in an instant.
+
+Beth did not dare follow for fear of frightening away Mr. Mocking Bird,
+who stopped singing as cat and dog scampered away, but who had not yet
+flown back to his mate.  He was watching fearfully every move of the
+frolicsome pair.
+
+Away scurried kitty to the other end of the porch with Fritz a close
+second.  Suddenly, she turned, settling down on her back with her claws
+out-stretched, ready to receive Fritz.  In an instant he was on her.
+Over and over they rolled in their wild play.  Fritz became too rough
+to suit puss, and she gave him a sudden dab with her sharp little
+claws.  The blow disabled him for a moment, allowing puss to spring
+away from him.  She scampered down the steps and towards the big tree
+with Fritz again after her.
+
+Mr. Mocking Bird was up in arms in an instant.  How dared the impudent
+creatures approach that tree where dwelt his wife and children!  He
+flew to the rescue.
+
+Mrs. Mocking Bird, too, had grown so nervous that she, also, left her
+young, and joined in the fray.  Together Mr. and Mrs. Mocking Bird
+dived and pecked at the cat and the dog in a most ferocious manner.
+
+Beth rushed out, ready to assist the birds, if necessary, but her aid
+was not needed.
+
+Black puss and Fritz were so taken by surprise at the fierce onslaught
+of the birds that they turned and sneaked away as fast as they could
+go.  Thus, through the power of love, the weaker triumphed over the
+stronger.  Later on the mocking birds also came out victors in another
+contest, and against greater numbers, too.  It happened in this wise:
+
+As the days went by, Beth grew somewhat restless.  She did not exactly
+tire of Fritz, puss, and Arabella, but she longed for diversion.  Then
+one evening Mr. Davenport brought home a large coop of chickens, and
+calling Beth to him, he said:
+
+"You are to tend these, daughter, and hunt eggs every day."
+
+"Oh you dear, good papa.  I want to take one of the sweet things in my
+arms."
+
+Thereupon she tried to get a chicken, but somehow, in so doing, she
+upset the coop.  Away flurried the chickens in every direction.  Beth
+felt ready to cry.
+
+"Never mind," said Mr. Davenport; "when they go to roost to-night, we
+can catch them, and put them in the chicken house."
+
+That night, some of the chickens perched on sheds, and some on trees.
+A few had the hardihood to fly up on the branches of the live oak in
+the front yard.
+
+Mrs. Mocking Bird was just falling asleep in the nest with her young,
+and Mr. Mocking Bird was already asleep not far from her side.  The
+chickens aroused the mother bird in an instant.
+
+"Dearest," she piped, "I hear a dreadful noise down-stairs.  I think
+there must be burglars in the house.  You must go down and see."
+
+Now, every one knows that a man hates to be disturbed from a sound
+sleep, and Mr. Mocking Bird proved no exception.
+
+"Oh, birdie," he grumbled, "do leave me alone; you're always imagining
+things."
+
+"Imagining things, am I?" she answered shrilly.  "Just hear that awful
+noise.  You're so lazy that you would see me and the children murdered
+before you'd move.  If you don't want me to think you a coward, you'll
+go down this instant.  This instant, I say."
+
+Now Mr. Mocking Bird was, as Mrs. Mocking Bird knew, very brave, and he
+also loved her praise.  So he only blinked his eyes once more, and
+literally flew down-stairs.  There he spied the chickens settling down
+for a good night's rest.  Such impudence aroused his ire.  He did not
+hesitate a second, but dived into their midst and pecked furiously at
+the poor, unsuspecting intruders.  The chickens, taken utterly by
+surprise, fluttered to the ground without offering any resistance.
+They cackled so loudly, however, that the noise brought Titus to their
+rescue, and he succeeded in capturing the badly frightened hens.
+
+Mr. Mocking Bird, triumphant, ascended to his anxious spouse.
+
+"Dearest," she cried, "you're not hurt, are you?"
+
+"Hurt!" he repeated boastfully, "hurt?  Well, I should say not.  It was
+only some upstart chickens who dared to sneak into the house, and I'm
+more than a match for any number of such.  I guess we shan't be
+disturbed again by chickens or by impudent dogs and cats."
+
+Mr. Mocking Bird proved right in his surmise.  The birds thereafter
+enjoyed their home without further intrusion.
+
+Under Beth's care, the chickens flourished finely.  They laid many an
+egg which in due time were placed beneath mamma hens.
+
+There was a very proud little girl in the Davenport family when finally
+balls of yellow broke through the egg shells.
+
+Then Beth began saving eggs for Easter, and, on Easter Day, she found
+that she had enough to give every darky one, besides having all that
+were wanted for her own family.
+
+This Eastertide brought new diversions to Beth.  For one thing, she
+received an invitation to spend a night in town with a little girl
+named Laura Corner.  The Davenports and the Corners had been friends in
+the North before the two families moved South.
+
+Beth had never before spent a night away from home.  She thought it
+would be a "sperience" to go, and prevailed upon Mrs. Davenport to let
+her accept the invitation.
+
+The momentous day arrived at last.  Beth wished to take all her
+belongings with her, from Fritz to a small trunk.  She had to be
+content, however, with a valise.
+
+Fritz and Arabella were admonished to be good during her absence, and
+the chickens were entrusted to Marian's care.
+
+Mrs. Davenport drove Beth to town.  Upon reaching the Corners' home,
+Beth's heart sank unaccountably, and she had a hard time to keep the
+tears back, when she kissed her mother good-bye.  However, Laura and
+the Corners were so very cordial that her spirits soon revived.
+
+In the afternoon several little girls, who had been invited to play,
+came in.  Among the number was one who especially attracted Beth.  She
+was slight and graceful.  Her hair was golden and her eyes were blue.
+Beth, of course, was introduced to all the girls, but did not catch the
+name of this one.
+
+"She looks like that picture of the cherub we have at home," decided
+Beth.  "I wonder what her name is.  I guess I'll call her 'Cherub' to
+myself.  Cherub, you're very pretty, but you're too quiet to be much
+fun."
+
+Most of the little girls had their dolls with them; all, in fact,
+excepting Beth and the "Cherub."  The latter sat apart from the other
+children.  She looked so very demure that Beth thought her bashful, and
+took pity on her.  Seating herself beside her, she asked:
+
+"Wouldn't your mamma let you bring your doll?  My mamma thought I had
+better not bring mine so far."
+
+The "Cherub" showed little interest in the conversation.  She answered
+curtly:
+
+"I haven't a doll."
+
+Beth's eyes opened in surprise.  "You haven't any doll?  What a pity."
+
+Then she hesitated.  She feared the "Cherub" might be too poor to
+afford dolls.  She was soon undeceived, however, by the "Cherub"
+exclaiming:
+
+"_I_ don't think it a pity.  I don't care for dolls; they're a
+nuisance.  I like to play outdoors."
+
+"So do I."
+
+The "Cherub" grew animated.  "Do you?  Say, can you climb trees and
+walk on stilts and----"
+
+"What are stilts?"
+
+"Don't you know?"  There was a slight contempt expressed for such
+woeful ignorance.  "They are long pieces of wood with places for your
+feet up from the ground.  It's just as if you had wooden legs, only
+they make you tall so that you feel quite grown up."
+
+"I'd like to walk on stilts."
+
+"Would you?  Where do you live?"
+
+"Out on the old shell road."
+
+"What! are your folks the people who bought the place near us?"
+
+"Do you live on the shell road, too?"  Beth was delighted.  She was
+beginning to think the "Cherub" might prove very companionable.
+
+"Yes.  Your name is Beth Davenport, isn't it?  Mine's Julia Gordon.
+Say, Beth, I'll come to see you and teach you how to walk on stilts if
+you like."
+
+"Will you, really?  When will you come?"
+
+"To-morrow morning."
+
+Beth's face fell.  "Oh, that's a pity.  I shan't be home.  I'm going to
+stay here all night."
+
+"Well, never mind.  I'll come the morning after."
+
+"All right, don't forget."
+
+"No, I'll be there right after breakfast."
+
+Games were started at this juncture, and then came refreshments.  Soon
+afterwards, the guests took their departure.  The "Cherub" said in
+parting:
+
+"We'll have a jolly time with the stilts, Beth.  I've been wanting to
+teach somebody for a long time."
+
+Laura and Beth had a merry time together until tea-time.  Then, after
+tea, Laura's older sister, Florrie, told them stories.  Beth was simply
+fascinated.  She could listen forever, she thought, and not grow weary.
+Florrie made her characters live by the magic of her voice and words.
+
+Just before it was time for the children to retire, Florrie took down
+the Bible and read a chapter to them.
+
+Then the children went up-stairs to bed.  They had a pillow fight after
+they were in their night-dresses.  Sad to relate, in the scuffle, their
+clothes were strewn around the room, and Beth carelessly failed to
+gather hers together again.
+
+They talked in bed until Mrs. Corner called to them to stop.  Laura
+soon fell asleep, but Beth's heart, again, grew heavy.  She missed the
+good-night kiss from her mamma, and tears rose to her eyes.  She tried
+not to sob for fear of awakening Laura.  Minutes seemed hours to her.
+She realized more than ever the depth of her love for her mother, and
+she resolved in future to be the best girl alive.  That resolve somehow
+quieted her so that she fell asleep and forgot her heartache in
+pleasant dreams.  She dreamed that it was the day after the morrow, and
+that Julia had come with stilts so high that they touched the clouds.
+Beth walked on them without the least difficulty; then, all of a
+sudden, she dropped them, and found herself flying with the utmost
+ease.  She wondered she had never tried it before; it was so very
+delightful to fly.  But, suddenly, the clouds turned into smoke and
+fire.  Beth awakened with a start.  The room was very light, as light
+as if it was broad daylight.
+
+Beth gave Laura a poke, "Laura, it must be late.  See how light it is."
+
+Laura jumped out of bed, and, running to one of the windows, raised the
+curtain.  Both of the children cried out in fright then.  Flames shot
+and curled to the very window of their room.  Laura could not tell
+whether their house was on fire or not.  She feared so, and the house
+next door was one mass of flames.
+
+Beth sprang out of bed, too.
+
+"Mamma, mamma," screamed Laura.  Nobody answered.  "Come quick or we'll
+burn."  Still only the crackling of the flames could be heard.
+
+"They've forgotten us," cried Beth with chattering teeth.  "Laura, you
+know the way down-stairs, don't you?  Let's go."
+
+"We must dress first," answered Laura.
+
+Beth stamped her foot.  "I'm not going to wait to dress.  Besides, I
+don't know where my things are.  Oh, why didn't I mind mamma and put
+them away carefully.  Now they'll burn."
+
+The more prudent Laura gathered up her clothes from a chair where she
+had laid them, and led the way into the hall.  They found it pitch dark
+there.
+
+Suddenly Laura stopped.  "Oh, Beth, I can't let it burn."
+
+"What will burn, Laura?"
+
+"My beautiful new Easter hat.  I must go for it."
+
+"Laura Corner, you _must not_ go back for it.  We ourselves might burn
+while you were getting it."
+
+But Laura had thrust her clothes into Beth's unwilling arms, and was
+off like a flash to rescue her Easter hat.  Beth did not know the way
+sufficiently well to go on by herself, and so, trembling, she awaited
+Laura's return.
+
+[Illustration: Laura Corner in the treasured Easter hat.]
+
+Laura was soon back, pressing the precious hat close to her side.  Such
+treatment was likely to do it great damage, but, in her excitement,
+Laura did not stop to think of this.
+
+Down-stairs a light shone in the parlor.  Guided by its friendly beams,
+Laura led the way there.  No one was within.  The house was deserted
+but for the two trembling girls.
+
+"Beth, God alone can help us," and Laura's face was almost as white as
+the Easter hat under her arm.
+
+Beth's lip trembled.  "He's so far away.  I wish mamma were here."
+
+"Beth, God will hear us if we pray.  Get down on your knees beside me."
+
+"I'd rather run out into the street," answered Beth, who always
+believed in action rather than words.
+
+"You're a wicked little girl.  My mamma says I must never go on the
+street without some grown-up person.  So get on your knees this minute."
+
+Beth meekly obeyed.  Laura folded her hands.  Beth imitated her.
+
+"Begin," said Laura.
+
+"Begin what?" and Beth's eyes were wide open from surprise; yes, and
+from fear, too.
+
+"Why, to pray, of course."
+
+"I'm not going to.  You're the one who wanted to.  Why don't you begin
+yourself?"
+
+"I can't.  I'm too scared.  Go on, Beth, and pray."
+
+"I--I don't know what to say.  Would 'Now I lay me down to sleep,' do?"
+
+"No, silly.  We're not laying us down to sleep.  It's a fire.  God's to
+keep us from burning to death.  So pray."
+
+"I--I'm not going to," and Beth jumped to her feet.
+
+Laura began crying: "You're very wicked, Beth Davenport, and we'll burn
+to death, and it'll all be your fault."
+
+"We won't burn if you'll come with me into the street.  I'm going
+anyway."
+
+"Why, children, what are you doing here?" asked Mrs. Corner, coming
+into the parlor.
+
+Laura rushed to her mamma and threw her arms around her neck.
+
+"Oh, mamma, we thought you'd forgotten us, and would let us burn to
+death."
+
+"Why, you poor little things.  Of course, I hadn't forgotten you.  Our
+house is not on fire.  The fire is next door.  We've been over there
+helping, and we thought we would not waken you unless there was danger
+of this house burning.  They're getting the flames under control.
+Charlie has been working with wet blankets to keep our roof from
+catching.  Now, children, you must go back to bed.  Come, I'll go up
+with you."
+
+When the two were again in bed and alone, Beth said;
+
+"Laura, you ought to want to make up for calling me wicked."
+
+"I guess you aren't wicked, after all, for God didn't let us burn.  I'm
+sorry, Beth."
+
+The children kissed.  Then, worn out by the thrilling events of the
+night, slumber claimed them and held them captive until late next day.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+Walking on Stilts
+
+Julia came on the promised morning, and, to the delight of Beth, she
+brought not only her own stilts, but bore an extra pair as a gift to
+Beth.
+
+Poor Beth was black and blue all over before she conquered those unruly
+stilts, but it took more than bruises to dampen her ardor.
+
+Julia was an expert in stilt walking.  She could go up and down steps
+on hers; she could dance with them, and do other feats that appeared
+marvelous to Beth, and made her ambitious to do likewise.
+
+However, Beth persevered so faithfully that soon she was on the road to
+being an expert herself.  Stilts took up a good share of the morning,
+and, by lunch time, both children had fine appetites, although Beth was
+very tired.
+
+Mrs. Davenport suggested that the children play in the house for a
+change.  They soon tired, however, of the indoor sports, and Beth,
+although she was so lame that she could hardly move, declared that she
+had never felt better, and away they ran to their stilts again.
+
+Julia had already shown off about all of her stilt accomplishments, so
+she thought and thought to devise something new whereby to arouse
+Beth's admiration afresh.
+
+"Beth, I have it.  We'll walk out in the river on our stilts.  I've
+never tried that.  It will be great."
+
+Beth looked somewhat doubtful.
+
+"Weren't stilts made for land?  They're not boats."
+
+"Oh, pshaw.  If you're afraid, you can watch me."
+
+Watch her indeed!  Dragons could not have kept Beth from making the
+attempt if Julia did.
+
+They took their stilts to the river.  Beth was in such a hurry to show
+Julia she was not afraid, that she had great difficulty in starting.
+Julia mounted, and walked out into the water as proudly as a peacock.
+Beth followed, but, of necessity, more slowly, and she kept near the
+wharf.  Julia skimmed through the water for a minute or two almost as
+easily as she went on land.  But alas, pride goes before a fall.
+
+The river bed near the shore is of hard sand, but a little way out it
+becomes marshy.
+
+Suddenly Julia's stilts stuck.  She tried to raise them, but they would
+not budge.  Now, as every stilt walker knows, it is impossible to stay
+motionless on stilts.  Over Julia went into the water, headforemost.
+
+Beth was so startled that she herself almost lost her balance, but,
+fortunately, she grabbed the wharf, and scrambled up on that.  Away
+floated her stilts.
+
+"Hello, what have we here?" and Harvey's boat darted towards them from
+under the bridge.
+
+"Oh, Harvey, save her," cried poor Beth, almost in tears but somewhat
+reassured now that her boy friend was near.
+
+"The water is hardly deep enough to drown a flea," he answered.
+
+However, he rowed up to Julia, and held out his hand.
+
+"You had better step into my boat; you might be a worse stick in the
+mud than ever if you waded ashore."
+
+"I prefer to walk."
+
+Julia tried to look dignified, but the attempt was an utter failure.
+Dirty water dripped from her matted hair, while her face and clothes
+were streaked with mud.
+
+Harvey could not keep back his laughter at the odd sight, and it made
+Julia very indignant.  She said nothing to him, however, but instead
+seemed to be angry with her innocent little girl friend.
+
+Beth ran to meet her and Julia gave vent to her feelings by crying:
+
+"Beth Davenport, are you laughing at me too?  Well, I'd rather be
+laughed at than be a 'fraid cat like you."
+
+Now Beth thought this was very mean, especially when she had considered
+herself so brave.  She therefore could not resist the temptation of
+saying:
+
+"Well, anyway, I told you that stilts weren't boats."
+
+"I'm going home, Beth Davenport."
+
+Poor Julia looked so forlorn that Beth relented.
+
+"Julia, really I didn't laugh.  Please come home with me."
+
+"Beth," called Harvey from the river, "I wish you'd get Miss
+Stick-in-the-Mud's picture for me.  It would be the funniest thing I
+ever saw."
+
+"What a horrid boy," exclaimed Julia.
+
+By the time the children reached the house, Julia had been persuaded to
+remain.
+
+Mrs. Davenport refrained from giving them much of a scolding, as she
+thought Julia really needed coddling a little.  She was soon arrayed in
+some of Beth's clothes.
+
+Shortly after, Mrs. Gordon came in to make a call on Mrs. Davenport.
+She proved a very lovable woman, and won the hearts of both Beth and
+her mother immediately.
+
+The accident was related to her.  She drew Julia to her side and said:
+
+"Daughter, you really must be more careful.  What would mamma do if
+anything happened to her little girl?  Never again try walking in the
+river on stilts."
+
+Both Julia and Beth immediately experienced a sinking of the heart.
+Her words reminded them that their beloved stilts had not been rescued
+from the river.  Julia ran towards the door.
+
+"Daughter, where are you going?"
+
+"After my stilts.  They're in the river."
+
+"Leave them there.  You've had enough of stilts."  And remain in the
+river they did, although the girls pleaded very hard to get them.
+
+Julia was asked to stay all night, and her mother consented, taking her
+departure alone.
+
+"Julia," said Beth, "I must tell you about a dream I had the night of
+the fire.  It was about stilts that reached up to the clouds, and I
+walked on them.  Then I began to fly.  Oh, it was lovely.  I wish we
+could really fly."
+
+"So do I.  I believe we could if we tried.  Let's try.  We'll go up on
+that great high shed and jump off.  We can make our arms go for wings,
+and it will be just like flying.  Come on."
+
+Away they hurried to the shed.  After they had climbed up on it, it
+seemed dreadfully high to Beth, but she did not say so.  Perhaps it
+seemed formidable to Julia, also, but her actions would not have led
+one to believe it.
+
+"I'll try first, Beth."
+
+Thereupon Julia leaped from the shed, making her arms flap for wings.
+Strange to relate, she landed safely and without feeling much jar from
+it.
+
+"Oh, it's lovely, Beth.  Come on."
+
+Poor Beth did not think it so lovely.  She put a bold face on the
+matter, though, and jumped as she had seen Julia do, also keeping her
+arms going in the same manner as Julia.  However, she landed with a
+sickening thud that jarred every bone in her body.
+
+"Isn't it fun, Beth?  Let's try it again."
+
+Up Julia scampered upon the shed.  Beth, not to be outdone, followed
+after, but more slowly.
+
+Again Julia Jumped and Beth followed.  She felt the jar even more the
+second time than she had the first.
+
+Fortunately, Mr. Davenport arrived on the scene just in time to see
+their last leap.
+
+"Children, children, what are you thinking about to jump off that high
+shed?  You might hurt yourselves badly.  Don't do such a thing as that
+again.  Run into the house now; it is about dinner time."
+
+The children did as they were bidden; but when Mrs. Davenport beheld
+Beth, she exclaimed:
+
+"Why, Beth, what is the matter?  You seem to be limping."
+
+Beth tried to brace up.  "Oh, it's nothing, mamma.  I'm a little stiff,
+that's all."
