georgina of the rainbows

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Title:GeorginaoftheRainbows

Author:AnnieFellowsJohnston

ReleaseDate:May2,2012[EBook#39596]

Language:English

***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKGEORGINAOFTHERAINBOWS***

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[Illustration:Cover]

GEORGINAOFTHERAINBOWS

"AsLongasaManKeepsHopeattheProwHeKeepsAfloat."

[Illustration]

[Illustration:GeorginaOfTheRainbows]

GEORGINAOFTHERAINBOWS

BY

ANNIEFELLOWSJOHNSTON



_Authorof"TwoLittleKnightsofKentucky,""TheGiantScissors,""TheDesertofWaiting,"etc._

[Illustration]

"_...Stillbearupandsteerrightonward._"MILTON

NewYorkBrittonPublishingCompany

Copyright,1916BRITTONPUBLISHINGCOMPANY,INC.

AllRightsReserved

ToMyLittleGod-daughter

"ANNEELIZABETH"

[Illustration]

[Illustration:"AttheTipofOldCapeCod."]

CONTENTS

CHAPTERPAGE

I.HEREARLIERMEMORIES11II.GEORGINA'SPLAYMATEMOTHER22III.THETOWNCRIERHASHISSAY30IV.NEWFRIENDSANDTHEGREENSTAIRS40V.INTHEFOOTSTEPSOFPIRATES51VI.SPEND-THE-DAYGUESTS63VII."THETISHBITE"77VIII.THETELEGRAMTHATTOOKBARBYAWAY86IX.THEBIRTHDAYPRISM96X.MOVINGPICTURES111XI.THEOLDRIFLEGIVESUPITSSECRET124XII.AHARDPROMISE135XIII.LOSTANDFOUNDATTHELINIMENTWAGON141

XIV.BURIEDTREASURE154XV.ANARROWESCAPE161XVI.WHATTHESTORMDID169XVII.INTHEKEEPINGOFTHEDUNES178XVIII.FOUNDOUT187XIX.TRACINGTHELINIMENTWAGON198XX.DANCEOFTHERAINBOWFAIRIES209XXI.ONTHETRAILOFTHEWILD-CATWOMAN218XXII.THERAINBOWGAME230XXIII.LIGHTDAWNSFORUNCLEDARCY244



XXIV.ACONTRASTINFATHERS258XXV.ALETTERTOHONG-KONG272XXVI.PEGGYJOINSTHERAINBOW-MAKERS283XXVII.AMODERN"ST.GEORGEANDTHEDRAGON"291XXVIII.THEDOCTOR'SDISCOVERY304XXIX.WHILETHEYWAITED317XXX.NEARINGTHEEND329XXXI.COMINGSANDGOINGS336

ILLUSTRATIONS

BYRAYN.JACKSON

THEREALGEORGINA(inlifecolors)_Frontispiece_ FACINGPAGETHEYTOOKTHEIRWAYIN"THEBETSEY"54COMINGACROSSASEAOFDREAMS240THETOWNCRIERANDHISLASS310

[Illustration:"PutaRainbow'RoundYourTroubles."--GEORGINA.]

GeorginaoftheRainbows

CHAPTERI

HEREARLIERMEMORIES

IFoldJeremyClapphadnotsneezedhisteethintothefirethatwinterdaythisstorymighthavehadamoreseemlybeginning;but,beingatruerecord,itmuststartwiththatsneeze,becauseitwasthefirsthappeninginGeorginaHuntingdon'slifewhichshecouldrememberdistinctly.

Shewasinherhigh-chairbyawindowoverlookingagraysea,andwithabibunderherchin,wasbeingfeddrippingspoonfulsofbreadandmilkfromthesilverporringerwhichrestedonthesill.Thebowlwasalmostonalevelwithherlittleblueshoeswhichshekeptkickingupanddownonthestepofherhigh-chair,whereforetherestraininghandwhichseizedheranklesatintervals.ItwasMrs.Triplett'sfirmhandwhich

clutchedher,andMrs.Triplett'sfirmhandwhichfedher,sotherewasnottheusualdilly-dallyingoverGeorgina'sbreakfastaswhenhermotherheldthespoon.Shealwaysmadeagameofit,chantingnurseryrhymesinagay,silver-bell-cockle-shellsortofway,asifshewereoneofthe"prettymaidsallinarow,"juststeppedoutofapicturebook.

Mrs.Triplettwasanelderlywidow,adistantrelativeofthefamily,wholivedwiththem."Tippy"thechildcalledherbeforeshecouldspeakplainly--afoolishnameforsuchasevereanddignifiedperson,butMrs.



Triplettratherseemedtolikeit.Beingtheworkinghousekeeper,companionandeverythingelsewhichoccasionrequired,shehadnotimetomakeagameofGeorgina'sbreakfast,evenifshehadknownhow.Notoncedidshestoptosay,"Curly-locks,Curly-locks,wiltthoubemine?"ortopressherfacesuddenlyagainstGeorgina'sdimpledrose-leafcheekasifitweresomethingtootemptinglydearandsweettoberesisted.Shemerelysaid,"Here!"eachtimeshethrustthespoontowardsher.

Mrs.Triplettwasinanespecialhurrythismorning,anddidnotevenlookupwhenoldJeremycameintotheroomtoputmorewoodonthefire.Inwinter,whentherewasnogardenwork,Jeremydideverythingaboutthehousewhichrequiredaman'shand.Althoughhemusthavebeennearlyeightyyearsold,hecamein,tallandunbending,withabiglogacrosshisshoulder.Hewalkedstiffly,buthisbackwasasstraightasthelongpokerwithwhichhemendedthefire.

Georginahadseenhimcomingandgoingabouttheplaceeverydaysinceshehadbeenbroughttoliveinthisoldgrayhousebesidethesea,butthiswasthefirsttimehehadmadeanylastingimpressionuponhermemory.Henceforth,shewastocarrywithheraslongassheshouldlivethepictureofahale,red-facedoldmanwithawoolenmufflerwoundaroundhisleanthroat.Hisknitted"wrist-warmers"slippeddownoverhismottled,deeply-veinedhandswhenhestoopedtorollthelogintothefire.Heletgowithagrunt.Thenextinstantamightysneeze

seizedhim,andGeorgina,whohadbeengazinginfascinationattheshowerofsparkshewasmaking,sawallofhisteethgoflyingintothefire.

Ifhiseyeshadsuddenlydroppedfromtheirsocketsuponthehearth,orhisearsfloatedofffromthesidesofhishead,shecouldnothavebeenmoreterrified,forshehadnotyetlearnedthatone'steethmaybeaseparatepartofone'sanatomy.Itwassuchaterriblethingtoseeamangotopiecesinthisundreamed-offashion,thatshebegantoscreamandwrithearoundinherhigh-chairuntilitnearlyturnedover.

Shedidupsetthesilverporringer,andwhatwasleftofthebreadandmilksplashedoutonthefloor,barelymissingtherug.Mrs.Triplett

sprangtosnatchherfromthetopplingchair,thinkingthechildwashavingaspasm.ShedidnotconnectitwitholdJeremy'ssneezeuntilsheheardhiswrathfulgibbering,andturnedtoseehimholdinguptheteeth,whichhehadfishedoutofthefirewiththetongs.

Theywereanold-fashionedsetsuchasoneneverseesnow.TheyhadbeenmadeinEngland.Theywerehingedtogetherlikejaws,andGeorginayelledagainasshesawthemallblackenedandgaping,danglingfromthetongs.Itwasnotthegrinningteeththemselves,however,whichfrightenedher.Itwastheawfulknowledge,vaguethoughitwastoherinfantmind,thatahumanbodycouldflyapartinthatway.AndTippy,notunderstandingthecauseofherterror,neverthoughttoexplainthattheywerefalseandhadbeenmadebyamaninsomeout-of-the-waycorner

ofYorkshire,insteadofbytheAlmighty,andthattheirremovalwaspainless.

ItwasseveralyearsbeforeGeorginalearnedthetruth,andtheimpressionmadebytheaccidentgrewintoalurkingfearwhichoftenhauntedherastimeworeon.Sheneverknewatwhatmomentshemightflyapartherself.ThatitwasadistressingexperiencesheknewfromthelookonoldJeremy'sfaceandthedesperatepaceatwhichhesetofftohavehimselfmended.



Sheheldherbreathlongenoughtohearthedoorbangshutafterhimandhishob-nailedshoesgoscrunch,scrunch,throughthegravelofthepatharoundthehouse,thenshebrokeoutcryingagainsoviolentlythatTippyhadhardworkquietingher.Shepickedupthesilverporringerfromthefloorandtoldhertolookattheprettybowl.Thefallhadputadentintoitsside.AndwhatwouldGeorgina'sgreat-greataunthavesaidcouldshehaveknownwhatwasgoingtohappentoherhandsomedish,poorlady!Surelysheneverwouldhaveleftittosuchanaughtynamesake!Then,tostophersobbing,Mrs.Tripletttookonetinyfinger-tipinherlargeones,andtracedthenamewhichwasengravedaroundtherimintall,slim-loopedletters:thenamewhichhadpasseddownthroughmanychristeningstoitspresentowner,"GeorginaHuntingdon."

Failingthustopacifythefrightenedchild,Mrs.Triplettheldheruptothewindowoverlookingtheharbor,anddramaticallybadeher"hark!"Standingwithherblueshoesonthewindow-sill,andatearoneachpinkcheek,Georginaflattenedhernoseagainsttheglassandobedientlylistened.

Themainstreetoftheancientseaporttown,uponwhichshegazedexpectantly,curvedthreemilesaroundtheharbor,andthenarrowboard-walkwhichranalongonesideofitalltheway,endedabruptlyjustinfrontofthehouseinawasteofsand.Sotherewasnothingto

beseenbutafishingboatatanchor,andthewavescrawlingupthebeach,andnothingtobeheardbutthejangleofabellsomewheredownthestreet.Thesobsbrokeoutagain.

"Hush!"commandedMrs.Triplett,givingheranimpatientshake."Harktowhat'scomingupalong.Can'tyoustopaminuteandgivetheTowncrierachance?Orisityou'retryingtooutdohim?"

Theword"Towncrier"wasmeaninglesstoGeorgina.TherewasnothingbythatnameinherlinenbookwhichheldthepicturesofalltheanimalsfromApetoZebra,andtherewasnothingbythatnamedowninKentuckywhereshehadlivedallofhershortlifeuntiltheselastfewweeks.ShedidnotevenknowwhetherwhatMrs.Triplettsaidwascomingalong

wouldbewearingahatorhorns.ThecowthatlowedatthepasturebarseverynightbackinKentuckyjangledabell.Georginahadnodistinctrecollectionofthecow,butbecauseofitthesoundofabellwasassociatedinhermindwithhorns.Sohornswerewhatshehalfwayexpectedtosee,asshewatchedbreathlessly,withherfaceagainsttheglass.

"Harktowhathe'scalling!"urgedMrs.Triplett."Afishauction.There'sabigboatinthismorningwithaloadoffish,andtheTowncrieristellingeverybodyaboutit."

SoaTowncrierwasaman!ThenextinstantGeorginasawhim.Hewasanoldman,withbentshouldersandafringeofgrayhairshowingunderthe

furcappulleddowntomeethisears.Buttherewassuchahappytwinkleinhisfadedblueeyes,suchgoodnessofheartineverywrinkleoftheweather-beatenoldface,thateventhegrumpiestpeoplesmiledalittlewhentheymethim,andeverybodyhespoketosteppedalongabitmorecheerful,justbecausetheheartywayhesaid"_Good_morning!"madethedayseemreallygood.

"He'scold,"saidTippy."Let'staponthewindowandbeckonhimtocomeinandwarmhimselfbeforehestartsbacktotown."



ShecaughtupGeorgina'shandtomakeitdothetapping,thinkingitwouldpleasehertogiveherashareintheinvitation,butinhertouchyframeofminditwasonlyanaddedgrievancetohaveherknucklesknockedagainstthepane,andherwailsbeganafreshastheoldman,answeringthesignal,shookhisbellatherplayfully,andturnedtowardsthehouse.

Astowhathappenedafterthat,Georgina'smemoryisablank,saveforaconfusedrecollectionofbeinggallopedtoBanburyCrossonsomebody'sknee,whileabighandhelpedhertoclangtheclapperofabellfartooheavyforhertoswingalone.Butsomedimpictureofthekindlyfacepuckeredintosmilesforhercomforting,stayedoninhermindasanobjectseenthroughafog,andthereaftersheneversawtheTowncriergokling-klangingalongthestreetwithoutfeelingareturnofthatsamesenseofsafetywhichhissonggaveherthatmorning.Somehow,itrestoredherconfidenceinallCreationwhichJeremy'steethhadshatteredintheirfall.

TakingadvantageofGeorgina'scontentmentatbeingsettledonthevisitor'sknee,Mrs.Tripletthurriedforaclothtowipeupthebreadandmilk.Kneelingonthefloorbesideitshesoppeditupsoenergeticallythatwhatshewassayingcameinjerks.

"It'samercyyouhappenedalong,Mr.Darcy,orshemighthavebeen

screamingyet.Ineversawachildgointosuchasuddentantrum."

Theanswercameinjerksalso,forittookavigoroustrottingofthekneestokeepsuchaheavychildasGeorginaonthebounce.Andinorderthathiswordsmightnotinterferewiththegamehesangthemtothetuneof"RideaCockHorse."

"_Theremusthavebeen--someverygood----Reasonforsuch--ahulla-ba-loo!_"

"I'lltellyouwhenIcomeback,"saidMrs.Triplett,onherfeetagainbythistimeandhalfwaytothekitchenwiththedrippingfloorcloth.Butwhenshereappearedinthedoorwayherownconcernshadcrowdedout

thethoughtofoldJeremy'smisfortune.

"Myyeastisrunningalloverthetopofthecrock,Mr.Darcy,andifIdon'tgetitmixedrightawaythewholebakingwillbespoiled."

"That'sallright,ma'am,"wastheanswer."Goaheadwithyourdough.I'llkeepthelittlelassoutofmischief.Many'sthetimeIhavesatbythisfirewithherfatheronmyknee,asyouknow.Butit'sbeenyearssinceIwasinthisroomlast."

TherewasalongpauseintheBanburyCrossride.TheCrierwaslookingaroundtheroomfromonefamiliarobjecttoanotherwiththegentlewistfulnesswhichcreepsintooldeyeswhentheypeerintothepastfor

somethingthathasceasedtobe.Georginagrewimpatient.

"Moreride!"shecommanded,wavingherhandsandcluckinghertongueashehadjusttaughthertodo.

"Don'tletherworryyou,Mr.Darcy,"calledMrs.Triplettfromthekitchen."Hermotherwillbebackfromthepost-officemostanyminutenow.Justsendheroutheretomeifshegetstoobothersome."

InstantlyGeorginacuddledherheaddownagainsthisshoulder.Shehad



nomindtobeseparatedfromthisnew-foundplayfellow.Whenheproducedabatteredsilverwatchfromthepocketofhisvelveteenwaistcoat,holdingitoverherear,shewascharmedintoaprolongedsilence.TheclackofTippy'sspoonagainstthecrockcameinfromthekitchen,andnowandthenthefiresnappedorthegreenfore-logmadeasing-songhissing.

MorethanthirtyyearshadpassedbysincetheoldTowncrierfirstvisitedtheHuntingdonhome.HewasnottheTowncrierthen,butaseafaringmanwhohadsailedmanytimesaroundtheglobe,andhadhisfillofadventure.Tiredatlastofsucharovinglife,hehadfoundanchoragetohislikinginthisquaintoldfishingtownatthetipendofCapeCod.Georgina'sgrandfather,GeorgeJustinHuntingdon,ajudgeandawriterofdrylawbooks,hadbeenoneofthefirsttoopenhishometohim.Theyhadbeengreatfriends,andlittleJustin,nowGeorgina'sfather,hadbeenastillcloserfriend.Manyadaytheyhadspenttogether,thesetwo,fishingorblueberryingortrampingacrossthedunes.Theboycalledhim"UncleDarcy,"taggingafterhimlikeashadow,andfeelingakinshipintheirmutualloveofadventurewhichdrewasstronglyasfamilyties.TheJudgealwayssaidthatitwastheoldsailor'syarnsofsealifewhichsentJustinintothenavy"insteadofthelawofficewherehebelonged."

AstheoldmanlookeddownatGeorgina'ssoft,browncurlspressed

againsthisshoulder,andfeltherlittledimpledhandlyingwarmonhisneck,hecouldalmostbelieveitwasthesamechildwhohadcreptintohisheartthirtyyearsago.Itwashardtothinkofthelittleladasgrown,orasfillingtheresponsiblepositionofanavalsurgeon.YetwhenhecountedbackherealizedthattheJudgehadbeendeadseveralyears,andthehousehadbeenstandingemptyallthattime.Justinhadneverbeenbacksinceitwasboardedup.Hehadwrittenoccasionallyduringthefirstofhisabsence,butonlyboyishscrawlswhichtoldlittleabouthimself.

TheonlyrealnewswhichtheoldmanhadofhimwasinthethreeclippingsfromtheProvincetown_Beacon_,whichhecarriedaboutinhiswallet.ThefirstwasamentionofJustin'sexcellentrecordinfighting

afeverepidemicinsomenavalstationinthetropics.ThenextwasthenoticeofhismarriagetoaKentuckygirlbythenameofBarbaraShirley,andthelastwasaparagraphclippedfromanewspaperdatedonlyafewweeksback.ItsaidthatMrs.JustinHuntingdonandlittledaughter,Georgina,wouldarrivesoontotakepossessionoftheoldHuntingdonhomesteadwhichhadbeenclosedformanyyears.Duringtheabsenceofherhusband,servinginforeignparts,shewouldhavewithherMrs.MariaTriplett.

TheTowncrierhadknownMrs.Triplettaslongashehadknownthetown.Shehadbeenkindtohimwhenheandhiswifewereingreattrouble.Hewasthinkingaboutthattimenow,becauseithadsomethingtodowithhislastvisittotheJudgeinthisveryroom.Shehadhappenedtobe

present,too.Andthegreenfore-loghadmadethatsamesing-songhissing.Thesoundcarriedhisthoughtsbacksofarthatforafewmomentsheceasedtoheartheclackofthespoon.

[Illustration]

CHAPTERII



GEORGINA'SPLAYMATEMOTHER

AStheTowncrier'sreverybroughthimaroundtoMrs.Triplett'spartinthepainfulscenewhichhewasrecalling,heheardhervoice,andlookingup,sawthatshehadcomebackintotheroom,andwasstandingbythewindow.

"There'sJustin'swifenow,Mr.Darcy,comingupthebeach.Poorchild,shedidn'tgetherletter.Icantellshe'sdisappointedfromthewayshewalksalongasifshecouldhardlypushagainstthewind."

Theoldman,leaningsidewaysoverthearmofhischair,cranedhisnecktowardthewindowtopeerout,buthediditwithoutdislodgingGeorgina,whowasrepeatingthe"tick-tick"ofthewatchinawhisper,asshelaycontentedlyagainsttheTowncrier'sshoulder.

"She'snaughtbutaslipofagirl,"hecommented,referringtoGeorgina'smother,slowlydrawingintocloserview."ShemustbeyearsyoungerthanJustin.Shecameuptomeinthepost-officelastweekandtoldmewhoshewas,andI'vebeenintendingeversincetogetupthisfartotalkwithherabouthim."

Astheywatchedhershereachedtheendoftheboard-walk,andplungingankle-deepintothesand,trudgedslowlyalongasifpushedbackbythewind.Itwhippedherskirtsaboutherandblewtheendsofherfringedscarfbackoverhershoulder.Shemadeabrightflashofcoloragainstthedesolatebackground.Scarf,capandthickknittedreeferwereallofawarmroseshade.Onceshestopped,andwithhandsthrustintoherreeferpockets,stoodlookingofftowardsthelighthouseonLongPoint.Mrs.Triplettspokeagain,stillwatchingher.

"Ididn'twanttotakeJustin'sofferwhenhefirstwrotetome,althoughthesalaryhenamedwasagoodone,andIknewtheworkwouldn'tbemorethanI'vealwaysbeenusedto.ButIhadplannedtostayinWellfleetthiswinter,anditalwaysgoesagainstthegrainwith

metohavetochangeaplanoncemade.Ionlypromisedtostayuntilshewascomfortablysettled.APortuguesewomanononeofthebackstreetswouldhavecomeandcookedforher.Butland!WhenIsawhowstrangeandlonesomesheseemedandhowsheturnedtomeforeverything,Ididn'thavethehearttosaygo.Ionlynameditoncetoher,andshesortofchokedupandwinkedbackthetearsandsaidinthatsoft-spokenSouthernwayofhers,'Oh,don'tleaveme,Tippy!'She'stakentocallingmeTippy,justasGeorginadoes.'WhenyoutalkaboutitIfeellikeakittenshipwreckedonadesertisland.It'sallsostrangeanddreadfulherewithjustseaononesideandsanddunesontheother.'"

Atthesoundofhername,Georginasuddenlysatupstraightandbeganfumblingthewatchbackintothevelveteenpocket.Shefeltthatitwas

timeforhertocomeintotheforegroundagain.

"Moreride!"shedemanded.Thegallopingbeganagain,gentlyatfirst,thenfasterandfasterinobediencetoherwishes,untilsheseemedonlyaswirlofwhitedressandblueribbonandflyingbrowncurls.Butthistimethegiddygoingupanddownwasintamesilence.Therewasnoaccompanyingsongtomakethegamelively.Mrs.Tripletthadmoretosay,andMr.Darcywastoodeeplyinterestedtosing.

"Lookathernow,stoppingtoreadthatsignsetuponthespotwhere



thePilgrimslanded.Shedoesthateverytimeshepassesit.Saysitcheersherupsomethingwonderful,nomatterhowdownheartedsheis,tothinkthatshewasn'toneoftheMayflowerpassengers,andthatshe'snearlythreehundredyearsawayfromtheirhardshipsandthatdreadfulfirstwash-dayoftheirs.Doesseemtomethough,that'sapoorwaytomakeyourselfcheerful,justthinkingofallthehardtimesyoumighthavehadbutdidn't."

"_Thing_it!"lispedGeorgina,wantingundividedattention,andlayinganimperiouslittlehandonhischeektoforceit."_Thing!_"

Heshookhisheadreprovingly,withafingeracrosshislipstoremindherthatMrs.Triplettwasstilltalking;butshewasnottobesilencedinsuchaway.Leaningoveruntilhermischievousbrowneyescompelledhimtolookather,shesmiledlikeadimpledcherub.Georgina'ssmilewassomethingirresistiblewhenshewantedherownway.

"_Pleathe!_"shelisped,herfacesoradiantlysurethatnoonecouldbehardheartedenoughtoresistthemagicappealofthatword,thathecouldnotdisappointher.

"Thelittlewitch!"heexclaimed."Shecouldwheedlethefishoutoftheseaifshe'dsaypleaseto'emthatway.Buthowthathoney-sweettoneandtheyellsshewaslettinglooseawhilebackcouldcomeoutofthat

samelittleroseofamouth,passesmyunderstanding."

Mrs.Tripletthadleftthemagainandhewassingingatthetopofhisquaveringvoice,"Ringsonherfingersandbellsonhertoes,"whenthefrontdooropenedandGeorgina'smothercamein.Thesaltwindhadblowncolorintohercheeksasbrightasherrose-pinkreefer.Herdisappointmentabouttheletterhadleftawistfulshadowinherbiggrayeyes,butitchangedtoalightofpleasurewhenshesawwhowasrompingwithGeorgina.Theyweresobusywiththeirgamethatneitherofthemnoticedherentrance.