+
+"What have you two been up to?"
+
+"We've been flying."
+
+Julia clasped her hands in an ecstasy of delight.  "And it was such
+fun, Mrs. Davenport."
+
+"Flying?  What do you mean?"
+
+"Well, you see, we got up on that shed back of the barn, and jumped
+off.  We made our arms go for wings."
+
+"The very idea of jumping off that tall shed!  No wonder you are lame.
+Beth cannot play another bit to-day.  You two will have to go to bed
+very early to-night."
+
+Beth for once in her life did not demur.  She was so worn out that she
+was really glad to go to bed.  After a good night's rest she was much
+better, but she continued lame for several days.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+House Building
+
+The Gordons had several cords of square cut wood in their back yard,
+and this inspired Julia and Beth to a great undertaking.  They built a
+house, piling two sticks lengthways and two crossways, one above the
+other, and so on until they had laid the walls for three rooms.  They
+worked like beavers, and Mrs. Gordon, amused by this new scheme of the
+two indefatigables, and thinking to herself that the children would
+probably be tired of the house by the time the wood was needed, allowed
+one of the servants to help.  He used the top of the box in which the
+piano came for a roof, boarded the floors, and, in the middle room,
+helped to make an alcove.  In this Julia and Beth piled up wood for a
+bed, saying that they did not mind if it was hard.
+
+When completed, the girls took out to their new paradise everything
+they dared lay hands on, and asked Mrs. Gordon to inspect their work.
+
+"'Walk into my house,' said the spider to the fly.  'It's the
+beautifulest house you ever did spy,'" quoted Julia, purposely changing
+parlor to house.  "Just walk in.  You can stand up--well, almost--if
+you stoop a little bit.  This is the kitchen," she continued, for she
+had taken her mother in the back way with a purpose in view.  "Oh,
+mamma, we do so want a stove.  No family can keep house without one.
+We don't know what to do.  Please, please help us."
+
+"How would a Dutch oven do?" suggested Mrs. Gordon.
+
+"What's that?  How's it made?"
+
+Mrs. Gordon explained: "It's made of brick, and----"
+
+"How good you are.  Who'll make it?"
+
+Mrs. Gordon could not find it in her heart to disappoint the girls, so
+she furnished the materials, and had a darky make the oven.  When done,
+it was somewhat clumsy, but it looked serviceable.
+
+"Beth," said Julia, "we can't be just you and me.  We must be man and
+wife.  Our names will be Mr. and Mrs. Newbeginner.  I'm John
+Newbeginner, and----"
+
+"I'd rather be the man, because he's the head of the family and he
+doesn't work so hard.  Besides, I don't want a little bit of a man like
+you.  I'm the taller."
+
+"Well, but I'm the elder, and the elder is always the man."
+
+"All right, but you have to help about the house.  You can't go away to
+business."
+
+"Let's stay here all night, to-night."
+
+Away they ran to beg permission.
+
+The two mothers, however, seriously objected.  Finally the young couple
+were pacified by Mrs. Newbeginner being allowed to spend the night with
+her spouse at the Gordon homestead which adjoined the Newbeginner
+mansion.
+
+The next morning, Mrs. Newbeginner awakened at peep of day.  She gave
+Mr. Newbeginner a poke and then jumped out of bed.
+
+"Jul--John, I mean, it's time to get up and build the fire."
+
+"Leave me alone," snapped Mr. Newbeginner in a truly masculine style.
+
+"But Jul--John, you know we are going to get our own breakfast, and I
+can't build the fire all by myself.  Please get up."
+
+Thus entreated, Mr. Newbeginner condescended to arise.  His wife was
+already dressing.
+
+Together they descended to the kitchen, and Jemima, the cook, furnished
+them with some uncooked steak, some potatoes, butter, material to make
+cakes, and other necessaries.
+
+The fire was soon built.  Then such a hustling as ensued.  Mr. and Mrs.
+Newbeginner had many a dispute before breakfast was ready.  Mrs.
+Newbeginner might have foreseen the result of allowing a man in her
+kitchen.
+
+Such a running back and forth as there was between their house and the
+Gordons'; for the Newbeginners began housekeeping by borrowing almost
+everything.
+
+Mr. Newbeginner insisted that he knew how to make pancakes better than
+his wife.  She therefore allowed him to try his hand at them while she
+cooked the meat and potatoes.  Her part of the breakfast was ready
+before his.  Thereupon, she set the pans containing the viands on a
+ledge of the oven above the live coals to keep them warm.
+
+Mr. Newbeginner, as soon as he had cooked one batch of cakes, placed
+them beside the meat and potatoes.  Then he baked another and another.
+
+Alas, just as the last cake was baked, Mrs. Newbeginner bustled in from
+the bedroom where they had set the table.  Now there was a long pole
+that ran out from the oven as its main support.  Poor Mrs. Newbeginner
+in her excitement over their first breakfast somehow stumbled over the
+pole.  Down she fell.  But worse, down fell the stove also, and the
+breakfast which had caused them so much trouble tumbled into the red
+hot coals.
+
+Up jumped Mrs. Newbeginner, and threw some water that happened to be
+handy on the fire.  Her quickness saved their home from being burned,
+but not their breakfast.  Tears rose and welled over the face of Mr.
+Newbeginner in a very unmanly fashion as he gave vent to his anger.
+
+"Well, I declare, you are the clumsiest person I ever saw.  I am sorry
+I ever invited you to this house."
+
+Mrs. Newbeginner looked grieved and angry.  "It's as much mine as
+yours."
+
+"No, it isn't.  The wood belongs to me, and it is built on my place.
+My beautiful pancakes are gone."  He did not seem to mind so much about
+the food that Mrs. Newbeginner had cooked, and on which she had prided
+herself.  "You are the most careless girl I ever saw."
+
+"I couldn't help it.  It hurt my legs awfully.  See how they are
+skinned, but I didn't cry, did I?"
+
+Even the sight of a pair of poor, bruised shins did not soften Mr.
+Newbeginner.
+
+"I suppose we'll have to go into the house, after all, for our
+breakfast.  It'll be dreadfully hu-mil-ia-ting."
+
+"Can't we go to work and cook another?" proposed tired, redfaced little
+Mrs. Newbeginner.
+
+"No, we can't.  The stove would have to be fixed, and we haven't time.
+Even if we had, though, I wouldn't trust you to help with another meal."
+
+Now this was too much for Mrs. Newbeginner's overtaxed nerves.  "You're
+just horrid to say that and I'll never play with you again as long as I
+live.  I'm going home to my mamma."
+
+Whereupon she stalked out through the door.  The sight of her
+retreating figure brought Mr. Newbeginner to his senses.  He ran to the
+door after her.
+
+"Please come back.  I'm sorry."
+
+His repentance came too late, however.  His wife pretended not to hear.
+He grew desperate.
+
+"If you don't come back, I'll never make up with you, either.  Please,
+please, come back."
+
+Either she did not hear, or else she was too grieved to be moved by his
+entreaties.  She did not return, but wended her way back to her
+mother's home.
+
+Now this unfortunate matrimonial experience made Beth reckless.
+Unluckily, upon reaching home, she discovered that both her mother and
+Marian had gone into town to spend the day with the Corners.  Still
+worse, temptation assailed her in the form of an invitation from Harvey
+Baker.
+
+Beth had not seen him for several days.  She had been so absorbed in
+her new love that she had scarcely even thought of him.  Harvey, on his
+part, had thought of her very often.  He had haunted the Davenport
+wharf, but no Beth appeared.  At first, pride had held him back from
+seeking her out, but her very indifference finally proved an
+irresistible attraction.  Such is the masculine nature.
+
+He came on this morning of all others to invite her out for a row.
+She, at first, resisted the temptation.
+
+"Oh, Harvey, what a shame.  Mamma is not here, so I cannot go."
+
+"Do you think she would let you go if she were here?"
+
+"Yes, I think so."
+
+"Then what harm would there be in your going?  We would be back before
+she returned."
+
+Now, as stated before, Beth was reckless.  She Just felt like doing
+something a little wrong.
+
+"I believe I'll go, Harvey."
+
+"Bully for you, Beth.  What time did you say your mother would return?"
+
+"Not before five or six this afternoon."
+
+"What do you say then to taking our lunch with us, and having a picnic?"
+
+"I'll ask Maggie."
+
+Beth knew by this time that there was little danger of Maggie refusing
+her anything.  If the child had asked her for the moon she would
+probably have said, "Shure, honey, I'll try to git it for yo'."
+
+So now Beth hunted up Maggie, who hustled around and soon had a
+tempting feast ready for them.
+
+"Does yo' maw know yo's gwine?" asked Maggie, as she handed the lunch
+to Beth.
+
+"No, but she would not mind, I know."
+
+Away ran Harvey and Beth to the boat.  The river was as smooth as
+glass.  Beth, at first, sat in the back seat, and Harvey rowed.
+
+"I guess we'll go directly across the river.  I wish it wasn't so far
+to Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe's," said Harvey.
+
+"Who is she?"
+
+"Don't you know?  I thought everybody knew about her.  She wrote 'Uncle
+Tom's Cabin.'"
+
+"Oh, I saw that acted at the theatre once.  Does she live here?"
+
+"She has a place up the river aways, but it is deserted now.  She used
+to come down here quite often.  We'll row straight across the river.
+Did you ever row, Beth?"
+
+"No, but you can teach me, can't you?"
+
+"All right.   Now move very carefully.   I wouldn't have you fall
+overboard for the world."
+
+Harvey suspended the oars in the air while Beth took the seat beside
+him.  Then he showed her how to hold the oar.
+
+"Now begin so--carefully and with me."
+
+"That's easy.  Is that all there is to rowing?"
+
+"It won't be so easy presently."
+
+Beth pulled away with ail her might, and in silence.  Suddenly, there
+was a splash of water on her side, and she almost tumbled into the
+bottom of the boat.  Harvey laughed.
+
+"I thought you'd be catching a crab before long."
+
+Beth's eyes opened wide.  "I didn't see any crab, Harvey.  My oar just
+balked."
+
+"That's what is called catching a crab, you know, when your oar doesn't
+go far enough into the water.  Say, Beth, you had better not try to row
+any more.  It'll tire you.  Don't you want to stop?"
+
+"No indeed.  I like to row."
+
+Again Beth pulled away with all her might.  Very soon, she began to
+feel uncomfortably warm.  Her hands burned terribly, and presently she
+rested a moment on her oar and pointed to the land, now within easy
+rowing distance.
+
+"Wouldn't that be a good spot for our picnic?"
+
+Harvey saw how tired she was and answered:
+
+"It's just the place, and say, Beth, we'll catch some fish, first.
+Here are lines and bait."
+
+They thereupon went to fishing, and both caught a number of fish.
+
+"Now," said Harvey, "it's time to go ashore and cook them."
+
+"Oh, I'm so terribly hungry I can't wait.  I didn't have any breakfast."
+
+"Why, you poor child.  Why didn't you say so before?"
+
+"I didn't think of it.  I was having such a good time."
+
+"I couldn't forget that I hadn't had breakfast.  How did it happen?"
+
+Beth hung her head.  She was thinking of her choleric spouse, and she
+had hard work forcing the tears back.
+
+"How did it happen, Beth?"
+
+"Why--it just happened.  That's all.  I'm dreadfully hungry, Harvey."
+
+"Suppose then, you eat a sandwich or so, now, and then we'll cook the
+fish and have lunch later."
+
+Harvey thought he could also eat a sandwich.  It ended by their eating
+three apiece.  Then he assisted her out of the boat, which he moored
+fast on shore.
+
+"Now for the fish, Beth."
+
+"How are we going to cook them?  Have you any matches?"
+
+"Yes, and there's a frying-pan in my boat.  I always carry one, as I
+cook fish quite often.  Didn't I see some butter and salt in the lunch
+basket?"
+
+"Yes, and, Harvey, here's just the spot to build our fire.  This
+straight bank back of the beach will make a good chimney for the smoke
+to go up."
+
+Harvey looked at the spot a little critically.  Scrub palmettoes and
+grass overhung the bank above, which made him wonder if there was any
+danger of their catching fire.  A little breeze was springing up, but
+he decided that it was not strong enough to carry the sparks to the
+undergrowth above.
+
+So Beth gathered dry leaves and sticks of wood while Harvey cleaned the
+fish.  Then he applied a match to the bonfire, and it blazed up and
+crackled noisily.  He next placed the butter and fish in the frying-pan
+and set it on the fire.
+
+At that moment, a little rabbit darted past the children, running up
+the bank towards the woods.
+
+Harvey started after it calling:
+
+"Come on, Beth.  Maybe it will lead us to some young rabbits."
+
+"But the fish."
+
+"They don't need watching for awhile.  Hurry on."
+
+It was quite a climb up the bank for Beth, but she succeeded in
+following close after Harvey.
+
+The rabbit, however, had quite a start of the children, and soon they
+acknowledged the uselessness of pursuit, and sat down on a log under a
+tree to rest.
+
+Harvey started to tell Beth of his experience in trying to tame rabbits.
+
+"Yes," he said, "I've had all kinds, from young ones that had to be fed
+milk out of a spoon to old ones that were so wild that they never could
+be tamed.  I never could raise the young ones.  If they didn't die a
+natural death, a cat or a dog or something would eat them up.  For a
+long time, I never wakened up mornings without finding a dead rabbit.
+I have rows and rows of rabbit graves over on our place.  You must come
+over and see----"
+
+He was interrupted by a bird that flew screeching from the tree under
+which they sat.  At the same instant a crackling sound caused them to
+spring to their feet in terror.  The woods around them were on fire.
+The breeze had grown stronger, and had carried the sparks upward to the
+palmettoes and pines, so full of oil.  Then it was but a question of
+seconds before the awful fire sped with lightning speed over the dry
+undergrowth.  Again, it swelled upwards on the scrub palmettoes, and
+with a flash leaped skywards to the taller trees as if demons were
+lifting the flames to the very heavens.  It was at this point that the
+children discovered their danger.
+
+Only a person who has seen a fire in the open among shrubs and trees
+already parched for lack of water, and fanned by a wind each moment
+growing stronger, can realize with what rapidity the fire spread.  To
+Harvey and Beth, it seemed as if from the moment of discovery, the fire
+hemmed them in.
+
+The air was sultry, notwithstanding the wind, and with the spread of
+the fire it grew more so.  The sky was marked with fantastic clouds
+which turned from gray to flaming red.
+
+Beth gazed around her helplessly.  She felt as if there was no escape
+for them from a fiery death, which made her heartily repentant that she
+had come.  She silently prayed to God to deliver them, and vowed if she
+lived, never, never to do anything again without her mother's knowledge.
+
+The awfulness of their surroundings and the enormity of his
+responsibility, came upon Harvey with overwhelming force.  He was too
+horrified for speech, and, for a few seconds, too stunned for action.
+
+On rushed the triumphant flames, blasting everything within range.  The
+hot breath from the fire recalled Harvey to the need of action.
+
+"Oh, Beth, how can I get you out of this horrible place?  We are
+surrounded by fire."  Then, in a moment, he added, "I see a way out, if
+we run."
+
+He caught her hand and half-dragged her through scorching shrubs,
+circling to the left.  Fortunately, they managed to reach a road
+skirting the woods without serious injury.
+
+Here they saw excited men running towards the woods.  "It will burn our
+homes, our all," they heard one cry.  "Our one hope is to start counter
+fires," another cried.
+
+At the word, to the horror of Beth who did not understand, the men set
+fire to the low palmettoes a short distance away where there was an
+open space.
+
+It seemed wicked to her to set more trees on fire, especially when the
+men seemed so anxious about their homes burning.
+
+"Let's go," she sobbed.
+
+Harvey held his head high.  "No, indeed, I won't go.  If their houses
+burn, it's my fault.  I have some money in the bank and I'll give them
+every cent of it.  They look like poor fishermen.  Oh, Beth, it's too
+terrible.  See how high the flames go."
+
+Up, up, they leaped, growing higher and more fierce every moment.  The
+sparks flew inland.  If some change did not occur, no power under the
+sun could save the poor fishermen's homes.
+
+The two poor, forlorn little culprits waited in the roadway and watched
+the progress of the awful flames.
+
+The two fires looked like immense dragons that were rushing at each
+other in uncontrolled fury.  The sparks flew right and left, but the
+counter fire served its purpose somewhat in that part of the flames'
+force was spent upon the other.
+
+The fires crackled and hissed, and to Harvey these were the voices of
+the dragons defying and mocking him.  To him they said:
+
+"What can you do to stop us?  Nothing.  Yes, you may well tremble.  It
+was you, you alone, that set us monsters free and we will not be
+chained now that we are loose."  Upward the fire dragons flew, and even
+as they sank down somewhat, their mocking did not cease.
+
+"Counter fires may check us momentarily, but presently we will sweep
+upwards and devour the fishermen's huts in our fiery grasp.  It is
+awful to you, but to us it is fun, fun, fun, and we will not be
+stopped.  Look at us.  Look at us."
+
+Again the flames leaped higher and higher.  Harvey covered his face
+with his hands.  He could not bear the sight another instant.
+
+Beth would have comforted him if she had known how, but what could she
+say?  She, too, felt that nothing could stop the onward rush of the
+dragons.
+
+But the one opponent that had power over them suddenly descended to
+take part in the fray.
+
+Beth clapped her hands in glee.  "It's raining, Harvey; it's raining."
+
+The sun was still shining brightly, but, sure enough, one of those
+showers peculiar to tropical lands was descending, and the wind, too,
+abated somewhat.
+
+"Thank God," murmured Harvey.  "Beth, I'm going to speak to the men."
+
+She grasped him by the arm.  "Oh, Harvey, they might arrest you."
+
+"Nonsense, Beth; they don't know how the fire started, and if their
+houses don't burn, there's no use in telling.  You wait here for me."
+
+He was gone only a few minutes, and, when Beth caught sight of his
+radiant face, she knew the good news before he said a word.
+
+"Beth, they say the houses won't burn.  We can go now."
+
+They circled around the woods by the road, and, when they came to the
+river, walked down the beach to their boat which they found unharmed.
+
+The fish were burned to cinders.
+
+"We don't care, do we, Beth?  I couldn't eat them, anyway, after all
+the trouble they have caused us.  It was all their fault.  If they
+hadn't been so foolish as to be caught, there wouldn't have been any
+fire.  But I've built fires a hundred times before and never had
+anything like this to happen."
+
+Trouble, it is said, never comes singly.  When they were once more back
+in the boat, Harvey found that he had both tide and wind against him,
+and the river had become very squally.  The St. Johns is one of the
+most treacherous rivers in the world.  It takes only a very short time
+for her waters to become white-capped.
+
+Harvey pulled manfully on the oars, but it was very hard for him to
+make any headway.  Beth finally asked if she could not help to row.
+
+"No, keep perfectly still where you are," he answered in such a short
+manner that his little companion felt grieved.  She tried to let him
+know that she was hurt, by not saying another word, but he was too busy
+to mind.  By this time, he was worried.
+
+"Supposing anything happened to us," he thought to himself, "Beth's
+mother would never forgive me.  It was my fault that Beth came."
+
+He never knew exactly how it happened.  Either the oar was defective,
+or else he pulled too hard on it as it struck a large wave; whichever
+it was, one of the oars snapped suddenly.  For a moment or so the boat
+rocked helplessly on the waves, and it was driven backwards towards the
+shore from which they had just come.
+
+"Harvey," asked Beth almost in a whisper, "are we going to be drowned?
+Can't I ever tell mamma how sorry, how very sorry, I am?"
+
+"I won't let you drown, Beth."
+
+He spoke with more assurance than he really felt, but his manner
+comforted her.  He also proved that he was a born sailor.  First, he
+skilfully steered the boat with the remaining oar.  Next, he picked up
+from under one of the seats an old umbrella which chanced to be in the
+boat, and used it for a sail.  Thus they were quickly carried back to
+shore not far from the scene of the fire.
+
+Harvey once more helped Beth out, and made the boat fast.  His plans
+were already made.
+
+"Beth, wait here for me.  I'm going to hire one of the men to take us
+back."
+
+Beth had time, while he was gone, to consider all that had happened.
+More than ever, she felt that it had been very wrong for her to come
+without permission.
+
+Harvey presently returned with a man who carried a pair of oars.
+
+"He's going to row us across, Beth."
+
+"Is it safe?"
+
+The man smiled.  "You needn't fear.  I'm strong, and the squall has
+about blown over."
+
+He helped the children in, and jumped into the boat himself as he
+pushed it from shore.