Sheclosedthedoorsoftlybehindherandstoodwithherbackagainstitwatchingthemamoment.ThenGeorginaspiedher,andwitharapturous

cryof_"Barby!"_scrambleddownandrantothrowherselfintohermother'sarms.BarbywasherwayofsayingBarbara.Itwasthefirstwordshehadeverspokenandherproudyoungmotherencouragedhertorepeatit,evenwhenherGrandmotherShirleyinsistedthatitwasn'trespectfulforachildtocallitsmotherbyherfirstname.

"ButIdon'tcarewhetheritisornot,"Barbarahadanswered."AllIwantisforhertofeelthatwe'rethebestchumsintheworld.AndI'm _not_goingtospoilherevenifIamyoungandinexperienced.ThereareafewthingsthatIexpecttobeverystrictabout,butmakingherrespectfultomeisn'toneofthem."

NowoneofthethingswhichBarbarahaddecidedtobeverystrictabout

inGeorgina'strainingwasmakingherrespectfultoguests.Shewasnottothrustherselfupontheirnotice,shewasnottointerrupttheirconversation,ormakeanuisanceofherself.So,youngasshewas,Georginahadalreadylearnedwhatwasexpectedofher,whenhermotherhavinggreetedMr.Darcyandlaidasideherwraps,drewuptothefiretotalktohim.Butinsteadofdoingtheexpectedthing,Georginadidtheforbidden.Sincetheoldman'skneeswerecrossedsothatshecouldnolongerclimbuponthem,sheattemptedtoseatherselfonhisfoot,clamoring,"Doitagain!"



"No,dear,"Barbarasaidfirmly."UncleDarcy'stired."Shehadnoticedthelong-drawnsighofreliefwithwhichheendedthelastgallop."He'sgoingtotellusaboutfatherwhenhewasalittleboynobiggerthanyou.SocomeheretoBarbyandlistenorelsegoofftoyourowncornerandplaywithyourwhirligig."

Usually,atthementionofsomeparticularlypleasingtoyGeorginawouldtrotoffhappilytofindit;butto-dayshestoodwithherfacedrawnintoarebelliouspuckerandscowledathermothersavagely.Thenthrowingherselfdownontherugshebegankickingherblueshoesupanddownonthehearth,roaring,"_No!No!_"atthetopofhervoice.Barbarapaidnoattentionatfirst,butfindingitimpossibletotalkwithsuchanoisegoingon,draggedherupfromthefloorandlookedaroundhelplessly,consideringwhattodowithher.Thensherememberedthehugewickerclotheshamper,standingemptyinthekitchen,andcarryingherout,gentlyloweredherintoit.

ItwassodeepthatevenontiptoeGeorginacouldnotlookovertherim.Allshecouldseewastheceilingdirectlyoverhead.Thesurpriseofsuchanovelpunishmentmadeherholdherbreathtofindwhatwasgoingtohappennext,andinthestillnesssheheardhermothersaycalmlyasshewalkedoutoftheroom:"Ifsheroarsanymore,Tippy,justputthelidon;butassoonassheisreadytoactlikealittlelady,liftherout,please."

Thestrangenessofhersurroundingskeptherquietamomentlonger,andinthatmomentshediscoveredthatbyputtingoneeyetoaloosely-wovenspotinthehampershecouldseewhatMrs.Triplettwasdoing.Shewaspolishingthesilverporringer,tryingtoruboutthedentwhichthefallhadmadeinitsside.Itwassuchaninterestingkitchen,seenthroughthispeep-holethatGeorginabecameabsorbedinrollinghereyearoundforwiderviews.Thenshefoundanotheroutlookontheothersideofthehamper,andwasquietsolongthatMrs.Triplettcameoverandpeereddownathertoseewhatwasthematter.Georginalookedupatherwitharoguishsmile.Oneneverknewhowshewasgoingtotakeapunishmentorwhatshewoulddonext.

"Areyoureadytobealittleladynow?Wantmetoliftyouout?"Bothlittlearmswerestretchedjoyouslyuptoher,andavoiceofangelicsweetnesssaidcoaxingly:"_Pleathe_,Tippy."

TheporringerwasinMrs.Triplett'shandwhensheleanedoverthehampertoaskthequestion.Thegleamofitsfreshly-polishedsidescaughtGeorgina'sattentionaninstantbeforeshewasliftedout,anditwasimpressedonhermemorystillmoredeeplybybeingputintoherownhandsafterwardsasshesatinMrs.Triplett'slap.Oncemorehertinyfinger'stipwasmadetotracethelettersengravedaroundtherim,asshewastoldabouthergreat-greatauntandwhatwasexpectedofher.Thesolemntoneclutchedherattentionasfirmlyasthehandwhichheldher,andsomehow,beforeshewassetfree,shewasmadetofeelthat

becauseofthatoldporringershewasobligedtobealittlelady.

Tippywasnotonewhocouldsitcalmlybyandseeachildsufferforlackofproperinstruction,andwhileGeorginaneverknewjusthowitwasdone,thefactwasimpresseduponherasyearswentbythatthereweremanythingswhichshecouldnotdo,simplybecauseshewasaHuntingdonandbecausehernamehadbeengravenforsomanygenerationsaroundthatshiningsilverrim.

Althoughtooldereyesthehappeningsofthatmorningweretrivial,they



werefar-reachingintheirimportancetoGeorgina,fortheygaveherthreememories--Jeremy'steeth,theTowncrier'sbell,andherownnameontheporringer--tomakeadeepimpressiononallherafter-life.

[Illustration]

CHAPTERIII

THETOWNCRIERHASHISSAY

THEoldHuntingdonhousewithitsgraygablesandstonechimneys,stoodonthebeachnearthebreakwater,justbeyondtheplacewhereeverythingseemedtocometoanend.Thehouseitselfmarkedtheendofthetown.BackofitthedrearydunesstretchedawaytowardtheAtlantic,andinfronttheCaperanoutinalong,thintongueofsandbetweenthebayandtheharbor,withalighthouseonitsfarthestpoint.Itgaveonethefeelingofbeingattheverytipendoftheworldtolookacrossandseethewaterclosinginonbothsides.Eventheroadendedinfrontofthehouseinabroadloopinwhichmachinescouldturnaround.

Insummertherewasalwaysastringofsightseerscominguptothisendofthebeach.TheycametoreadthetableterectedonthespotknowntoGeorginaas"holyground,"becauseitmarkedthefirstlandingofthePilgrims.Longbeforeshecouldread,Mrs.Tripletttaughthertolisppartofapoemwhichsaid:

"_Aye,callitholyground,Thethoilwherefirththeytrod._"

ShetaughtittoGeorginabecauseshethoughtitwasonlyfairtoJustinthathischildshouldgrowuptobeasproudofherNewEnglandhomeasshewasofherSouthernone.Barbarawasalwayssingingtoherabout"MyOldKentuckyHome,"and"GoingBacktoDixie,"andwhentheyplayed

togetheronthebeachtheirfavoritegamewasbuildingGrandfatherShirley'shouseinthesand.

Dayafterdaytheybuiltitupwithshellsandwetsandandpebbles,eventothestatelygatepoststoppedbylanterns.Twigsofbayberryandwildbeachplummadetreeswithwhichtoborderitsavenues,andeverydeardelightofswingandarborandgardenpoolbelovedinBarbara'splay-days,wasreproducedinminiatureuntilGeorginalovedthem,too.Sheknewjustwherethebee-hivesoughttobeput,andthesun-dial,andtheholeinthefencewherethelittlepigssqueezedthrough.Therewasastoryforeverything.Bythetimeshehadoutgrownherlispshecouldmakethewholefairstructurebyherself,withoutevenasuggestionfromBarbara.

Whenshegrewoldertheshorewasherschoolroomalso.Shelearnedtoreadfromletterstracedinthesand,andtomakethemherselfwithshellsandpebbles.Shedidhersumsthatway,too,aftershehadlearnedtocountthesailsintheharbor,thegullsfeedingatebb-tide,andthegreatgraniteblockswhichformedthebreak-water.

Mrs.Triplett'stimeforlessonswaswhenGeorginawasfollowingheraboutthehouse.Suchfollowingtaughthertomovebriskly,forTippy,liketimeandtide,neverwaited,anditbehoovedonetobecloseather



heelsifonewouldseewhatsheputintoapanbeforeshewhiskeditintotheoven.AlsoitwasnecessarytokeepupwithherasshemovedswiftlyfromthecellartothepantryifonewouldhearherthrillingtalesofIndiansandearlysettlersandbraveforefathersofcolonytimes.

Therewasapowderhornhangingoverthediningroommantel,whichhadbeeninthebattleofLexington,andTippyexpectedGeorginatofindthesameinspirationinitwhichshedid,becausetheforefatherwhocarrieditwasanancestorofeach.

"TheideaofadescendantofoneoftheMinute-menbeingafraidof _rats_!"shewouldsaywithascornfulrollingofherwordswhichseemedtowitherherlistenerwithridicule."Orofanemptygarret!_Tut!_"

WhenGeorginawasnomorethansix,thatdisgusted"Tut!"wouldstartherinstantlydownadarkcellar-wayorupintothedreadedgarret,evenwhenshecouldfeelthegoose-fleshrisingalloverher.Betweentheporringer,whichobligedhertobealittlelady,andthepowderhorn,whichobligedhertobebrave,evenwhilesheshivered,sometimesGeorginafeltthatshehadalmosttoomuchtoliveupto.Thereweretimeswhenshewassorrythatshehadancestors.ShewasproudtothinkthatoneofthemsharedinthehonorsofthetallPilgrimmonumentoverlookingthetownandharbor,butthereweredayswhenshewouldhave

tradedhimgladlyforanhour'splaywithtwolittlePortugueseboysandtheirsister,whooftenwandereduptothedunesbackofthehouse.

ShehadwatchedthemoftenenoughtoknowthattheirnameswereManuelandJosephandRosa.Theywerebeautifulchildren,suchassomeoftheoldmastersdelightedtopaint,buttheyfoughtandquarreledand--Tippysaid--used"shockinglanguage."ThatiswhyGeorginawasnotallowedtoplaywiththem,butsheoftenstoodatthebackgatewatchingthem,envyingtheirgoodtimestogetherandhopingtohearasampleoftheirshockinglanguage.

Onedaywhentheystrolledbydraggingayoungpuppyinarustysaucepanbyastringtiedtothehandle,thetemptationtojointhemovercame

her.InchbyinchherhandmovedupnearertheforbiddengatelatchandshewasjustslippingthroughwhenoldJeremy,hiddenbehindahedgewherehewasweedingtheborders,roseuplikeanall-seeingdragonandroaredather,"Coomaway,lass!Yemaun'tdothat!"

Shehadnotknownthathewasanywherearound,andthevoicecomingsuddenlyoutoftheunseenstartledhersothatherheartseemedtojumpupintoherthroat.Itmadeherangry,too.OnlythemomentbeforeshehadheardRosascreamatManuel,"Youain'tmyboss;shutyourbigmouth!"

ItwasonthetipofhertonguetoscreamthesamethingatoldJeremyandseewhatwouldhappen.Shefelt,instinctively,thatthiswas

shockinglanguage.Butshehadnotyetoutgrownthelurkingfearwhichalwaysseizedherinhispresencethateitherherteethorhismightflyoutifshewasn'tcareful,soshemadenoanswer.Butcompelledtoventherinwardrebellioninsomeway,sheturnedherbackonthehedgethatscreenedhimandshookthegatetillthelatchrattled.

LookingupshesawthetallPilgrimmonumenttoweringoverthetownlikeawatchfulgiant.Shehadafeelingthatit,too,wasspyingonher.Nomatterwhereshewent,evenawayoutintheharborinamotorboat,itwasalwaysstretchingitslongneckuptowatchher.Shakingbackher



curls,shelookedupatitdefiantlyandmadeafaceatit,justtheugliestpuckerofafaceshecouldtwistherlittlefeaturesinto.

ButitwasonlyonrareoccasionsthatGeorginafeltthelongingforplaymatesofherownage.UsuallyshewasbusywithherlessonsorhappilyfollowinghermotherandMrs.Triplettaroundthehouse,sharingalltheiroccupations.Injelly-makingtimeshehadthescrapingsofthekettletofillherownlittleglass.Whentheysewedshesewedwiththem,evenwhenshewassosmallthatshehadtohavethethreadtiedintheneedle'seye,andcoulddonomorethanpuckerupapieceofsoftgoodsintobigwallops.ButbythetimeshewasnineyearsoldshehadlearnedtomakesuchneatstitchesthatBarbarasentspecimensofherneedleworkbacktoKentucky,andfoldedothersawayinalittletrunkofkeepsakes,tosaveforheruntilsheshouldbegrown.

AlsobythetimeshewasnineshecouldplayquitecreditablyanumberofsimpleEtudesonthetinklyoldpianowhichhadlostsomeofitsivories.HerdailypracticingwasoneofthefewthingsaboutwhichBarbarawasstrict.Somuchattentionhadbeengiventoherowneducationinmusicthatshefoundjoyinkeepingupherinterestinit,andwantedtomakeitoneofGeorgina'schiefsourcesofpleasure.Tothatendshemixedthestoriesofthegreatoperasandcomposerswithherfairytalesandfolklore,untilthechildknewthemasintimatelyasshedidherHansAndersenandUncleRemus.

Theyoftenactedstoriestogether,too.EvenMrs.Triplettwasdraggedintothese,albeitunwillingly,forminorbutnecessaryparts.Forinstance,in"LordUllin'sDaughter,"shecouldkeeponwithherknittingandatthesametimedo"thehorsemenhardbehindusride,"byclappingherheelsonthehearthtosoundlikehoof-beats.

ActingcameasnaturallytoGeorginaasbreathing.Shecouldnotrepeatthesimplestmessagewithoutunconsciouslyimitatingthetoneandgestureoftheonewhosentit.ThisdramaticinstinctmadeagoodreaderofherwhenshetookherturnwithBarbarainreadingaloud.Theyusedtotakepageabout,sittingwiththeirarmsaroundeachotherontheoldclaw-footsofa,backedupagainstthelibrarytable.

AtsuchperformancestheoldTowncrierwasoftenaninterestedspectator.BarbarawelcomedhimwhenhefirstcamebecauseheseemedtowanttotalkaboutJustinasmuchasshedesiredtohear.Latershewelcomedhimforhisownsake,andgrewtodependuponhimforcounselandencouragement.MostofallsheappreciatedhisaffectionateinterestinGeorgina.Ifhehadbeenherowngrandfatherhecouldnothavetakengreaterprideinherlittleaccomplishments.Morethanoncehehadtiedherthreadinherneedleforherwhenshewaslearningtosew,anditwashisunfailingpraiseofherawkwardattemptswhichencouragedhertokeeponuntilherstitcheswerereallypraiseworthy.

Heapplaudedherpianoplayingfromherfirststumblingattemptat

scalestothelastsimplewaltzshehadjustlearned.Heattendedmanyreadings,beginningwithwordsofonesyllable,onuptosuchbooksas"TheLeatherstockingTales."Hecameinoneday,however,astheywerefinishingachapterinoneoftheJudge'sfavoritenovels,andnosoonerhadGeorginaskippedoutoftheroomonanerrandthanhebegantotakehermothertotaskforallowinghertoreadanythingofthatsort.

"You'llmakethelassoldbeforehertime!"hescolded."Alittlescraplikeheroughttobeplayingwithotherchildreninsteadofreadingbookssofaroverherheadthatshecanonlysortoftip-toeupto



them."

"Butit'sthestretchingthatmakeshergrow,UncleDarcy,"Barbaraansweredinanindulgenttone.Hewentonheedlessofherinterruption.

"Andshetellsmethatshesometimessitsasmuchasanhouratatime,listeningtoyouplayonthepiano,especiallyifit's'sadmusicthatmakesyouthinkofsomeonelookingofftoseaforashipthatnevercomesin,orofwavescreepingupinalonelyplacewherethefog-belltolls.'Thosewereherverywords,andshelookedsomournfulthatitworriedme.Itisn'tnaturalforachildofheragetositwithafar-awaylookinhereyes,asifshewereseeingthingsthatain'tthere."

Barbaralaughed.

"Nonsense,UncleDarcy.Aslongasshekeepsherrosycheeksandisfulloflife,alittledreamingcan'thurther.Youshouldhaveseenherdoingtheelfindancethismorning.Sheenteredintothespiritofitlikealittlewhirlwind.And,besides,therearenochildrenanywherenearthatIcanallowhertoplaywith.Ihaveonlyafewacquaintancesinthetown,andtheyaretoofarfromustomakevisitingeasybetweenthechildren.Butlookatthetime_I_givetoher.Iplaywithhersomuchthatwe'remoreliketwochumsthanmotherandchild."

"Yes,butitwouldbebetterforbothofyouifyouhadmorefriendsoutside.ThenGeorginawouldn'tfeelthesadnessof'someonelookingofftoseaforashipthatnevercomesin.'ShefeelsyourseparationfromJustinandyourwatchingforhislettersandyourmakingyourwholelifejustawaitingtimebetweenhisfurloughs,morethanyouhaveanyideaof."

"But,UncleDarcy!"exclaimedBarbara,"itwouldbejustthesamenomatterhowmanyfriendsIhad.Theycouldn'tmakemeforgethisabsence."

"No,buttheycouldgetyouinterestedinotherthings,andGeorgina

wouldfeelthedifference,andbehappierbecauseyouwouldnotseemtobewaitingandanxious.There'ssomerare,goodpeopleinthistown,oldfriendsofthefamilywhotriedtomakeyoufeelathomeamongthemwhenyoufirstcame."

"Iknow,"admittedBarbara,slowly,"butIwassoyoungthen,andsohomesickthatstrangersdidn'tinterestme.NowGeorginaisoldenoughtobethoroughlycompanionable,andourmusicandsewingandhouseholddutiesfillourdays."

Itwasasubjecttheyhaddiscussedbefore,withouteitherconvincingtheother,andtheoldmanhadalwaysgoneawayatsuchtimeswithafeelingofdefeat.Butthistimeashetookhisleave,itwaswiththe

determinationtotakethematterinhandhimself.HefeltheowedittotheJudgetodothatmuchforhisgrandchild.Theusualcrowdsofsummerpeoplewouldbecomingsoon.HehadheardthatGrayInnwastobere-openedthissummer.Thatmeanttherewouldprobablybechildrenatthisendofthebeach.IfOpportunitycamethatneartoGeorgina'sdoorheknewseveralwaysofinducingittoknock.Sohewentoffsmilingtohimself.

[Illustration]



CHAPTERIV

NEWFRIENDSANDTHEGREENSTAIRS

THEtownfilledupwithartistsearlierthanusualthatsummer.Stableloftsandoldboathousesalongtheshoreblossomedintostudios.SketchingclassesmetintheroomsofthebigsummerartschoolswhichmadetheCapeendfamous,orsetuptheirmodelsdownbythewharfs.Oneranintoeaselspitchedinthemostpublicplaces:onbusystreetcorners,onthestepsofthesouvenirshopsandeveninfrontofthetownhall.Peopleinpaint-besmearedsmocks,loadedwithcanvases,sketchingstoolsandpalettes,filledtheboard-walkandoverflowedintothemiddleofthestreet.

The_DorothyBradford_steameduptothewharffromBostonwithherdailyloadofexcursionists,andthe"accommodation"bussesbegantoplyupanddownthethreemilesofnarrowstreetwithitsrestlesstideofsummervisitors.

Upalong,throughthethickofitoneJunemorning,cametheTowncrier,

apicturesquefigureinhisshortbluejacketandwideseaman'strousers,aredbandannaknottedaroundhisthroatandawide-rimmedstrawhatonthebackofhishead.

"Notice!"hecried,aftereachvigorousringingofhisbigbrassbell."Lost,betweenMayflowerHeightsandtheGrayInn,ablackleatherbill-casewithimportantpapers."

Hemadeslowprogress,forsomeonestoppedhimatalmosteveryrodwithawordofgreeting,andhestoppedtopateverydogwhichthrustafriendlynoseintohishandinpassing.Severaltimesstrangerssteppeduptohimtoinquireintohisaffairsasifheweresomeancienthistoricalpersonagecometolife.Onceheheardamansay:

"Quickwithyourkodak,Ethel.CatchtheTowncrierashecomesalong.Theysaythere'sonlyoneotherplaceinthewholeUnitedStatesthathasone.Youcan'taffordtomissanything_this_quaint."

Itwasnearlynoonwhenhecametowardstheendofthebeach.Hewalkedstillmoreslowlyhere,formanycottageshadbeenopenedforsummerresidentssincethelasttimehepassedalong,andheknewsomeoftheowners.Henoticedthattheloftaboveaboat-housewhichhadoncebeenthestudioofafamouspainterofmarinesceneswasagaininuse.Hewonderedwhohadtakenit.Almostacrossfromitwasthe"GreenStairs"whereGeorginaalwayscametomeethimifshewereoutdoorsandheardhisbell.

The"GreenStairs"wasthenameshehadgiventoalongflightofwoodenstepswitharailingoneachside,leadingfromthesidewalkupasteepembankmenttothebungalowontop.Itwasawide-spreadingbungalowwithasmanywindowslookingouttoseaasalighthouse,andhadhadanespecialinterestforGeorgina,sincesheheardsomeonesaythatitsowner,Mr.Milford,wasanoldbachelorwholivedbyhimself.Sheusedtowonderwhenshewasyoungerif"allthebreadandcheesehegothekeptuponashelf."OncesheaskedBarbarawhyhedidn't"gotoLondontogethimawife,"andwastoldprobablybecausehehadsomanyguests



thattherewasn'ttime.Interestingpeoplewerealwayscomingandgoingaboutthehouse;menfamousforthingstheyhaddoneorwrittenorpainted.

NowastheTowncriercamenearer,hesawGeorginaskippingalongtowardhimwithherjumpingrope.Shewasbare-headed,herpinkdressflutteringinthesaltbreeze,hercurlsblowingbackfromherglowinglittleface.Hewouldhavehastenedhisstepstomeether,buthishonestsoulalwaysdemandedacertainamountofservicefromhimselfforthedollarpaidhimforeachtripofthiskind.Sohewentonathiscustomarygait,stoppingattheusualintervalstoringhisbellandcallhisnews.

AttheGreenStairsGeorginapaused,herattentionattractedbyaforeign-lookingbattleshipjuststeamingintotheharbor.Shewasfamiliarwithnearlyeverykindofsea-goingcraftthateveranchoredhere,butshecouldnotclassifythisone.Withherhandsbehindher,claspingherjumpingropereadyforanotherthrow,shestoodlookingouttosea.Presentlyaslightscratchingsoundbehindhermadeherturnsuddenly.Thenshedrewbackstartled,forshewasfacetofacewithadogwhichwassittingonthestepjustonalevelwithhereyes.Hewasaragged-lookingtrampofadog,anIrishterrier,buthelookedatherinsuchaknowing,humanwaythatshespoketohimasifhehadbeenaperson.

"Forgoodness'sake,howyoumademejump!Ididn'tknowanybodywassittingtherebehindme."

Itwasalmostuncannythewayhiseyestwinkledthroughhishair,asifhewerelaughingwithheroversomegoodjoketheyhadtogether.Itgavehersuchafeelingofcomradeshipthatshestoodandsmiledbackathim.Suddenlyheraisedhisrightpawandthrustittowardsher.Shedrewbackanotherstep.Shewasnotusedtodogs,andshehesitatedabouttouchinganythingwithsuchclawsinitasthepawhegravelypresented.

Butashecontinuedtoholditoutshefeltitwouldbeimpolitenottorespondinsomeway,soreachingoutverycautiouslyshegaveitalimp

shake.Thenashestillkeptlookingatherwithquestioningeyessheaskedquiteasifsheexpectedhimtospeak,"What'syourname,Dog?"

Avoicefromthetopofthestepsanswered,"It'sCaptainKidd."Evenmorestartledthanwhenthedoghadclaimedherattention,sheglanceduptoseeasmallboyonthehigheststep.Hewassuckinganorange,buthetookhismouthawayfromitlongenoughtoadd,"Hisname'sonhiscollarthathegotyesterday,andso'smine.Youcanlookat'emifyouwantto."

Georginaleanedforwardtopeerattheengravingonthefrontofthecollar,butthehairontheshaggythroathidit,andshewastimidabouttouchingaspotjustbelowsuchawideopenmouthwithared

tonguelollingoutofit.Sheputherhandsbehindherinstead.

"Is--ishe--apiratedog?"sheventured.

Theboyconsideredaminute,notwantingtosayyesifpirateswerenotrespectableinhereyes,andnotwantingtolosethechanceofglorifyinghimifsheheldtheminashighesteemashedid.Afteralongmeditativesuckathisorangeheannounced,"Well,he'sjustasgoodasone.Heburiesallhistreasures.That'swhywecallhimCaptainKidd."



Georginashotalong,appraisingglanceattheboyfromunderherdarklashes.Hiseyesweredark,too.Therewassomethingabouthimthatattractedher,evenifhisfacewassmearywithorangejuiceandstreakedwithdirtyfingermarks.ShewantedtoaskmoreaboutCaptainKidd,butheracquaintancewithboyswasasslightaswithdogs.OvercomebyasuddenshynessshethrewherropeoverherheadandwentskippingondowntheboardwalktomeettheTowncrier.

Theboystoodupandlookedafterher.Hewishedshehadn'tbeeninsuchahurry.Ithadbeenthelongestmorningheeverlivedthrough.Havingarrivedonlythedaybeforewithhisfathertovisitatthebungalowhehadn'tyetdiscoveredwhattherewasforaboytodointhisstrangeplace.Everybodyhadgoneoffandlefthimwiththeservants,andtoldhimtoplayaroundtilltheygotback.Itwouldn'tbelong,theysaid,buthehadwaitedandwaiteduntilhefelthehadbeenlookingouttoseafromthetopofthosegreenstepsallthedaysofhislife.Ofcourse,hewouldn'twanttoplaywithjustagirl,but----

Hewatchedthepinkdressgoflutteringon,andthenhesawGeorginatakethebellawayfromtheoldmanasifitwereherrighttodoso.Sheturnedandwalkedalongbesidehim,tinklingitfaintlyasshetalked.Hewished_he_hadachanceatit.He'dshowherhowloudhecouldmakeitsound.

"Notice,"calledtheoldman,seeingfacesappearatsomeofthewindowstheywerepassing."Lost,ablackleatherbill-case----"

Theboy,listeningcuriously,sliddownthestepsuntilhereachedtheoneonwhichthedogwassitting,andputhisarmarounditsneck.Thebanisterpostshidhimfromtheapproachingcouple.HecouldhearGeorgina'seagervoicepipingupflute-like:

"It'sapiratedog,UncleDarcy.He'snamedCaptainKiddbecauseheburieshistreasures."

Inanswertheoldman'squaveringvoiceroseinasongwhichhehad

roaredlustilymanyatimeinhisyoungerdays,aboardmanyagallantvessel:

"_Oh,mynameisCaptainKidd,Andmanywick-udthingsIdid,AndheapsofgoldIhid,AsIsailed._"

Thewayhisvoicesliddownonthewordwick-_ud_madeaqueerthrillyfeelingrundowntheboy'sback,andallofasuddenthedaygrewwonderfullyinteresting,andthisoldseaporttownoneofthenicestplaceshehadeverbeenin.ThesingerstoppedatthestepsandGeorgina,disconcertedatfindingtheboyatsuchcloserangewhenshe

expectedtoseehimfaraboveher,gotnofurtherinherintroductiontoCaptainKiddthan"Herehe----"

Buttheoldmanneedednointroduction.Hehadonlytospeaktothedogtoseteveryinchofhimquiveringinaffectionateresponse."Here'safriendworthhaving,"theraggedytailseemedtosignalinawig-wagcodeofitsown.

Thenthewrinkledhandwentfromthedog'sheadtotheboy'sshoulderwiththesamekindofanaffectionatepat."What's_your_name,son?"



"RichardMorland."

"What?"wasthesurprisedquestion."AreyouasonoftheartistMorland,whoisvisitinguphereattheMilfordbungalow?"

"Yes,that'sus."

"Well,blessmystars,it's_his_bill-caseIhavebeencryingallmorning.IfI'dknowntherewasafineladlikeyousittingaboutdoingnothing,I'dhadyouwithme,ringingthebell."

Thelittlefellow'sfaceglowed.HewasasquicktorecognizeafriendworthhavingasCaptainKiddhadbeen.

"Say,"hebegan,"ifitwasDaddy'sbill-caseyouwereshoutingabout,youneedn'tdoitanylonger.It'sfound.CaptainKiddcameinwithitinhismouthjustafterDaddywentaway.Hewasstartingtodigaholeinthesanddownbythegaragetoburyitin,likehedoeseverything.He'shardlydonebeingapuppyyet,youknow.Itookitawayfromhimandreckanizedit,andI'vebeenwaitinghereallmorningforDadtocomehome."

Hebegantuggingatthepocketintowhichhehadstowedthebill-case

forsafe-keeping,andCaptainKidd,feelingthatitwashisbyrightofdiscovery,stoodup,wagginghimselfallover,andpokinghisnoseinbetweenthem,withanairofexcitedinterest.TheTowncriershookhisfingerathim.

"Yourascal!Isupposeyou'llbeclaimingtherewardnextthing,youoldpirate!Howoldishe,Richard?"

"Aboutayear.Hewasgiventomewhenhewasjustalittlepuppy."

"Andhowoldareyou,son?"

"Tenmylastbirthday,butI'msobigformyageIwear'leven-year-old

suits."

NowtheTowncrierhadn'tintendedtostop,butthedogbeganburrowingitsheadecstaticallyagainsthim,andtherewassomethingintheboy'slonesome,dirtylittlefacewhichappealedtohim,andthenextthingheknewhewassittingonthebottomstepoftheGreenStairswithGeorginabesidehim,tellingthemostthrillingpiratestoryheknew.Andhetolditmorethrillinglythanhehadevertolditbefore.Thereasonforthiswashehadneverhadsuchaspellboundlistenerbefore.NotevenJustinhadhungoneachwordwiththeraptinterestthisboyshowed.Hisdarkeyesseemedtogrowbiggerandmoreluminouswitheachsentence,moreintenseintheirpiercinggaze.Hissensitivemouthchangedexpressionwitheveryphaseoftheadventure--danger,suspense,triumph.He

scarcelybreathed,hewaslisteningsohard.

Suddenlythewhistleatthecold-storageplantbegantoblowfornoon,andtheoldmanrosestiffly,saying:

"I'malongwayfromhome,Ishouldhavestartedbacksooner."

"Oh,butyouhaven'tfinishedthestory!"criedtheboy,indistressatthissuddenending."It_couldn't_stopthere."



Georginacaughthimbythesleeveoftheoldbluejackettopullhimbacktotheseatbesideher.

"_Please_,UncleDarcy!"

Itwasthefirsttimeinallhercoaxingthatthatmagicwordfailedtobendhimtoherwishes.

"No,"heansweredfirmly,"Ican'tfinishitnow,butI'lltellyouwhatI'lldo.ThisafternoonI'llrowuptothisendofthebeachinmydoryandtakeyoutwochildrenouttotheweirstoseethenethauledin.There'sapttobeabigcatchofsquidworthgoingtosee,andI'llfinishthestoryontheway.Willthatsuityou?"

Richardstoodup,aseagerandexcitedasCaptainKiddalwayswaswhenanybodysaid"Rats!"Butthenextinstantthelightdiedoutofhiseyesandheplumpedhimselfgloomilydownonthestep,asiflifewerenolongerworthliving.

"Oh,bother!"heexclaimed."Iforgot.Ican'tgoanywhere.Dad'spaintingmyportrait,andIhavetostickaroundso'shecanworkonitanyoldtimehefeelslikeit.That'swhyhebroughtmeonthisvisitwithhim,so'shecanfinishituphere."

"Maybeyoucanbegoff,justforto-day,"suggestedMr.Darcy.

"No,it'sveryimportant,"heexplainedgravely."It'sthebestoneDaddy'sdoneyet,andthelastthingbeforewelefthomeAuntLettysaid,'Whateveryoudo,boys,don'tletanythinginterferewithgettingthatpicturedoneintimetohangintheexhibition,'andwebothpromised."

Therewasgloomysilenceforamoment,brokenbytheoldman'scheerfulvoice.

"Well,don'tyouworrytillyouseewhatwecando.Iwanttoseeyourfatheranyhowaboutthisbill-casebusiness,soI'llcomearoundthis

afternoon,andifhedoesn'tletyouoffto-daymaybehewillto-morrow.JusttrustyourUncleDarcyforgettingwherehestartsouttogo.Skipalonghome,Georgina,andtellyourmotherIwanttoborrowyoufortheafternoon."

Anexcitedlittlepinkwhirlwindwithajumpingropegoingoverandoveritshead,wentflyingupthestreettowardtheendofthebeach.Asmilingoldmanwithagelookingoutofhisfadedblueeyesbutwiththespiritofboyhoodundimmedinhisheart,walkedslowlydowntowardsthetown.AndonthebottomstepoftheGreenStairs,hisarmaroundCaptainKidd,theboysatwatchingthem,lookingfromonetotheotheraslongastheywereinsight.Theheartofhimwaspoundingdeliciouslytothemusicofsuchphrasesas,"_Fathomsdeep,lonelybeach,spadeand

pickaxe,skullandcross-bones,bagsofgoldendoubloonsandchestsofducatsandpearls!_"

[Illustration]

CHAPTERV



INTHEFOOTSTEPSOFPIRATES

THEweirs,towhichtheytooktheirwaythatafternoonintheTowncrier'sdory,_TheBetsey_,was"thebiggestfish-trapinanywatersthereabouts,"theoldmantoldthem.Andithappenedthatthenetheldanunusuallylargecatchthatday.Barrelsandbarrelsofflappingsquidandmackerelwereemptiedintothebigmotorboatanchoredalongsideofit.

AtawordfromUncleDarcy,anobligingfishermaninoilskinsheldouthishandtohelpthechildrenscrambleoverthesideof_TheBetsey_toaseatontopofthecabinwheretheycouldhaveabetterview.AllthecrewwerePortuguese.ThemanwhohelpedthemclimboverwasJoeFayal,fatherofManuelandJosephandRosa.HestoodlikeayoungbrownNeptune,hiswhiteteethflashingwhenhelaughed,apitchforkinhishandswithwhichtospearthegoosefishastheyturnedupinthenet,andthrowthembackintothesea.Ifnothingelsehadhappenedthatsightalonewasenoughtomarkitasamemorableafternoon.

Nothingelsedidhappen,really,exceptthatonthewayout,UncleDarcyfinishedthestorybegunontheGreenStairsandonthewaybacktoldthemanother.ButwhatRichardrememberedeverafterasseemingtohavehappened,wasthat_TheBetsey_suddenlyturnedintoaBrigantine.

Perchedupononeofthemasts,anunseenspectator,hewatchedamutinyflareupamongthesailors,andsawthat"strutting,swaggeringvillain,JohnQuelch,throwthecaptainoverboardandtakecommandhimself."Hesawthemhoistaflagtheycalled"OldRoger,""havinginthemiddleofitanAnatomy(skeleton)withanhour-glassinonehandandadartintheheartwiththreedropsofbloodproceedingfromit."

Heheardtheroarthatwentupfromallthosebeardedthroats--(wonderfulhowUncleDarcy'sthin,quaveringvoicecouldsoundthatwholechorus)----

"_Ofallthelives,Ieversay,APirate'sbeforI.

Hapwhathapmay,he'sallusgayAn'drinksan'bungshiseye.Forhisworkhe'sneverloth,An'a-pleasurin'he'llgoTho'certainsuretobepoptoff.Yoho,withtherumbelow._"

AndthentheymadeafterthePortuguesevessels,nineofthem,andtookthemall(Whatabloodyfightitwas!),andsailedawaywithadazzlingstoreoftreasure,"enoughtomakeanhonestsailormanrubhiseyesandstaggerinhistracks."

RichardhadnotbeenbroughtuponstoriesasGeorginahad.Hehadhad

fewofthiskind,andnonesobreathlesslyrealistic.Itcarriedhimoutofhimselfsocompletelythatastheyrowedslowlybacktotownhedidnotseeasinglehouseinit,althougheverywesternwindow-paneflashedbacktheout-goingsunlikeagoldenmirror.Hisserious,browneyeswerefollowingtheadventuresoftheseboldsea-robbers,"maroonedthreetimesandwoundednineandblowedupintheair."

Whenallofasuddenthebrigantinechangedbackinto_TheBetsey_,andhehadtoclimboutattheboat-landing,hehadsomewhatofthedazedfeelingofthathonestsailor-man.Hehadheardenoughtomakehim"rub



hiseyesandstaggerinhistracks."

UncleDarcy,havingputthemashore,rowedoffwiththepartinginjunctiontoskipalonghome.Georginadidskip,solightoffootandquickofmovementthatshewasintheleadallthewaytotheGreenStairs.ThereshepausedandwaitedforRichardtojoinher.Ashecameuphespokeforthefirsttimesinceleavingtheweirs.

"WishIknewtheboysinthistown.WishIknewwhichonewouldbethebesttogettogodiggingwithme."

[Illustration:_TheytooktheirWayintheBetsey_]

Georginadidnotneedtoask,"diggingforwhat?"She,too,hadbeenthinkingofburiedtreasure.

"_I'll_gowithyou,"shevolunteeredsweetly.

Heturnedonheraninquiringlook,asifheweretakinghermeasure,thenglancedawayindifferently.

"Youcouldn't.You'reagirl."

Itwasamatter-of-factstatementwithnosuspicionofatauntinit,

butitstungGeorgina'spride.Hereyesblazeddefiantlyandshetossedbackhercurlswithaproudlittleupliftofthechin.Itmustbeacknowledgedthathernose,too,tookonthetrifleofatilt.Herchallengewasunspokenbutsoevidentthatheansweredit.

"Well,youknowyoucouldn'tcreepoutintothenightandgoalongalonelyshoreintodarkcavesandeverything."

"_Pity_Icouldn't!"sheansweredwithwitheringscorn."Icouldgoanywhere_you_could,anybodydescendedfromheroeslike_I_am.Idon'twanttobebraggity,butI'dhaveyoutoknowtheyputupthatbigmonumentoverthereforoneofthem,andanotherwasaMinute-man.Withallthat,foryoutothinkI'dbeafraid!_Tut!_"

NotTippyherselfhadeverspokenthatwordwithfinerscorn.WithaflirtofhershortskirtsGeorginaturnedandstarteddisdainfullyupthestreet.

"Wait,"calledRichard.Helikedthesuddenflare-upofhermanner.Therewassomethingconvincingaboutit.Besides,hedidn'twanthertogooffinthatindependentwayasifshemeantnevertocomeback.ItwasshewhohadbroughttheTowncrier,thatmatchlessTellerofTales,acrosshispath.

"Ididn'tsayyouwasn'tbrave,"hecalledafterher.

Shehesitated,thenstopped,turninghalf-wayaround.

"Ijustsaidyouwasagirl.Mostofthem_are_'fraidcats,butifyouain'tIdon'tknowasI'dmindtakingyoualong.Thatis,"headdedcautiously,"ifIcouldbedeadsurethatyou'regame."

AtthatGeorginaturnedallthewayaroundandcamebackafewsteps.

"Youcantryme,"sheanswered,anxioustoproveherselfworthytobetakenonsuchaquest,andaseagerashetobeginit.



"Youthinkofthethingyou'remostafraidofyourself,andtellmetodoit,andthenjustwatchme."

Richarddeclinedtoadmitanyfearofanything.Georginanamedseveralterrorsatwhichhestoutlyshookhishead,butpresentlywithuncannyinsightshetoucheduponhisweakestpoint.

"WouldyoubeafraidofcoffinsandspooksortogotoagraveyardinthedeadofthenightthewayTomSawyerandHuckFinndid?"

NothavingreadTomSawyer,Richardevadedthequestionbyasking,"Howdidtheydo?"

"Oh,don'tyouknow?TheyhadthedeadcatandtheysawoldInjunJoecomewiththelanternandkillthemanthatwaswithMuffPotter."

BythetimeGeorginahadgiventhebareoutlineofthestoryinherdramaticway,Richardwasquitesurethatnopowerunderheavencouldenticehimintoagraveyardatmidnight,thoughnothingcouldhaveinducedhimtoadmitthistoGeorgina.Asfarbackashecouldrememberhehadhadanunreasoningdreadofcoffins.Evennow,bigashewas,bigenoughtowear"'leven-year-oldsuits,"nothingcouldtempthimintoafurnitureshopforfearofseeingacoffin.

Oneofhisearliestrecollectionswasofhisnursetakinghimintoalittleshop,atsomevillagewheretheywerespendingthesummer,andhiscoldterrorwhenhefoundhimselfdirectlybesidealongbrownone,smellingofvarnish,andwithsilverhandles.Hisnurse'staleshadmuchtodowithcreatingthisrepulsion,alsoherthreatofshuttinghimupinacoffinifhewasn'tagoodboy.Whenshefoundthatshecouldexactobediencebykeepingthatdreadhangingoverhim,sheusedthethreatdaily.

"I'lltellyouwhatI'lldo,"hesaidfinally."I'llletyougodiggingwithmeifyou'regameenoughtogotothegraveyardandwalkclearacrossitallbyyourselfand"--droppinghisvoicetoahollow

whisper--"_touch--ten--tombstones_!"

Now,ifRichardhadn'tdroppedhisvoiceinthatscarywaywhenhesaid,"andtouchtentombstones,"itwouldhavebeennotestatallofGeorgina'scourage.Strange,howjusthiswayofsayingthosefourwordssuddenlymadetheactsuchafearsomeone.

"Doitrightnow,"hesuggested.

"Butitisn'tnightyet,"sheanswered,"letalonebeingmid-night."

"No,butit'scloudingup,andthesun'sdown.Bythetimewe'dgettoagraveyarditwouldbedarkenoughformetotellifyou'regame."

UptothistimeGeorginahadnevergoneanywherewithoutpermission.Butthiswassomethingonecouldn'texplainverywellathome.Itseemedbettertodoitfirstandexplainafterward.

Fifteenminuteslater,twochildrenandadogarrivedhotandpantingattheentrancetotheoldburyingground.Onahighsanddune,coveredwiththinpatchesofbeachandpovertygrass,andasparsegrowthofscragglypines,itwasadesolatespotatanytime,andnowdoublysointhegatheringtwilight.Thelichen-coveredslabsthatmarkedthegraves



oftheearlysettlersleanedthiswayandthatalongthehill.

Thegatewaslocked,butGeorginafoundaplacewherethepalingswereloose,andsqueezedthrough,leavingRichardandthedogoutside.Theywatchedherthroughthefenceasshetoiledupthesteephill.Thesandwassodeepthatsheplungedinoverhershoe-topsateverystep.Onceontopitwaseasiergoing.Themattedbeachgrassmadeafirmturf.Shestoppedandreadthenamesonsomeoftheslabsbeforeshepluckedupcouragetotouchone.ShewouldnothavehesitatedaninstantifonlyRichardhadnotdaredherinthatscaryway.

Somelittle,wildcreaturestartedupoutofthegrassaheadofherandscurriedaway.Herheartbeatsofastshecouldhearthebloodpoundingagainstherear-drums.Shelookedback.Richardwaswatching,andshewastowaveherhandeachtimeshetouchedastonesothathecouldkeepcountwithher.Shestoopedandpeeredatone,tryingtoreadtheinscription.Thecloudshadhurriedthecomingoftwilight.Itwashardtodecipherthewords.

"Noneknewhimbuttolovehim,"shereadslowly.Instantlyherdreadoftheplacevanished.ShelaidherhandonthestoneandthenwavedtoRichard.Thensheranonandreadandtouchedanother."Lostatsea,"thatonesaid,andunderthenextslabsslept"Deliverance"and"Experience,""Mercy,"and"Thankful."Whatqueernamespeoplehadin

thoseearlydays!Andwhatstrangepicturestheyetchedinthestoneofthoseoldgrayslabs--urnsandangelsandweepingwillows!

Shesignaledthetenthandlast.Richardwonderedwhyshedidnotturnandcomeback.Atthehighestpointofthehillshestoodasiftransfixed,aslimlittlesilhouetteagainstthedarkeningsky,herhandsclaspedinamazement.Suddenlysheturnedandcametearingdownthehill,flounderingthroughsand,fallingandpickingherselfup,onlytoflounderandfallagain,finallyrollingdownthelastfewyardsoftheembankment.

"Whatscaredyou?"askedRichard,hiseyesbigwithexcitementashewatchedwhatseemedtobeherterrifiedexit."Whatdidyousee?"But

shewouldnotspeakuntilshehadsqueezedbetweenthepalingsandstoodbesidehim.Thenshetoldhiminanimpressivewhisper,glancingfurtivelyoverhershoulder:

"There'sawholerowoftombstonesuptherewith_skullsandcross-bonesonthem!Theymustbepirategraves!_"

Hermysteriousairwassocontagiousthatheansweredinawhisper,andinamomenteachwasconvincedbytheother'smeremannerthattheirsuspicionwastrue.PresentlyGeorginaspokeinhernaturalvoice.

"Yougoupandlookatthem."

"Naw,I'lltakeyourwordforit,"heansweredinapatronizingtone."Besides,thereisn'ttimenow.It'sgettingtoodark.They'llbeexpectingmehometosupper."

Georginaglancedabouther.Thecloudssettlingheavilymadeitseemlaterthanitreallywas.ShehadaguiltyfeelingthatBarbywasworryingaboutherlongabsence,maybeimaginingthatsomethinghadhappenedto_TheBetsey_.Shestartedhomeward,halfrunning,butherpaceslackenedasRichard,hurryingalongbesideher,begantoplanwhattheywoulddowiththeirtreasurewhentheyfoundit.



"There'ssuretobepilesofburiedgoldaroundhere,"hesaid."Thosepirategravesprovethatalotof'emlivedhereonce.Let'sbuyamovingpictureshowfirst."

Georgina'sfacegrewradiantatthistacitadmissionofherselfintopartnership.

"Oh,yes,"sheassentedjoyfully."Andthenwecanhavemovingpicturesmadeof_us_doingallsortsofthings.Won'titbefuntositbackandwatchourselvesandseehowwelookdoing'em?"

"Say!that'sgreat,"heexclaimed."Allthekidsintownwillwanttobeinthepictures,too,butwe'llhavethesay-so,andonlythosewhodoexactlytosuituscanhaveachanceofgettingin."

"Butthemoreweletinthemoremoneywe'dmakeintheshow,"wasGeorgina'sshrewdanswer."Everybodywillwanttoseewhattheirchildlookslikeinthemovies,so,ofcourse,that'llmakepeoplecometoourshowinsteadoftheotherones."

"Say,"wastheadmiringreply."You'reapartnerworthhaving.You'vegota_head_."

SuchpraisewasthesweetestincensetoGeorgina.Sheburnedtocallforthmore.

"Oh,IcanthinkoflotsofthingswhenonceIgetstarted,"sheassuredhimwithagrandair.

AstheyranalongRichardglancedseveraltimesattheheadfromwhichhadcomesuchvaluablesuggestions.Therewasagleamofgoldinthebrowncurlswhichbobbedoverhershoulders.Helikedit.Hehadn'tnoticedbeforethatherhairwaspretty.

Therewasagleamofgold,also,inthethoughtsofeach.Theycouldfairlyseethenuggetstheyweresoontounearth,andtheir

imaginations,eachfiredbytheother,shoveledoutthecoinwhichthepictureshowwastoyieldthem,inthesamewaythatthefishermanhadshoveledtheshiningmackerelintotheboat.Theyhadnotattemptedtocountthem,simplymeasuredthembythebarrelful.