+
+"How are you ever going to get back yourself?" asked Beth, as the man
+took his place at the oars.  She was fearful that Harvey would have to
+row him back.  Otherwise, his return trip appeared to her as intricate
+as some of the puzzles she had heard about crossing streams.
+
+"I'm going to walk into town from your place.  I have some errands
+there, and will take the ferry back."
+
+Beth quieted down and watched the man.  His rowing aroused her
+admiration.  She wished that some time she could prove as great an
+expert as he, and resolved to do her very best to imitate him.  She
+noted especially, the long swinging strokes that he took.  Crossing the
+river was little work for him, and the other side was reached in
+safety.  They drew up alongside the Davenport wharf.
+
+Harvey offered to go up to the house with Beth, and take the blame upon
+himself, but she thought that her mother would rather hear of the
+adventure from her.  So the three occupants of the boat parted company.
+
+Mrs. Davenport had not yet returned when Beth reached the house, but
+came soon afterwards.  Beth immediately confessed to her every incident
+of the day.
+
+"This has taught you a lesson, Beth, without mamma's saying anything,"
+Mrs. Davenport said, when the little penitent had finished.  "You know
+yourself it was very wrong to go without permission, and I do not think
+you will ever do such a thing again, will you?"
+
+"Never," answered Beth so earnestly that Mrs. Davenport had full faith
+in her promise.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+Beth's New Playfellow
+
+Beth could not find Fritz high or low and she was worried about him.
+
+She ran out to the barn to ask January if he had seen anything of her
+pet.  She found the former inside the barn leaning up against a
+partition wall with his eyes shut and his mouth wide open.  He was fast
+asleep and looked very droll.
+
+Beth could hardly keep from laughing, but she managed to say sternly:
+
+"January, you ought to be working instead of sleeping."
+
+He wakened with a start.  A look of conscious guilt overspread his face.
+
+"My eyes were closed, Missy Beth; dat wuz all.  I jes' came in and sot
+down to comb my hair."
+
+Beth shook her finger at him.  "You were snoring."
+
+"Wuz I?  Well, I'm powe'ful warm, Missy Beth.  Don't yo' tole on me,
+an' I'll swah nevah to do so agin."
+
+Beth felt it her duty to lecture him a bit.
+
+"You ought to tell things when you do wrong.  I do.  January, have you
+seen Fritz?"
+
+"Not since dis mornin', Missy Beth.  He wuz down by the river watchin'
+a great big 'gator."
+
+She looked apprehensive.  "January, do 'gators ever eat dogs?"
+
+"I've heard tell dey do sometimes."
+
+"What would I do if that 'gator has eaten my Fritz!"
+
+Whereupon away she ran, as fast as her little legs could carry her, to
+the river, calling her beloved dog.  But no Fritz came bounding at her
+call.  In fact, he did not return even to supper, nor for breakfast the
+next morning.
+
+The conviction grew with Beth that Harvey Baker's 'gator had eaten
+Fritz.  Her resentment rose against the boy and his pet, she even
+shedding some tears of anger and of grief.
+
+Soon after breakfast, a red-eyed little girl started out to give Harvey
+Baker a piece of her mind.  She found him, as usual, on the wharf.  He
+was perfectly unconscious of the storm that was in store for him.  In
+fact, he was in the very act of feeding the 'gator.
+
+"Hello, Beth, don't make a noise.  I've just whistled for it."
+
+Her eyes snapped.  "I just guess I'll make all the noise I want to, so
+there; and I hope I'll scare the horrid old 'gator away," she
+concluded, bursting into tears.
+
+Harvey, in his surprise, dropped the meat which he held, and walked
+over to comfort her.  She, however, turned on him like a veritable
+little shrew.
+
+"Go away, Harvey Baker.  I hate both you and your 'gator.  That's what
+makes me cry."
+
+He could not fathom her meaning.  He thought, perhaps, she was cross
+because of the affair of yesterday.
+
+"Was your mamma very angry?  Stop crying and I'll go with you and tell
+her it's----"
+
+"It's not that.  Your 'gator----"  She could not finish because of
+sobs.  Harvey waited for her tears to subside, but at last grew
+desperate.
+
+"Can't you tell me what's the matter, Beth?"
+
+"Your horrid old 'gator--it--has eaten--my Fritz."
+
+"I don't believe it."
+
+"My dog's gone and----"
+
+"I'm very sorry, Beth, that Fritz is gone; but I don't believe the
+'gator ate him."
+
+"No, you're not sorry.  You were just going to feed that horrid beast,
+and after it had eaten my Fritz, too."
+
+"I didn't know about Fritz; but please don't blame me, Beth, even if
+the 'gator did eat him."  He tried to take her hand, but she pulled it
+away.
+
+"I want my dog," she said angrily.
+
+"O Beth, only like me again, and I'll promise never to feed the 'gator
+as long as I live."
+
+She was too grieved over the loss of Fritz to accept any such promise.
+Harvey would have searched with her for Fritz, but she was so hurt that
+she wished to be alone.  In fact, she was very cool towards him for
+many a day thereafter.
+
+A week passed; then two, and nothing was heard of Fritz.  The feeling
+grew with Beth that the 'gator really had made way with her pet.  She
+grieved more and more as time passed and nothing was heard of her dog.
+At first, she was inclined to be very bitter towards Harvey, but she
+could not hold a grudge long against any one.  Then, as she
+acknowledged, she was not sure the 'gator had eaten Fritz.
+
+One day, about three weeks after the loss of Fritz, Harvey walked into
+the Davenports' house, leading a handsome, big black dog.  The minute
+that the dog saw Beth, he bounded away from Harvey, and up to her.  He
+licked her hand, and was altogether so affectionate that he won her
+heart immediately.
+
+"Oh, what a beautiful fellow.  Where did you get him?  Is he yours,
+Harvey?"
+
+The boy's eyes were very bright as he answered:
+
+"Well, I guess so.  I'll tell you how I happened to get him, and then
+you can judge for yourself.  I was in town day before yesterday, and,
+while walking along Bay Street, I felt something licking my hand.  I
+looked around, and saw this dog.  I had several errands that morning
+and the dog followed me every place.  I simply couldn't get rid of him.
+Then I made inquiries to find out who owned him.  For a long time
+nobody seemed to know anything about him.  Finally I met a man down by
+the market who said he had seen him come off a Spanish vessel that was
+in port that morning.  I asked the man where the vessel was, and he
+said it had sailed.  Then I asked him what I ought to do about the dog,
+and he replied that he supposed I might as well keep him.  After that,
+I went to father and told him about the dog and asked what I should do.
+He said he would advertise it, and then if nobody answered, I might do
+what I liked with him.  We have heard nothing so far of an owner, so it
+begins to look as if the dog was mine."
+
+"Why haven't you told me before?  You have had it two whole days."
+
+"Well, Beth, I didn't want you to know about it until I was sure he was
+mine.  Besides, I'm going to give him away."
+
+Beth's eyes opened wide with astonishment.
+
+"Going to give this lovely dog away!  Don't you like him?"
+
+"Yes, but I like the person I'm going to give him to better."
+
+"You must be awfully fond of that person, then."  Beth was ashamed to
+think that she was a little jealous and tried not to show it by her
+manner.
+
+"I am.  Guess to whom I am going to give him."
+
+"I can't."
+
+"To the only nice girl I know, and her name is Beth Davenport."
+
+"Not me?"  Her eyes had grown very big.
+
+"Yes, you--really."
+
+Beth could not believe it for a while.  When she did realize that
+Harvey was truly in earnest, she gave one long gasp of delight.  Then
+she surprised both herself and Harvey by throwing her arms around his
+neck and kissing him.
+
+Harvey, boylike, was a little embarrassed, but he did not object,
+however.
+
+"Harvey, you're the nicest boy living.  I don't know how to thank you."
+
+He looked very much pleased.  "Do you really like him, Beth?"
+
+"Like him!----"  She could not think of words strong enough to tell how
+much she liked him.
+
+"Is he as nice as Fritz?  Do you forgive me now?"
+
+She immediately felt guilty, for it was a fact that she had not been
+friendly towards Harvey since the disappearance of Fritz.
+
+"He's a thousand times nicer, but perhaps you're just giving him to me
+because you think you ought to.  Maybe the 'gator didn't eat Fritz
+after all."
+
+"I'm not giving him to you because of Fritz.  You may keep Don even if
+Fritz comes back."
+
+"Is Don his name?"
+
+"I call him Don because he came off a Spanish vessel, and he seems to
+like the name, but you can call him anything you wish."
+
+"It's a pretty name, and I shall call him Don.  Shan't I, Don?"
+
+The dog looked up at her with his intelligent eyes to see what his new
+mistress wished.  She threw her arms about his neck and kissed him.
+
+"Don, I love you, I love you.  You're my dog now.  Harvey has given you
+to me."
+
+Harvey felt a little jealous to see lavished on a dog caresses, such as
+had been given to him only once.  He tried to distract Beth's attention.
+
+"Say, Beth, you just ought to see him in the water.  He loves the
+water."
+
+"Does he?  Let's go down to the river."
+
+This was just what Harvey wished, and therefore he readily consented.
+
+The two started ahead.  Don followed majestically.
+
+Mrs. Davenport saw them from the window, and stopped them.
+
+"Where are you going, Beth?"
+
+"Down to the river with Harvey, mamma.  Just see what he gave me."
+
+Beth led Don up to the window where her mother was.
+
+"Why, you nice dog, you.  He is a beauty.  Where did you get him,
+Harvey?  He must be a very valuable dog."
+
+Thereupon the history of Don's discovery was repeated to Mrs. Davenport.
+
+"Harvey ought to keep him himself," she declared.
+
+"But I wish Beth to have him, Mrs. Davenport.  Father said I might do
+what I wished with Don, and when I told mother I was going to give him
+to Beth, she thought it a very nice idea."
+
+"You are very generous, Harvey, and both Beth and I appreciate your
+present.  I love dogs almost as much as Beth does, but I don't know how
+we can repay you."
+
+"Mother says that you more than repay me by letting Beth play with me.
+You know I haven't any sisters."
+
+"Well, you and Beth must be careful not to get into mischief.  She may
+play by the water this morning, but I don't care to have her go rowing.
+The river is too rough to-day."
+
+"We won't go rowing, mamma."
+
+Thereupon they hurried with Don down to the river.
+
+The wind was quite high, which made the water choppy.  The waves were
+white-capped in many places.
+
+"Now, Beth, you just watch and see Don perform."
+
+Harvey held in his hand a good-sized stick, which he threw as far as
+possible out into the water.
+
+[Illustration: Harvey.  (Illustration missing from book)]
+
+Away bounded Don after it.  He easily breasted the waves, and returned
+in triumph with the stick.
+
+He did this time and again, much to Beth's delight.
+
+"Say, Beth, let's try him from the end of the wharf.  I wonder if he
+would dare jump in from there."
+
+"I don't like to try.  He might drown."
+
+Harvey laughed the idea to scorn, and took a stick out to the end of
+the wharf.  Beth and Don accompanied him.  Don seemed anxious to have
+the stick thrown, for he watched it with glistening eyes.  Harvey threw
+it.  Don immediately jumped after it, and succeeded in swimming to
+shore with it.  By this time, he was probably tired, for he did not
+return to the children, but lay down on the bank for a rest.
+
+The boat had been left outside the boat house, tied to a stake of the
+wharf.  Harvey eyed it longingly.
+
+"I wish we could go rowing, Beth."
+
+"So do I, but mamma said I couldn't.  You wouldn't have me disobey her,
+would you?"
+
+"Nobody has asked you to, has there?  Say, Beth, she never said for you
+not to sit in the boat, did she?"
+
+"No, but----"
+
+"She said you couldn't row.  Now, sitting in a boat that's tied isn't
+rowing, is it?"
+
+"No, but----"
+
+"Oh, come on, Beth.  It's perfectly safe when it's tied."
+
+She hesitated.  Harvey was too much of a diplomat not to press his
+advantage.
+
+"Now, Beth, I think you might.  I wouldn't ask you to do anything your
+mamma didn't like.  She won't mind, I know."
+
+Still Beth was undecided.
+
+"And, Beth, you ought to want to please me after I gave you Don."
+
+This argument appealed to her.  She wished to show her appreciation.
+
+"All right, if you really think mamma wouldn't mind."
+
+Harvey did not answer.  He jumped down into the boat, and then helped
+Beth.
+
+"Say, Beth, we'll play we're pirates.  We're out in a storm, but we are
+pursuing that boat there."
+
+"What boat?"
+
+"Why, that one there.  Don't you see that stick of wood?  It carries
+chests of gold which we are after.  Now sit down and we'll start the
+chase."
+
+The younger pirate thereupon seated herself in the stern of the craft
+while its gallant commander took charge on the middle deck.  He swayed
+from side to side.  The boat rocked in a perilous manner.  Sometimes
+the water even dashed over the pirates.
+
+"Isn't it kind of dangerous, Harvey?" suggested the younger pirate.
+
+"My name isn't Harvey.  I'm Captain Kidd, and you must never speak to
+me without saluting,--so."
+
+His self-importance caused him to move around more lively than ever,
+while the boat shipped water afresh.
+
+"But isn't it dangerous, Har--, Captain Kidd?"
+
+The captain again looked very self-important.  "Pirates never think of
+danger.  See how near we are to the English brig.  Ha, ha, mate, the
+gold is ours.  Steady now, mate, she's coming your way.  When we are
+once alongside of her, you make a dive for her, and pinion her until I
+can rush to your assistance.  Steady now."
+
+Nearer and nearer floated the English boat, unconscious of danger.
+Perhaps the nature of the pirate craft was unsuspected.  It floated no
+black flag.
+
+The younger pirate grew excited over the nearness of the prize.  She
+arose to her feet.  Surely, it was within grasp now.  Just as she was
+about to reach out for it, however, a wave took the English boat and
+started to carry it out of reach.
+
+This made the younger pirate desperate.  She leaned far out over the
+water.  Suddenly, the commander cried out in fear:
+
+"Beth, don't try.  It's too far away."
+
+His warning came too late.  The younger pirate had already reached out
+for the English boat.  A wave at that moment struck the pirate craft,
+and swayed it to one side.  Over went the younger pirate into the water.
+
+Fortunately, Beth got only a wetting.  Before she was really in the
+water, Harvey had her by the dress.  For a second or two, it seemed as
+if the boat would upset.  But presently a wet, unhappy little girl
+stood shivering beside Harvey.  Her teeth chattered from fright more
+than from cold.
+
+"What'll mamma say?"
+
+"I'll tell her it was all my fault."
+
+"How good you are," and Beth edged up nearer to him.
+
+"Stop dripping water all over me and come on."
+
+They hurried towards the house, and circled around to the back entrance
+to escape Beth's mother.
+
+The washerwoman, at the tubs on the kitchen porch, and Maggie were the
+only ones to see poor Beth.  Maggie raised her arms skyward.  "Laws a
+massa"--then she broke into hearty laughter.  "I 'lows, Penny,"--the
+name of the washerwoman,--"hyere's moh washin' fur yo'.  How yo' 'specs
+it'd be if we'd jes' run chile an' all frugh de wringer?"
+
+Beth was too humiliated to say a word, and rushed up-stairs the back
+way.
+
+When the affair was reported to Mrs. Davenport, she considered the
+situation well before seeing her little daughter.
+
+Beth was getting to be a terrible tomboy, she thought, but she was
+growing strong physically with the outdoor life.  And even while she
+did sometimes fall into danger, the same thing often occurred when
+mothers watched a child's every breath.  Mrs. Davenport decided that
+the wiser way was to educate a child to be self-reliant and fearless,
+trusting to God's guardianship and protection.
+
+She knew that in the years to come, Beth would learn the gentler
+graces, for she had a kindly heart; so, instead of punishing Beth, Mrs.
+Davenport had a long talk with her that did Beth a world of good.  In
+fact, her mother's gentleness was an inspiration to right living all
+through her life.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+Learning to Swim
+
+Marian, Julia, Beth, Harvey, and Don were in bathing.  The deep water
+enclosed by the walk and piling surrounding the boat house made a safe
+bathing place for them,--safe at least from the alligators, though the
+water was deep.  Harvey and Don were the only ones in the party who
+knew how to swim.
+
+The other children struggled hard to learn.  Harvey was a very willing
+teacher, but did not know exactly how to impart his knowledge.  He said:
+
+"Why, it's very easy.  See, you just have to start out like this, and
+there you are."
+
+Thereupon, they started out as directed, but, alas, they were not there
+as he said.  Their feet grew unaccountably light so that their heads
+disappeared under the water.  However, they enjoyed even the ducking.
+
+Don reveled in the water frolic as much, if not more, than any of them.
+He was ever ready to do the children's bidding, and ever kept a
+watchful eye on his charges.  Beth, however, was his especial care.  He
+seemed to feel an ownership for her.
+
+Don, too, tried to encourage the children in their efforts to swim.  He
+plunged out into deep water, and then looked persuasively back at the
+children nearer shore, as if to say:
+
+"Follow me.  It's really very easy."
+
+Beth as usual proved the venturesome one, and started out after Don.
+
+Mrs. Davenport, who was sitting on the wharf doing some fancy work and
+at the same time watching the children, called:
+
+"Beth, do be careful or you'll get into trouble."
+
+"Why, mamma, I am careful."
+
+Mrs. Davenport again became absorbed in her work.  Suddenly, she was
+startled by screams from the children.  Above the other voices she
+heard Marian calling:
+
+"Don, Don, save her."
+
+Poor Mrs. Davenport sprang to her feet in a frenzy of terror.  It was
+as she expected.  She saw her beloved Beth sinking.  She was so
+horrified that for a second or two she could not cry out.
+
+Harvey was near Beth, but made no effort to rescue her.
+
+"Harvey, Harvey," screamed Mrs. Davenport, "save her."
+
+But even as she cried another was swimming to the rescue, and this was
+faithful Don.  He had no idea of letting his beloved little mistress
+drown.  He grabbed her by her bathing suit and swam towards the shore
+with her.
+
+"Why, Mrs. Davenport, we didn't think you'd be frightened.  It's only
+play," called Harvey.
+
+How proud the delighted dog was.  He thought he had really saved Beth's
+life.  He did not know that she was just pretending for the fun of
+having him come to her.
+
+Day after day, the children struggled to learn to swim, but with rather
+poor success.
+
+At last, they thought of trying light logs to keep them up.  This
+proved quite successful.  They placed the log across their chests, and
+under their armpits, and then made their hands and feet go.  This was
+quite like swimming.  After a time they tried it even in the deep water
+inside the boat house.
+
+One day Beth ran down ahead of the others.  Don, for a wonder, was not
+with her that morning.  She thought she would have some fun all by
+herself.
+
+Her log was in the boat house.  She fearlessly jumped into deep water
+with it, but somehow, she got beyond the range of the walk.  In trying
+to paddle back to it, her log slipped away from her.  Then she grew
+very much frightened.
+
+It was a case of swim or sink.  Terrified as she was, she had presence
+of mind to keep her hands and feet going.  To her surprise, she did not
+sink.  She had only a little ways to go and made it without very much
+effort.
+
+When the other children came, she was all excitement.
+
+"Just see.  I can swim, I can swim."
+
+Beth hastened to show off her wonderful accomplishment.  She was
+disgusted when Harvey laughed at her.
+
+"Why, Beth, you swim in regular dog fashion.  You claw the water just
+like Don.  You ought to go like this."
+
+She tried striking out with her arms as he bid, but could not swim that
+way.  Whereupon, she declared:
+
+"I like swimming dog fashion best."
+
+One evening Mr. Davenport came home and said:
+
+"Mary, how would you like to go down to the seashore for a week?"
+
+"And take us?" exclaimed Beth.
+
+Mr. Davenport was in a teasing mood.
+
+"I will take Marian because she has been good, but as to you, I must
+find out first from mamma if any bad girl has been around here lately.
+We can't take bad girls with us."
+
+Beth held her breath for her mother's answer.
+
+"Well, James, for a wonder we have had an unusually good girl here for
+the past week.  If we go, she may go too."
+
+Beth danced a jig in the intensity of her joy.
+
+"Where are we going, papa?"
+
+"Down to Fort George Island, which is at the mouth of the St. Johns.
+We will leave to-morrow morning.  Can you be ready by that time, Mary?"
+
+"I guess so."
+
+Mrs. Davenport was accustomed to her husband's desire to start at a
+moment's notice.  He had made a like suggestion many times before.
+
+At Beth's earnest solicitation, she was allowed to take Don with her.