"Don'ttellanybody,"RichardcounseledherastheypartedattheGreenStairs."Crossyourheartandbodyyouwon'ttellasoul.Wewanttosurprise'em."

Georginagavetherequiredsignandpromise,asgravelyasifitwereanoath.

FromthefrontporchRichard'sfatherandcousin,JamesMilford,watched

himclimbslowlyuptheGreenStairs.

"Dickylooksasiftheaffairsofthenationwereonhisshoulders,"observedCousinJames."Pityhedoesn'trealizethesearehiscare-freedays."

"They'renot,"answeredtheelderRichard."They'rethemostdeadlyseriousoneshe'lleverhave.Idon'tknowwhathe'sgotonhismindnow,butwhateveritisI'llwageritismoreimportantbusinessthanthatdealyou'retryingtopulloffwiththeColdStoragepeople."



[Illustration]

CHAPTERVI

SPEND-THE-DAYGUESTS

THEREwasastormthatnightandnextdayaheavyfogdroppeddownlikeathickwhiteveilovertownandsea.ItwassocoldthatJeremylightedafire,notonlyinthelivingroombutintheguestchamberacrossthehall.

AweekearlierTippyhadannounced,"It'llneverdotoletCousinMehitableHuntingdongobacktoHyanniswithouthavingbrokenbreadwithus.She'dtalkaboutittotheendofherdays,ifweweretheonlyrelationsintownwhofailedtoaskherintoameal,duringherfortnight'svisit.And,ofcourse,ifweaskher,allthefamilyshe'sstayingwithoughttobeinvited,andwe'veneverhadthenewministerandhiswifeheretoeat.Mightaswelldoitallupatoncewhilewe'reaboutit."

Spend-the-dayguestswererareinGeorgina'sexperience.Thegrandpreparationsfortheirentertainmentwhichwentonthatmorningputthenewpartnershipandthetreasure-questfarintothebackground.Sheforgotitentirelywhilethedining-roomtable,stretchedtoitslimit,wasbeingsetwiththebestchinaandsilverasifforaThanksgivingfeast.Mrs.Fayal,themotherofManuelandJosephandRosa,cameovertohelpinthekitchen,andTippywhiskedaroundsofastthatGeorgina,taggingafter,wascontinuallymeetinghercomingback.

Georginawasfollowingtoaskquestionsabouttheexpectedguests.Shelikedthegruesomesoundofthatterm"bloodrelations"asTippyusedit,andwantedtoknowallaboutthisrecentlydiscovered"in-law,"the

widowofhergrandfather'scousin,ThomasHuntingdon.BarbycouldnottellherandMrs.Triplett,toobusytobebothered,setherdowntoturntheleavesofthefamilyalbum.ButthephotographofCousinMehitablehadbeentakenwhenshewasaboarding-schoolmissinadisfiguringhatandbasque,andborelittleresemblancetotheimposingpersonagewhoheadedtheprocessionofvisitors,arrivingpromptlyateleveno'clock.

WhenCousinMehitablecameintotheroominherwidow'sbonnetwiththelongblackveilhangingdownbehind,sheseemedtofilltheplaceasthemassiveblackwalnutwardrobeupstairsfilledthealcove.SheliftedhereyeglassesfromthehookonherdresstoherhookednosetolookatGeorginabeforeshekissedher.Underthatgazethechildfeltasawed

asifthebigwardrobehadbentoverandputawoodenkissonherforeheadandsaidinadeep,whisperysortofvoice,"SothisistheJudge'sgranddaughter.Howdoyoudo,mydear?"

Alltheguestsweremiddleagedandmostofthemportly.Thereweresomanythattheyfilledallthechairsandthelongclaw-footsofabesides.Georginasatonafoot-stool,herhandsfoldedinherlapuntiltheotherstookouttheirknittingandembroidery.Thensherantogetthenapkinshewashemming.Thehusbandswhohadbeeninviteddidnotarriveuntiltimetositdowntodinnerandtheyleftimmediatelyafter



thefeast.

Georginawishedthateverybodywouldkeepstillandletoneguestatatimedothetalking.Afterthefirstfewminutesofgeneralconversationthecirclebrokeintolittlegroups,anditwasn'tpossibletofollowthethreadofthestoryinmorethanone.Eachgroupkeptbringingtolightsomebitoffamilyhistorythatshewantedtohearorsomeoldfamilyjokewhichtheylaughedoverasifitwerethefunniestthingthateverhappened.Itwastantalizingnottobeabletohearthemall.Itmadeherthinkoftimeswhensherummagedthroughthechestsintheattic,pullingoutfascinatingoldgarmentsandholdingthemupforTippytosupplytheirhistory.Butthiswasasbadasopeningallthechestsatonce.Whileshewasbusywithoneshewasmissingallthatwasbeinghauledouttothelightofdayfromtheothers.

Severaltimesshemovedherfoot-stoolfromonegrouptoanother,drawnbysomesentencesuchas,"Well,shecertainlywastheprettiestbrideIeverlaidmytwoeyeson,butnotmanyofuswouldwanttostandinhershoesnow."Orfromacrosstheroom,"Theydosayitwaswhathappenedthenightofthewreckthatunbalancedhismind,butI'vealwaysthoughtitwashavingthingsgoatsixesandsevensathomeastheydid."

GeorginawouldhavesettledherselfpermanentlynearCousinMehitable,shebeingthemostdramaticandvolubleofthemall,butshehada

tantalizingwayofloweringhervoiceatthemostinterestingpart,andwhisperingthelastsentencebehindherhand.Georginawasnearlyconsumedwithcuriosityeachtimethathappened,andfairlyachedtoknowthesewhisperedrevelations.

Itwasanentrancingday--thedinnersogood,theancientjokespassingaroundthetableallsonewandwittytoGeorgina,hearingthemnowforthefirsttime.Shewishedthatastormwouldcomeuptokeepeverybodyatthehouseovernightandthusprolongthefestalfeeling.Shelikedthis"Company"atmosphereinwhicheveryoneseemedtogrowexpansiveofsoulandgraciousofspeech.Shelovedeveryrelativeshehadtotheremotest"in-law."

Herheartswelledwithagreatthankfulnesstothinkthatshewasnotanorphan.HadshebeenonetherewouldhavebeennoonetoremarkthathereyeswereexactlylikeJustin'sandshecarriedherselflikeaHuntingdon,butthatshemusthaveinheritedhersmilefromtheothersideofthehouse.Barbarahadthatsamesmileandwinningwaywithher.Itwaspleasanttobediscussedwhenonlypleasantthingsweresaid,andtohaveherneatstitchesexclaimedoverandpraisedastheywerepassedaround.

Shethoughtaboutitagainafterdinner,andfeltsosorryforchildrenwhowereorphans,thatshedecidedtospendalargepartofhershareoftheburiedtreasureinmakingthemhappy.ShewassurethatRichardwouldgivepartofhisshare,too,whenhefoundit,andwhenthe

pictureshowwhichtheyweregoingtobuywasingoodrunningorder,theywouldmakeitarulethatorphansshouldalwaysbeletinfree.

Shecamebackfromthispleasantday-dreamtohearCousinMehitablesaying,"Speakingofthieves,doesanyoneknowwhateverbecameofpoorDanDarcy?"

Nobodyknew,andtheyallshooktheirheadsandsaidthatitwasapitythathehadturnedoutsobadly.Itwashardtobelieveitofhimwhenhehadalwaysbeensuchakind,pleasant-spokenboy,justlikehis



father;andifevertherewasanhonestsoulinthewholeroundworlditwastheoldTowncrier.

AtthatGeorginagavesuchastartthatsheranherneedleintoherthumb,andatinydropofbloodspurtedout.ShedidnotknowthatUncleDarcyhadason.Shehadneverheardhisnamementionedbefore.Shehadbeenathishousemanyatime,andthereneverwasanyonetherebesideshimselfexcepthiswife,"AuntElspeth"(whowassooldandfeeblethatshestayedinbedmostofthetime),andthethreecats,"JohnDarcyandMaryDarcyandoldYellownose."That'sthewaytheoldmanalwaysspokeofthem.Hecalledthemhisfamily.

Georginawasgladthattheminister'swifewasanewcomerinthetownandaskedtohaveitexplained.Everybodycontributedascrapofthestory,forallsideconversationsstoppedatthementionofDanDarcy'sname,andtheinterestofthewholeroomcenteredonhim.

Itwasyearsago,whenhewasnotmorethaneighteenthatithappened.Hewasahappy-go-luckysortoffellowwhocouldn'tbekeptdowntosteadyworksuchasajobinthebankorastore.Hewasalwaysoffa-fishingoronthewater,buteverybodylikedhimandsaidhe'dsettledownwhenhewasabitolder.Hehadafriendmuchlikehimself,onlyalittleolder.EmmettPotterwashisname.TherewasaregularDavidandJonathanfriendshipbetweenthosetwo.Theywerehand-in-glovein

everythingtillDanwentwrong.Bothevenlikedthesamegirl,BelleTriplett.

HereGeorgina'sneedlegaveheranotherjab.Shelaiddownherhemmingtolisten.Thiswasbringingthestoryclosehome,forBelleTriplettwasTippy'sniece,orratherherhusband'sniece.WhilethatdidnotmakeBelleoneoftheHuntingdonfamily,Georginahadalwayslookeduponherassuch.Shevisitedatthehouseoftenerthananyoneelse.

NobodyintheroomcamerightoutandsaidwhatitwasthatDanhaddone,butbyputtingthescrapstogetherGeorginadiscoveredpresentlythatthetroublewasaboutsomestolenmoney.Lotsofpeoplewouldn'tbelievethathewasguiltyatfirst,butsomanythingspointedhisway

thatfinallytheyhadto.ThecasewasabouttobebroughttotrialwhenonenightDansuddenlydisappearedasiftheseahadswallowedhim,andnothinghadeverbeenheardfromhimsince.JudgeHuntingdonsaiditwasapity,forevenifhewasguiltyhethoughthecouldhavegothimoff,therebeingnothingbutcircumstantialevidence.

Well,itnearlykilledhisfatherandmotherandEmmettPotter,too.

ItcameoutthenthatEmmettwasengagedtoBelle.FornearlyayearhegrievedaboutDan'sdisappearance.Seemshetookittoheartsothathecouldn'tbeartodoanyofthethingsthey'dalwaysdonetogetherorgototheoldplaces.BellehadherweddingdressmadeandthoughtifshecouldoncegethimdowntoTrurotolive,he'dbraceupandgetoverit.

Theyhadsettledontheday,whenonewild,stormynightwordcamethatavesselwaspoundingitselftopiecesoffPeakedHillBar,andthelife-savingcrewwasstartingtotherescue.Emmettlitouttoseeit,andwhensomethinghappenedtothebreechesbuoysotheycouldn'tuseit,hewasthefirsttoanswerwhenthecallcameforvolunteerstomanaboattoputouttothem.Hewouldhavehadamedalifhe'dlivedtowearit,forhesavedfivelivesthatnight.Buthelosthisownthelasttimeheclimbeduponthevessel.Nobodyknewwhetheritwasaropegavewayorwhetherhisfingersweresonearlyfrozenhecouldn'thold



on,buthedroppedintothatragingsea,andhisbodywaswasheduponthebeachnextday.

Georginalistened,horrified.

"AndBellewithherweddingdressallready,"saidCousinMehitablewithahuskysigh.

"Whatbecameofher?"askedtheminister'swife.

"Oh,she'sstilllivinghereintown,butitblightedherwholelifeinaway,althoughshewasjustinherteenswhenithappened.Ithelpedhertobearup,knowinghe'ddiedsuchahero.Someofthetownpeopleputupatombstonetohismemory,withabeautifulinscriptiononitthatthesummerpeoplegotosee,almostasmuchasthelandingplaceofthePilgrims.She'llbetruetohismemoryalways,andit'ssomethingbeautifultoseeherdevotiontoEmmett'sfather.Shecallshim"Father"Potter,andisalwaysdoingthingsforhim.He'sthatoldnet-menderwholivesaloneoutontheedgeoftownnearthecranberrybogs."

CousinMehitabletookupthetale:

"I'llneverforgetifIlivetobeahundred,whatIsawonmywayhomethenightafterEmmettwasdrowned.Iwaslivingherethen,youknow.I

waspassingthroughFishburnCourt,andIthoughtI'dgoinandspeakawordtoMr.Darcy,knowinghowfondhe'dalwaysbeenofEmmettonaccountofDanandhimbeingsuchfriends.IwentacrossthatsandyplacetheycalltheCourt,totherowofcottagesattheend.ButIdidn'tseeanythinguntilIhadopenedtheDarcy'sgateandsteppedintotheyard.ThehousesitssidewaystotheCourt,youknow.

"Theyellowblindwaspulleddownoverthefrontwindow,butthelampthrewashadowonit,plainasaphotograph.Itwastheshadowoftheoldman,sittingtherewithhisarmsflungoutacrossthetable,andhisheadboweddownonthem.Iwasjusthesitating,whethertoknockortoslipaway,whenIheardhimgroan,andsortofcryout,"Oh,myDanny!MyDanny!Ifonlyyoucouldhavegone_that_way.""

Barbara,hearingamuffledsobbehindher,turnedtoseethetearsrunningdownGeorgina'sface.Thenextinstantshewasup,andwithherarmsaroundthechild,wasgentlypushingheraheadofheroutoftheroom,intothehall.Withthedoorshutbehindhershesaidsoothingly:

"Barbydidn'tknowtheyweregoingtotellsuchunhappystories,darling.Ishouldn'thaveletyoustay."

"ButI_want_toknow,"sobbedGeorgina."Whenpeopleyoulovehavetroubleyououghttoknow,so'stobekindertothem.Oh,Barby,I'msosorryIeverwassaucytohim.AndIwishIhadn'tteasedhiscats.ItiedpaperbagsonallofJohnDarcyandMaryDarcy'spaws,andhesaid

ImadeoldY-yellownosen-nervous,ticklinghisears----"

BarbarastoppedthesobbingconfessionswithakissandtookGeorgina'sjacketfromthehat-rack.

"Here,"shesaid."It'sbadforyoutositinthehousealldayandlistentogrownpeopletalk.Slipintothisandrunoutdoorswithyourskippingropeawhile.UncleDarcyhashadverygreattrouble,buthe'slearnedtobearitlikeahero,andnothingwouldmakehimgrievemorethantoknowthatanyshadowofhissorrowwasmakingyouunhappy.The



wayforyoutohelphimmostistobeasbrightandjollyasyoucan,andto_tease_hisoldcatsonceinawhile."

Georginalookedupthroughhertears,herdimplesallshowing,andthrewherarmsaroundheradoringly.

"Whatafunnymotheryouare,Barby.Notabitliketheonesinbooks."

Acoldwindwasblowingthefogaway.Sheracedupanddownthebeachforalongtime,andwhenshecamebackitwaswithredcheeksandruffledcurls.Havingleftthecompanyintearsshedidnotliketoventurebackforfearoftheremarkswhichmightbemade.Soshecrossedthehallandstoodinthedooroftheguestchamber,consideringwhattodonext.Itsusualchillrepellancehadbeenchangedintosomethinginvitingbythewoodfireonthehearth,andonthebedwheretheguestshaddepositedtheirwrapslayanarrayofmillinerywhichdrewherirresistibly.

Itwasahugefour-posterbedwhichonecouldmountonlybytheaidofasetofbedsidesteps,andsohighthatthevalance,drapedarounditlikeaskirt,wouldhavereachedfromhernecktoherheelshaditbeendrapedonher.Itwasachintzvalancewithbirdsofparadisepatternedonitspinkbackground,andtherewaspinksilkquilledintothequainttesteroverhead,remindingherofoldJeremy'sfavoritequilldahlias.

Usuallywhenshewentintothisroomwhichwasseldomopened,shemountedthestepstogazeupatthatfascinatingpinkloveliness.Alsoshewalkedaroundthevalance,countingitsbirdsofparadise.Shedidnotdosoto-day.Sheknewfrommanypreviouscountingsthattherewereexactlyeighty-sevenandahalfofthosebirds.Thejoiningseamcutoffallbutthemagnificenttailofwhatwouldhavebeentheeighty-eighth.

Mountingthestepssheleanedover,carefulnottotouchthecrochetedcounterpane,whichTippyalwaystreatedasifitweresomethingsacred,andlookedatthehatsspreadoutuponit.ThenshelaiddaringfingersonCousinMehitable'sbonnet.Itwasatemptationtoknowwhatshewouldlooklikeifsheshouldgrowuptobeawidowandhavetowearan

imposinghead-gearlikethatwithawhiterucheinfrontandalongblackveilfloatingdownbehind.Thenextinstantshewastyingthestringsunderherchin.

Itmadeherlooklikesuchanoddlittledwarfofawomanthatshestuckouthertongueatherreflectioninthemirror.Thegrimacewassocomical,framedbythestatelybonnet,thatGeorginawasdelighted.Shetwistedherfaceanotherwayandwasstillmoreamusedatresults.Whollyforgetfulofthefactthatitwasamourningbonnet,shewentonmakingfacesatherselfuntilthesoundofvoicessuddenlygrowinglouder,toldherthatthedooracrossthehallhadopened.Someonewascomingacross.

Therewasnotimetotakeoffthebonnet.Withafrightenedgaspshedivedunderthebed,withitstillon,herheelsdisappearingjustassomeonecameintotheroom.Thebedwassohighshecouldeasilysituprightunderit,butshewassoafraidthatacoughorasneezemightbetrayher,thatshedrewupherkneesandsatwithherfacepressedagainstthemhard.Thelongveilshroudedhershoulders.Shefeltthatshewouldsurelydieifanyoneshouldnoticethatthebonnetwasgone,orhappentoliftthevalanceandfindhersittingtherewithitonherhead.ThensheforgotherfearinlisteningtowhatCousinMehitablewassaying.



[Illustration]

CHAPTERVII

"THETISHBITE"

COUSINMEHITABLEwasspeakingtoMrs.Triplett,whoseemedtobesearchingthroughbureaudrawersforsomething.Georginacouldtellwhatshewasdoingfromthesoundswhichreachedher.Thesedrawersalwaysstuck,andhadtobejerkedviolentlyuntilthemirrorrattled.

"Oh,don'tbotheraboutit,Maria.Ijustmadeanexcuseofwantingtoseeit,becauseIknewyoualwayskeptitinhere,andIwantedtogetyouoffbyyourselfforaminute'stalkwithyoualone.SinceI'vebeenintownI'veheardsomuchaboutJustinandthewayheisdoingthatIwantedtoasksomebodywhoknewandwhocouldtellmethestraightofit.What'sthisabouthisleavingtheserviceandgoingjunketingofftotheinteriorofChinaonsomemissionofhisown?Janetellsmehegotayear'sleaveofabsencefromtheNavyjusttostudyupsomeoutlandish

diseasethatattacksthesailorsinforeignports.Shesayswhyshouldhetakeawholeyearoutofthebestpartofhislifetopokearoundthehutsofdirtyheathentofindoutthekindofmicrobethat'seating'em?He'doughttothinkofBarbaraandwhat'seatingherheartout.I'vetakenagreatfancytothatgirl,andI'dliketogiveJustinapieceofmymind.Itprobablywouldn'tdoabitofgoodthough.Healwayswaspeculiar."

GeorginacouldhearonlyafewwordsoftheanswerbecauseTippyhadherheadintheclosetnow,reachingfortheboxonthetopshelf.ShestoppedhersearchassoonasCousinMehitablesaidthat,andthetwoofthemwentovertothefireandtalkedinlowtonesforafewminutes,leaningagainstthemantel.Georginaheardawordnowandthen.Several

timesitwasherownname.Finally,inaloudertoneCousinMehitablesaid:

"Well,Iwantedtoknow,andIwassureyoucouldtellmeifanyonecould."

Theywentbackacrossthehalltotheotherguests.TheinstanttheyweregoneGeorginacrawledoutfromunderthebedwiththebigbonnetcockedoveroneeye.Thenshescuddeddownthehallandupthebackstairs.Sheknewthecompanywouldbegoingsoon,andshewouldbeexpectedtobidthemgood-byeifshewerethere.Shedidn'twantCousinMehitabletokissheragain.Shedidn'tlikeheranymoresinceshehadcalledherfather"peculiar."

Shewanderedaimlesslyaboutforafewminutes,thenpushedthedooropenintoMrs.Triplett'sroom.Itwaswarmandcozyinthereforasmallfirestillburnedinthelittledrumstove.Sheopenedthefrontdampertomakeitburnfaster,andthelightshoneoutinfourlongrayswhichmadeaflickeringintheroom.Shesatdownonthefloorinfrontofitandbegantowonder.

"WhatdidCousinMehitablemeanbysomethingeatingBarby'sheartout?"Didpeopledieofit?ShehadreadoftheSpartanyouthwholetthefox



gnawhisvitalsunderhiscloakandnevershowed,evenbythetwitchingofamuscle,thathewasinpain.Ofcourse,sheknewthatnolivethingwastearingathermother'sheart,butwhatifsomethingthatshecouldn'tunderstandwashurtingherdarlingBarbynightanddayandshewasbravelyhidingitfromtheworldliketheSpartanyouth?

Did_all_grownpeoplehavetroubles?Ithadseemedsuchahappyworlduntilto-day,andnowallatonceshehadheardaboutDanDarcyandBelleTriplett.Nearlyeveryonewhomthegueststalkedabouthadbornesomeunhappiness,andevenherownfatherwas"peculiar."Shewishedshehadn'tfoundoutallthesethings.Agreatweightseemedtosettledownuponher.

ThinkingofBarbarainthelightofwhatshehadjustlearnedsherecalledthatsheoftenlookedsorryanddisappointed,especiallyafterthepostmanhadcomeandgonewithoutleavingaletter.OnlythismorningTippyhadsaid--coulditbeshethoughtsomethingwaswrongandwastryingtocomforther?

"Justinalwayswasapoorhandforwritingletters.ManyatimeI'veheardtheJudgescoldingandstewingaroundbecausehehadn'theardfromhimwhenhewasawayatschool.LetterwritingcamesoeasytotheJudgehecouldn'tunderstandwhyJustinshirkeditso."

ThenGeorginathoughtofBelleinthelightofwhatshehadjustlearned.Bellehadcarriedheraroundinherarmswhenshewasfirstbroughttoliveinthisoldgrayhousebythesea.ShehadmadeacompanionofherwhenevershecametovisitherAuntMaria,andGeorginahadadmiredherbecauseshewassoprettyandblondeandgentle,andenjoyedherbecauseshewasalwayssowillingtodowhateverGeorginawished.Andnowtothinkthatinsteadofbeingthelike-everybody-elsekindofayoungladysheseemed,shewaslikeaheroineinabookwhohadlivedthroughtroublewhichwould"blightherwholelife."

Sittingthereonthefloorwithherkneesdrawnupandherchinrestingonthem,Georginalookedintothefirethroughtheslitsofthedamperandthoughtandthought.Thenshelookedoutthroughthelittlesquare

window-panesacrossthewind-sweptdunes.Itdidnotseemlikesummerwiththeskyallovercastwithclouds.Itwasmoreliketheendofadayintheearlyautumn.Lifeseemedovercast,too.

Presentlythroughariftintheskyanearlystarstoleout,andshemadeawishonit.ThatwasoneofthethingsBellehadtaughther.ShestartedtowishthatBarbymightbehappy.Butbeforethewhisperedversehadentirelypassedherlipsshestoppedtoamendit,addingUncleDarcy'snameandBelle's.Thenshestoppedagain,overcomebytheknowledgeofallthewoeintheworld,andgatheringalltheuniverseintohergenerouslittleheartsheexclaimedearnestly:

"Iwish_everybodyintheworldcouldbehappy_."

Havingmadethewish,fervently,almostfiercely,inherintensedesiretosetthingsright,shescrambledtoherfeet.TherewasanotherthingthatBellehadtoldherwhichshemustdo.