+
+The next morning, when they boarded the boat for Fort George's, Beth
+was very much surprised to behold Julia.
+
+"Why, Julia, how nice of you to come down to see us off, but how did
+you know we were going?"
+
+"I didn't come to see you off; I'm going to Fort George, too.  Your
+papa was over last night and persuaded papa and mamma to go."
+
+"Oh goody, goody, goody."
+
+Julia and Beth took possession of the boat from the first moment.  They
+inspected it from one end to the other.  They made friends with the
+captain and those under him.  They went up even to the pilot house and
+helped run the boat, or, at least, they thought they were helping.  The
+morning proved a very happy one for them.
+
+The trip delighted their parents also.  They were content to sit still
+and watch the St. Johns as it curved and widened on its course to the
+ocean.  There is hardly a more picturesque river in America.
+
+As they neared the sea, its briny odor was wafted to them by the
+breeze.  Great sand dunes rose on both sides of the river.
+
+Upon reaching Fort George, the Davenport party drove in the 'bus to the
+hotel, over the hardest of shell roads.  Magnificent palms lined the
+way on both sides.  All the foliage, in fact, was extremely luxuriant.
+The island was more tropical than anything that the Davenports had
+seen, so far, in Florida.
+
+A gentleman in the 'bus proffered the information to Mr. Davenport that
+the island had once been visited by Talleyrand.  He said it had been
+owned by French grandees who carried on an extensive slave trade from
+the island.
+
+When questioned about the mounds of shells that are so numerous at Fort
+George, the gentleman explained that for many centuries the Indians had
+congregated on the island in oyster season, and held high festivals.
+They probably feasted on oysters and corn, and these mounds were the
+result.
+
+The week that followed was one of almost unalloyed bliss to Julia and
+Beth.  They got into very little mischief, although they simply lived
+out of doors, and up in the trees.
+
+Each morning, a number of the people from the hotel went in surf
+bathing.  Beth was always one of the party.  Mrs. Davenport did not
+care to go in, but she generally sat on the beach and watched the
+bathers.
+
+Since Beth had learned how to swim, she caused her mother much anxiety.
+She was very venturesome, and would often swim far out beyond her depth.
+
+Don did not enjoy salt water as much as he did fresh, and therefore he
+often rested beside Mrs. Davenport.
+
+One morning only children went in bathing.  All the men were away
+fishing, and the women did not care for the sport.  Mrs. Davenport was
+unusually anxious, and she warned Beth to stay near shore with the
+other children.  Beth obeyed pretty well at first, but before she knew
+it she was out where the water was over her head.
+
+"Beth, it's time to come in," called her mother.
+
+Beth raised her head and spurted out some water.
+
+"Why, mamma, I'm coming."
+
+"No, you're not.  You're going out," and Mrs. Davenport sprang to her
+feet in sudden terror.
+
+"Why, mamma, I'm swimming as hard as ever I can."
+
+In fact, Beth was trying her very best to reach shore, but
+notwithstanding her desperate efforts, she was slowly but surely
+drifting out to sea.  One of those treacherous undertows that abound on
+the Florida coast had her in its deadly power.
+
+Mark Charlesworth, one of the boys, rushed to the side of Beth's mother.
+
+"Oh, Mrs. Davenport, she'll surely drown unless some one saves her.  A
+boy was drowned just that way last winter."
+
+Mrs. Davenport was almost frenzied.  She could not swim and she knew
+that personally she could not rescue her child.  She looked in vain for
+assistance.
+
+The other children had come from the water, and rushed frantically up
+and down the beach wringing their hands in terror.
+
+Beth realized that her position was critical, and she struck out with
+such desperate energy that soon she felt her strength failing her.
+Terror seized upon her so that she feared she could not keep up another
+instant.
+
+"Mamma," she screamed, "I'm sinking."
+
+Mrs. Davenport's heart grew leaden.  Was there no hope for her child?
+Must she stand helpless and see her drown?  No, no, there must be some
+way of saving her.  She would not despair.
+
+"Dearie, don't give out," she cried; "mamma will save you."
+
+The words strengthened Beth to strive anew.  At this instant, Mrs.
+Davenport's eye rested upon Don lying fast asleep in the shade.  Her
+heart seemed to jump into her mouth in the intensity of a new hope.
+
+"Don, Don, go to Beth," she cried.
+
+But Don would not heed.  He did not realize the danger.  He was tired
+and wished to sleep.
+
+"Beth, call Don."
+
+Beth who was drifting farther and farther away heard, and yelled:
+
+"Don, Don."
+
+The dog immediately pricked up his ears.  Then he jumped to his feet.
+
+"Don, Don."
+
+At that second appeal, he bounded into the water.
+
+Mrs. Davenport felt like falling on her knees in thanksgiving.
+
+"Dearie, don't give up.  Don's coming."
+
+Beth heard and her strength revived sufficiently for her to struggle
+afresh against that terrible undertow.
+
+The big waves swirled around Don who swam directly towards Beth.
+
+Mrs. Davenport's heart almost stood still while her anxious eyes kept
+watch on her struggling child and the noble dog.
+
+"Thank God, the eddy has Don too in its wake and is helping him on to
+my child.  Beth's strength again seems to be failing.  Will she be able
+to hold out?  On, Don, on.  Supposing he cannot make it.  Supposing the
+child sinks before he reaches her?"  These seconds of watching seemed
+an eternity to the frantic mother.
+
+"Thank God, he is almost within reach of her.  Bravo, Don, bravo.  He
+has Beth fast by the bathing suit.  Brave, brave dog.  Now he has
+headed towards shore.  Will he ever be able to make it with that awful
+undertow to work against besides the extra precious burden he carries?
+How heroically he struggles.  Oh, noble, noble Don, you will save her
+yet, and keep a mother's heart from breaking.  Yes, he is slowly but
+surely making headway against the eddying waters.  Now, now, his feet
+surely touch bottom.  Yes, and Beth knows it and struggles to her feet.
+Thank God, she is still conscious."
+
+Though Beth was very much frightened, she was in no way harmed by her
+watery experience, and rushed straight to her mother's open arms, both
+unmindful of the wetting Mrs. Davenport received.
+
+Don pricked up his ears, and wagged his tail from side to side.  He
+could not understand why they did not notice him immediately as they
+had done before when he rescued Beth.  Really, it was enough to ruffle
+the patience of any dog.  He barked to attract attention.  Thereupon,
+Mrs. Davenport turned to him, and patted him while tears trickled down
+her cheeks.
+
+"Yes, Don, we know what a very noble fellow you are, and love you with
+all our hearts.  We'll never forget what you've done."
+
+Beth said nothing, but patted Don who expressed his appreciation as
+best he could by licking Beth's hands and face.  If he could have
+talked, he would have said:
+
+"Little mistress, I'm so glad I could show my love for you.  I do
+dearly love you all, and am thankful that I saved you.  Life with you
+is better than it was at sea.  I will always be faithful to you."
+
+This narrow escape of Beth's made Mrs. Davenport wish to return home.
+She said she would not stay with the children where the water was
+treacherous.  The following day, therefore, they all returned to
+Jacksonville.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+The Little Dressmaker
+
+It must not be imagined that Beth always romped.  Although she was a
+tomboy, she was a very industrious little girl.  She did not go to
+school the first year she was in Florida, and on rainy days she learned
+how to sew.
+
+Mr. Davenport started a bank in Jacksonville, and soon after was
+elected president of the State's fair.  He was a liberal-minded
+citizen, and therefore accepted the position, wishing to advance the
+standard of Florida exhibits.
+
+Beth became interested in the undertaking.  She asked to enter the
+lists herself and compete for prizes.
+
+Mr. Davenport thought it an excellent idea that children should be
+encouraged to exhibit, and therefore offered prizes for juvenile
+displays.
+
+Beth decided to make a dress all by herself.  Her mother suggested that
+she was rather young for such a big undertaking, and that, perhaps, she
+had better first dress a doll, but Beth would not listen to such a
+thing.
+
+Mrs. Davenport, therefore, bought the material and a pattern, and gave
+them to Beth.  She offered to cut out the dress, but Beth thought that
+this would not be honorable nor fair.  She must do it all by herself.
+Mrs. Davenport admired the spirit, and encouraged it in her, although
+she feared she might make a failure.
+
+Beth, however, had one great quality of success,--perseverance.  She
+would never give up anything in which she was interested, until she had
+succeeded.  For the next three days, she could not be enticed from her
+work.
+
+"Beth, please, come with me," begged Harvey, who came quite regularly
+to persuade her from her undertaking.  But she was deaf to all
+persuasion.  Julia had no better success, and it ended by Beth
+infecting Julia with the sewing fever.  Julia brought material for a
+dress over to the Davenports' and went to work on it.  She sewed
+faithfully for an hour or two, and then jumped up in disgust.
+
+"Oh, botheration, Beth; I can't get the horrid thing right, and I'm not
+going to try."
+
+"Let me help you, Julia.  Maybe we'll get prizes."
+
+"Oh, bother prizes.  Let's quit."
+
+"No, I'm going to finish this dress.  Please stay and sew with me."
+
+"If I do, what will you do for me?"
+
+"Anything you want me to."
+
+"All right then, I'll stay, but when you've finished, you have to go up
+in a tree with me and spend the night.  We'll be like the captive
+princess."
+
+They had just finished a fairy tale of a princess confined in a tower
+which she never left during many years.  The tower was well provisioned
+so that she did not starve.
+
+"It'll be great fun," continued Julia.  "We'll take plenty of food up
+with us.  I'm so glad you promised to go."
+
+"May I tell mamma about it?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then I won't go.  I know mamma wouldn't like it, Julia, and it's wrong
+to worry her."
+
+"And it's downright wicked to break one's word.  You aren't going to be
+wicked, are you?"
+
+Beth looked worried.  "Please don't ask me to play princess, Julia."
+
+"But you just have to, Beth; that's all there is about it."
+
+This was Julia's ultimatum.  She persisted in remaining with Beth until
+the dress was finished, although, she, herself, did comparatively
+little sewing.  She even stayed nights at the Davenports for fear Beth
+would betray her secret.
+
+Beth worked so steadily that Mrs. Davenport feared that she would make
+herself sick, and was glad when finally Beth jumped up and said:
+
+"There, mamma, it's finished.  Buttonholes and all.  I guess it's all
+right, isn't it?"
+
+The dress was very creditably made for so young a girl.  Mrs. Davenport
+was justly proud of it and of Beth.
+
+"Mrs. Davenport," began Julia, "can't Beth stay all night with me?"
+
+"Yes, I'll be glad to have her out of doors.  Run along, Beth."
+
+Beth, however, held back.  "I'd rather stay with you, mamma."
+
+"Why, child, what is the matter?"
+
+"Oh, she's just tired from this everlasting sewing, Mrs. Davenport;"
+and then Julia whispered to Beth, "You're not going to be wicked and
+break your word, are you?  I'll never speak to you again if you don't
+come."
+
+Thus pressed, Beth reluctantly kissed her mother and departed.
+
+"We'll go over to my house, and get enough food for supper and
+breakfast."
+
+Away they hurried to the Gordons.  Julia robbed the larder to quite an
+extent.
+
+"Mamma, I'm going back to Beth's.  You don't mind, do you?"
+
+"No."
+
+Thereupon, avoiding observation, they ran back to Beth's.  They
+selected a grand water oak with immense spreading branches that would
+effectually screen them from view.  Besides, it was quite a ways from
+the house, which suited Julia's purpose.
+
+Julia, carrying the provisions, scrambled up into the tree as nimbly as
+a squirrel, crying:
+
+"Isn't this the grandest fortress you ever did see?"
+
+Beth was too busy climbing to answer.  She was a natural born climber,
+but she lacked practice.  Besides, her plumpness would prevent her from
+ever being quite as agile as Julia.
+
+"This will be my bedroom.  See, I do not have to build any bed.  These
+branches and leaves make a perfect resting-place," declared Julia.
+
+"Yes, but suppose you fell asleep and rolled out.  You'd break your
+neck."
+
+"I don't roll out of bed at home, and I'm not going to here."
+
+"But I do, and I don't want to break my neck.  I guess I'll stay awake
+all night, but I'll lie down."
+
+As Beth spoke, she lay back on some inviting looking branches.  Their
+appearance, however, proved deceitful.  They were not as strong as they
+looked, and she came very near having the tumble that she dreaded.
+Luckily, however, she caught on to a strong branch, and with Julia's
+assistance was soon in comparative safety.
+
+"I guess I'd better sit up all the time."
+
+"I reckon you'll do nothing of the sort.  I'll tell you what: You may
+have my bedroom, and I'll find another higher up."
+
+Although Beth was still trembling from the narrowness of her escape,
+she did not wish to take advantage of Julia's generosity, but the
+latter insisted.
+
+Thus persuaded, Beth, cautiously this time, tried reclining on the
+branches.  She found that they really made a delightful bed.
+
+"It is beautiful, Julia.  Why, I don't believe I should be afraid to
+sleep here.  These limbs would keep me from falling."
+
+"And here is another bed just as good.  You see I'm right across the
+hall from you.  I didn't have to go to the next floor as I feared at
+first.  It's nicer being near each other, isn't it, Beth?"
+
+"Yes, much nicer, but wouldn't you rather have this room, Julia?  It is
+so lovely."
+
+"No, it isn't.  Mine is best.  I can look way up to the sky."
+
+"Why, that isn't nice at all.  I wouldn't sleep in a room without a
+roof.  Mine has a roof painted green."
+
+"I don't care, mine's nicer."
+
+"No, it isn't.  Mine is."
+
+Whereupon they had a fuss, such as all children sometimes have.  They
+declared that "they didn't like each other," and that one was "hateful"
+and the other "too mean to live," and that "they'd never speak again."
+
+In a minute or two after, they were talking as lively as two young
+magpies.  They had figuratively kissed and made up.
+
+"Now," said Julia, "I'm going to draw the portcullis so we can never go
+down unless some one comes to release us."
+
+"I don't care to stay here always."
+
+"We're only playing, goosie, but you have to stay until morning because
+you promised."
+
+After that one thrust, Julia relented and tried to be as nice as she
+possibly could, and Beth had such a good time that her conscience
+stopped troubling her.
+
+The minutes passed so quickly that they both were surprised to see how
+low the sun was.  The captive ladies decided it was time to eat supper,
+so they divided supplies, using their laps as tables.
+
+Beth, the unfortunate, had not taken a mouthful when a great pinching
+bug dropped on her head.  She jumped to her feet screaming, and her
+supper was all scattered to the ground.  She decided to go after it.
+
+"Where are you going, Beth?"
+
+"After my supper."
+
+"But the portcullis is drawn."
+
+"I'm going to have my supper, portcullis or no portcullis."
+
+Already it was growing so dark that objects were becoming
+indistinguishable.  Suddenly Beth uttered a cry.
+
+"What's the matter?"
+
+"I,--I thought it was a bear.  It's only Don, however, and he's eaten
+up all my supper, the mean thing, and now he's run away."
+
+"Never mind, Beth.  You can have half of mine."
+
+They ate their scanty meal in silence.  It was growing so dark that
+immediately after supper they went to bed.
+
+Neither of the children felt comfortable, but neither would own it.
+
+"Isn't this heaps of fun, Beth?"
+
+"Yes, heaps, Julia."
+
+Then each of them let a great sigh escape.  Silence prevailed for
+awhile.  All the world seemed asleep.  Such stillness was terrifying to
+the children.
+
+"Are you asleep, Julia?"
+
+"No, but I thought you were."
+
+Again they were quiet until it had grown pitch dark.
+
+"I can't sleep."
+
+"Neither can I, but it's fun, isn't it?"
+
+"It's a sperience, Julia."
+
+Again two great sighs, and then quiet once more.
+
+Suddenly, there was a hoot right above them.  Julia and Beth both gave
+such a start that they almost tumbled out of the tree.  Then two scared
+whispers were heard:
+
+"What was that?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+Another hoot.
+
+"I wish we were together, Julia."
+
+"So do I.  Say, Beth, I believe there's room for you here with me.
+Let's try it."
+
+"I'm afraid to come."
+
+"Don't be a 'fraid cat."
+
+"I'm not, only----"  For the third time that melancholy hoot above them.
+
+"Julia, come to me."
+
+"I won't do it.  I spoke first  You come here."
+
+Solitude was so terrifying that Beth risked the trip across for
+companionship.  Fortunately, the hoot did not occur during her trip to
+Julia, or she would probably have landed on the ground.
+
+The space proved rather narrow, and rather perilous for two, but Beth
+and Julia snuggled together very close.
+
+Soon the hooting began again, and continued at regular intervals.
+
+"I believe it's a hoot-owl."
+
+"So it is."
+
+Although they knew it was only an owl, the melancholy cry was neither
+conducive to sleep nor to high spirits.  The children found it
+decidedly depressing.  They talked awhile in whispers.  The sound of
+one's own voice even is startling in such a situation.  Very often they
+sighed, and sometimes there was a pensive quietness broken only by the
+hoot-owl.
+
+"What time do you s'pose it is, Julia?"
+
+"I think it must be twelve at least.  They're not coming for us
+to-night.  They've forgotten us."
+
+Their parents had not forgotten them, but when meal-time came and they
+did not appear, the Davenports supposed they were over at the Gordons',
+and the Gordons thought they were at the Davenports'.  The children
+often stayed for meals without asking, and so neither family worried.
+
+About half-past eight the Gordons decided to go and bring Julia home.
+When they walked in at the Davenports, the first question asked them
+was:
+
+"Why did you not bring the children with you?"
+
+"The children?  Why, they are here, are they not?"
+
+Anxiety immediately possessed every one present.  Mrs. Davenport's
+first thought was of the river, and her heart became leaden.  She gave
+voice to her fear.
+
+"Nonsense," answered Mr. Davenport decidedly, although he himself was
+not so sure as he seemed; "they are not drowned."
+
+With lanterns to aid them, a search was begun through the grounds.
+
+Two scared little girls presently saw lights flitting like fireflies
+below them.
+
+"Perhaps it's burglars."
+
+"Or--or the Prince to rescue us."
+
+"I don't want any Prince; Julia.  I want my mamma.  I'm tired of being
+a Princess.  I want to go home.  Let's call."
+
+"But what if they are burglars."
+
+"Burglars don't carry lights, do they?"
+
+Then they heard voices calling:
+
+"Julia, Beth."
+
+"Here we are, papa.  Here, up in this big tree."
+
+This answer brought relief to many hearts.  Even Julia was not sorry to
+descend again to earth, and be once more an ordinary girl.  Romance is
+not always as pleasant as being practical.  Let children who are
+inclined to run away from home, remember this.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+The Horse Race
+
+"I'm going to double the recipe, Maggie."
+
+"Law, honey, yo' hadn't best.  I 'lows it's more partickiler to get
+good dat way."
+
+"I can't help it.  I want plenty of it so the judges can all have a
+taste.  They'll be sure to give me a prize."
+
+Beth had on an apron in which she was almost lost.  In her hand, she
+held an open cook book from which she read:
+
+"'The whites of five eggs.'  Twice five is ten.  Give me ten eggs,
+Maggie."
+
+The good-natured Maggie counted out the desired number.
+
+"I'll break dem for yo', honey."
+
+"No, Maggie, I must do it every bit myself or it wouldn't be fair.  Oh,
+dear me.  The yolk has got into this one so it's no good.  Another egg,
+please, Maggie."
+
+All ten of the whites were finally in one dish.  Beth tried to beat
+them and spattered them not only over herself but over the pantry floor.
+
+"Whites of eggs are very slippery, Maggie."
+
+"I wouldn't beat more'n half at a time, honey."
+
+Beth accepted the suggestion and succeeded in getting a good stiff
+froth from the eggs.  Next, she measured out the other ingredients.
+She tried to be careful, but somehow she spilled flour not only over
+the pantry floor but also over herself.
+
+"Beth, you are a powdered beauty," called a boyish voice from the open
+pantry door.
+
+"Why, Harvey, where did you come from?"
+
+"Oh, I came to see you, and your mother told me I'd find you here.
+What are you making?"
+
+"Wait until I put this pan in the oven, and I'll tell you all about it.
+Maggie," added Beth to the cook, "you're not to peep at my cake even.
+Promise me."
+
+"Law, honey, I won't even go into the kitchen if yo' don't want me to.
+I'll stay here in de pantry until yo' calls me, but I fear you'll
+forget it."
+
+"No, indeed, I won't."
+
+The precious cake was consigned to the oven, and then Beth joined
+Harvey on the piazza.
+
+"I've made an angel's cake, Harvey, and I'm going to get a prize for
+it.  Mamma says the only way to learn to cook is just to cook."
+
+All this time, Harvey had been holding one hand behind him.  Beth now
+noticed that he was hiding something.
+
+"What have you there?" she asked.
+
+Harvey looked bashful.  "Well, ever since I came so near burning you
+up, I've been saving my money to buy you a present, and here it is."
+
+Beth drew in her breath at sight of a beautiful dog collar.  "Oh, it's
+for Don, and what's this mark on it?  'Don.  Owned by Beth Davenport.'
+Oh, it's too lovely for anything.  Where is Don?  I must try it on him."
+
+The prize cake was all forgotten.  Away she and Harvey scampered.
+
+Don was out near the stable.  The collar fitted him exactly, and the
+children talked and admired it for some time.
+
+Suddenly Beth gasped, "Oh, my cake," and ran as fast as she could back
+to the kitchen.
+
+Upon opening the oven, an avalanche of smoke came forth.  The cake was
+burned to charcoal.
+
+The heart-broken little cook sat down on the floor and cried bitterly.
+Maggie stuck her head through the pantry window.
+
+"For de law's sake--dat beau'ful cake.  I knew I jes' ought to have
+'tended it."
+
+"Maggie, Maggie, why didn't you tell me it was time to look at it?"
+
+"Sure, honey, didn't yo' tol' me I must have nuffin to do with it?"
+
+"Yes, but----" the sentence ended in sobs.
+
+"Never mind, Beth," said Harvey; "Maggie will make you another, won't
+you, Maggie?"
+
+"I don't want her to make me another.  I was going to take a prize with
+this one, and the judges won't give prizes for burnt cake, boo-hoo."
+
+Suddenly Beth resolved not to cry over spilt milk.  She jumped to her
+feet.
+
+"Harvey, run away.  I'm going to make another cake, and I won't let it
+burn.  I'll get the prize yet."
+
+Harvey reluctantly departed.  Beth immediately went to work and made
+another.  When once it was in the oven, she watched it so carefully
+that Maggie feared it would be spoiled by overzeal.  For a wonder, it
+was a great success.  A professional cook could not have made a
+better-looking cake.
+
+By this time, it was growing so late that Beth did not wait to make
+frosting.
+
+She took her dress and cake over to the Fair building, which was about
+a quarter of a mile from her home.  She was in plenty of time to make
+her entries.
+
+Dollie was grazing in the pasture when Beth returned.  This reminded
+her of her great desire to ride Dollie, so she called the horse to her,
+and she came running at the call.  Dollie was always sure of sugar from
+Beth.
+
+Beth put her hand up against the horse and whispered:
+
+"I wish I might ride you, Dollie.  I know I could.  I'll go and ask
+mamma if I may."
+
+Away ran Beth to her mother.
+
+"Mamma, may I ride Dollie this morning?"
+
+"No, dear, I'm going to use Dollie myself.  I'm going to get Mrs.
+Corner, who is to spend the day with me.  We are going to the races
+this afternoon."
+
+"Won't you bring Laura back, too?"
+
+"She probably can't come.  She goes to school, you know."
+
+"Mamma, will you let me ride Dollie sometime?"
+
+"Yes, dear, sometime, but don't tease now."
+
+Beth took this as a decided promise.  She told Maggie, January, Harvey,
+and Julia that she was to ride Dollie; that her mamma had said so.  She
+did nothing but talk about the matter the whole morning.
+
+Mrs. Davenport returned with Mrs. Corner in time for luncheon.  About
+two o'clock Beth ran into the library where her mother and her guest
+were having a cozy chat before starting for the races.  She had thought
+so much about her ride that she took it for granted that Mrs. Davenport
+must know her thoughts.
+
+"Mamma, I'm going now.  May I?"
+
+At this particular moment the conversation between the two women was
+especially absorbing so that Mrs. Davenport hardly heeded Beth.
+
+"May I, mamma?"
+
+Mrs. Davenport glanced towards her for a second.  She took it for
+granted that Beth wished to play with either Julia or Harvey.
+
+"All right.  Run along, dear."
+
+In the seventh heaven of happiness, Beth skipped up-stairs.
+
+She decided that it would never do to ride in an ordinary dress, and
+believed that her mother would not object if she borrowed her riding
+habit.  Beth knew just where to find it.  The skirt was one of those
+now old-fashioned affairs that almost swept the ground even on a
+grown-up person.
+
+However, Beth was not to be daunted.  She heroically jumped into the
+skirt, but found that the belt was almost twice too large for her.
+This necessitated the use of a safety pin.  She took a step towards the
+bureau, and fell sprawling over the floor, tangled in yards of trailing
+skirt.  She tried to rise, and tripped again.  For a moment, she rested
+on the floor, thinking to herself that it must be a much harder matter
+to manage a habit than a horse.  Then, gathering up the unruly skirt in
+both hands, she managed to reach the bureau where she pinned the skirt
+tightly around her.  But even now her troubles were not over.
+
+The waist proved almost as big a problem as the skirt.  She buttoned it
+on over her own dress, but even then it was about twice too large for
+her.
+
+She looked at herself in a glass, and burst forth into hearty peals of
+laughter.
+
+"I declah"--already she pronounced "declare" almost like the
+darkies--"I feel like a cat dressed up in clothes.  It can't move
+without tumbling all over itself, and neither can I."
+
+She held up her arms and flapped them.  They were almost lost in the
+voluminous sleeves.  Her hands were not to be seen at all.
+
+"I never can manage a horse without hands," she murmured.
+
+She overcame this difficulty by pinning up the bothersome sleeves.
+
+Next, she jammed her mother's riding hat down on her curls.  It, too,
+was much too large for her, and had some blond frizzes sewn across the
+front of it.  The hat with its false front added the finishing touch of
+rakishness to Beth.  She, however, was as proud as a peacock over her
+attire.
+
+As fast as her awkward skirt would allow, she hurried in search of
+January.
+
+He was very much amused over her appearance.
+
+"Missy, I declah, yo' looks like a rag bag dat needs some rags to fill
+it out.  Whaffor don't yo' get chuck full of somethin'?"
+
+She would not heed such remarks, but said with great dignity:
+
+"I wish the saddle put on Dollie."
+
+"I'm skeered yo'r maw won't like me to."
+
+"But she told me I might ride."
+
+Still January hesitated.
+
+"I dunno as I kin kotch Dollie."
+
+"You can try.  Hurry, January."
+
+For once Dollie was easily caught and saddled.  January helped Beth to
+mount.  Nobody but him saw the start.  He was so much interested that
+he walked down as far as the gate and opened it.
+
+Dollie did not seem to wish to go for Beth, but the latter settled the
+question with a switch cut by January.  She headed Dollie in the
+direction of the Fair grounds.
+
+There was more driving than usual on the shell road, because of the
+Fair and the races.  Many a person turned, stared, and smiled to see
+that quaint little figure on Dollie going along so primly.
+
+A young lady, a cousin of Beth's, was spending the winter in
+Jacksonville that year, and was very popular in society.  On this
+particular afternoon she, too, was driving on the shell road and
+chanced upon Beth.  She and her escort laughed so heartily over the
+child's ludicrous appearance that Beth, at first, was inclined to be
+offended.  However, she drew Dollie up alongside of the carriage.
+
+"Are you laughing because we're going slow?  I'm not a bit afraid.
+Say, Cousin Lulu, would you like to have a race with me?"
+
+Lulu and her escort laughed harder than ever.  Beth tried to look more
+dignified.
+
+"I bet I could beat you, Cousin Lulu.  Are you afraid I would?  Come on
+and try."
+
+The young man in the carriage leaned forward.
+
+"Do you ride well enough for that?"
+
+"Of course, I do."
+
+This was hardly true, as she had never ridden at a fast pace in her
+life.  She did not think it necessary to own to this, however.
+
+The young man was highly amused.
+
+"Well, little lady, we'll try your skill.  If you reach the Fair
+grounds gate before we do, I'll give you a box of candy.  Now when I
+count three and say go, we'll both start.  Now one, two, three, go."
+
+Beth gave Dollie a cut with the switch.  She was bound to win that box
+of candy.
+
+Dollie, surprised by the sudden blow, leaped forward, almost unseating
+Beth who, however, managed in some way not to fall.
+
+The young man had a fine horse which also started forward at a good
+fast pace, and soon nosed ahead of his rival.
+
+Dollie, not to be outdone, quickened her gait.  Both horses began to
+feel the contagion of the race, especially Dollie who had been, as
+January said, a race horse in her day.  Her mouth tightened on the bit.
+
+Beth's blood quickened too.  After she found she could cling on, she
+was not a particle frightened but began to enjoy the sport.
+
+The young man turned to Lulu, saying:
+
+"She does well for such a little thing, doesn't she?"
+
+He touched his horse with the whip.  It went faster.  Whereupon Dollie
+took the bit so completely that Beth had no control over her.  Her
+racing blood was thoroughly aroused, and it would have taken an
+extremely strong hold to quiet her.  She simply flew, and Beth began to
+be scared.  The words of January flashed through her mind: "She'll go
+so fast, you'll wish you hadn't got on her."
+
+Nose to nose the horses sped over the hard shell road.  The situation
+grew critical for Beth.
+
+She wondered what her mother would say if she were thrown and her
+lifeless body were carried home.
+
+"She will be so sorry that she scolded me yesterday.  I wish I could
+tell her that I know I deserved it.  I don't want to die."
+
+The world seemed more beautiful than ever now that death seemed near
+her.
+
+"Whoa, Dollie, whoa," she cried.
+
+But Dollie paid not the slightest attention.  With head curved well
+down she sped as fast as in her palmiest racing days.  Slowly but
+surely she forged ahead of her fast rival.
+
+"The horse is running away with the child.  Stop her, stop her," cried
+Cousin Lulu in alarm.
+
+Her warning came too late.
+
+They were now opposite the Fair grounds, which had a very high fence
+surrounding them.  There were two gates, one for pedestrians and the
+other for carriages.
+
+Dollie swerved in at the foot passageway and her helpless rider could
+not stop her.  People scattered in every direction before the runaway
+horse.  Even the gate-keeper stepped aside, dropping his tickets in his
+fright.
+
+"Oh, what shall we do?  She'll surely be killed.  She'll be dragged
+from her horse.  Her dress has caught on the gate," cried Cousin Lulu
+with her heart in her mouth.
+
+Beth let go the reins and held with one hand to the saddle pommel, and
+with the other to Dollie's mane.  This saved her.  Her skirt tore loose
+from the gate.  Onward flew horse and child.
+
+Cousin Lulu and her escort hastened after through the driveway.  Far
+ahead of them they saw Dollie and Beth flying towards the race track
+with lightning speed.
+
+Mr. Davenport chanced to come from the Fair building at this very
+minute.
+
+"Oh, Uncle James," screamed Lulu, "Dollie is running away with Beth."
+
+He hardly understood, but saw the runaway horse now nearing the race
+track and hastened after it.
+
+With the long memory of a horse, Dollie recognized the track as a scene
+of bygone triumphs, and made straight for it.  No rider urged her on as
+of old, no rivals were by her side; but Dollie of her own accord
+started around that course at a breakneck speed with a little girl
+clinging wildly to her mane.
+
+People were already gathering on the grandstand and they held their
+breath for very fear, Beth held hers also.  Dollie needed all of her
+breath for her solitary run.  On, on, she flew.  Beth clung closer,
+while people sprang to their feet in their anxiety over the outcome.
+
+By this time Beth was hatless.  Her long curls and the clumsy torn
+skirt were flying backwards.
+
+On, on they came.  People leaned far over the stand.  Jockeys ran out
+on the track.  One of them cried enthusiastically:
+
+"It is a beautiful run if only the little one isn't killed."
+
+Dollie in truth was making a wonderful run for a horse that had no
+competition.  With long swinging strides she came around the track, and
+her speed remained unabated.  If people had not been so fearful for the
+child's life, some one might have thought to time Dollie, and it is
+very probable that it would then have been proved that she was fully
+equaling her record if she was not breaking it.
+
+Mr. Davenport ran up the track in an agony of fear, ready to head off
+the runaway animal if it seemed advisable.  The jockeys followed in his
+wake.
+
+"That is the child's father.  How terrible it must be for him," said
+some of the spectators.
+
+Dollie's speed remained unabated.
+
+When she was three-quarters of the way around, Mr. Davenport was almost
+within hailing distance of his brave little girl who still clung to the
+excited horse.
+
+Mr. Davenport was undecided whether to try to stop the horse or not,
+for fear a sudden stop might unseat his child.
+
+Beth saw her father and grew excited.
+
+"Oh, papa," she cried, taking her hand from the pommel to wave it to
+him.
+
+The action came near being fatal.  Dollie was making the curve.  Beth
+swayed, and Mr. Davenport and many another spectator shuddered, fearing
+she would be dashed to death.  She, however, proved a better rider than
+they expected.  She was growing accustomed to the rapid motion of the
+horse, and gained confidence thereby.  She straightened herself,
+clinging with one hand and gathering up the reins that had been hanging
+loose, with the other.  Then she pulled on them again, crying:
+
+"Whoa, Dollie, whoa."
+
+Dollie perhaps was tiring of her mad run, for she heeded the frantic
+appeal.  Gently as any well-regulated machinery, she slackened speed.
+
+Delighted at the success of her horsemanship, Beth repeated the action,
+crying:
+
+"Whoa--nice Dollie."  Then in a tumult of relief she shouted:
+
+"Hurrah, I'm not going to die after all."
+
+People on the grandstand heard the sweet childish cry of joy and saw
+Dollie a moment after come to a standstill.  Instantly a wild outburst
+of enthusiasm followed.  People clapped and stamped wildly, shouting
+themselves hoarse.  Mr. Davenport, too agitated for speech, rushed up
+to Beth, and clasped her close to his heart.  The jockeys clustered
+around, and they too clapped their hands in approval.
+
+"Why are all the people shouting?" asked Beth.
+
+Mr. Davenport gave her a convulsive hug and answered:
+
+"They are shouting for you, my dear."
+
+For a few seconds Beth was quite overcome, and then she whispered to
+her father:
+
+"I guess they're not shouting for me, but for Dollie.  I didn't really
+want her to go so fast, but I couldn't stop her at first.  In fact, I
+thought I was going to be killed, sure.  I am very, very glad I was not
+thrown."
+
+If she was glad, Mr. Davenport was more so, but he was still too
+overcome to say much.  Beth was rather surprised to have him hug and
+kiss her so often, for generally he was not a demonstrative man.
+
+Presently Beth said:
+
+"Papa, I know how to ride now, don't I?  And say, papa, I won a box of
+candy from Cousin Lulu's beau."
+
+One of the jockeys heard her.  He grinned his approval and said:
+
+"She's got pluck enough to be one of us.  I reckon she's born with a
+liking for horses.  My, didn't the old mare go!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+Don Meets a Sad Fate
+
+Marian and Beth were getting ready for bed.  Marian looked tragic.  She
+brushed her hair so energetically that it seemed as if she must be
+pulling it out by the handfuls.  Suddenly, she threw down the brush,
+and clasped her hands dramatically.
+
+"I simply must have the money."
+
+Beth, interested, looked up at her,
+
+"What's the matter, Marian?  I thought you had plenty of money.  You've
+been saving your allowance for weeks to spend at the Fair."
+
+"So I have, but I lost my pocketbook with every bit of the money at the
+Fair to-day."
+
+"Why, Marian Davenport," Beth gasped.
+
+Marian burst into tears.  Beth rushed up to her sister and threw her
+arms around her neck.
+
+"I'm awfully sorry, Marian."
+
+Marian brushed the tears away and continued:
+
+"I hate to have papa and mamma think me so dreadfully careless, so I'm
+not going to let them know, but I've just got to have some money.
+Beth, won't you lend me part of yours?  I'll pay you just as soon as I
+can get some more."
+
+Beth hung her head.  "I'm awfully sorry, but I've spent all my money."
+
+Marian looked at her in surprise.  "Why, Beth Davenport, how is that?"
+
+Beth seated herself upon the floor.  "Well, Marian, you know both you
+and I decided to buy mamma's birthday present before the Fair began for
+fear we wouldn't have anything left to buy it with.  Well, after that I
+had only a dollar."
+
+"But that dollar was to last you all the week."
+
+Beth took down a brush and brushed out the snarls while she talked.
+
+"Yes, I know it was, but you see, Marian, Julia and Harvey were with me
+to-day.  They were my guests.  Papa gave me the tickets to take them.
+Well, it was dreadfully hot, and we did want some ice cream awfully, so
+I asked them to have some.  There was thirty cents gone."
+
+Marian looked judicial.  "Well, what about the other seventy?"
+
+Beth brushed snarls so vigorously that she winced once or twice.
+
+"Well, you may think me dreadfully foolish, but I invited them to the
+Punch and Judy show.  That took thirty cents more."
+
+"Well, but you still should have forty cents."
+
+Beth stopped brushing and clasped her hands.
+
+"Well, I just couldn't help it.  I--well, this is how it happened.  You
+know papa gave Gustus tickets for the Fair for himself, his brothers
+and sisters, and mamma let him have the afternoon off.  Well, just as
+we came out of the Punch and Judy show we met them.  You know mamma
+gives Gustus clothes, but the others looked dreadfully ragged.  I
+stopped and spoke to them and asked them if they were going into the
+show.  Marian, tears came into Gustus's eyes, as he said, 'Missy Beth,
+the likes of us don't go to shows.  I'se never been to a show in my
+life.'"
+
+"Never been to a show in his life?  How was that, Beth?"
+
+"That was just what I asked him, Marian.  I knew mamma paid him for
+waiting on us.  He told me that he took all his money to his mother.
+Marian, I just couldn't help it.  I spent my last forty cents for four
+Punch and Judy tickets for four of them, and Harvey and Julia bought
+some for the others.  Do you think we were foolish?"
+
+Marian hesitated for an instant.
+
+"I suppose I should have done the same thing in your place.  I am
+awfully sorry, though, you haven't any money to lend me."
+
+"Maybe my dress and cake will take prizes.  Then I'll have some to lend
+you."
+
+Beth could hardly wait for the last day of the exhibition to see if she
+would be awarded any prize.  She thought that nothing could mar her
+happiness if she received one.
+
+The prices were decided upon on Friday night, but were not to be made
+public until Saturday morning.  Beth was up bright and early,
+therefore, on Saturday.  She was all impatience to be through breakfast
+that she might learn her fate, but she found that she might as well
+possess her soul in patience, as Maggie proved provoking, and would not
+hurry in the least.
+
+To pass away the time, Beth hunted up Don.  At sight of her, he barked
+and wagged his tail.  She threw her arms about his neck.  "Yes, Don, I
+know you're glad to see me, and I love you with all my heart.  Come on
+and we'll have a play."
+
+But, for some unaccountable reason, he did not seem ready for a frolic.
+As soon as she let go of him, he walked back by the stable and lay down.
+
+"Come on, Don," she called coaxingly.
+
+He did not budge.  She stamped her foot impatiently.
+
+"Oh, everybody's provoking this morning.  You're horrid and mean, Don,
+and I don't believe I love you, after all."
+
+He looked up at this.  His gaze seemed a reproach to her, but she grew
+only the crosser.
+
+"Oh, you needn't be looking that way at me.  You're lazy, and you know
+it.  If you were sorry, you'd play with me.  No, I don't love you one
+little bit."
+
+She walked back to the house, and then sulked until the breakfast gong
+sounded.
+
+To make up for being somewhat late, Maggie had prepared an extra fine
+meal.  Mr. and Mrs. Davenport and even Marian proved unusually
+talkative that morning, and they started their breakfast very happily.
+Beth, too, could not withstand the general good humor, and soon her
+spirits began to rise.  She said, however:
+
+"Do you know, that horrid old Don would not play with me this morning.
+He----"
+
+At that instant, January came running up on the piazza, where they were
+eating breakfast.
+
+"Missy Beth," he cried, "come quick; Don acts mighty queer.  'Pears
+like he's dying."
+
+Not only Beth, but Mr. and Mrs. Davenport and Marian jumped up from the
+table and ran out to the barn.
+
+They found the noble dog where Beth had left him.  He was, in truth, in
+the very throes of death.
+
+Beth fell on her knees beside him, and lifted his head upon her lap.
+Tears were streaming from her eyes so that she could hardly see him.
+
+"Don," she cried, "you know I didn't mean it.  You know I love you."
+
+His fast glazing eye brightened momentarily at the sound of her voice.
+If he could have spoken, he would have said:
+
+"Little mistress, I never doubted your love.  I wasn't lazy.  You know
+now why I wouldn't play."