"IfyouopentheBibleanditchancestobeatachapterbeginningwiththewords,'Itcametopass,'thewishwillcometruewithoutfail."

TakingTippy'sBiblefromthestandbesidethebed,sheopeneditatrandom,thencarrieditovertothestoveinordertoscanthepagesby



thefirelightstreamingthroughthedamper.ThebookopenedatFirstKings,seventeenthchapter.Shehelditdirectlyinthebroadraysexaminingthepagesanxiously.Therewasonlythatonechapterheadoneitherpage,andalas,itsopeningwordswerenot"itcametopass."Whatshereadwithasinkingheartwas:

"_AndElijahtheTishbite._"

NowGeorginahadn'ttheslightestideawhataTishbitewas,butitsoundedasifitweresomethingdreadful.Somehowitisathousandtimesworsetobescaredbyafearwhichisnotunderstoodthanbyonewhichisfamiliar.Suddenlyshefeltasbewilderedandfrightenedasshehadonthatmorninglongago,whenJeremy'steethwentflyingintothefire.Thehappinessofherwholelittleworldseemedtobegoingtopieces.

ThrowingherselfacrossthefootofTippy'sbedshecrawledundertheafghanthrownoverit,evenburrowingherheadbeneathitinordertoshutoutthedreadfulthingsclosingdownonher.IthadpuzzledandfrightenedhertoknowthatsomethingwaseatingBarby'sheartout,eveninafigurativeway,andnowtheword"Tishbite"filledherwithavaguesenseofhelplessnessandimpendingdisaster.

Barbara,comingupstairstohuntheraftertheguestsweregone,foundhersoundasleepwiththeafghanstilloverherhead.Shefoldedit

gentlybackfromtheflushedface,notintendingtowakenher,butGeorgina'seyesopenedandafterabewilderedstarearoundtheroomshesatup,remembering.Shehadwakenedtoaworldoftrouble.SomehowitdidnotseemquitesobadwithBarbarastandingoverher,smiling.Whenshewentdownstairsalittlelater,freshlywashedandbrushed,theTishbiterolledoutofherthoughtsasafogliftswhenthesunshines.

Butitcamebackatbedtime,whenhavingsaidherprayers,shejoinedhervoicewithBarbara'sinthehymnthathadbeenherearliestlullaby.Itwasacustomneveromitted.Italwaysclosedthedayforher:

"_EternalFather,strongtosave,Whosearmdothbindtherestlesswave,

Oh,hearuswhenwecrytotheeForthoseinperilonthesea._"

AstheysangshestoleananxiousglanceatBarbaraseveraltimes.ThenshemadeuphermindthatCousinMehitablewasmistaken.Ifherfatherwere"peculiar,"Barbywouldn'thavethatsweetlookonherfacewhenshesangthatprayerforhim.Ifheweremakingherunhappyshewouldn'tbesingingitatall.Shewouldn'tcarewhetherhewasprotectedornot"fromrockandtempest,fireandfoe."

Andyet,afterBarbyhadgonedownstairsandthesoundofthepianocamesoftlyupfrombelow--anotherbedtimecustom,Georginabeganthinkingagainaboutthosewhisperingvoiceswhichshehadheardasshesatunder

thebed,behindthebird-of-paradisevalance.Morethaneverbeforethemusicsuggestedsomeonewaitingforashipwhichnevercamehome,orfogbellsonalonelyshore.

NearlyaweekwentbybeforeRichardmadehisfirstvisittotheoldgrayhouseattheendoftown.HecamewiththeTowncrier,carryinghisbell,andkeepingclosetohissideforthefirstfewminutes.Thenhefoundtheplacefarmoreinterestingthanthebungalow.Georginatookhimalloverit,fromthegarretwheresheplayedonrainydaystotheseatupinthewillow,wherestandinginitshighestcrotchonecould



lookclearacrosstheCapetotheAtlantic.Theymadeseveralplansfortheirtreasure-questwhileupinthewillow.TheycouldseeaplaceofftowardsWoodEndLighthousewhichlookedlikeoneofthepirateplacesUncleDarcyhaddescribedinoneofhistales.

Barbyhadlemonadeandcakewaitingforthemwhentheycamedown,andwhenshetalkedtohimitwasn'tatallinthewaytheladiesdidwhocametoseehisAuntLetty,asiftheyweretalkingmerelytobegraciousandkindtoastrangelittleboyinwhomtheyhadnointerest.Barbygavehisearatweakandsaidwithasmilethatmadehimfeelasiftheyhadknowneachotheralways:

"Oh,thegoodtimesI'vehadwithboysjustyoursize.IalwaysplayedwithmybrotherEddy'sfriends.Boysmakesuchgoodchums.I'veoftenthoughthowmuchGeorginamissesthatIhad."

PresentlyGeorginatookhimouttothesee-saw,whereCaptainKiddpersistedinridingonRichard'sendoftheplank.

"That'sexactlythewaymyUncleEddy'sterrierusedtodobackinKentuckywhenIvisitedthereonesummer,"shesaid,aftertheplankwasadjustedsoastobalancethemproperly."Onlyhebarkedallthetimehewasriding.ButhewasfiercebecauseUncleEddyfedhimgunpowder."

"Whatdidhedothatfor?"

"Tokeephimfrombeinggun-shy.AndUncleEddyatesome,too,onetimewhenhewaslittle,becausethecoloredstableboytoldhimitwouldmakehimgame."

"Didit?"

"Idon'tknowwhetherthatdidornot.Somethingdidthough,forhe'sthegamestmanIknow."

Richardconsideredthisamomentandthensaid:

"IwonderwhatitwoulddotoCaptainKiddifIfedhimsome."

"Let'stryit!"exclaimedGeorgina,delightedwiththesuggestion."There'ssomehangingupintheoldpowder-hornoverthedining-roommantel.Youhavetogiveitto'eminmilk.Waitaminute."

Jumpingfromthesee-sawaftergivingfairwarning,sherantooneofthesidewindows.

"Barby,"shecalled."I'mgoingtogiveCaptainKiddsomemilk."

BarbaraturnedfromherconversationwithUncleDarcytosay:

"Verywell,ifyoucangetityourself.Butbecarefulnottodisturbthepansthathaven'tbeenskimmed.Tippywouldn'tlikeit."

"Iknowwhattogetitoutof,"calledGeorgina,"outofthebluepitcher."

Richardwatchedwhilesheopenedtherefrigeratordoorandpouredsomemilkintoasaucer.

"Carryitinandputitonthekitchentable,"shebadehim,"whileI



getthepowder."

Whenhefollowedherintothedining-roomshewasuponachair,reachingfortheoldpowderhorn,whichhungonahookunderthefirearmthathaddonedutyinthebattleofLexington.Richardwantedtogethishandsonit,andwasgladwhenshecouldnotpulloutthewoodenplugwhichstoppedthesmallendofthehorn.Sheturneditovertohimtoopen.Hepeeredintoit,thenshookit.

"Thereisn'tmorethanaspoonfulleftinit,"hesaid.

"Well,gunpowderissostrongyoudon'tneedmuch.Youknowjustalittlewillmakeagungooff.Itmightn'tbesafetofeedhimmuch.Poursomeoutinyourhandanddropitinthemilk."

Richardslowlypouredasmallmoundoutintothehollowofhishand,andpassedthehornbacktoher,thenwenttothekitchenwhistlingforCaptainKidd.Notallofthepowderwentintothemilk,however.Thelastbitheswallowedhimself,afterlookingatitlongandthoughtfully.

Atthesamemoment,Georgina,beforeputtingbacktheplug,paused,lookedallaround,andpouredoutafewgrainsintoherownhand.IftheTishbitewasgoingtodoanybodyanyharm,itwouldbewelltobe

prepared.Shehadjusthastilyswalloweditandwashangingthehornbackinplace,whenRichardreturned.

"Helappedupthelastdropasifhelikedit,"hereported."Nowwe'llseewhathappens."

CHAPTERVIII

THETELEGRAMTHATTOOKBARBYAWAY

THEpaintingofRichard'sportraitinterferedwiththequestforburiedtreasurefromdaytoday;butunbeknowneithertoartistormodel,thedreamsofthatquesthelpedinthefashioningofthepicture.InthepreliminarysittingsinthestudioathomeRichard'sfatherfounditnecessaryalwaystobeginwithsomeexhortationsuchas:

"Now,Dicky,thishas_got_tobemorethanjusta'StudyofaBoy'sHead.'Iwanttoshowbytheexpressionofyourfacethatitisanillustrationofthatpoem,'Aboy'swillisthewind'swill,andthethoughtsofyoutharelong,longthoughts.'ChasethatBinneyRogersandhisgangoutofyourmindforawhile,can'tyou,andthinkofsomethingbesideshinnyandthehokey-pokeyman."

Sofartheportraitwassatisfactoryinthatitwasaremarkablygoodlikenessofanunusuallygood-lookingboy,butitwasofaboywhoseemedtobealertlylisteningforsuchthingsasBinney'scat-call,signalinghimfromthealley.Herebytheseatherewasnoneedforsuchexhortations.Nosoonerwasheseatedbeforetheeaselintheloftwhichservedasastudio,withitsbarn-like,doubledoorsthrownopenabovethewater,thantheraptexpressionwhichhisfathercoveted,creptintohisdarkeyes.Theygrewbiganddreamy,followingthewhitesailsacrosstheharbor.Hewasplanningthesecretexpeditionheand



Georginaintendedtoundertake,justassoonastheportraitwasfinished.

Thereweremanypreparationstomakeforit.Theywouldhavetosecretetoolsandprovisions;andinabookfromwhichGeorginareadaloudwhenevertherewasopportunity,weredescriptionsofvariousritesthatitwerewelltoperform.Onewastosacrificeablackcock,andsprinkleitsblooduponthespotbeforebeginningtodig.Richarddidnotquestionwhythisshouldbedone.Thebookrecommendeditasapracticewhichhadbeenfollowedbysomeveryfamoustreasurehunters.Ifattimesacertainwide-awakeandcalculatinggleamsuddenlydispelledthedreaminessofexpressioninwhichhisfatherwasexulting,itwasbecauseablackOrpingtonroosterwhichdailystrayedfromanearbycottagetothebeachbelowthestudiowindow,chosethatmomenttocrow.Richardhadmarkedthatblackcockforthesacrifice.Itwaslordlyenoughtobringsuccessuponanyenterprise.

Inthemeantime,assoonashisdutiesasmodelwereovereachmorning,hewasoutofthestudiowithawhoopandupthebeachashardashecouldruntotheHuntingdonhouse.Bythetimehereachedithewasnolongertheartist'sonlyson,hedgedaboutwithmanylimitationswhichbelongedtothatdistinction.Hewas"Dare-devilDick,theDreadDestroyer,"andGeorginawas"GoryGeorge,theMenaceoftheMain."

Togethertheycommandedabrigantineoftheirown.Passers-bysawonlyanoldsailboatanchoredatthedesertedandrottingwharfupnearestthebreakwater.Butthepassers-bywhosawonlythatfailedtoseeeitherDare-devilDickorGoryGeorge.Theysaw,instead,twochildrenwhosefiercemustachioswerethestreakingsofaburntmatch,whosemassivehoopear-ringswerethebrassringsfromacurtainpole,whosefaithfulfollowingoftheactsofCaptainQuelchandotherpiraticalgentlemenwasonlythemimicryofplay.

ButBarbaraknewhowrealtheywere,fromthespottedhandkerchieftiedaroundthe"bungedeye"ofDare-devilDick,underhisevil-lookingslouchhat,totheoldhorsepistolbuckledtohisbelt.GoryGeorgeworethesame.AndBarbaraknewwhatseriousbusinessitwastothem,

evenmoreseriousthantheaffairsofeatinganddrinking.

Tippyscoldedwhenshefoundthatherhalf-pintbottleswhichshekeptespeciallyforcreamhadbeensmuggledawayintheholdofthebrigantine.Butwithoutbottleshowcouldonegivearealistictouchtothesingingof"Yoho,andtherumbelow"?

AndTippythoughtitwasheathenishforBarbaratoletGeorginadressupinsomelittleknickerbockersandaroundaboutwhichhadbeenstoredawaywithotherclotheswornbyJustinasasmallboy.ButherdisapprovalwasbeyondwordswhenBarbaraherselfappearedatthebackdooronemorning,socleverlydisguisedasagypsy,thatMrs.Triplettgrudginglyhandedoutsomecoldbiscuitsbeforeshediscoveredthe

imposition.Thepoorshewasgladtofeed,butshehadnouseforanimpudent,strollinggypsy.

"Don'tbecross,Tippy,"pleadedBarbara,laughingtillthetearscame."I_had_todoit.Ican'tbeartofeelthatGeorginaisgrowingawayfromme--thatsheissatisfiedtoleavemeoutofhergames.Sinceshe'ssotakenupwiththatlittleRichardMorelandIdon'tseemasnecessarytoherasIusedtobe.AndIcan'tbearthat,Tippy,whenI'vealwaysbeenfirstineverythingwithher.She'ssonecessarytome."



Mrs.Triplettmadenoanswer.Shefeltthatshecouldn'tdojusticetotheoccasion.ShedoubtedifthePilgrimmonumentitselfcould,evenifitweretostretchitselfuptoitsfullheightanddeliveralectureonthedignityofmotherhood.ShewonderedwhattheMayflowermotherswouldhavethoughtiftheycouldhavemetthismodernoneonthebeach,withfacestainedbrown,playactingthatshewasabeggarofagypsy.HowcouldshehopetobeoneofthosewrittenofinProverbs--"Herchildrenriseupandcallherblessed.Herownworkspraiseherinthegates."

Tippyateherdinneralonethatday,glancinggrimlythroughtheopenwindowfromtimetotimetothesanddunesbackofthehouse,whereanoldhagofagypsyinashortreddresswithagaybandannaknottedoverherhead,broiledbaconandboiledcornoverasmokycampfire;andtwoswaggeringvillainswhosmelledoftarandcodfish(becauseoftheoldnetwhichhalf-wayfilledthebrigantine),suckedtheverycobswhenthecornwaseatenfromthem,foreverregisteringthatfeasthighaboveallotherfeastsinthetabletofblessedmemories.

Theinterruptiontoallthiscameasunexpectedlyasaclapofthunderfromaclearsky.Amessengerboyonawheelwhirleduptothefrontgatewithatelegram.Tippysignedforit,notwantingtheboytoseeBarbarainsuchoutlandishdress,thencarrieditouttothepicnickers.Shehelditunderherapronuntilshereachedthem.TelegramsalwaysspelledtroubletoMrs.Triplett,butBarbaratookthisonefromher

withasmilingthankyou,withoutrisingfromherseatonthesand.Herfatheroftentelegraphedinsteadofwritingwhenawayonhisvacations,andsheknewhewasupatalakeresortinMichigan,atanEditors'Convention.Telegramshadalwaysbeenpleasantthingsinherexperience.Butasshetorethisopenandreadsheturnedpaleevenunderherbrownstain.

"It'spapa,"shegasped."Hurtinanautomobileaccident.Theydon'tsayhowbad--justhurt.Andhewantsme.Imusttakethefirsttrain."

ShelookedupatMrs.Tripletthelplessly,notevenmakinganefforttorisefromthesand,shewassodazedanddistressedbythesuddensummons.Itwasthefirsttimeshehadeverhadtheshockofbadnews.

Itwasthefirsttimeshehadeverbeencalledupontoactforherselfinsuchanemergency,andshefeltperfectlynumb,mindandbody.Tippy'svoicesoundedamileawaywhenshesaid:

"Youcancatchtheboat.It'sanhourtillthe_DorothyBradford_startsbacktoBoston."

StillBarbarasatlimpandpowerless,asonesitsinanightmare.

Georginagaveachokinggaspastwoawfulwordsroseupinherthroatandstuckthere."_TheTishbite._"Whateverthatmysterioushorrormightbe,plainlyitsevilworkingshadbegun.

"Tut!"exclaimedTippy,pullingBarbaratoherfeet."Keepyourhead.You'llhavetobeginscrubbingthatbrownpaintoffyourfaceifyouexpecttoreachtheboatontime."

AutomaticallyGeorginarespondedtothat"tut"asifitweretheoldchallengeofthepowderhorn.Nomatterhowsheshiveredshemustshowwhatbravestuffshewasmadeof.EvenwiththatawfulforebodingclutchingatherheartlikeanironhandandBarbyabouttoleaveher,shemustn'tshowonesignofherdistress.



ItwaswellthatGeorginahadlearnedtomovebrisklyinherlongfollowingafterTippy,elseshecouldnothavebeenofsuchserviceinthisemergency.Hereyeswereblurredwithtearsasshehurrieduptothegarretforsuitcaseandsatchel,anddownthehalltolookupnumbersinthetelephonedirectory.Butitwasacomforteveninthemidstofherdistresstofeelthatshecouldtakesuchanimportantpartinthepreparations,thatTippytrustedhertodothenecessarytelephoning,andtoputupalunchforBarbywithoutdictatingeitherthemessagesorthecontentsofthelunch-box.

WhenMr.JamesMilfordcalledup,immediatelyafterRichardhadracedhomewiththenews,andofferedtotakeMrs.Huntingdontotheboatinhismachine,hethoughtitwasMrs.Huntingdonherselfwhoansweredhim.Thetremblingvoiceseemedonlynaturalunderthecircumstances.Hewouldhavesmiledcouldhehaveseenthepatheticlittlefaceupliftedtowardsthereceiver,thequiveringlipstilladornedwiththefiercemustachiosofGoryGeorge,instrangecontrasttothesoftcurlshangingoverhershouldersnowthattheywerenolongerhiddenbyapiraticalhat.Shehadforgottenthatshewasinknickerbockersinsteadofskirts,andthattheoldhorse-pistolwasstillatherbelt,untilBarbaracaughthertoheratpartingwithalaughthatturnedintoasob,lookingforaspotonherfacecleanenoughtokiss.

Itwasalloversosoon--themachinewhirlinguptothedoorandaway

againtostopatthebankaninstantforthemoneywhichGeorginahadtelephonedtohavewaiting,andthenontotherailroadwharfwherethe _DorothyBradford_hadalreadysoundedherfirstwarningwhistle.Georginahadnotimetorealizewhatwasactuallyhappeninguntilitwasover.Sheclimbedupintothemammothwillowtreeinthecorneroftheyardtowatchforthesteamboat.Itwouldcomeintoviewinafewminutesasitploughedmajesticallythroughthewatertowardsthelighthouse.

Thendesolationfelluponher.Shehadneverrealizeduntilthatmomenthowdearhermotherwastoher.Thenthethoughtcametoher,supposeitwasBarbywhohadbeenhurtinanaccident,andsheGeorgina,washurryingtoherasBarbywashurryingtograndfatherShirley,unknowing

whatawaitedheratthejourney'send.Foramomentsheforgotherownunhappinessatbeingleftbehind,insympatheticunderstandingofhermother'sdistress.Shewasn'tgoingtothinkaboutherpartofitshetoldherself,shewasgoingtobesobrave----

Thenherglancefellonthe"holidaytree."

TheholidaytreewasalittleevergreenofBarby'schristeningifnotofherplanting.Foreverygaladayintheyearitborestrangefruit,nomatterwhattheseason.AtHallowe'enitwasasgaywithjack-o-lanternsandwitches'capsasifthepixiesthemselveshaddecoratedit.OnWashington'sbirthdayeachbranchwastippedwithaflagandacherrytart.OnthefourteenthofFebruaryitwashungwith

valentines,andatEastershewasalwayssureoffindingacandyrabbitortwoperchedamongitsbranchesandnestsofcoloredeggs.ItseemedtobeatitsbestatChristmas,butitwaswhenittookitsturnsatbirthdaycelebrationsthatitwasmostwonderful.Thenitblossomedwithlittleglasslanternsofeverycolor,glowinglikeredandgreenandgoldenstars.Lastyearithadborneagreattoyshipwithallsailsset,andnine"surprise"oranges,round,yellowboxes,eachcontainingagift,becauseshewasnineyearsold.Injusttwomoredaysshewouldbeten,andBarbygone!



Atthatinstanttheboatwhistlesoundedlonganddeep,sendingitsmelodiousboomacrossthewater.Itseemedtostrikesomechordintheverycenterofherbeing,andmakeherfeelasifsomethinginsideweresinkingdownanddownanddown.Thesensationwassickening.Itgrewworseastheboatsteamedaway.Shestooduponalimbtowatchit.Smallerandsmalleritseemed,leavingonlyalongplumeofsmokeinitswakeasitdisappearedaroundLongPoint.Theneventhesmokefaded,andaforlornlittlefigure,strangelyatvariancewiththefiercepiratesuit,shecrumpledupinthecrotchofthewillow,herfacehiddeninherelbow,andbegantosobpiteously:"Oh,Barby!Barby!"

[Illustration]

CHAPTERIX

THEBIRTHDAYPRISM

THETowncrier,passingalongthestreetonanearlymorningtriptothebakery,stoppedatthedooroftheantiqueshop,forawordwithMrs.Yates,theladywhokeptit.Shewantedhimto"cry"anespecialbargain

saleofoldlampslaterintheweek.Thatishowhehappenedtobestandinginthefrontdoorwhenthecrashcameintherearoftheshop,anditwasbecausehewasstandingtherethatthecrashcame.

BecauseMrs.Yateswastalkingtohimshecouldn'tbeatthebackdoorwhenthefish-boycamewiththefish,andnobodybeingtheretotakeittheinstantheknocked,theboylookedinandthrewitdownonthetablenearestthedoor.AndbecausethefishwaslefttoliethereamomentwhileMrs.Yatesfinishedherconversation,thecat,stretchedoutonthehighwindowledgeabovethetable,decidedtohavehisbreakfastwithoutwaitingtobecalled.Hewasanenormouscatbythenameof"Grandpa,"andbecausehewasoldandponderous,andnolongerlightonhisfeet,whenheleapedfromthewindow-sillhecamedownclumsilyin

themiddleoftheverytablefulloftheoldlampswhichweresetasideforthebargainsale.

Ofcourse,itwasthebiggestandfanciestlampinthelotthatwasbroken--atallonewithafrostedglassshadeandarowofcrystalprismsdanglingaroundthebowlofit.Ittoppledoverontoapairofoldbrassandirons,smashingintoathousandpieces.Bitsofglassflewineverydirection,and"Grandpa,"hisfurelectrifiedbyhisfrightuntilhelookedtwicehisnaturalsize,shotthroughthedoorasiffiredfromacannon,andwasseennomorethatmorning.

Naturally,Mrs.Yateshurriedtothebackofthestoretoseewhathadhappened,andMr.Darcy,following,pickedupfromthewrecktheonly

pieceofthelampnotshatteredtobitsbythefall.Itwasoneoftheprisms,whichinsomemiraculouswayhadsurvivedthecrash,abeautifulcrystalpendantwithoutasinglenickorcrack.

Hepickeditupandrubbedhiscoatsleevedowneachofitsthreesides,andwhenheheldituptothelightitsentarippleofrainbowsdancingacrosstheshop.Hewatchedthem,pleasedasachild;andwhenMrs.Yates,loudinhercomplaintsofGrandpa,camewithbroomanddustpantosweepupthelitter,hebargainedwithherfortheprism.



ThatishowhehappenedtohaveanofferingforGeorgina'sbirthdaywhenhereachedthehouseacoupleofhourslater,notknowingthatitwasherbirthday.Nobodyhadrememberedit,Barbybeinggone.

ItseemedtoGeorginatheforlornestdayshehadeveropenedhereyesupon.Theveryfactthatitwasgloriouslysunnywithadelicioussummerbreezerufflingtheharborandsendingthewhitesailsscuddingalonglikewings,madeherfeelallthemoredesolate.Shewastryingherbesttoforgetwhatdayitwas,buttherewasn'tmuchtokeephermindoffthesubject.EvenopportunitiesforhelpingTippyweretakenaway,forBellehadcometostayduringBarby'sabsence,andsheinsistedondoingwhatGeorginaotherwisewouldhavedone.