+
+"Oh, we must do something for him.  It would break my heart if he
+died," cried poor Beth.
+
+"I'm skeered it's too late, but mebbe, if I fotch," began January.  But
+Don, with one long, loving look at Beth, gave up his breath with a
+gasp, stretching out in the rigidity of death.
+
+"It is too late," said Mr. Davenport huskily.
+
+"No, no, no," cried Beth; "God wouldn't be so cruel as to let him die.
+Don, look at me.  Dear old doggie, I love you, I love you."
+
+But Don was beyond range of her call.  Mrs. Davenport and Marian were
+crying softly, too, and there were tears even in the eyes of Mr.
+Davenport and January.
+
+"You'se breakfasts all gettin' cole," called Maggie, not knowing of the
+trouble.
+
+"Food would choke me," declared Marian.
+
+"I couldn't eat either.  Do you want anything, James?" asked Mrs.
+Davenport.
+
+"No,--I'm not hungry now," there was a break in Mr. Davenport's voice.
+
+"Clear off the table, Maggie.  Don is dead."
+
+"Don dead?" cried Maggie, running out, "Why what am de mattah?"
+
+"I 'lows he got hole some of de rat pizen," said January.
+
+At sight of Beth's intense grief, Maggie's heart melted.
+
+"Dar, dar, honey, don't yo' cry.  Yo'se pah'll get you anoder dog."
+
+"I don't want another dog.  I--want--my--Don.  I want him, I'll never
+be happy again," and Beth cried so hard that Mr. Davenport tried to
+comfort her.
+
+"Beth," he said, "I have some news that will make you happy.  I knew
+all about it last night, but I wouldn't tell you because I wanted you
+to find it out for yourself.  Both your dress and cake have taken
+prizes--first prizes at that."
+
+Her sobs did not lessen in the least.  She hid her face on her father's
+shoulder and murmured:
+
+"A hundred prizes wouldn't make up for dear old Don,--my dear old
+doggie who saved my life."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+The Arrival of Duke
+
+The death of Don so preyed upon Beth's spirits, that one night Mrs.
+Davenport took her in her arms and said:
+
+"Do you remember that once when I was sad about something, you slipped
+your arms around my neck and asked, 'Mamma, what makes you think of the
+unpleasant things? why don't you just think of the nice things?  That's
+the way I do.'"
+
+"Did I say that really?"
+
+Mrs. Davenport smiled at the mournfulness of Beth's tones.
+
+"Yes, dear, and now mamma wants you to practice what you preached.  I
+think you and I will have to form a 'Pleasant Club.'  Every night we
+will tell each other all the pleasant things that happen during the
+day.  What do you say?"
+
+The child nestled close to her mother.
+
+"It would be nice, mamma, only nothing pleasant happens now that Don is
+dead."
+
+"Why, why," exclaimed Mrs. Davenport, "that isn't at all like my happy
+Beth.  Put on your thinking cap and see if you can't remember something
+nice that happened to-day."
+
+Beth remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly smiled.
+
+"Why, yes, mamma, now that I think of it, a whole lot of nice things
+happened.  Do you know, ever since Don died, Julia has been perfectly
+lovely.  She always plays just as I want to.  And what do you think?
+Harvey played with Julia and me to-day, and he would never stay before
+when Julia was here.  We even got him to play dolls with us, although
+he said dolls were beneath a boy."
+
+Mrs. Davenport smiled.  "Why should he feel that way?"
+
+"Well, you see, mamma, he doesn't think much of girls and their play.
+He's always saying to me, 'Beth, don't you wish you were a boy?'  So
+one day I answered, 'No, indeed, Harvey.'  It wasn't quite the truth,
+mamma, for I should like to be a boy, but I wouldn't let him know it.
+Then I asked him:  'Don't you wish you were a girl, Harvey?'"
+
+"What did he say, dear?"
+
+"He grunted and said, 'Eh--be a girl?  I'd rather be nothing than be a
+girl.'"
+
+Mrs. Davenport could hardly keep her face straight; nevertheless, she
+said gravely:
+
+"If Harvey ever says that to you again, you tell him your mamma says
+that girls are of just as much consequence as boys.  God would not have
+created them otherwise.  Well, what else happened to-day?"
+
+"Oh, Harvey offered me a bird's nest that he'd stolen.  Mamma, I
+couldn't help scolding him about it.  You know papa doesn't think it
+right.  So I had Harvey take the nest back."
+
+"That was a good girl."
+
+"And oh, mamma, I forgot to tell you how nice Marian has been.  This
+afternoon after school, she made some candy for Julia and Harvey and
+me.  It was just lovely.  And now that I think of it, Maggie has been
+good too.  She hasn't scolded us once, although I guess we are in her
+way very much sometimes."
+
+Mrs. Davenport now kissed Beth good-night.
+
+"Doesn't my little girl see that there never was a sorrow so great but
+that it has its bright side?  You have much for which to be thankful,
+dear, and you must try to be happy."
+
+This talk helped Beth somewhat.  Nevertheless, for weeks thereafter, a
+dog did not cross her path without bringing tears to her eyes.  And
+many a night she cried herself to sleep, grieving for Don.
+
+Sorrow, however, is not eternal, and comfort came to her from an
+unexpected source.
+
+One afternoon the Davenports were driving home from Jacksonville, when
+Beth chanced to look back.  She thereupon uttered such an exclamation
+of delight that Mr. Davenport, who was driving, pulled in on the horses.
+
+"Oh, just see the beautiful dog!" exclaimed Beth.  "I believe he's
+following us."
+
+About three yards behind the carriage was a very large dog, but
+possessing a grace and a swiftness of motion unusual to his size.  He
+was not only beautiful, but also intelligent-looking.  His coat was of
+dark brown, and smooth as sealskin, showing every muscle of his body.
+His broad square head and monstrous jaw reminded the beholder of a
+tiger.  His ears were close-cropped, which gave a compactness to his
+head that brought into prominence his great changeable eyes: eyes that
+the Davenports afterwards found so fiery sometimes that they reflected
+red lights; at other times so mildly brown that they beamed with the
+greatest affection.  The dog was a combination of Russian bloodhound
+and mastiff.
+
+"He looks the thoroughbred, through and through," declared Mrs.
+Davenport.  "See how majestically he moves.  Duke would be a good name
+for him.  Here, Duke.  Here, Duke."
+
+At the call, the dog raised his head and came bounding up to the
+carriage.  By a strange coincidence, Mrs. Davenport had hit upon his
+name.
+
+"Come here, Duke," cried Beth.
+
+Large as the dog was, he jumped into the back part of the carriage
+where Marian and Beth sat.  Both children were wild with delight.
+
+"Papa, let's take him home with us," begged Marian.
+
+Mr. Davenport, however, would not listen to the suggestion.
+
+"He is a very valuable dog, and it would not be honorable," he
+declared.  "Push him out immediately."
+
+Both children began pleading, but Mr. Davenport proved relentless.
+Therefore, Duke was finally put out of the carriage.
+
+"Go home, Duke," cried Mr. Davenport, driving on.
+
+The children looked back to see if the dog obeyed.  To their joy, they
+saw him following as unconcerned as before.  Mr. Davenport took out the
+whip and waved it at him.  Duke stopped a second or two, and then
+started after them at a little greater distance.
+
+"Well," said Mr. Davenport, "all we can do is to let him come with us
+now.  To-morrow, I shall inquire in town and find his owner."
+
+So Duke lodged at the Davenports that night, and was treated by the
+children as a royal guest.  He captivated their hearts from the first,
+and he fully responded to their love.
+
+At breakfast the next morning, Mr. Davenport looked up from his paper
+and said:
+
+"Well, here is a notice of Duke's loss.  I do not wonder that he ran
+away.  This Brown who advertises is one of the hardest drinkers in
+town.  Poor dog, to have such a master."
+
+"Papa, couldn't you buy Duke?" asked Beth.
+
+"I may consider the matter.  Don't set your heart on the dog, however.
+He is very valuable, and Brown may not wish to part with him."
+
+That day, at noon, Beth and Duke were frolicing near the barn.
+Suddenly, without seeming cause, Duke rushed towards the house, looking
+crestfallen.  Beth, however, soon saw why Duke had run.  She beheld a
+man walking up the driveway towards her.  She had grown accustomed to
+Southern politeness, and resented the man's not raising his hat when he
+said:
+
+"Hello, little un.  I've come after my dog.  Where is he?"
+
+Beth's heart sank.  "Who are you?" she stammered.
+
+"My name is Brown, and I've come after Duke."
+
+"But I thought my papa was going to buy him."
+
+The man laughed.  "The old fellow did offer to buy him, but I wouldn't
+sell.  I told him I wouldn't take a hundred dollars for the dog.  But
+hurry up, little un, and get Duke for me."
+
+Beth felt more resentful than ever.  The man had dared to call her
+father "old fellow," and herself "little un."  Besides, he had come for
+Duke.  There were tears in her eyes, but she brushed them angrily away,
+and declared defiantly:
+
+"You can hunt him up for yourself.  I don't know where he is."
+
+The man swore under his breath, and muttered something about having no
+use for people who tried to steal dogs.  However, he moved on towards
+the house.
+
+Beth was so anxious about the outcome of his errand that she followed
+at a cautious distance.
+
+The man met Maggie at the kitchen door.
+
+"Hello, mammy," he said.  "Where is my dog Duke?"
+
+Maggie caught sight of Beth's eyes, and intuitively felt the child's
+solicitude.  She was up in arms in a minute.
+
+"Yo' needn't mammy me; I ain't yo'r mammy; and what's more if I cotch
+yo' takin' any dog from here, I'se gwineter give yo' the worst frailin'
+yo' ever had.  So yo' jes' bettah be skeedadlin'."
+
+At this instant, Mrs. Davenport came to the door.
+
+"If you wish Duke, you'll have to come into the house and get him.
+He's hiding behind the bed in the spare room, and I can't get him to
+come out."
+
+Brown, unmindful of Maggie's threat, perhaps realizing that her bark
+was worse than her bite, went with Mrs. Davenport to the spare room.
+Beth followed after them.  Brown got down upon his knees and tried to
+entice the dog out.  Duke, however, would not budge.
+
+"Beth, if you called him perhaps he'd come," suggested Mrs. Davenport.
+
+Beth burst into tears.  "Mamma, I can't do it.  It breaks my heart to
+have him go."
+
+The man arose.  There was a kindlier light in his eyes.  "Little un,
+get him for me and I'll promise not to whip him."
+
+"Dear," whispered Mrs. Davenport, "call him; it is a kindness to Duke.
+He belongs to the man."
+
+So Beth called, and immediately Duke answered the summons.  However, he
+shrank from his owner.
+
+"Duke," said Beth, "we'd like to keep you, but we can't.  You must go
+quietly."
+
+Mr. Brown had a leather collar which he fastened on the dog.  Then he
+led him quietly away.  Beth cried, and even Mrs. Davenport's eyes were
+suspiciously moist.
+
+That night it rained, and the Davenports had a wood-fire around which
+they gathered.  Beth was just saying, "I wish I could have kept Duke,"
+when she was interrupted by a noise upon the piazza.
+
+"It sounds like a convict with chains," suggested Marian, who had a
+lively imagination.
+
+Beth looked towards the front window and cried:
+
+"It's Duke."
+
+Sure enough, with his paws upon the window ledge, and his great
+intelligent eyes looking at them, there was Duke looking very
+triumphant.
+
+Marian and Beth rushed to the front door, and called him into the
+house.  He came all wet and muddy, dragging a great chain which he had
+evidently broken.  Notwithstanding his drabbled condition, both
+children were demonstrative in their greeting, and their parents could
+not find it in their hearts to object.  In fact, Duke was brought in
+beside the fire and made much of that night.
+
+The next forenoon his owner came to carry Duke away.  In leaving, he
+remarked to Maggie that he'd see--well, that the dog didn't get away
+again.
+
+That day passed without any new developments, but the next morning the
+Davenport family was wakened by a series of barks.
+
+Marian and Beth immediately jumped out of bed, and rushed out upon the
+upper piazza.  In the yard below, looking as conscious as a truant
+child, was Duke.
+
+Beth, not waiting to put on anything over her night-dress, rushed
+down-stairs and opened the door for the dog.  At once, she noticed an
+ugly gash on the front of his chest.  The Davenports could not imagine
+how he received it, but they doctored and petted him to his great
+delight.
+
+Soon after breakfast, Mr. Brown again appeared, very indignant over
+Duke's truancy.
+
+"I'll make the ugly beast pay for all the trouble he has caused me," he
+muttered, flourishing before the cowering dog a riding whip which he
+carried.
+
+"You shan't whip him," declared Marian, her eyes blazing.  "I'll--I'll
+have you arrested if you do."
+
+Beth looked as if she would like to hug Marian for her boldness.  The
+man laughed.
+
+"I ain't going to whip him.  It wouldn't do no sort of good.  But I'll
+outwit the ugly beast yet.  It seems as if I couldn't keep him from
+you, but I'll get the better of him yet.  Last night I locked him in a
+room in the barn where all the lower sashes are barred with iron.  He
+kept me awake howling most of the night.  Not till morning was he
+quiet.  I thought I'd conquered him, but when I went to the barn my dog
+was gone.  I found the upper glass in one of the windows broken, and
+saw that he must have jumped and escaped that way, though it seems
+incredible."
+
+"That's the way he cut himself," declared Marian, giving Duke a parting
+love pat.
+
+That day, Mr. Brown, by means of a heavy chain, led Duke down to one of
+the river boats.
+
+"Keep an eye on this dog," he said to the captain; "I'll chain him up
+well here.  At Silver Lake a man'll come aboard for him.  I'm sending
+him there because he runs away."
+
+Duke howled so pitifully that after the boat was well under way from
+Jacksonville one of the sailors took pity on him and unloosed him,
+supposing him perfectly safe aboard boat in midwater.
+
+However, Duke was not to be hindered by obstacles.  With one bound, he
+leaped to the side of the boat and jumped overboard.
+
+"Well," the captain muttered, "I don't know what Brown'll say, but it
+can't be helped."
+
+Duke swam immediately to shore.  There one of the wharf hands saw him
+as he landed, and exclaimed:
+
+"Why, that's Brown's dog.  Perhaps he'll give me something if I take
+him home."
+
+So the wharf hand caught Duke and took him up to Brown's home at noon.
+Brown, who had been drinking and was in a very unpleasant mood, was
+struck with amazement at sight of the dog.  He gave the wharf hand some
+small change, and, when he was gone, took Duke into the back yard and
+beat him.  Next, he tied the dog with an extra heavy chain.
+
+"There," he exclaimed, "you're stronger than I think you are if you
+break that."
+
+Ill-usage had thoroughly aroused Duke.  When Mr. Brown was out of
+sight, he struggled so vigorously that the collar around his neck
+worked into the raw flesh.  Undaunted, however, he struggled on until
+he again broke his fetters.  Away he bounded over the four miles to the
+Davenports'.  Needless to say, the children were overjoyed to see him.
+
+To their surprise, Mr. Brown did not appear that day, nor the following
+morning.  Consequently, Mr. Davenport went up to his house at noon, and
+asked to see him.  Brown by this time was sober, and at heart ashamed
+of his treatment of Duke.
+
+"Brown," said Mr. Davenport in greeting, "I've come to tell you that
+your dog is out at our place again."
+
+"I supposed as much," he answered curtly.
+
+"Well, why haven't you been out for him?"
+
+"It's labor lost.  I can't keep the dog."
+
+Mr. Davenport hesitated a moment.
+
+"Brown, perhaps we've been somewhat to blame in this matter, but,
+really, I couldn't help the children's making a fuss over the dog.
+Beth, my youngest child, was grieving herself sick over the death of a
+favorite dog, and Duke won her heart at once.  For her sake, I'd be
+very glad if you'd sell the dog."
+
+"I won't sell the dog."
+
+Mr. Davenport walked to the door.
+
+"I don't see that there is anything that I can do then except to send
+Duke back to you.  I'll have one of my darkies bring him in to-morrow
+morning."
+
+Mr. Brown did not answer a word.  However, when Mr. Davenport was
+halfway down the steps, he stopped him and said:
+
+"I'm the only one to blame.  I see that love is more powerful that
+hate.  Tell your little girl to keep the dog.  I make her a present of
+him with one condition.  If you ever leave Florida, I want the dog
+back.  Good-morning."
+
+Before Mr. Davenport could utter a word, Brown closed the door as if
+fearful of gratitude.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+Anxious Hours
+
+One day, a strange white dog appeared at the Davenports'.  No one knew
+whence she came.  Perhaps Duke enticed her to the house.  He tried to
+bespeak Beth's interest by barking vigorously and jumping up and down
+wildly, as if begging the child to keep her.
+
+At first, it was hard for Beth to feel any interest in the dog.  It was
+fearfully thin, and always acted as if it expected to be kicked.  It
+had one redeeming feature in that its eyes were very beautiful.  They
+were large and brown, with a mildly pathetic look that appealed to
+Beth's soft heart so that she decided to keep the dog.
+
+For the first few days the newcomer sneaked under the house when any
+one was around.  When she saw, however, that she was left unmolested,
+she gained courage.  Duke was all devotion, and the white dog thrived
+under such attention.  She freshened up so well that Beth wondered how
+she ever thought the dog ugly.  Kindness and good food work wonders
+with dogs as well as with people.  The days of her stay lengthened into
+months.
+
+One morning, Beth came running in from the barn, her eyes brilliant
+from excitement.
+
+"Mamma, mamma," she called, "what do you think?  White dog"--they had
+never given her a name--"has seven of the cutest little puppies you
+ever saw.  Duke took me out and showed them to me."
+
+"Duke took you out?"
+
+"Yes, mamma.  When I went out to play with him this morning he caught
+hold of my dress and tried to pull me towards the barn.  I thought he
+was just playing; but when he did it the second time, I followed him,
+and he led me to white dog and the puppies.  Oh, they're the cutest
+things you ever saw."
+
+[Illustration: "The cutest things you ever saw."]
+
+Beth watched the growth of the puppies with great interest.  She was
+delighted when their eyes opened, and when they began to run around she
+was almost too happy for words.
+
+That night she said to her papa: "I've been thinking about Mr. Brown.
+He must miss Duke awfully.  He wasn't such a horrid man after all, or
+he wouldn't have let me keep Duke."
+
+Mr. Davenport smiled.  "Beth, a man was talking to me about him to-day.
+The man said Brown was trying to reform; that he hadn't taken any
+liquor for some time past.  I was very glad to hear it."
+
+Beth pondered a minute or two, then asked:
+
+"Do you think if he had a dog now he'd be nice to it?"
+
+"Yes, I believe he would.  Brown wasn't half bad except when he drank.
+But you're not thinking of giving Duke back to him, are you?"
+
+Beth shook her head very vigorously.  "I couldn't do that, papa.  I
+love Duke too much."
+
+She said no more but got out paper and pencil.  She was backward in all
+schooling at this time, and could only print.  However, she sat down at
+the table beside her father and went to work.  It proved a very
+difficult task to her, but she persevered until she finished.  Most of
+the correctly spelled words she learned from her father.
+
+This is what she wrote:
+
+
+"To dukes master duke has puppies wood you like a pup i havent thanked
+you for duke but i love duke very much and think you a nice man to give
+duke to me
+
+"your little friend
+
+"Beth davenport."
+
+
+She put the note in an envelope and sealed it.  Then she said to her
+father:
+
+"Papa, will you give this to Mr. Brown?  He's to have one of Duke's
+puppies if he wants it."
+
+Mr. Davenport delivered the note as desired.
+
+The next afternoon, Beth saw a buggy turn in at their place, and
+presently she discerned Mr. Brown within it.  She waited, half-bashful,
+until he drove up.
+
+He leaped from the buggy and raised his hat.  Beth was delighted
+because in every way he seemed so much improved.
+
+"I've come for the puppy."
+
+"It's in the barn, I'll get it for you," cried Beth, running there as
+fast as she could.
+
+Duke was playing with the puppies.  When Beth appeared and took one he
+followed her out, but at sight of his former owner, he stopped still.
+Mr. Brown, however, called out pleasantly:
+
+"Hello, Duke, I'm not going to take you away.  Won't you come to me?
+Come, nice dog."
+
+Duke must have felt the transformation in his former master, for he
+allowed Mr. Brown to pat him.  Beth did not say a word, but held out
+the puppy.  Mr. Brown took it, and said a little brokenly:
+
+"I'm not used to making nice speeches to little girls, but you're very
+good to give this puppy to me."
+
+"Why, it's nothing at all.  Didn't you give me Duke?" murmured Beth.
+
+He hesitated an instant.  "But it means a great deal to me.  It shows
+that you trust me.  Missy, I promise never to strike this one as long
+as I have him.  Good-bye."
+
+Thereupon he jumped into the buggy and drove away.
+
+Beth returned to the barn with Duke.  January as usual was idling.  He
+had his fiddle and was playing "Dixie."  Beth sat down on the hay near
+him, while the dog family frolicked around her.  She was happy, so
+happy that from sheer light-heartedness she began to sing.
+
+Duke pricked up his ears.  White dog cocked her head to one side, and
+the six puppies followed their parents' example.  Duke uttered a low
+deep howl that chimed in with Beth's singing.  White dog howled in a
+high soprano and the six little dogs did likewise, but in shriller
+tones.  Beth was so surprised that she stopped singing, and the dogs
+immediately ceased howling, evidently waiting for Beth to lead them.
+
+She began to sing again, and the dogs began to howl, swaying their
+heads from side to side.
+
+Their howling was so funny that Beth had to laugh, January joining in.
+Beth then ran into the house for Mrs. Davenport.
+
+"Mamma, come and hear the concert," she cried.
+
+"What concert?"
+
+"Come with me and you'll see, if they'll do it again.  It's the
+funniest singing you ever heard."
+
+Beth led her mother to the barn.
+
+"Where are the singers?" asked Mrs. Davenport.
+
+"Wait," answered Beth, calling the dogs to her.  Then she began singing
+and the dogs began howling, holding their heads high in the air.  Duke,
+however, proved lazy.  He would come in only once in a while with his
+deep bass, but this made the effect more funny.
+
+Mrs. Davenport laughed over the performance until her sides ached.
+That afternoon Beth and the dogs had another concert for the benefit of
+Mr. Davenport and Marian.  In the evening the Gordons and the Bakers
+called, and, hearing of the wonderful concert, they insisted upon a
+repetition of it.  The lantern was brought in, therefore, and, with
+Beth heading the procession, the party adjourned to the barn.  The dogs
+were asleep, but at the first sound of Beth's shrill little voice, they
+all, even to the smallest pup, pricked up their ears, and then howled
+in concert.  After that Beth's concert became famous.  People drove out
+from Jacksonville to see and hear the canine musicale.  After a time
+Beth trained the dogs so that they would sit up in a row on their hind
+legs while they sang.  They were apparently carried away by the music,
+and appeared quite human in their vanity, swaying their bodies and
+rolling their eyes in a very ludicrous manner, while howling an
+accompaniment to Beth's singing.
+
+[Illustration: January with his perpetual laugh and fiddle.]
+
+Duke greatly endeared himself to the Davenports by his wonderful
+sagacity.  He could almost talk.  One of the very smartest things he
+ever did happened in this wise:
+
+Beth had a sudden attack of fever.
+
+"We must have a doctor," said Mrs. Davenport.
+
+Beth overheard the remark.  Since her experience of the stitches under
+her nose, she hated all doctors; so she declared:
+
+"I don't want any horrid doctor.  I'll get well without one.  Really I
+will."
+
+Mrs. Davenport laid a cooling hand on her head, and said soothingly:
+
+"Can't you trust mamma to do what is best?"
+
+Thereupon she gave private instructions to Mr. Davenport to get a
+doctor as soon as possible, after which she neglected all work, trying
+to keep Beth quiet.
+
+Two little kittens, brothers of those brought by Gustus in the winter,
+crawled up on the lounge ready for play.  Even their antics tired Beth.
+When the doctor came, he looked serious over the child's condition.
+
+"She must be put to bed immediately," was his first order.
+
+"I'll have her carried up-stairs," said Mrs. Davenport.
+
+The doctor was a very blunt man and declared plainly:
+
+"She's too sick to be moved.  Have a bed brought in here if you can."
+
+Without arguing the question, Mrs. Davenport ordered the servants to
+bring down an iron cot.  Her commands were carried out quietly and with
+haste, and soon Beth was undressed and in bed.  She was delirious by
+this time, and did not even note that a doctor was present.
+
+He studied the case silently for a few minutes.  He was a well-meaning
+man, but a doctor of the old school.  He believed that if medicine was
+a good thing, the more one took the better.  Also, if dieting was good,
+semi-starvation was better.
+
+He therefore wrote out five or six prescriptions, all of very strong
+drugs.  He also ordered that she should be fed only on gruels.
+
+Duke seemed to grieve over Beth's illness extremely.  He would not play
+with the puppies, and would eat hardly anything.  At first, he walked
+into the room where Beth was and lay down beside her cot.  When he saw
+he was in the way there, he took up his position on the piazza outside
+the door, and could hardly be induced to move.  Even white dog failed
+to entice him away.
+
+Anxious times followed for the Davenports.  The fear of losing Beth
+made each member of the family realize, as never before, how very dear
+the little, mischievous child was to them.  She was mischievous no
+longer, however.  She was so patient that Mrs. Davenport feared more
+than ever that she would die.  Often Beth would smile so beatifically
+that her mother thought she must be thinking of angels and heaven.
+
+"Dearie, of what are you thinking?" she once asked.
+
+Beth's face was illumined with a more heavenly light than ever as she
+drew a long breath and answered:
+
+"Oh mamma, I was thinking how good some Bologna sausage, or anything
+besides horrid old gruel, would taste."
+
+The truth of the matter was that the child was half-starved.  Still the
+doctor insisted that she should have nothing but mutton or rice gruel,
+and those only in very small quantities.  Under such treatment she
+wasted to a mere shadow of her former chubby self.
+
+She proved a tyrant in one respect, in that she would have no one but
+her mother to watch her.  If Mrs. Davenport left the room when Beth was
+awake, Beth at once worried herself into a high fever.  The strain was
+telling upon Mrs. Davenport, but so great was her anxiety that she
+would hardly take needed rest.
+
+One day Beth was asleep, and Maggie tip-toed into the room and
+whispered to Mrs. Davenport:
+
+"Dear Miss Mary, won't yo' please let dis ole mammy watch de honey lamb
+for jes' a little while.  Yo' knows I lub her wid all my heart, an' I
+wouldn't let nuffin harm de pet for de world.  Yo' go into de odder
+room an' rest awhile.  If de precious lamb wants yo', I'll call right
+away, honest."
+
+Thus urged, Mrs. Davenport decided to grant Maggie's request, and she
+left the room without disturbing Beth's slumbers.
+
+Maggie sat down by the cot.  The sight of Beth so emaciated melted
+Maggie almost to tears.  She thus soliloquized:
+
+"Dat horrid ole medicine man, he jes' ought to be made to live on
+gruels de rest of his life, so he ought.  It's jes' ter'ble to starve
+de chile de way he does.  I'd like to be her doctah awhile.  I'd order
+chicken and possum, an'----"
+
+Suddenly Beth's eyes opened.  "Maggie, what did you cook for dinner
+to-day?"
+
+Maggie confided to her husband afterwards:
+
+"Law, Titus, does yo' tink I could sit up dar an' tell dat precious
+chile we had chicken when I knew her little stomack was jes' groanin'
+for chicken?  No, 'deed.  Do I am deaconess, I'd rather be burned for a
+lie.  So I jes' answers as pert-like as pos'ble.  'Law, honey, we jes'
+had mutton like yo'r brof is made of.'"
+
+Beth, however, was not to be deceived.  Her senses had grown unusually
+acute during her sickness.  She pointed her finger at Maggie and said:
+
+"Maggie, that's not true.  You had chicken and biscuits, for I smelled
+them.  Oh, I'm so hungry."
+
+Maggie sighed sympathetically.  "Law, honey, would yo' like some brof?"
+
+"Broth," repeated Beth almost in tears.  "I hate broth.  I'll starve
+before I eat any more.  I want chicken.  Please, please get me some."
+
+The appeal melted Maggie completely.  She arose and called Duke from
+the doorway.
+
+"Duke," she said, pointing to the cot, "don't yo' let any one come near
+missy till I come back.  Do yo' understand?"
+
+The delighted dog wagged his tail, and Maggie left the room.
+
+Duke's first impulse was to rush up to the cot, and show his joy in
+true dog fashion.  He longed to cover Beth's face and hands with
+kisses.  He knew, however, that excitement was bad for her.  He
+therefore walked quietly up to the cot and laid his head down beside
+his little playmate as if inviting a caress.  She put a weak little
+hand on his head.
+
+"Yes, Dukie, I know you love me."
+
+Maggie re-entered the room.  In her hand was a plate, and on that plate
+was a large slice of white chicken meat.  Beth's eyes glistened at
+sight of it.
+
+"Dar, honey chile, dey jes' shan't starve yo' to death.  Here am a
+whole lot ob chicken for yo'."
+
+Beth grabbed the plate.  "Oh, Maggie, it's--it's heavenly."
+
+Suddenly, Maggie heard Mrs. Davenport approaching.  Her eyes rolled
+tragically.
+
+"Law, honey, it's yo'r maw.  Hide de chicken under yo'r pillow.  I'll
+get rid of her, an' den yo' can eat de chicken in peace.  Quick, honey,
+or she'll take it away from yo'."
+
+Beth put the plate with the chicken under her pillow.  Maggie tried to
+look unconcerned.
+
+Mrs. Davenport entered the room.  "Well, my dearie is awake, is she?"
+
+"Oh, mamma, I'm so hungry.  I do wish I could have a piece of chicken."
+
+"No, no, dearie, that would never do.  I'll get you some lovely mutton
+broth."
+
+Tears rose in Beth's eyes.  "I don't want broth."
+
+"Oh, yes, you do, dearie."  Mrs. Davenport left the room to get the
+broth.  Maggie went to the bed and drew out the chicken.
+
+"Quick, honey, yo' eat it while she's gone and she need neber know."
+
+Beth's eyes feasted on the chicken for a second or two.  She halfway
+put out a hand for it, but quickly drew it back again.
+
+"No, Maggie, it wouldn't be honorable."
+
+"Law, child, yo'd bettah eat it.  Yo'r maw'll find me with it, and den
+she'll blame me."
+
+Beth held out her hand for the plate.  She looked at the chicken very
+longingly, and Maggie thought that she had made up her mind to eat it.
+She did take up the meat, but she held it out to Duke, saying:
+
+"It'll be honorable for you to eat it.  Duke, and then mamma'll never
+blame Maggie.  It was very nice of you, Maggie, to get it for me, but I
+couldn't deceive mamma."
+
+Duke gulped the meat down at one swallow much to the envy of Beth.  She
+held out the empty plate to Maggie.
+
+"Take it away, Maggie.  The smell of it makes me so dreadfully hungry."
+
+Maggie took it and left the room, muttering:
+
+"It's a ter'ble shame, a ter'ble shame."
+
+Mrs. Davenport came in with the steaming broth.
+
+"Here, dearie, is your broth."
+
+Beth burst into tears.  "I can't eat it.  I just can't touch the horrid
+stuff.   Please take it away."
+
+Her mother did not attempt to argue the question.  That afternoon, when
+the doctor came, she asked:
+
+"Isn't there something else we can feed her on, doctor?"
+
+He pondered for a moment.  "Well, she seems to be improving a little,
+and if we could get a bird or a rabbit we might make her some broth out
+of that."
+
+"I think rabbit broth would be delicious," cried Beth rapturously.
+
+Mrs. Davenport said:
+
+"We'll send January to town to see if we can get a rabbit or a quail."
+
+An hour later January returned and reported: "Dere ain't no rabbit or
+no bird in de market, Miss Mary."
+
+Beth was very much disappointed, but was pacified, however, by the
+assurance that darkies would be sent out to hunt rabbits in the
+morning.  She even consented to take a little rice gruel, cheered by
+the prospects of having something better on the morrow.
+
+In the morning, when the darkies were ready for hunting rabbits, Mrs.
+Davenport said to Duke:
+
+"Go with them, old fellow.  Perhaps you can chase a rabbit down for
+your little mistress.  She wants a rabbit very, very much."
+
+He seemed to understand, for he rose and went with the hunters.  Rabbit
+hunting was his favorite pastime.  Therefore he displayed the first
+signs of joy that he had shown since Beth's sickness.  He bounded
+lightly across the fields, sniffing the ground expectantly.
+
+At first the darkies were encouraged by his manner, and followed him on
+and on.  When, however, they had gone many miles, and most of the
+forenoon passed without Duke's scaring up a single rabbit for them,
+they became discouraged.  In fact, they returned to the house and
+reported their ill-luck to Mrs. Davenport.
+
+"I reckon dis ain't time for rabbits.  We didn't see a single one all
+dis time."
+
+"Where is Duke?" asked Mrs. Davenport.
+
+The darkies grinned.  "Oh, dat fool dog, he ain't no sense at all.  We
+tried to get him to come wid us, but he went on sniffin' as if he was
+jes' bound to have a rabbit, even when dar ain't none."
+
+"Well," said Mrs. Davenport, with feeling, "I only wish you had half
+the perseverance of Duke.  If he could understand like you, he would go
+until he dropped before he'd give up."
+
+She therefore had to go to Beth and report their failure.  The poor
+child cried and cried, she was so very much disappointed.
+
+"I'll--I'll starve, and I'm so terribly hungry," she moaned.
+
+"Dearie, if you'll only take some gruel, I'll get you the most
+beautiful doll you ever saw, or a ring, or anything you wish."
+
+At the moment, even this promise failed in appealing to Beth.  She
+desired rabbit more than anything else in the world.
+
+"Won't you please try some gruel, dear?  Won't you, to please me?"
+
+"I'll--I'll try, but I don't believe I can swallow a bit of the nasty
+stuff.  I want rabbit."
+
+Mrs. Davenport hurried away to get the gruel.
+
+Left to herself, Beth continued to cry.
+
+"I don't believe God cares for me, or He'd have sent me a rabbit.  I
+asked Him last night when I prayed.  Miss Smith"--her Sunday-school.
+teacher--"says God always answers prayer if it is good for one, and I'm
+sure rabbit is good for me."
+
+The tears came a little faster.
+
+"She says, though, one must ask awfully hard.  Perhaps I don't ask hard
+enough.  I'll ask again."
+
+Beth folded her hands and closed her eyes.
+
+"Dear God, I can't eat gruel any more.  I'll die if I have to eat
+gruel, and I don't want to die.  I want rabbit."
+
+It would seem that the days of miracles had not passed; for even while
+she prayed, she felt two paws rest on her cot.  She opened her eyes and
+there was Duke waiting impatiently for her to notice him.  She could
+hardly believe her eyes, for in his mouth he held a little live rabbit
+as if for her to take it.  To make sure she was not dreaming, she
+stretched forth her hand for the rabbit.  Duke let her take it without
+offering the least resistance.  In fact, he looked at her as much as to
+say:
+
+"I heard them say that my little mistress wanted a rabbit.  I was bound
+she should have a rabbit, and here it is."
+
+Mrs. Davenport entered the room.  "Here is your broth, dear."
+
+"Take it away," cried Beth exultingly.  "I'm going to have a rabbit.
+God sent Duke to bring me one.  Wasn't he good not to eat it
+himself--he always used to eat them when he caught them, and God was so
+good to me, too."
+
+The speech appeared a little ambiguous to Mrs. Davenport, but it was
+all very plain to the child.
+
+Never did a stew seem more delicious to any one than did that rabbit
+stew to Beth.  In fact, it proved a turning point with her, the fever
+subsiding thereafter very rapidly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+The Rescue
+
+With the elasticity of childhood, Beth grew well rapidly, and was once
+more her mischievous self.
+
+One evening about the middle of May, Mr. and Mrs. Davenport and Marian
+went up the river a short distance to a party, and invited the Gordons
+to drive with them.
+
+Julia came over to spend the night with Beth, and Mrs. Davenport
+arranged for Maggie to stay in the house, that the girls might not be
+alone.  Duke, also, was kept within doors for protection.
+
+The girls passed a pleasant evening, and retired rather late.  Duke
+followed them up to their room, and went to sleep just outside the
+door, which they left open on his account.  Maggie slept in a room at
+the end of the hall.
+
+Gustus that night had sneaked out to see some of his friends.  He had
+stayed so late that he feared to return through the dark.  Still he
+dreaded even more the scolding that he would get if he were missed in
+the morning.  So he started home, whistling as he went, to keep up his
+spirits.  Suddenly his attention was attracted by a reddened sky in the
+direction of the Davenport home.
+
+"Foh de Lawd's sake," he muttered, "dat do look like our home wuz
+burnin' for sure.  Jes' s'pose it wuz.  Little missy am thar an' might
+burn.  I'd jes' bettah take to my heels, an' run as fas' as ever I kin,
+an' see."  He ran a few steps, and then stopped.  Besides the red in
+the sky, he thought he saw sparks flying.  His heart rose in his mouth.
+
+"Jes' s'pose dat dar fire am de work ob de debbil.  He might be waitin'
+dar spoutin' out fire to kotch me.  Dat's it.  I won't go near dar all
+by myself.  I'll jes' go back."
+
+He turned, and ran a few steps the other way, and then halted again.
+
+"Jes' s'pose dat ain't de debbil, but a real shure nuff fire.  Den
+missy'll burn, an' I'll be to blame.  I jes' ought to go an' see, but
+what if it am de debbil?  Den he'll hab me sure nuff, an' dat'd be
+worser dan burnin'."
+
+The Davenports' home was really on fire.  It was never discovered how
+the fire started.  The only plausible explanation was a defective flue
+in the kitchen stove, but it could never be proved.
+
+The house was built of fat pine, and the fire spread with alarming
+rapidity.  First the kitchen burst into a mass of flames that leaped
+along the roof of the piazza to the main part of the building.  There
+had been no rain for some time, and the dry wood proved as combustible
+as if oil had been applied.  The sparks flew over all the house until
+it was one blaze of fire.  The servants were sleeping in their
+quarters, and did not discover the terrible danger of the inmates of
+the house.
+
+Maggie and the children slept on, and it seemed as if there would be no
+awakening until it was too late, unless Gustus ran to the rescue.
+
+The flames crackled as if trying to rouse the poor, innocent sleepers,
+but still they slept.  The fire rushed on and on as if anxious to wipe
+out the precious human lives before help arrived.  Even Duke slept, and
+the silly superstition of Gustus might prove the death of those he
+loved.
+
+"White folks ain't scared ob de debbil like us black people.  Dey
+nebber see tings de way we do.  Maybe de debbil only 'pears to us kose
+we's black like he am.  If dar wuz only a white person wid me, dey
+wouldn't be scared to go an' see if it were a fire or de debbil.  I
+ought to find out which it am.  De fire might burn Missy Beth, and de
+debbil might carry her off if he don't kotch me.  De debbil nebber goes
+'way empty-handed."
+
+Gustus tarried, harrowed by his superstition, but with love trying to
+master fear.  Unless love conquered quickly, he would be too late to
+save her whom he worshiped.
+
+"Missy Beth's been powerful good to me," he moralized to himself.  "She
+wouldn't let me burn, nor she wouldn't let de debbil carry me off.  She
+always tells me dar's nuffin to fear only my own b'liefs, but if she
+was black like me she'd know bettah.  She's white like an angel, an'
+angels only see glory.  Yes, she's an angel, an' God will save her.  He
+won't let de debbil hab her nor de fire scorch her."
+
+Trying to ease his conscience thus, he once more turned away from the
+fire as if the struggle were ended, but real love is never conquered.
+It still tugged at the heart strings of Gustus.
+
+"God's far, far away.  It's night, an' maybe He sometimes snoozes like
+de rest ob us.  Den Missy Beth's in danger, an' unless I help her.  God
+won't know anything 'bout it.  I have it.  I'll go an' wake Massa
+Harvey.  He'll know what to do."
+
+Gustus ran towards the Baker homestead which was the next place to the
+Davenports'.  Love had gained a half victory, but half victories are
+always dangerous.  He might rouse Harvey, but unless God intervened in
+some way, Harvey would be too late, and his friend would burn.
+
+On ran Gustus, while the fire raged more and more fiercely.  Its fiery
+tongues leaped out nearer and nearer the children, Maggie, and Duke,
+sure to devour them unless God vouchsafed some other warning besides
+the one that had been given Gustus.  He had been tried and found
+wanting.
+
+"Massa Harvey, Massa Harvey," Gustus cried a few minutes later, under
+the window of the room where he knew Harvey slept.  "For God's sake,
+come an' save Missy Beth."
+
+Harvey wakened out of a sound sleep.  He thought he was dreaming, but
+again he heard the agonized appeal:
+
+"Massa Harvey, for God's sake, save Missy Beth."