IfBarbyhadbeenathometherewouldhavebeennopianopracticeonsuchagalaoccasionasatenthbirthday.Therewouldhavebeennotimeforitintheprogramofjoyfulhappenings.Butbecausetimedragged,Georginawenttoherscalesandfive-fingerexercisesasusual.Withthehour-glassonthepianobesideher,shepractisednotonlyheraccustomedtime,tillthesandhadrunhalfthrough,butuntilallbutaquarterofithadslippeddown.Thenshesaunteredlistlesslyoutintothedining-roomandstoodbyoneoftheopenwindows,lookingoutthroughthewirescreenintothegarden.

Onanyotherdayshewouldhavefoundentertainmentinthekitchen

listeningtoBelleandMrs.Triplett.Belleseemeddoublyinterestingnowthatshehadheardoftheunusedweddingdressandthesorrowthatwould"blightherwholelife."ButGeorginadidnotwantanyonetoseehowbitterlyshewasdisappointed.

Justoutside,soclosetothewindowthatshecouldhavereachedoutandtouchedithaditnotbeenforthescreen,stoodtheholidaytree.IthadheldoutitsladenarmstoheronsomanyfestaloccasionsthatGeorginahadgrowntofeelthatittookahumaninterestinallhercelebrations.Toseeitstandingbarenow,likeanyordinarytree,madeherfeelthatherlastfriendwasindifferent.Nobodycared.Nobodywasgladthatshewasintheworld.Inspiteofallshecoulddotocheckthem,twobigtearswelledupandrolleddownhercheeks;thenanother

andanother.Sheliftedupthehemofherdresstowipethemaway,andasshedidsoUncleDarcycamearoundthehouse.

Helookedinattheopenwindow,thenasked:"Weatherabitsqually,hey?Betterputintoportandtieuptillstorm'sover.LetyourUncleDarcyhaveahandatthehelm.Comeouthere,Barby,andlet'stalkitoveronthedoor-step."

TherewassomethingsohearteninginthecheeryvoicethatGeorginamadeonemoredabathereyeswiththehemofherdressskirt,thendroppeditandwentoutthroughthescreendoortojoinhimonthestepswhichleddownintothegarden.Atfirstshewasloathtoconfessthecauseofhertears.Shefeltashamedofbeingcaughtcryingsimplybecausenoone

hadrememberedthedate.Itwasn'tthatshewantedpresents,shesobbed.Itwasthatshewantedsomeonetobegladthatshe'dbeenbornanditwassolonesomewithoutBarby----

InthemidstofherreluctantconfessionMr.Darcybethoughthimselfoftheprisminhispocket.

"Here,"hesaid,drawingitout."Takethisandputarainbowaroundyourtroubles.It'sasortofmagicglass.Whenyoulookthroughit,itshowsyouthingsyoucan'tseewithyourordinaryeyes.Lookwhatit



doestotheholidaytree."

Therewasalong-drawnbreathofamazementfromGeorginaassheheldtheprismtohereyesandlookedthroughitatthetree.

"Oh!Oh!It_does_putarainbowaroundeverybranchandeverylittletuftofgreenneedles.It'sevenlovelierthanthecoloredlanternswere.Isn'titwonderful?Itputsarainbowaroundthewholeoutdoors."

Hergazewentfromthegrapearbortothebackgardengate.Thenshejumpedupandstartedaroundthehouse,theoldmanfollowing,andsmilingovereachenthusiastic"oh"sheuttered,astheprismshowedhernewbeautyateverystep.Hewaspleasedtohavebeenthesourceofhernewpleasure.

"It'slikelookingintoadifferentworld,"shecried,asshereachedthekitchendoor,andeagerlyturnedtheprismfromoneobjecttoanother.Mrs.Triplettwasscowlingintentlyoverthetaskoftryingtoturnthelidofaglassjarwhichrefusedtobudge.

"Oh,itevenputsarainbowaroundTippy'sfrown,"Georginacriedexcitedly.ThensherantoholdtheprismoverBelle'seyes.

"Look,whatUncleDarcybroughtmeformybirthday.Seehowitputsa

rainbowaroundeveryblessedthing,eventheoldblackpotsandpans!"

InshowingittoTippyshediscoveredatinyholeintheendoftheprismbywhichithadbeenhungfromthelamp,andsheranupstairstofindapieceofribbontorunthroughit.Whenshecamedownagain,theprismhangingfromherneckbyalongpinkribbon,UncleDarcygreetedherwithanewversionoftheBanburyCrosssong:

"_Ringsonherfingersandribbonofrose,Sheshallhaverainbowswherevershegoes._"

"That'sevenbetterthanhavingmusicwhereveryougo,"answeredGeorgina,whirlingaroundonhertoes.Thenshestoppedinalistening

attitude,hearingthepostman.

Whenshecamebackfromthefrontdoorwithonlyamagazineherdisappointmentwaskeen,butshesaidbravely:

"Ofcourse,I_knew_therecouldn'tbealetterfromBarbythissoon.Shecouldn'tgettheretilllastnight--butjustforaminuteIcouldn'thelphoping--butIdidn'tmindithalfsomuch,UncleDarcy,whenIlookedatthepostmanthroughtheprism.Evenhiswhiskerswereblueandredandyellow."

Thatafternoonalittleboatwentdippingupanddownacrossthewaves.Itwas_TheBetsey_,withUncleDarcypullingattheoarsandGeorgina

aspassenger.Liftingtheprismwhichstillhungfromherneckbythepinkribbon,shelookedoutuponwhatseemedtobeanenchantedharbor.Itwasfilledwithafleetofrainbows.Everysailwasoutlinedwithone,everymastedgedwithlinesofredandgoldandblue.Eventhegraywharvesweretingedwithmagicalcolor,andthewateritself,toherreverentthought,suggestedthe"seaofglassmingledwithfire,"whichispicturedasoneofthegloriesoftheNewJerusalem.

"Isn'tit_wonderful_,UncleDarcy?"sheaskedinahushed,awedtone."It'sjustlikeamiraclethewaythisbitofglasschangesthewhole



world.Isn'tit?"

Beforehecouldanswer,ashrillwhistlesoundednearathand.TheywerepassingtheboathouseonthebeachbelowtheGreenStairs.LookinguptheysawRichard,hangingoutoftheopendoorsoftheloft,wavingtothem.Georginastoodupintheboatandbeckoned,butheshookhishead,pointingbackwardwithhisthumbintothestudio,anddisconsolatelyshruggedhisshoulders.

"Hewantstogo_so_bad!"exclaimedGeorgina."Seemsasifhisfather'samightyslowpainter.Maybeifyou'daskhimthewayyoudidbefore,UncleDarcy,he'dletRichardoffthisonemoretime--beingmybirthday,youknow."

Shelookedathimwiththebewitchingsmilewhichheusuallyfoundimpossibletoresist,butthistimeheshookhishead.

"No,Idon'twanthimalongto-day.I'vebroughtyououtheretoshowyousomethingandhavealittletalkwithyoualone.MaybeIoughttowaittillyou'reolderbeforeIsaywhatIwanttosay,butatmytimeoflifeI'mliabletoslipoffwithoutmuchwarning,andIdon'twanttogotillI'vesaidittoyou."

Georginaputdownherprismtostareathimineager-eyedwonder.She

wascurioustoknowwhathecouldshowherouthereonthewater,andwhathewantedtotellherthatwasasimportantashissolemnwordsimplied.

"Waittillwecometoit,"hesaid,answeringtheunspokenquestioninhereyes.AndGeorgina,whodearlyloveddramaticeffectsinherownstory-telling,waitedforsomething--sheknewnotwhat--toburstuponherexpectantsight.

Theyfollowedthelineofthebeachforsometime,dodginginbetweenmotorboatsandlaunches,underthehighrailroadwharfandaroundthesmalleroneswheretheoldfish-housesstood.Pastgroupsofchildren,playinginthesandtheywent,pastartistssketchingundertheirwhite

umbrellas,pastgardensgaywithbrightmassesofcolor,pastdryingnetsspreadoutontheshore.

PresentlyUncleDarcystoppedrowingandpointedacrossavacantstripofbeachbetweentwohouses,tooneontheoppositesideofthestreet.

"Thereitis,"heannounced."That'swhatIwantedtoshowyou."

Georginafollowedthedirectionofhispointingfinger.

"Oh,that!"shesaidinadisappointedtone."I'veseenthatallmylife.It'snothingbuttheFigureheadHouse."

Shewaslookingatalargewhitehousewithaporticooverthefrontdoor,ontheroofofwhichporticowasperchedhalfofthewoodenfigureofawoman.Itwasofheroicsize,headthrownbackasiflookingofftosea,andwithagreenwreathinitshands.Weather-beatenanddiscolored,itwasnotanimposingobjectatfirstglance,andmanyajibeandlaughithadcalledforthfrompassingtourists.

Georgina'sdisappointmentshowedinherface.

"Iknowallaboutthat,"sheremarked."Mrs.Tupmantoldmeherself.She



callsittheLadyofMystery.Shesaidthatyearsandyearsagoaschoonerputoutfromthistownonawhalingcruise,andwasgonemorethanayear.Whenitwascrossingtheequator,headedforhome,thelook-outatthemastheadsawastrangeobjectinthewaterthatlookedlikeawomanafloat.TheCaptaingaveorderstolowertheboats,andwhentheydidsotheyfoundthisfigurehead.ShesaiditmusthavecomefromtheprowofsomegreatclipperintheEastIndiatrade.TheywereintheIndianOcean,youknow.

"Therehadbeensomefrightfulstormsandafterwardstheyheardofmanywrecks.Thisfigureheadwassolongtheyhadtocutitintwotogetitintotheholdofthevessel.Theybroughtithomeandsetitupthereoverthefrontdoor,andtheycallittheLadyofMystery,becausetheysaid'fromwhencethatshipcame,whatwasitsfateandwhatwasitsdestinationwillalwaysbeshroudedinmystery.'AndMrs.TupmansaidthatafamousartistlookedatitonceandsaiditwasprobablytheworkofaSpanishartist,andthatfromtheposeofitsheadandthewreathinitshandshewassureitwasintendedtorepresentHope.Was_that_ whatyouweregoingtotellme?"

Theoldmanhadrestedonhisoarswhileshehurriedthroughthistale,withamischievoustwinkleinhereyes,asifshethoughtshewasforestallinghim.Nowhepickedthemupagainandbeganrowingoutintotheharbor.

"Thatwasapartofit,"headmitted,"butthat'sonlythepartthatthewholetownknows.Thatoldfigureheadhasameaningformethatnobodyelsethat'slivingknowsabout.That'swhatIwanttopassontoyou."

Herowedseveralminutesmorebeforehesaidslowly,withawistfultendernesscomingintohisdimoldeyesashelookedather:

"Georgina,Idon'tsupposeanybody'severtoldyouaboutthetroublesI'vehad.Theywouldn'ttalkaboutsuchthingstoachildlikeyou.MaybeIshouldn't,now;butwhenIsawhowdisappointedyouwerethismorning,Isaidtomyself,'Ifshe'soldenoughtofeeltroublethatway,she'soldenoughtounderstandandtobehelpedbyhearingabout

mine.'"

Itseemedhardforhimtogoon,foragainhepaused,lookingofftowardthelighthouseinthedistance.Thenhesaidslowly,inavoicethatshookattimes:

"Once--Ihadaboy--thatIsetallmyhopeson--justasamanputsallhiscargointoonevessel;andnobodywaseverprouderthanIwas,whenthatlittlecraftwentsailingalongwiththebestofthem.Iusedtolookathimandthink,'_Danny'll_weathertheseasnomatterhowroughtheyare,andhe'llbringupintheharborI'mhopinghe'llreach,withallflagsflying.'Andthen--somethingwentwrong----"

Thetremulousvoicebroke."Mylittleshipwentdown--allmypreciouscargolost----"

Anotherandalongerpause.InitGeorginaseemedtohearCousinMehitable'shuskyvoice,halfwhispering:

"_Andthelampthrewashadowontheyellowblind,plainasaphotograph.Theshadowofanoldmansittingwithhisarmsflungoutacrossthetableandhisheadbowedonthem.Andhewasgroaning,'Oh,myDanny!MyDanny!Ifyoucouldonlyhavegonethatway.'_"



ForamomentGeorginafeltthecruelhurtofhisgriefasifthepainhadstabbedherownheart.Theoldmanwenton:

"Ifithadonlybeenanyotherkindofaload,anythingbut_disgrace_,Icouldhavecarrieditwithoutflinching.But_that_,itseemedIjustcouldn'tface.OnlythegoodLordknowshowIlivedthroughthosefirstfewweeks.ThenyourgrandfatherHuntingdoncametome.Hewasalwaysagoodfriend.Andheaskedmetorowhimouthereonthewater.WhenwepassedtheFigureheadHousehepointedupatthathead.Itwasallwhiteandfairinthosedays,beforethepaintworeoff.Andhesaid,'Dan'lDarcy,_aslongasamankeepsHopeattheprowhekeepsafloat_.Assoonashedropsithegoestopiecesanddowntothebottom,thewaythatshipdidwhenitlostitsfigurehead.Youmustn'tletgo,Dan'l.You_must_keepHopeattheprow.

"'SomewhereinGod'suniverseeitherinthisworldoranotheryourboyisaliveandstillyourson.You'vegottogoonhopingthatifhe'sinnocenthisnamewillbeclearedofthisdisgrace,andifhe'sguiltyhe'llwipeouttheoldscoreagainsthimsomewayandmakegood.'

"Andthenhegavemealinetoliveby.Alinehesaidthathadbeenwrittenbyamanwhowasstoneblind,andhadn'tanythingtolookforwardtoalltherestofhislifebutgropinginthedark.Hesaid

he'dnot

"'_BateajotOfheartorhope,butstillbearupandsteerRightonward._'

"Atfirstitdidn'tseemtomeananythingtome,buthemademesayitafterhimasifitwereasortofpromise,andI'vebeensayingiteverydayofeveryyearsincethen.I'dsaidittomyselffirst,whenImetpeopleonthestreetthatIknewwerethinkingofDanny'sdisgrace,andIdidn'tseehowIwasgoingtogetupcouragetopass'em.AndIsaiditwhenIwaslyingonmybedatnightwithmyheartsosoreandheavyIcouldn'tsleep,andafterawhileitdidbegintoputcourageintome,

sothatIcouldhopeinearnest.AndwhenIdid_that_,littlelass----"

Heleanedovertosmileintohereyes,nowfulloftears,hehadsowroughtuponhertendersympathies----

"WhenIdidthat,itputarainbowaroundmytroublejustasthatprismdidaroundyouremptyholidaytree.Itchangedthelooksofthewholeworldforme.

"_That's_whatIbroughtyououtheretotellyou,Georgina.IwanttogiveyouthesamethingthatyourgrandfatherHuntingdongaveme--thatlinetoliveby.Becausetroublescometoeverybody.They'llcometoyou,too,butIwantyoutoknowthis,Baby,theycan'thurtyouaslong

asyoukeepHopeattheprow,becauseHopeisamagicglassthatmakesrainbowsofourtears.Nowyouwon'tforgetthat,willyou?EvenafterUncleDarcyisdeadandgone,you'llrememberthathebroughtyououthereonyourbirthdaytogiveyouthatgoodword--'_stillbearupandsteerrightonward_,'nomatterwhathappens.Andtotellyouthatinallthelong,hardyearshe'slivedthrough,he'sproveditwasgood."

Georgina,awedandtouchedofsoul,couldonlynodherassent.ButbecauseChildhoodsometimeshasnoanswertomaketotheconfidencesofAgeisnoreasonthattheyarenottakentoheartandstowedawaythere



fortheyearstobuildupon.Intheunbrokensilencewithwhichtheyrowedbacktoshore,Georginamighthaveclaimedthreescoreyearsbesidesherownten,soperfectwasthefeelingofcomradeshipbetweenthem.

Astheypassedthepierbackoftheantiqueshop,agreatgraycatroseandstretcheditself,thenwalkedponderouslydowntothewater'sedge.Itwas"Grandpa."Georgina,laughingalittleshakilybecauseofrecenttears,raisedherprismtoputarainbowaroundthecat'stail,unknowingthatbutforhimthecrystalpendantwouldnowbehangingfromanantiquelampinsteadoffromtheribbonaroundherneck.

[Illustration]

CHAPTERX

MOVINGPICTURES

IToftenhappensthatwhenoneisallprimedandcockedfortrouble,thattroubleflapsitswingsandfliesawayforatime,leavingnothing

tofireat.SoGeorgina,goinghomewithherprismandher"linetoliveby,"readyandeagertoprovehowbravelyshecouldmeetdisappointments,foundonlypleasantsurprisesawaitingher.

Mrs.Tripletthadmadeabirthdaycakeinherabsence.Itwasonthesuppertablewithtenredcandlesatop.AndtherewasanotefromBarbybesideherplatewhichhadcomeinthelastmail.Ithadbeenpostedatsomeway-station.Therewasacheckinsideforadollarwhichshewastospendasshepleased.Adearlittlenoteitwas,whichmadeGeorgina'sthroatacheevenwhileitbroughtaglowtoherheart.ThenBelle,whohadnotknownitwasherbirthdayintimetomakeherapresent,announcedthatshewouldtakehertoamovingpictureshowaftersupper,instead.

Georginahadfrequentlybeentakentoafternoonperformances,butneveratnight.Itwasanadventureinitselfjusttobedowninthepartoftownwheretheshopswere,whentheywerealllighted,andwhenthesummerpeopleweresurgingalongtheboard-walkandoutintothemiddleofthenarrowstreetinsuchcrowdsthattheautomobilesand"accommodations"hadtopushtheirwaythroughslowly,withagreathonkingofwarninghorns.

TheTownHallwaslightedforadancewhentheypassedit.Thewindowsofthelittlesouvenirshopsseemedtwiceasattractiveaswhenseenbyday,andearlyasitwasintheevening,peoplewerealreadylinedupinthedrug-store,threedeeparoundthesoda-waterfountain.

Georgina,thankfulthatTippyhadallowedhertowearhergoldlocketfortheoccasion,walkeddowntheaisleandtookherseatnearthestage,feelingasconspicuousandself-consciousasanydebutanteenteringaboxatGrandOpera.

Itwasahotnight,butonalinewiththefrontseats,therewasadoublesidedooropeningoutontoadock.FromwhereGeorginasatshecouldlookoutthroughthedoorandseethelightsofahundredboatstwinklinginlongwavylinesacrosstheblackwater,andnowandthena



saltbreezewiththefishytangsheloved,stoleacrosstheroomandtouchedhercheeklikeacoolfinger.

TheplaywasnotonewhichBarbarawouldhavechosenforGeorginatosee,beingonethatwasadvertisedasathriller.Itwasfullofhair-breadthescapesandtragicscenes.Therewasashipwreckinit,andpassengerswerebroughtashoreinthebreechesbuoy,justasshehadseensailorsbroughtinonpracticedaysoverattheRacePointLife-savingstation.Andtherewasastillformstretchedoutstarkanddrippingunderapieceoftarpaulin,andagirlwithlongfairhairstreamingwildlyoverhershoulderskneltbesideitwringingherhands.

Georginastoleaquickside-glanceatBelle.ThatwasthewayithadbeeninthestoryofEmmettPotter'sdrowning,astheytolditonthedayofCousinMehitable'svisit.Belle'shandswerelockedtogetherinherlap,andherlipswerepressedinathinlineasifsheweretryingtokeepfromsayingsomething.Severaltimesinthesemi-darknessofthehouseherhandkerchiefwentfurtivelytohereyes.

Georgina'sheartbeatfaster.Somehow,withthepianopoundingoutthatdeeptum-tum,likewavesboomingupontherocks,shebegantofeelstrangelyconfused,asif_she_weretheheroineonthefilms;asif _she_werekneelingthereontheshoreinthattragicmomentofpartingfromherdeadlover.ShewassurethatsheknewexactlyhowBellefelt

then,howshewasfeelingnow.

Whenthelightswereswitchedonagainandtheyrosetogoout,GeorginawassodeeplyunderthespelloftheplaythatitgaveheralittleshockofsurprisewhenBellebegantalkingquitecheerfullyandinherordinarymannertohernextneighbor.Sheevenlaughedinresponsetosomejokingremarkastheyedgedtheirwayslowlyuptheaisletothedoor.ItseemedtoGeorginathatifshehadlivedthroughasceneliketheonetheyhadjustwitnessed,shecouldneversmileagain.OnthewayoutsheglancedupagainatBelleseveraltimes,wondering.

Goinghomethestreetwasevenmorecrowdedthanithadbeencoming.Theycouldbarelypushtheirwayalong,andwerebumpedintoconstantly

bypeopledodgingbacktoescapethejamwhenthecrowdhadtoparttoletavehiclethrough.Butafterafewblocksofsuchjostlingthegoingwaseasier.Thedrug-storeabsorbedpartofthethrong,andmostoftheprocessionturnedupCarverStreettotheGiffordHouseandthecottagesbeyondonBradfordStreet.

BythetimeGeorginaandBellecametothelasthalf-mileoftheplankwalk,scarcelyafootstepsoundedbehindthem.AfterpassingtheGreenStairstherewasanunobstructedviewoftheharbor.Afullmoonwashighoverhead,floodingthewaterandbeachwithsuchawitcheryoflightthatGeorginamovedalongasifshewereinadream--inasilverdreambesideasilversea.

Bellepointedtoalittlepavilioninsightofthebreakwater."Let'sgooverthereandsitdownafewminutes,"shesaid."It'sawasteofgoodmaterialtogoindoorsonanightlikethis."

Theycrossedover,sinkinginthesandastheysteppedfromtheroadtothebeach,tillGeorginahadtotakeoffherslippersandshakethembeforeshecouldsettledowncomfortablyonthebenchinthepavilion.Theysatthereawhilewithoutspeaking,justastheyhadsatbeforethepicturesonthefilms,forneveronanyfilmwasevershownasceneofsuchentrancinglovelinessastheonespreadoutbeforethem.Inthe



broadpathmadebythemoonhungghostlysails,rosegreatmasts,twinkledmyriadsoflights.Itwassostilltheycouldheartheswishofthetidecreepingupbelow,thedipofnear-byoarsandthechugofamotorboat,farawaydownbytherailroadwharf.

ThenBellebegantotalk.Shelookedstraightoutacrosstheshiningpathofthemoonandspokeasifshewerebyherself.ShedidnotlookatGeorgina,sittingtherebesideher.Perhapsifshehad,shewouldhaverealizedthatherlistenerwasonlyachildandwouldnothavesaidallshedid.Ormaybe,somethingwithinherfelttheinfluenceofthenight,themagicaldrawingofthemoonasthetidefeelsit,andshecouldnotholdbackthelong-repressedspeechthatrosetoherlips.Maybeitwasthattheplaytheyhadseen,quickenedoldmemoriesintopainfullifeagain.

Itwasonanightjustlikethis,shetoldGeorgina,thatEmmettfirsttoldherthathecaredforher--tenyearsagothissummer.Tenyears!ThewholeofGeorgina'slittlelifetime!AndnowBellewastwenty-seven.Twenty-sevenseemedveryoldtoGeorgina.Shestoleanotherupwardglanceathercompanion.Belledidnotlookold,sittingthereinherwhitedress,likeawhitemoonflowerinthatsilverradiance,alittlelockofsoftblondehairflutteringacrosshercheek.

Inarushofbrokensentenceswithlongpausesbetweenwhichsomehow

toldalmostasmuchaswords,Bellerecalledsomeofthescenesofthatsummer,andGeorgina,whouptothisnighthadonlyglimpsedthedimoutlinesofromance,asachildoftenwouldglimpsethemthrougholdbooks,suddenlysawitfacetoface,andthereafterfounditsomethingtowonderaboutanddreamsweet,vaguedreamsover.