+
+Harvey sprang to the window.  "What's the matter, Gustus?"
+
+"I think de debbil am after Missy Beth," moaned Gustus, who had decided
+that it was the Evil One instead of a real fire.
+
+His words gave Harvey no lucid idea of the situation.  He feared Beth
+was in danger, but he little realized the urgency of the case.
+However, he did not stop to question, but slipped into his clothes as
+fast as he could, and went below to join Gustus.  His parents had gone
+to the party, and he did not waken any of the servants.
+
+The minute he opened the front door, one look to the right revealed the
+awful truth to him.
+
+"Is Beth there?" he gasped to Gustus who had run around to the door to
+join him.
+
+"I reckon so.  Yo' won't let de debbil get her."
+
+"The devil?  It's worse.  It's fire.  She'll burn," cried Harvey in
+agony, tearing across the fields as fast as he could.  Gustus followed
+trembling in every limb.  He realized now that he had been a coward,
+that if his beloved little "missy" burned, he would be greatly to blame.
+
+"I didn't know," he moaned to himself, and then his cry changed to a
+prayer, "Dear God, don't let her burn.  Don't let her burn," he pleaded
+as he ran, pitifully penitent.
+
+As Harvey flew towards the burning house, his thought dwelt on the
+other fire from which he and Beth had been saved.
+
+"God won't let her burn.  He won't do it," he cried to himself, and yet
+half fearful that the fire demon which seemed to pursue Beth might
+conquer this time.
+
+"De Good Book says dat if we ask anything, an' believe, dat it will be
+granted us," gasped Gustus as if reading Harvey's doubts.  "Let's both
+pray as hard as ever we kin dat God'll save Missy Beth, an' He'll do
+it."
+
+The faith expressed by the superstitious colored boy heartened Harvey
+somewhat.  He ran on as fast as ever, but both in his heart and in that
+of Gustus was the prayer that Beth might be saved.
+
+That prayer was answered.  After the colored boy was found wanting, an
+animal was used as God's messenger.  The fire awakened Duke.  The air
+all around him was full of smoke that almost choked him.  He realized
+there was danger, but he thought more of another that he loved than of
+his own safety.  With a bound, he sprang through the open doorway
+barking wildly.  He leaped up on the bed where the children slept.  He
+had no words in which to warn them of danger, but the ways of God are
+above those of men, and weak instruments prove strong in His hands.
+
+Julia and Beth wakened at the same instant.
+
+"What is it, Duke?" cried Beth only half awake, for the dog was pulling
+wildly at her night-dress.  The smoke answered her question.  Both of
+the girls knew that Duke was warning them that the house was on fire.
+They jumped out of bed, and ran to the door.  The fire now was fast
+breaking into the house.
+
+"What shall we do?" gasped Beth at sight of the smoke and flames
+circling around the stairs at the end of the hall.
+
+"We can climb down the piazza," answered Julia turning towards it.
+Beth started to follow her, but a thought stopped her.
+
+"If we go that way Maggie'll burn.  I must try to warn her."
+
+"But we'll choke to death," cried Julia, carried away for a moment by
+the terror fire has for the bravest.
+
+"I can't help it.  I can't let Maggie burn.  You can climb down the
+piazza, but I'm going to try to reach Maggie," answered Beth, going
+towards the hall, with Duke at her heels.
+
+It was a terrible temptation to Julia to take Beth at her words.  She
+feared that Death waited in the hall.  The thought made Julia shiver
+notwithstanding the sickening heat that was beginning to fill the
+house.  Her face blanched, but it was no whiter than that of Beth, who
+felt fully as strongly as Julia the danger she ran in trying to save
+Maggie.
+
+"Let's wrap ourselves in blankets," cried Julia seizing two from the
+bed, and throwing one to Beth.  She had conquered her fear sufficiently
+to make a supreme effort to save Maggie.  She was too brave to let Beth
+outshine her in daring.
+
+"Maggie, Maggie, wake," yelled Beth, wrapping the blanket around her
+and rushing out into the smoke and fire towards the room where Maggie
+slept.
+
+"Fire, fire, fire," screamed Julia, the smoke half choking her.
+
+Their cries wakened Maggie.  She jumped out of bed, and rushed out into
+the hall.
+
+"Oh, de good Lo'd," she moaned, trembling all over in sudden horror;
+"dis house is burnin', an' we'll die."  Then she saw the two girls.
+Their danger calmed her fears.
+
+"No, we won't die, honeys," she cried more calmly.  "We kin get down de
+stairs, I know.  Come on, my honeys.  I won't leave yo'.  We'll jes'
+keep our mouths shut, an' we'll be all right."
+
+She, too, seized a blanket to protect herself from the fire.
+
+She was nearest the stairs, but she waited until the girls came up to
+her.  Not another word was said.  The smoke was drying up their throats
+and lungs, and they felt that they needed every bit of air just to
+breathe.
+
+Fortunately, in the main part of the building, the fire was worse on
+the outside than the inside.  Their greatest foe was the smoke that
+grew more dense every instant.  Down the stairs they flew.  Once at the
+bottom, the door leading outside seemed very far away.  Still they did
+not make a sound, but used every effort to escape.  There was no
+thought of trying to save anything but their lives.  That was the one
+mercy that was asked of God.  Other possessions could be replaced.  On,
+on they flew.  Thank God, the door is almost within reach.  They gasp
+for breath.  Even Duke pants.  Will their strength last until they can
+reach God's pure air?
+
+Maggie now proved leader.  Her trembling hands unbarred the door that
+alone stood between them and liberty.  With a last mighty effort, she
+swung it open.  Out they flew, and now the flames which curled in wild
+fury about the piazza almost scorched them.  Thank God, this fiery
+trial is but for a moment.  They dash through the flames, and are safe.
+Breathing is no longer a pain.  They make their way beyond the reach of
+the sparks.  Maggie fell on her knees crying:
+
+"Praise to de Lo'd.  Praise to de Lo'd."
+
+Julia looked at the piazza down which she had wished to climb.
+
+"Beth, if we had tried to come that way we couldn't have done it," she
+said, and there was thankfulness in her heart that she had conquered
+her fear.  Otherwise precious time would have been lost, and she might
+have been burned to death.
+
+"Our home is gone," sobbed Beth, for at that instant the roof fell.
+Duke howled as if he, too, knew that something had been lost that never
+again could be exactly the same.  His howls attracted Beth's attention.
+
+"You dear, dear fellow," she cried, the tears flowing faster than ever.
+"If it hadn't been for you we'd all be dead."
+
+He poked his nose into her outstretched hand, and looked up at her as
+if he would like to comfort her.  At that instant Harvey and Gustus
+rushed upon the scene.
+
+"Beth, Beth," cried Harvey wildly.
+
+"We're here," she answered.
+
+Tears of thankfulness rushed into the eyes of Harvey and Gustus, and
+for once they were not ashamed of crying.
+
+"Beth," repeated Harvey, running up to her and seizing her hands.   His
+emotion choked back the words that rose.  Never had he been more
+grateful, and never had he less power of expression.
+
+"Little missy, I done feared yo'd went up in de flames," cried Gustus,
+and added, "but I had dat dar grain of mustard seed dat made me b'lieve
+de Lo'd would somehow save yo'."
+
+"Somehow, even when I'm awfully scared, I don't think I'm going to be
+killed," said Beth.
+
+"I jes' reckon yo' has dat grain of mustard seed I'se tellin' 'bout."
+
+"I reckon it's a good thing to have, Gustus," put in Harvey.  "But
+instead of letting the mustard seed do everything by itself, I believe
+we'd better rouse the servants.  Unless care is taken their quarters
+and the barn may burn."
+
+[Illustration: The darkies' quarters.]
+
+This proved a happy suggestion; for while these buildings were far
+distant from the house, it was found the sparks had already set the
+barn afire.  However, the servants managed to put the fire out.
+
+The glare from the fire illuminated the sky, and attracted the
+attention of the Davenports and the Gordons returning in a merry mood
+from the party.
+
+"It looks like a house burning," said Mrs. Davenport.  "Supposing it
+were ours," she added forebodingly.
+
+Mr. Davenport had experienced a like fear for some moments, but had
+refrained from letting any of the party know.  They had remarked that
+he was driving the spirited span to their full speed, but supposed he
+was hurrying because of the lateness of the hour.
+
+"It is a fire," cried Mrs. Gordon.  "Our daughters--God keep them."
+
+Moments seemed hours to the anxious parents.  As dread became
+certainty, they felt as if the horses were almost standing still,
+whereas they were going as fast over the hard shell road as was
+possible.  Ambulance or fire horses could not have passed the ones Mr.
+Davenport drove, urged both by his voice and by the whip.
+
+"Beth--Julia," cried two mothers the same second, as they rushed from
+the carriage and gathered two blanketed figures to their hearts.  Tears
+of relief and thankfulness flowed thick and fast.
+
+"It's terrible that our lovely home is gone," cried Beth.
+
+"In evil there is good.  You are safe, my darling," her mother murmured.
+
+The fathers felt no less keenly the escape of their beloved children,
+but expressed themselves less emotionally.  Marian could get hardly any
+one to notice her, but finally managed to say so as to be heard:
+
+"I don't think they ought to be standing around with bare feet, and
+blankets wrapped around them."
+
+"You must all come home with us," cried Mrs. Gordon.  "I will not
+accept a refusal.  We have a great abundance of room."
+
+Already the fire was beginning to die down, and Mr. Davenport saw that
+no good could be accomplished by remaining longer.
+
+"January, I want you to watch to see that no damage is done by sparks,"
+he said.
+
+"Sparks won't have no sort of chance wid me aroun', massa."
+
+Room was made in the carriage for the two children, and the horses were
+started in the direction of the Gordon homestead.  For a few moments,
+in the excitement of telling about the fire, Beth forgot all about
+Duke.  They were almost at the Gordons' door when she thought of him.
+She looked hastily back, half hoping he might be following, and to her
+joy saw him directly behind the carriage.  Beth pleaded to be allowed
+to take her beloved dog up to Julia's room with them.  Julia added her
+entreaties, and the children were permitted to do as they wished in the
+matter.
+
+Once the children were in bed, they talked awhile of their fortunate
+deliverance.  Duke came in for a big share of praise.  Then Julia fell
+asleep, but Beth felt very wide awake.  Presently, even Duke on the
+floor near their bed also slept.  Beth knew that he was sleeping
+because he moaned as if he were haunted by a nightmare of the fire.
+
+"Poor, poor fellow, he feels almost as bad as I," thought Beth.  For a
+long time she lay awake wondering what her father would do now that
+their home with all its contents was burned.
+
+"Just s'posing--just s'posing----"  With these words Beth fell into a
+troubled sleep.
+
+About ten minutes afterwards, she began crying in her sleep, which
+wakened Julia.
+
+"Why, Beth dear, what's the matter?" and Julia twined her arm lovingly
+around her friend.
+
+Beth wakened with a start.  She sat up in bed.  "Where am I, Julia?  In
+Florida?"
+
+"Of course, dear.  What made you----"
+
+"Oh, I'm so glad I'm here.  I went to sleep s'posing----"
+
+"Supposing what, Beth?"
+
+"Oh, I don't like to tell for fear it may come true.  I dreamed that it
+did come true and it made me very miserable."
+
+"You're just nervous over the terrible fire.  All the bad that can
+happen has already happened to you."
+
+"I don't know about that," murmured Beth, but could not be persuaded to
+tell Julia more about her dream.  Julia therefore sank back into
+slumberland, and forgot all about her friend's dream, but not so Beth.
+The fear of what she dreamed haunted her, waking and sleeping.
+
+The next morning, Beth had quite a time dressing.  Most of Julia's
+clothes proved a very tight fit.
+
+"I'll have to pretend I'm a young lady.  Then I shall not mind if it is
+tight," Beth said as she struggled into Julia's blue dress.
+
+"It's a little short, but then short dresses are the style now,"
+commented Julia in an effort to be polite.
+
+Immediately after breakfast, the Davenports and the Gordons started
+over to view the fire.  For some reason known only to herself, Beth did
+not care to go.  She even refused to be moved by Julia's entreaties,
+and insisted that Julia go without her.
+
+Duke remained to keep Beth company.  When the two were alone, Beth put
+her arms around the faithful dog.  He looked up into her eyes and
+whined.
+
+"I believe you know," cried Beth.  "Are you afraid of it, too?"
+
+Again Duke whined.
+
+"You do know, Duke."  There were tears in Beth's eyes.  "If it happens,
+they'll take you from me.  Don't you remember what Mr. Brown said?"
+
+Duke looked as if he understood.
+
+"They shan't take you from me.  I'll go in town and see Mr. Brown.  You
+shall go with me, Duke."
+
+He wagged his tail as if pleased, at the promise.  Beth ran for a hat,
+and then, with Duke, started down the road towards town.
+
+The day was extremely sultry, and the warmth in combination with the
+excitement of the night before soon caused Beth to tire, but she would
+not give up her undertaking.
+
+"You'd do as much to stay with me, wouldn't you, Duke?" she asked, to
+encourage herself.
+
+Duke barked.  Perhaps it was because he did not mind the heat and was
+anxious for a frolic.  Beth envied his spirits.  To her the way seemed
+very long and dusty, but on and on she trudged.  She did not know
+exactly where Mr. Brown lived, but thought by asking she could easily
+find out, and so it proved.
+
+It was a very tired, warm, and dusty little girl who finally turned in
+at the Browns'.
+
+A great, overgrown puppy rushed at Beth and Duke as they opened the
+gate.  At first, Beth could hardly believe her own eyes.  It scarcely
+seemed possible that it was the same puppy she had given Mr. Brown such
+a short time before.  The little fellow had outgrown all his brothers
+and sisters, and could no longer be rightly termed little.  Duke was
+unaffectedly glad to see his son.  Away they ran together.
+
+"Duke, Duke, come back."
+
+Beth's call did not bring him, but Mr. Brown came around the corner of
+the house.
+
+"Why, missy," his face lighted up in greeting.  Beth wondered how she
+ever thought him ugly-looking.  "You saw my puppy, didn't you?  I tell
+you he's a fine fellow.  Duke never compared with him."
+
+"Do you really like the puppy the best?" cried Beth, eagerly rushing up
+to him in her excitement.
+
+"Not a doubt of it."  He smiled at her evident delight.  "Gift----"
+
+"Is that what you call him?"
+
+"Yes.  The name is to remind me of your kindness.  I----"
+
+"Was I really kind?" she interrupted wistfully.  She did not wait for
+an answer.  "Then perhaps you'd be willing to do me a very, very great
+favor."
+
+"What is it you want?  But you'd better sit down first.  You look
+tired."
+
+"I am a little tired.  It was pretty hot walking."
+
+"You don't mean you walked here?--and on such a hot day?"
+
+When he found that she had, he seated her in the shade on the cool
+piazza, and would not listen to another word until he went into the
+house and returned with a bottle of orangeade for her.
+
+"Now while you drink, I'll tell you why I like Gift better than Duke.
+In the first place, Gift really loves me--why, I don't believe that
+even such a charming little lady as you could get Gift to leave me.
+Let's try and see.  Here, Gift; come, Gift."
+
+The two dogs came running at his call.
+
+"He always answers just so promptly."  Beth noted how proud he looked.
+"Now little missy, call Gift and make friends with him."
+
+Beth did as bidden.  Gift proved very friendly in response.  Duke
+seemed inclined to be jealous.
+
+"Now missy, rise as if to go and call Gift to follow.  It will be as
+big a temptation as he ever had.  He doesn't usually make friends the
+way he has with you and Duke.  Perhaps I'm a fool to try him so."
+
+"Then I will not----"
+
+"No, no.  I want to know if Gift cares for me as much as I think he
+does.  You must try him."
+
+Beth was growing nervous over the situation.  Somehow, she realized
+that the love of Gift meant more to the man before her than almost
+anything in his life.  If the dog failed him at this point it might
+have a very disastrous effect.
+
+"Come, come; do as I say," cried Brown with somewhat of his original
+curtness of manner.
+
+Beth did not dare refuse, but trembled for the result.  She arose.
+Duke wagged his tail in delight that she was going.
+
+"Come on, Gift."  He paid no heed, but his master saw that she was not
+calling as if she really wanted the dog.
+
+"Call as if you meant it."
+
+She saw that she could not fool him.  She felt compelled to act under
+his direction, but it seemed the irony of fate that once she had
+unwittingly taken his dog from him, and that now she should be made to
+try again when neither of them wished the dog to leave him.  Tears were
+in her eyes, but she clapped her hands as if ready for a frolic.  "Come
+on, Gift; come on."  Duke also barked an invitation.  Gift leaped down
+the steps and was by their side in an instant.
+
+"Oh, please call him back, or let me come back."
+
+"Go on.  Don't you dare let him see that you don't want him.  If he
+follows you home, I never want to see any of you again.  Both dogs then
+are yours forever," growled Gift's owner.
+
+Tears now blinded poor Beth so that she could hardly see to open the
+gate.  Duke did not wait for it to be opened, but leaped over the
+fence.  Gift hesitated about following.  He was perfectly able to make
+the jump, but he evidently thought of his master for the first time.
+He looked back undecided what to do.
+
+"Oh, if he only would call him," but Brown stood as if turned to stone.
+Suddenly Gift ran back to his side.  Beth never felt more grateful.
+
+"Call him.  I am not sure of him yet," cried Brown in a strange voice.
+
+"It's cruel to the dog and to me," thought Beth.  She now held the gate
+open.  "Come, Gift."  Again Duke barked.
+
+"I'm ashamed of you, Duke Davenport, for tempting your own son,"
+thought Beth.
+
+Gift looked up at his master as if for a word of instruction.  He
+received no word or sign in reply.  Then Gift made a slight move as if
+to follow Beth, but suddenly turned and licked his master's hand.
+Next, he settled down on the porch for a sleep as if the matter were
+settled once and forever.
+
+Beth now expected to see Mr. Brown show some emotion, but he simply
+called, "Missy, come back."
+
+She would have thought that she had overestimated his feelings in the
+matter if she had not caught sight of tears in his eyes when she
+returned.
+
+"Gift is the best friend I have," he said quietly when Beth was
+reseated.  "Do you know he helps keep me from saloons.  If he is with
+me and I start in one, he growls.  Now, what favor do you want to ask
+of me?"
+
+She had almost forgotten the object of her visit, and the abruptness
+with which it was recalled to her embarrassed her.
+
+"I--I want to pay you for Duke.  I have some money of my own in the
+bank and I think----"
+
+"But I gave Duke to you."  He looked grieved.  "I accepted Gift from
+you, I don't see----"
+
+"You don't understand.  Do you remember what you said when you gave me
+Duke?  You said if I ever left Florida I'd have to give him back to
+you."
+
+"That was before I had Gift."
+
+"And you wouldn't take Duke from me?"  She sprang to her feet.
+
+"Not for the world."
+
+Suddenly Beth seized Duke, and danced around and around with him.  "Oh,
+goody.  Duke, you old dear, we needn't stay awake nights worrying over
+that part any more."
+
+Mr. Brown hitched up and drove Beth back.  On the way, she told him of
+the fire, and how Duke had saved their lives.  Duke and Gift were
+following the carriage, and perhaps Duke was telling his son of his own
+heroism, because Gift often barked as if excited over something.
+
+Mr. Brown said he would like to see the ruins and so Beth drove with
+him to the homestead.  They found Mr. Davenport, Julia, Harvey, Maggie,
+and Gustus out near the stables.
+
+"Why Beth, where have you been?" cried her father.
+
+She jumped out of the carriage and ran and threw herself into her
+father's arms.  "Papa, now that our house is gone, I was afraid you'd
+take us back North to live.  I don't want to go, but if I had to go, it
+would have broken my heart to part with Duke, but now, I'll never,
+never have to part with him, no matter what happens.  Mr. Brown says
+he's mine forever."
+
+"Dear, I do not expect to go back North.  Next fall, we'll build a fine
+new house, and you shall be a little Florida lady the rest of your
+life, if you wish."
+
+"I'm to live South always," cried Beth, turning a radiant face toward
+her friends.
+
+"Three cheers for our little Florida lady," proposed Harvey.  All
+present joined in the hurrahing that followed.  Gustus's voice rang out
+the loudest of any.
+
+Beth's face was radiant.  The sun was shining once more for her.  Her
+two great fears had proved groundless.  Duke was hers, and henceforth
+she was to remain A Little Florida Lady.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A LITTLE FLORIDA LADY***
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