SuddenlyBellestoodupwithacompletechangeofmanner.

"My!itmustbegettinglate,"shesaidbriskly."AuntMariawillscoldifIkeepyououtanylonger."

Goinghome,shewasliketheBellewhomGeorginahadalwaysknown--sodifferentfromtheoneliftingtheveilofmemoriesforthelittlewhile

theysatinthepavilion.

GeorginahadthoughtthatwithnoBarbyto"buttonhereyesshutwithakiss"attheendofherbirthday,thegoing-to-sleeptimewouldbesad.Butshewassobusyrecallingtheeventsofthedaythatsheneverthoughtoftheomittedceremony.Foralongtimeshelayawake,imaginingallsortsofbeautifulscenesinwhichshewastheheroine.

First,shewentbacktowhatUncleDarcyhadtoldher,andimaginedherselfasrescuinganonlychildwhowasdrowning.Thewholetownstoodbyandcheeredwhenshecameupwithit,dripping,andthemothertookherinherarmsandsaid,"_You_areourprism,GeorginaHuntingdon!Butforyournobleactourliveswouldbe,indeed,desolate.Itisyouwho

havefilledthemwithrainbows."

Thenshewasinashipcrossingtheocean,andapoorsailorhearingherspeakofCapeCodwouldcomeandaskhertotellhimofitspeople,andshewouldfindhewasDanny.Shewouldbethemeansofrestoringhimtohisparents.

Andthen,sheandRichardonsomeoftheirtreasure-huntingexpeditionswhichtheywerestillplanningeverytimetheymet,wouldunearthacasketsomedarknightbythelightofafitfullantern,andinside



wouldbeaconfessionwrittenbythemanwhohadreallystolenthemoney,sayingthatDanDarcywasinnocent.AndUncleDarcyandAuntElspethwouldbesoheavenlyglad----ThetearscametoGeorgina'seyesasshepicturedthesceneinthelittlehouseinFishburnCourt,itcametohersovividly.

Theclockdownstairsstrucktwelve,butstillshewentonwiththepleasingpicturesmovingthroughhermindastheyhadmovedacrossthefilmsearlierintheevening.ThelastonewasacombinationofwhatshehadseenthereandwhatBellehadtoldher.

Shewassittingbesideasilverseaacrosswhichasilvermoonwasmakingawonderfulshiningpathofsilverripples,andsomebodywastellingher--whatEmmetthadtoldBelletenyearsago.Andsheknewpastalldoubtingthatifthatshadowysomebodybesidehershoulddie,shewouldcarrythememoryofhimtohergraveasBellewasdoing.Itseemedsuchasweet,sadwaytolivethatshethoughtitwouldbemoreinterestingtohaveherlifelikethat,thantohaveitgoalonglikethelivesofallthemarriedpeopleofheracquaintance.Andif_he_hadafatherlikeEmmett'sfathershewouldclingtohimasBelledid,andgotoseehimoftenandtakethepartofarealdaughtertohim.Butshewouldn'twanthimtobelikeBelle's"FatherPotter."Hewasanoldfisherman,toocrippledtofollowtheseaanylonger,sonowhewasjustamenderofnets,sittingalldayknottingtwinewithdirty

tar-blackenedfingers.

ThenextmorningwhenshewentdownstairsitwasBelleandnotMrs.Triplettwhowassteppingaboutthekitcheninabigginghamapron,preparingbreakfast.Mrs.Triplettwasstillinbed.SuchathinghadneverhappenedbeforewithinGeorgina'srecollection.

"It'stherheumatisminherback,"Bellereported."It'ssobadshecan'tliestillwithanycomfort,andshecan'tmovewithoutgroaning.Soshe'ssortof'betweenthede'ilandthedeepsea.'Andtouchyisnonameforit.Shedoesn'tlikeitifyoudon'tandshedoesn'tlikeitifyoudo;butyoucan'twonderwhenthepain'ssobad.It'sprettynearlumbago."

Georgina,whohadfinishedherdressingbytyingtheprismaroundherneck,wasstillburningwiththedesirewhichUncleDarcy'stalkhadkindledwithinher,tobealittlecomforttoeverybody.

"Letmetakehertoastandteauptoher,"shebegged.WiththattoastandteasheintendedtopassalongthegoodwordUncleDarcyhadgivenher--"thelinetoliveby."ButTippywasinnohumortobeadjuredbyachitofachildtobearupandsteerrightonward.Suchadvicewouldhavebeencoldlyreceivedjustthenevenfromherminister.

"Youdon'tknowwhatyou'retalkingabout,"sheexclaimedtestily."Bearup?OfcourseI'llbearup.There'snothingelse_to_dowith

rheumatism,butyouneedn'tcomearoundwithanytalkofputtingrainbowsarounditormeeither."

Shegaveherpillowanimpatientthumpwithherhardknuckles.

"Delivermefrompeoplewhomakeittheirbusinessinlifealwaystoactcheerfulnomatter_what_.TheScriptureitselfsays'There'satimetolaughandatimetoweep,atimetomournandatimetodance.'WhentheweepingtimecomesIcan'tabideeitherpeopleorbooksthatgoaroundspreadingcheerfulsayingsoneverybodylikesalve!"



Tippy,lyingtherewithherhairscrewedintoatightlittlebuttononthetopofherhead,lookedstrangelyunlikeherself.Georginadescendedtothekitchen,muchoffended.Ithurtherfeelingstohavehergoodofficesspurnedinsuchaway.Shedidn'tcarehowbadanybody'srheumatismwasshemuttered."Itwasnoexcuseforsayingsuchnastythingstopeoplewhoweretryingtobekindtothem."

BellesuggestedpresentlythatthecustomarypianopracticebeomittedthatmorningforfearitmightdisturbAuntMaria,sowhentheusuallittletasksweredoneGeorginawouldhavefoundtimedragging,haditnotbeenforthenightletterwhichamessengerboybroughtsoonafterbreakfast.GrandfatherShirleywasbetterthanshehadexpectedtofindhim,Barbywired.Particularswouldfollowsooninaletter.ItcheeredGeorginaupsomuchthatshetookapencilandtabletofpaperupintothewillowtreeandwrotealongaccounttohermotherofthebirthdayhappenings.Whatwiththered-candledcakeandthepictureshowandtheafternoonintheboatitsoundedasifshehadhadaveryhappyday.Butmostlyshewroteabouttheprism,andwhatUncleDarcyhadtoldheraboutthemagicglassofHope.WhenitwasdoneshewentintoBelle.

"MayIgodowntothepost-officetomailthisandstoponmywaybackattheGreenStairsandseeifRichardcancomeandplaywithme?"sheasked.

Belleconsidered."BetterstaydownattheMilford'stodoyourplaying,"sheanswered."ItmightbotherAuntMariatohaveaboyrompingaroundhere."

SoGeorginafaredforth,aftertakingoffherprismandhangingitinasafeplace.OnlyCaptainKiddfriskeddowntomeetherwhenshestoodunderthestudiowindowandgavethealleyyodelwhichRichardhadtaughther.Therewasnoanswer.Sherepeateditseveraltimes,andthenMr.Morelandappearedatthewindow,inhisartist'ssmockwithapaletteonhisthumbandadecidedlyimpatientexpressiononhishandsomeface.Richardwasposing,hetoldher,andcouldn'tleaveforhalfanhour.Histonewasimpatient,too,forhehadjustgottenagood

startaftermanyinterruptions.

Undecidedwhethertogobackhomeorsitdownonthesandandwait,Georginastoodlookingidlyabouther.Andwhileshehesitated,ManuelandJosephandRosacamestragglingalongthebeachinsearchofadventure.

ItcametoGeorginalikeaninspirationthatitwasn'tBarbywhohadforbiddenhertoplaywiththem,itwasTippy.Andwithavaguefeelingthatshewasjustifiedindisobeyingherbecauseofherrecentcrossness,sheroundedthemupforachaseoverthegraniteslabsofthebreakwater.IftheywouldbeIndians,sheproposed,she'dbetheDeer-slayer,liketheherooftheLeather-StockingTales,andchase'em

withagun.

Theyhadneverheardofthosetales,buttheyweremorethanwillingtoundertakeanygamewhichGeorginamightpropose.Soafteralittlecoachinginwar-whoops,withabatteredtinpanforatom-tom,threeimpromptuIndiansspeddownthebeachunderthestudiowindows,pursuedbyaswift-footedDeer-slayerwithflyingcurls.Theendofabrokenoarwashermusket,whichshebrandishedfiercelyassheechoedtheiryells.

Mr.Morelandgaveagroanofdespairashelookedathismodelwhen



thosewar-whoopsbrokeloose.Richard,whohadsucceededaftermanytrialsinlapsingintothedreamyattitudewhichhisfatherwanted,startedupatthefirstwhoop,soalertandinterestedthathisnostrilsquivered.Hescentedexcitementofsomekindandwassoeagertobeinthemidstofitthatthenoiseofthetom-tommadehimwriggleinhischair.

Helookedathisfatherappealingly,thenmadeanefforttosettledownintohisformerattitude.Hisbodyassumedthesamelistlessposeasbefore,buthiseyesweresoeagerandshiningwithinterestthattheyfairlyspokeeachtimetherattlydrummingonthetinpansoundedachallenge.

"It'snouse,Dicky,"saidhisfatheratlast."It'sallupwithusforthistime.Youmightaswellgoon.ButIwishthatlittletom-boyhadstayedathome."

AndRichardwent,withayellandahand-spring,tothrowinhislotwithManuelandJosephandbechasedbythedoughtyDeer-slayerandherhound.InthereadjustmentofpartsRosawastoldtoanswertothenameofHector.ItwasallonetoRosawhethershewashoundorredskin,solongasshewasallowedapartinthethrillingnewgame.RichardhadthepromiseofbeingDeer-slayernexttimetheyplayedit.

[Illustration]

CHAPTERXI

THEOLDRIFLEGIVESUPITSSECRET

OUTofthatgamewithforbiddenplaymates,greweventswhichchangedthelivesofseveralpeople.ItbeganbyRichard'sdecidingthatarealgunwasnecessaryforhisequipmentifhewastoplaythepartof

Leather-Stockingproperly.Also,heargued,itwouldbeavaluableadditiontotheirstockoffire-arms.Thebrokenoldhorse-pistolsweregoodenoughtoplayatpiratingwith,butsomethingwhichwouldreallyshootwasneededwhentheystartedoutinearnestonasure-enoughadventure.

GeorginasuggestedthathegotoFishburnCourtandborrowariflethatshehadseenupinUncleDarcy'sattic.Shewouldgowithhimanddotheasking,sheadded,butBellehadpromisedtotakeherwithherthenexttimeshewenttoseethenet-mender,andthenexttimewouldbethefollowingafternoon,ifTippywaswellenoughtobeupandaround.Georginacouldn'tmissthechancetoseeinsidethecottagethathadbeenthehomeofaheroandBelle'sdrownedlover.Shewantedtoseethe

newspaperwhichMr.Pottershowedeverybodywhowenttothehouse.Ithadanaccountofthewreckandtherescueinit,withEmmett'spictureonthefrontpage,andblackheadlinesunderitthatsaid,"Diedlikeahero."

Tippywaswellenoughtobeupnextday,soRichardwentalonetoFishburnCourt,andGeorginatrudgedalongthesandyroadwithBelletotheweather-beatencottageontheedgeofthecranberrybog.Belletoldhermoreabouttheoldmanastheywalkedalong.



"Seemsasifhejustlivesonthatmemory.Hecan'tgetoutintheboatsanymore,beingsocrippledup,andhecan'tseetoreadmuch,sothere'slotsoftimeforhimtositandthinkonthepast.Ifitwasn'tforthenetshe'daboutlosehismind.Iwouldn'tsayitout,andyouneedn'trepeatit,butsometimesIthinkit'salreadytouchedamite.Youseethetwoofthemlivedtheretogethersolongalone,thatEmmettwasallinalltohisfather.Isupposethat'swhyEmmettisallhecantalkaboutnow."

WhentheyreachedthecottageMr.Potterwassittingoutinfrontasusual,busywithhiswork.Georginawasgladthathedidnotoffertoshakehands.Hisweresodirtyandblackwithtarshefeltshecouldnotbeartotouchthem.Hewasaswarthyoldmanwithskinlikewrinkledleather,andabushy,grizzledbeardwhichgrewupnearlytohiseyes.AgainGeorginawondered,lookingatBelleinhercrisp,whitedressandwhiteshoes.HowcouldshecareforthisunkemptoldcreatureenoughtocallhimFather?

AsshefollowedBellearoundinsidethedrearythree-roomcottageshewantedtoaskifthiswouldhavebeenherhomeifEmmetthadnotbeendrowned,butshefeltadelicacyaboutaskingsuchaquestion.Shecouldn'timagineBelleinsuchasetting,butaftershehadfollowedheraroundawhilelongersherealizedthatthehousewouldn'tstaydrearywithsuchamistress.Inalmostnotimetheplacewasputtorights,and

therewasapanofcookiesreadytoslipintotheoven.

Whenthesmelloftheirbrowningstoleouttothefrontdoortheoldmanlefthisbenchandcameintogetahandfulofthehotcakes.Then,justasBellesaidhewould,hetoldGeorginaallthathadhappenedthenightofthewreck.

"That'stheverychairhewassittin'in,whenLukeJonescomeinwiththewordthatmenwereneeded.HestartedrightoffwithLukesoonashecouldgetintohisoil-skins,for'twasstormin'tobeattheband.Buthedidn'tgofur.Almostnotimeitseemedlike,hewascomin'intothehouseagin,andhewentintothatbedroomthere,andshetthedoorbehindhim.Thatofitselfoughtto'uvmademeknowsomethingoutof

theusualwasbeginnin'tohappen,forheneverdonesuchathingbefore.AfewminuteslaterhecameoutwithanoldriflethathimandDanDarcyusedtocarryaroundinthedunesfortargetshootin'andhesetitrightdowninthatcornerbythechimneyjamb.

"'Firsttimeanybodypassesthiswaygoin'downtoFishburnCourt,'hesays,'Iwishyou'dsendthisalongtoUncleDan'l.It'shisbyrights,andhe'doughtahaditlongago.'

"An'themwashislastwordstome,exceptashepulledthedoortoafterhimhecalled'Good-byePop,ifIdon'tseeyouagin.'

"Idon'tknowwhenhe'ddonesuchathingbeforeastosaygood-byewhen

hewentout,andI'veoftenwonderedoveritsence,couldhe'ahadanywarnin'thatsomethingwasgoin'tohappentohim?"

Georginagazedatthepictureinthenewspaperlongandcuriously.Ithadbeencopiedfromafadedtin-type,butevenmakingallowancesforthatEmmettdidn'tlookassheimaginedaheroshould,nordiditseempossibleitcouldbethemanBellehadtalkedabout.Shewishedshehadn'tseenit.Itdimmedtheglamorofromancewhichseemedtosurroundhimlikeahalo.HearingabouthiminthemagicalmoonlightshehadpicturedhimaslookingasSirGalahad.Butif_this_waswhathereally



lookedlike----AgainsheglancedwonderinglyatBelle.Howcouldshecaresohardfortenlongyearsforjustanordinarymanlikethat?

WhenitwastimetogohomeBellesuggestedthattheywalkaroundbyFishburnCourt.Itwouldbeoutoftheirway,butshehadheardthatAuntElspethwasn'taswellasusual.

"EmmettalwayscalledherAunt,"sheexplainedtoGeorginaastheywalkedalong,"soIgotintothewayofdoingit,too.HewassofondofDan'smother.ShewassogoodtohimafterhisownwentthatIfeelIwanttobenicetoherwheneverIcan,forhissake."

"Youknow,"shecontinued,"AuntElspethneverwouldgiveupbutthatDanwasinnocent,andsincehermemory'sbeenfailingherthislastyear,shetalksallthetimeabouthiscominghome;justliesthereinbedhalfhertimeandbabblesabouthim.ItalmostkillsUncleDan'ltohearher,because,ofcourse,heknowsthetruthofthematter,thatDan _was_guilty.Heasgoodasconfesseditbeforeheranaway,andtherunningawayitselftoldthestory."

WhentheyreachedFishburnCourttheycouldseetwopeoplesittinginfrontofthecottage.UncleDarcywasinanarmchaironthegrasswithoneofthecatsinhislap,andRichardsatononeseatofthered,woodenswingwithCaptainKiddontheoppositeone.Richardhadarifle

acrosshisknees,theoneGeorginahadsuggestedborrowing.Hepassedhishandcaressinglyalongitsstocknowandthen,andatintervalsraisedittosightalongthebarrel.Itwassoheavyhecouldnotkeepitfromwobblingwhenheraisedittotakeaiminvariousdirections.

Attheclickofthegate-latchtheoldmantumbledYellownoseoutofhislapandrosestifflytowelcomehisguests.

"Comerightin,"hesaidcordially."Mother'llbegladtoseeyou,Belle.She'sbeensortoflowinhermindlately,andneedscheeringup."

Heledthewayintoalow-ceilinged,innerbedroomwiththeshadesall

pulleddown.Itwassodark,comparedtotheglaringroadtheyhadbeenfollowing,thatGeorginablinkedatthediminterior.Shecouldscarcelymakeoutthefigureonthehigh-postedbed,anddrewback,whisperingtoBellethatshe'dstayoutsideuntiltheywerereadytogohome.Leavingthemonthethreshold,shewentbacktotheshadydoor-yardtoaseatintheswingbesideCaptainKidd.

"It'sUncleDarcy'sson'srifle,"explainedRichard."He'sbeentellingmeabouthim.Feelhowsmooththestockis."

Georginareachedoverandpassedherhandlightlyalongthepolishedwood.

"HeandafriendofhiscalledEmmettPotterusedtocarryitonthedunessometimestoshootatamarkwith.Itwasn'tgoodformuchelse,it'ssoold.Dangotitinatradeonce;tradedawholelitterofcolliepupsforit.UncleDarcysayshe'dforgottentherewassuchaguntillsomebodybroughtittohimafterEmmettwasdrowned."

"Oh,"interruptedGeorgina,hereyeswidewithinterest."Emmett'sfatherhasjustbeentellingmeaboutthisveryrifle.ButIdidn'tdreamitwastheoneI'dseenupintheattichere.HeshowedmethecornerwhereEmmettstooditwhenheleftforthewreck,andtoldwhat



wastobedonewithit.'Themwerehislastwords,'"sheadded,quotingMr.Potter.

Shereachedoutherhandfortheclumsyoldfirearmandalmostdroppedit,findingitsomuchheavierthansheexpected.Shewantedtotouchwithherownfingerstheweaponthathadsuchaninterestinghistory,andaboutwhichaherohadspokenhislastwords.

"Thehammer'sbroken,"continuedRichard."Whoeverbroughtithomeletitfall.It'sallrusty,too,becauseitwasupintheatticsomanyyearsandtheroofleakedonit.ButUncleDarcysaidlotsofmuseumswouldbegladtohaveitbecausetherearen'tmanyoftheseoldflint-locksleftnow.He'sgoingtoleaveittothePilgrimmuseumupbythemonumentwhenhe'sdeadandgone,buthewantstokeepitaslongashelivesbecauseDannysetsuchstorebyit."

"There'ssomenumbersorlettersorsomethingonit,"announcedGeorgina,peeringatasmallbrassplateonthestock."Ican'tmakethemout.Itellyouwhatlet'sdo,"sheexclaimedinaburstofenthusiasm."Let'spolishitupso'swecanreadthem.Tippyusesvinegarandwoodashesforbrass.I'llrungetsome."

Georginawasenoughathomeheretofindwhatshewantedwithoutasking,andasfullofresourcesasRobinsonCrusoe.Shewasbackinaveryfew

minuteswithashovelfullofashesfromthekitchenstove,andanoldcanlidfullofvinegar,drawnfromajuginthecornercupboard.Withascrapofaragdippedfirstinvinegar,theninashes,shebeganscrubbingthebrassplatediligently.Ithadcorrodeduntiltherewasanedgeofgreenentirelyaroundit.

"Ilovetotakeanoldthinglikethisandscrubittillitshineslikegold,"shesaid,scouringawaywithsuchevidentenjoymentofthejobthatRichardinsistedonhavingaturn.Shesurrenderedtheraggrudgingly,butcontinuedtodirectoperations.

"Nowdipitintheashesagain.No,notthatway,doubletheragupandusemorevinegar.Rubaroundthatothercornerawhile.Here,letme

showyou."

Shetooktherifleawayfromhimagainandproceededtoillustrateheradvice.Suddenlyshelookedup,startled.

"Ibelievewe'verubbeditloose.Itmovedalittletooneside.See?"

Hegrabbeditbackandexamineditclosely."Ibetit'smeanttomove,"hesaidfinally."Itlookslikealid,see!Itslidessideways."

"Oh,Iremembernow,"shecried,muchexcited."That'sthewayLeather-Stocking'sriflewasmade.Therewasaholeinthestockwithabrassplateoverit,andhekeptlittlepiecesofoileddeer-skininside

ofittowrapbulletsinbeforeheloaded'emin.Irememberjustasplain,theplaceinthestorywherehestoppedtoopenitandtakeoutapieceofoileddeer-skinwhenhestartedtoload."

Assheexplainedshesnatchedtheriflebackintoherownhandsoncemore,andpriedatthebrassplateuntilshebroketheedgeofherthumbnail.ThenRichardtookit,andwiththeaidofarustybutton-hookwhichhehappenedtohaveinhispocket,havingfounditonthestreetthatmorning,hepushedtheplateentirelyback.



"There'ssomethingwhiteinside!"heexclaimed.

Instantlytwoheadsbentoverwithhisinanattempttosee,forCaptainKidd'sshaggyhairwassidebysidewithGeorgina'scurls,hiscuriosityasgreatashers.

"Whatever'sintherehasbeenthereanawfullongtime,"saidRichardashepokedatthecontentswithhisbutton-hook,"forUncleDarcysaidtherifle'sneverbeenusedsinceitwasbroughtbacktohim."

"Andit'stenyearscomeMichaelmassinceEmmettwasdrowned,"saidGeorgina,againquotingtheoldnet-mender.

Thepieceofpaperwhichtheyfinallysucceededindrawingouthadbeenfoldedmanytimesandcrumpledintoaflatwad.Evidentlythemessageonithadbeenscrawledhastilyinpencilbysomeonelittleusedtoletterwriting.Itwaswritteninanoddhand,andtheunitedeffortsofthetwolittlereaderscoulddecipheronlypartsofit.

"Icanreadanykindofplainwritingliketheydoinschool,"saidRichard,"butnotthissharp-corneredkindwherethem'sandu'sarealike,andallthetailsarepointed."

Slowlytheypuzzledoutpartsofit,haltinglongoversomeofthe

undecipherablewords,butafewwordshereandtherewerealltheycouldrecognize.Therewerelongstretchesthathadnomeaningwhateverforthem.Thismuch,however,theymanagedtospellout:

"Dannevertookthemoney....Ididit....HewentawaybecauseheknewIdiditandwouldn'ttell....Sorry....Can'tstanditanylonger....Putanendtoitall...."

Itwassigned"EmmettPotter."

ThetwochildrenlookedateachotherwithpuzzledeyesuntilintoGeorgina'scameasuddenandstartledunderstanding.Snatchingupthepapershealmostfelloutoftheswingandrantowardsthehouse

screaming:

"UncleDarcy!UncleDarcy!Lookwhatwe'vefound."

Shetrippedoverapieceofloosecarpetspreadjustinsidethefrontdoorasarugandfellfulllength,buttooexcitedtoknowthatshehadskinnedherelbowshescrambledup,stillcalling:

"UncleDarcy,_Dannevertookthemoney.ItwasEmmettPotter.Hesaidsohimself!_"

[Illustration]

CHAPTERXII

AHARDPROMISE

ADOZENtimesinGeorgina'sday-dreamingshehadimaginedthisscene.ShehadruntoUncleDarcywiththeproofofDan'sinnocence,heardhis



gladcry,seenhisfacefairlytransfiguredashereadtheconfessionaloud.Nowitwasactuallyhappeningbeforeherveryeyes,butwherewasthesceneofheavenlygladnessthatshouldhavefollowed?

Belle,startledevenmorethanhebyGeorgina'soutcry,andquickertoact,readthemessageoverhisshoulder,recognizedthehandwritingandgraspedthefullsignificanceofthesituationbeforehereachedthenameattheend.Fortenyearsthreelittlenotesinthatsamepeculiarhandhadlaininherboxofkeepsakes.Therewasnomistakingthatsignature.ShehadreaditandcriedoveritsomanytimesthatnowasitsuddenlyconfrontedherwithitsfamiliartwistsandanglesitwasasstartlingasifEmmett'svoicehadcalledtoher.

AsUncleDarcylookedupfromthesecondreading,withafalteringexclamationofthanksgiving,shesnatchedthepaperfromhisshakinghandsandtoreitintwo.Thencrumplingthepiecesandflingingthemfromher,sheseizedhimbythewrists.

"No,you're_not_goingtotellthewholeworld,"shecriedwildly,answeringtheannouncementhemadewiththetearsrainingdownhischeeks."You'renotgoingtotellanybody!Thinkofme!ThinkofFatherPotter!"

Shealmostscreamedherdemand.HecouldhardlybelieveitwasBelle,

thisfrenziedgirl,who,heretofore,hadseemedthegentlestofsouls.Helookedatherinadazedway,sooverwhelmedbythediscoverythathadjustbeenmade,thathefailedtocomprehendthereasonforherwhitefaceandagonizedeyes,tillshethrewupherarmscrying:

"_Emmett_athief!Godinheaven!It'llkillme!"

ItwasthesightofGeorgina'sshockedfacewithRichard'satthedoor,thatmadethingscleartotheoldman.Hewavedthemaway,withhandswhichshookasifhehadthepalsy.

"Goonout,children,foralittlewhile,"hesaidgently,andclosedthedoorintheirfaces.

Slowlytheyretreatedtotheswing,Georginaclaspingtheskinnedelbowwhichhadbeguntosmart.SheclimbedintooneseatoftheswingandRichardandCaptainKiddtooktheother.Astheyswungbackandforthshedemandedinawhisper:

"Whyisitthatgrownpeoplealwaysshutchildrenoutoftheirsecrets?Seemsasifwehavearighttoknowwhat'sthematterwhen_we_foundthepaper."

Richardmadenoanswer,forjustthenthesoundofBelle'scryingcameouttothem.Thewindowsofthecottagewereallopenandthegrassplotbetweenthewindowsandtheswingbeinganarrowonethecloseddoor

wasoflittleavail.Itwasverystillthereintheshadydooryard,sostillthattheycouldhearoldYellownosepurr,asleeponthecushioninthewoodenarm-chairbesidetheswing.Thebrokensentencesbetweenthesobswereplainlyaudible.Itseemedsoterribletohearagrownpersoncry,thatGeorginafeltasshedidthatmorninglongago,whenoldJeremy'steethflewintothefire.Herconfidencewasshakenintheworld.Shefelttherecouldbenoabidinghappinessinanything.

"She'sbegginghimnottotell,"whisperedRichard.



"ButIoweittoDanny,"theyheardUncleDarcysay.Andthen,"WhyshouldIspareEmmett'sfather?Emmettneversparedme,heneversparedDanny."

AnindistinctmurmurasifBelle'sanswerwasmuffledinherhandkerchief,thenUncleDarcy'svoiceagain:

"Itisn'tfairthatthetownshouldgooncountinghimaheroandbrandmyboyasacoward,whenit'sEmmettwhowasthecowardaswellasthethief."

AgainBelle'svoiceinaquickcryofpain,assharpasifshehadbeenstruck.Thenthesoundofanotherdoorshutting,andwhenthevoicesbeganagainitwasevidenttheyhadwithdrawnintothekitchen.

"Theydon'twantAuntElspethtohear,"saidGeorgina.

"What'sitallabout?"askedRichard,muchmystified.

Georginatoldhimallthatsheknewherself,gatheredfromthescrapsshehadheardthedayofCousinMehitable'svisit,andfromvarioussourcessince;toldhiminahalfwhisperstoppingnowandthenwhensomefragmentofasentencefloatedouttothemfromthekitchen;foroccasionalwordsstillcontinuedtoreachthemthroughthewindowsin

therear,whenthevoicesroseatintervalstoahigherpitch.

Whatpassedbehindthosecloseddoorsthechildrenneverknew.Theyfeltratherthanunderstoodwhatwashappening.Belle'spleadingwasbeginningtobeeffectual,andtheoldmanwasrisingtothesameheightsofself-sacrificewhichDanhadreached,whenheslippedawayfromhomewiththetaintofhisfriend'sdisgraceuponhiminordertosavethatfriend.

ThatsomesoultragedyhadbeenenactedinthatlittleroomthechildrenfeltvaguelywhenBellecameoutafterawhile.Hereyeswereredandswollenandherfacedrawnandpinchedlooking.Shedidnotglanceintheirdirection,butstoodwithherfaceavertedandhandonthe

gate-latchwhileUncleDarcystoppedbesidetheswing.

"Children,"hesaidsolemnly,"IwantyoutopromisemenevertospeaktoanyoneaboutfindingthatnoteintheoldrifletillIgiveyoupermission.Willyoudothisforme,justbecauseIaskit,evenifIcan'ttellyouwhy?"

"Mustn'tIeventellBarby?"askedGeorgina,anxiously.

Hehesitated,glancinguncertainlyatBelle,thenanswered:

"No,notevenyourmother,tillItellyouthatyoucan.Nowyouseewhataveryimportantsecretitis.Can_you_keepit,son?Willyou

promisemetoo?"

HeturnedtoRichardwiththequestion.Withafingerundertheboy'schinhetippeduphisfaceandlookedintoitsearchingly.Theserious,browneyeslookedbackintohis,honestandunflinching.

"Yes,Ipromise,"heanswered."HonorbrightI'llnottell."

Theoldmanturnedtothewaitingfigureatthegate.



"It'sallright,Belle.Youneedn'tworryaboutitanymore.Youcantrustus."

Shemadenoanswer,butlookingasifshehadagedyearsinthelasthalfhour,shepassedthroughthegateandintothesandycourt,movingslowlyacrossittowardsthestreetbeyond.

Withalong-drawnsightheoldmansankdownonthedoor-stepandburiedhisfaceinhishands.Theywerestillshakingasifhehadthepalsy.Forsometimethechildrensatinembarrassedsilence,thinkingeverymomentthathewouldlookupandsaysomething.Theywantedtogo,butwaitedforhimtomakesomemovement.Heseemedtohaveforgottentheywerethere.Finallyaclockinsidethecottagebeganstrikingfive.Itbrokethespellwhichboundthem.

"Let'sgo,"whisperedRichard.

"Allright,"wastheanswer,alsowhispered."WaittillItaketheshovelandcanlidbacktothekitchen."

"I'lltake'em,"heoffered."Iwanttogetadrink,anyhow."

Stealthily,asifplayingIndian,theysteppedoutoftheswingandtiptoedthroughthegrassaroundthecornerofthehouse.Eventhedog

wentnoiselessly,insteadoffriskingandbarkingasheusuallydidwhenstartinganywhere.Theirreturnwasequallystealthy.AstheyslippedthroughthegateGeorginalookedbackattheoldman.Hewasstillsittingonthestep,hisfaceinhishands,asifhewereboweddownbysomeweighttooheavyforhisshoulderstobear.

Thewearyhopelessnessofhisattitudemadeherwanttorunbackandthrowherarmsaroundhisneck,butshedidnotdare.Troubleasgreatasthatseemedtoraiseawallarounditself.Itcouldnotbecomfortedbyacaress.Theonlythingtodowastoslippastandnotlook.

Richardsharedthesameawe,forhewentawayleavingtheriflelyinginthegrass.Instinctivelyhefeltthatitoughtnottobeplayedwith

now.Itwastheriflewhichhadchangedeverything.

CHAPTERXIII

LOSTANDFOUNDATTHELINIMENTWAGON

WITHMrs.Triplettbackinbedagainonaccountoftherheumatismwhichcrippledher,andBellegoingaboutwhiteoffaceandsickofsoul,homeheldlittlecheerforGeorgina.ButwithMrs.Triplettaversetocompany

ofanykind,andBelleanxioustobealonewithhermisery,therewasnothingtohinderGeorginafromseekingcheerelsewhereandshesoughtitearlyandlate.

Shehadspentherbirthdaydollarinimaginationmanytimesbeforeshetookherchecktothebanktohaveitcashed.WithRichardtolendhercourage,andManuel,JosephandRosatrailingafterbyspecialinvitation,shewalkedinandaskedforMr.Gates.ThatisthewayBarbyalwaysdid,andasfarasGeorginaknewhewastheonlyonetoapplytoformoney.



Thepayingtellerhesitatedamomentaboutsummoningthepresidentofthebankfromhisprivateofficeatthebehestofsosmallachild,sosmallthatevenontiptoehereyescouldbarelypeerintothewindowofhiscage.Buttheywereentreatingeyes,sobigandbrownandsureoftheirappealthathedecidedtodotheirbidding.

Justasheturnedtoknockatthedoorbehindhimitopened,andMr.Gatescameoutwiththemanwithwhomhehadbeenclosetedinprivateconference.ItwasRichard'sCousinJames.Thechildrendidnotseehim,however,forhestoppedatoneofthehighdesksinsidetolookatsomepaperswhichoneoftheclerksspreadoutbeforehim.

"Oh,it'smylittlefriend,Georgina,"saidMr.Gates,smilinginresponsetothebeamingsmileshegavehim."Well,whatcanIdoforyou,mydear?"

"Cashmycheck,please,"shesaid,pushingtheslipofpapertowardshimwithasgrandanairasifithadbeenforamilliondollarsinsteadofone,"andallinnickels,please."

Heglancedatthenameshehadwrittenpainstakinglyacrosstheback.

"Well,MissHuntingdon,"heexclaimedgravely,althoughtherewasa

twinkleinhiseyes,"ifallladycustomerswereasbusinesslikeinendorsingtheirchecksandinknowingwhattheywant,webankerswouldbesparedalotoftrouble."

ItwasthefirsttimethatGeorginahadeverbeencalledMissHuntingdon,andknowinghesaidittoteaseher,itembarrassedhertothepointofmakingherstammer,whenheaskedhermostunexpectedlywhilepickingouttwentyshiningnewnickelstostuffintothelittleredpurse:

"Allofthesegoingtobuytractsforthemissionariestotaketothelittleheathen?"

"No,they'reallgoingto--to----"

Shedidn'tliketosayforsodawaterandchewinggumandthemovies,andhesitatedtillasubstitutewordoccurredtoher.

"They'reallgoingtogoforbuyinggoodtimes.It'sforasortofaclubwemadeupthismorning,Richardandme."

"MayIaskthenameoftheclub?"

Georginaglancedaround.NoothercustomerhappenedtobeinthebankatthemomentandRichardhadwanderedouttothestreettowaitforher.Sotiptoeingalittlehighershesaidinalowtoneasifimpartinga

secret:

"It'sthe_Rainbow_Club.Wepretendthateverytimewemakeanybodyhappywe'vemadealittlerainbowintheworld."

"Well,blessyourheart,"wastheappreciativeanswer."You'vealreadymadeoneinhere.Youdothateverytimeyoucomearound."

Thenhelookedthoughtfullyatheroverhisspectacles.



"Wouldyoutakeanoldfellowlikemeintoyourclub?"

Georginaconsideredamoment,firststealingaglanceathimtoseeifhewereinearnestorstilltryingtotease.Heseemedquiteserioussosheanswered:

"Ifyoureally_want_tobelong.Anybodywithabankfullofmoneyoughttobeabletomakehappytimesforthewholetown."

"Anyduestopay?Whataretherulesandwhatarethedutiesofamember?"

AgainGeorginawasembarrassed.Heseemedtoexpectsomuchmorethanshehadtooffer.Sheswungtheredpursearoundnervouslyassheanswered:

"Iguessyouwon'tthinkit'smuchofaclub.There'snothingtoitbutjustitsname,andallwedoisjusttogoaroundmakingwhatitsays."

"CountmeasMembernumberThree,"saidMr.Gatesgravely."I'mproudtojoinyou.Shakehandsonit.I'lltrytobeacredittotheorganization,andIhopeyou'lldroparoundonceinawhileandletmeknowhowit'sgettingalong."

ThebeamingsmilewithwhichGeorginashookhandscamebacktohimallmorningatintervals.

CousinJamesMilford,whohadbeenaninterestedlistener,followedheroutofthebankpresentlyandashedrovehismachineslowlypastthedrug-storehesawthefivechildrendrainingtheirglassesatthesoda-waterfountain.Hestopped,thinkingtoinviteRichardandGeorginatogotoTrurowithhim.ItneverwouldhaveoccurredtohimtogivethethreelittlePortuguesechildrenaridealsohadhenotoverheardthatconversationinthebank.

"Well,whynot?"heaskedhimself,smilinginwardly."ItmightaswellberainbowsforthecrowdwhileI'maboutit."

SoforthefirsttimeintheirlivesManuelandJosephandRosarodeinoneofthe"honkwagons"whichheretoforetheyhadknownonlyassomethingtobedodgedwhenonewalkedabroad.Judgingbytheblissfulgrinswhichtookpermanentlodgingontheirdirtyfaces,CousinJameswaseligibletothehighestpositionthenewclubcouldbestow,ifeverheshouldapplyformembership.

IfMrs.Tripletthadbeendownstairsthatevening,noneofthebirthdaynickelswouldhavefoundtheirwaythroughtheticketwindowofthemovingpictureshow.ShesupposedthatGeorginawasreadingasusualbesidetheeveninglamp,orwasoutonthefrontporchtalkingtoBelle.ButBelle,notcaringtotalktoanyone,hadgiveninstantconsentwhen

Georgina,whowantedtogototheshow,havingseenwonderfulpostersadvertisingit,suggestedthatMrs.Fayalwouldtakeherincharge.ShedidnotaddthatshehadalreadyseenMrs.Fayalandpromisedtoprovideticketsforherandthechildrenincaseshecouldgetpermissionfromhome.Belledidnotseeminterestedinhearingsuchthings,soGeorginahurriedofflestsomethingmighthappentointerferebeforeshewasbeyondthereachofsummoningvoices.

OnthereturnfromTruroshehadaskedtobeputoutattheFayalcottage,havingitinmindtomakesomesucharrangement.Manuelhad



seenoneshow,butJosephandRosahadneversomuchashadtheirheadsinsideofone.ShefoundMrs.Fayalgloomingoverawash-tub,notbecausesheobjectedtowashingforthesummerpeople.Shewasusedtothat,havingdoneitsixdaysoutofseveneverysummersinceshehadmarriedJoeFayal.WhatshewasgloomingoverwasthatJoewashomefromaweek'sfishingtripwithhisshareofthemoneyforthebiggestcatchoftheseason,andnotadimeofithadsheseen.Ithadallgoneintothepocketofanitinerantvendor,andJoewaslyinginasoddenstuporoutunderthegrapearboratthesideofthecottage.

Georginastartedtobackawaywhenshefoundthestateofaffairs.ShedidnotsupposeMrs.Fayalwouldhaveamindformerry-makingunderthecircumstances.But,indeed,Mrs.Fayaldid.

"AllthemorereasonthatIshouldgooffandforgetmytroublesandhaveagoodtimeforawhile,"shesaiddecidedly.Georginarecognizedthespiritifnotthewordsofherown"linetoliveby."Mrs.Fayalcouldbearupandsteeronwardwithajoyfulheartanytimeshehadthepriceofadmissiontoamovieinherpocket.Sofeelingthatasamemberofthenewclubshecouldnothaveabetteropportunitytomakegooditsname,Georginapromisedtheticketsforthefamilyevenifshecouldnotgoherself.ShewouldsendthembyRichardifnotallowedtotaketheminperson.

ItwasstilllightwhenGeorginafaredforthattheendofthelongsummerday.RichardjoinedheratthefootoftheGreenStairswiththepriceofhisownticketinhispocket,andCaptainKiddtaggingathisheels.

"Theywon'tletthedogintotheshow,"Georginaremindedhim.

"That'sso,andhemightgetintoafightorrunoverifIlefthimoutside,"Richardanswered."B'leeveI'llshuthimupinthegarage."

Thishedid,fasteningthedoorsecurely,andreturningintimetoseetherestofthepartyturningthecorner,andcomingtowardstheGreenStairs.

Mrs.Fayal,afterherlongdayoverthewash-tub,wasresplendentinlavendershirt-waist,bluesergeskirtandwhitetennisshoes,withlonggoldear-ringsdanglinghalf-waytohershoulders.ManuelandJosephwerebarefootedasusual,andinoverallsasusual,buttheirlackofgalaattirewasmadeupforbyRosa's.Nowaxdollwasevermoredaintilyandlacilydressed.Georginalookedatherinsurprise,wishingTippycouldseehernow.Rosainherwhitedressandslippersandwithherfaceclean,wasalittlebeauty.

Mrs.Fayalmadeadelightfulchaperon.Shewasjustasreadyasanyoneinhertraintostopinfrontofshopwindows,tostraggleslowlydownthemiddleofthestreet,ortothrustherhandintoRichard'sbagof

peanutswheneverhepasseditaround.Crackingshellsandmunchingthenuts,theystrolledalongwithasenseoffreedomwhichthrilledGeorginatothecore.Shehadneverfeltitbefore.ShehadjustboughtfiveticketsandRichardhisone,andtheywereabouttopassinalthoughMrs.Fayalsaiditwasearlyyet,whenadeepvoiceroaringthroughthecrowdattractedtheirattention.Itwasassonorousasamegaphone.

"Walkup,ladiesandgentlemen.Seethewild-cat,_TexasTim_,broughtfromthebanksoftheBrazos."



"Let'sgo,"saidRichardandGeorginainthesamebreath.Mrs.Fayal,outforagoodtimeandtoseeallthatwastobeseen,bobbedherlongear-ringsingraciousassent,andheadedtheprocession,inorderthatherampleformmightmakeanenteringwedgefortheothers,assheelbowedherwaythroughthecrowdgatheredatthestreetendofRailroadwharf.

Itclusteredthickestaroundawagoninwhichstoodabroad-shoulderedman,mountedonachair.Heworeacow-boyhat.Aflamingtorchsetupbesidethewagonlightedacageinoneendofit,inwhichcrouchedawild-catbewilderedbythelightandthebedlamofnoisy,pushinghumanbeings.Thechildrencouldnotseetheanimalatfirst,butpushednearerthewagontohearwhatthemanwassaying.Heheldupabottleandshookitovertheheadsofthepeople.

"Here'syourmarvelousrheumatismremedy,"hecried,"madefromthefatofwild-cats.Warrantedtocureeverykindofache,sprainandmiseryknowntoman.Onlyfiftycents,ladiesandgentlemen,surecureoryourmoneyback.Anybodyherewithanacheorapain?"

Thechildrenpushedcloser.Richard,feelingtheeffectofthegun-powderhehadeaten,turnedtoGeorgina.

"Idareyoutoclimbupandtouchtheendofthewild-cat'stail."

Georginastoodontiptoe,thendodgedundersomeone'selbowforanearerview.Theendofthetailprotrudedfrombetweenthebarsofthecage,ineasyreachifonewereonthewagon,butthosefurtiveeyeskeepingwatchaboveitweresavageintheirgleaming.Thenshe,too,rememberedthegun-powder.

"I'lldoitifyouwill."

BeforeRichardcouldputthegun-powdertothetestthemanreacheddownforaguitarleaningagainsthischair,andwithatwangingofchordswhichmadetheshiftingpeopleontheoutskirtsstandstilltoseewhat

wouldhappennext,hebegantosingasongthathadbeenpopularinhisyouth.Or,rather,itwasaparodyofthesong.GeorginarecognizeditasonethatshehadheardUncleDarcysing,andevenTippyhummeditsometimeswhenshewassewing.Itwas,"WhenyouandIwereyoung,Maggie."

"_Theysayweareagedandgray,Maggie,Asspraybythewhitebreakersflung,Butthelinimentkeepsusasspry,Maggie,AswhenyouandIwereyoung._"

Severalpeoplelaughedandpassedonwhenthesongwasdone,butthegreaterpartofthecrowdstayed,hopingtohearanother,forthevoice

wasapowerfuloneandfairlysweet.

"Anybodyherewithanyachesorpains?"hecalledagain."Ifso,stepthisway,please,andletmemakeasimpledemonstrationofhowquicklythismagicoilwillcureyou."

Therewasacommotionnearthewagon,andamanpushedhiswaythroughandclimbeduponthewheel.Heofferedastiffwristfortreatment.Thevendortippedupthebottleandpouredoutsomepungentvolatileoilfromthebottle,theodorofwhichwasfar-reaching.Herubbedthewrist



brisklyforamoment,thengaveitaslapsaying,"Nowseewhatyoucandowithit,myfriend."

Thepatientscowledatit,twistinghisarmineverypossibledirectionasifskepticalofanyhelpfromsuchasource,butgraduallylettingalookofpleasedsurprisespreadacrosshisface.Thecrowdwatchedinamusement,andnearlyeverybodylaughedwhenthepatientfinallyannouncedinaloudvoicethathewascured,thatitwasnothingshortofamiracleandthathe'dbuyhalfadozenbottlesofthatwitchstufftotakehometohisfriends.

Thevendorbeganhisspeech-makingagain,callingattentiontothecuretheyhadjustwitnessed,andurgingotherstofollow.AsthesubjectofthecuresteppeddownfromthewheelRichardsprangupinhisplace.Georgina,pressingcloser,sawhimleanoverthesideofthewagonandboldlytakeholdoftheendofthebeast'stail.

"There.Ididit,"heannounced."Nowit'syourturn."

Georginagaveoneglanceatthewild-cat'seyesanddrewback.Theyseemedtoglaredirectlyather.Shewonderedhowstrongthebarswere,andiftheywouldholdthebeastincaseitroseupinarageandsprangather.ButRichardwaswaiting,andsheclambereduponthehubofthewheel.Luckilyitsownerwasturnedtowardstheothersideatthat

momentorshemighthavebeenordereddown.

"There!Ididit,too,"sheannouncedaninstantlater."Nowyoucan'tcrowoverme."

Shewasabouttostepdownwhenshesawintheotherendofthewagon,somethingshehadnotbeenabletoseefromherplaceonthegroundundertheelbowsofthecrowd.Inalowrockingchairsatanelderlywoman,oddlyoutofplaceinthistravelingmedicineshowasfarasappearancewasconcerned.Shehadacalm,motherlyface,grayhaircombedsmoothlydownoverherears,aplainold-fashionedgraydressandanairofbeingperfectlyathome.Itwastheserene,unconsciousmanneronewouldhaveinsittingonthedoor-stepathome.Shedidnot

seemtobelonginthemidstofthisseethingcuriousmass,ortorealizethatshewasapartoftheshow.ShesmilednowatGeorginainsuchafriendlywaythatGeorginasmiledbackandcontinuedtostandonthewheel.Shehopedthatthisniceoldladywouldsaysomethingaboutthevirtuesofthemedicine,foritcuredtwomorepeople,evenwhileshelooked,andifshecouldbesureitdidallthatwasclaimedforitshewouldspendalltherestofherbirthdaymoneyinbuyingabottleforTippy.

Theplacidoldladysaidnothing,butherreassuringpresencefinallymadeGeorginadecidetobuythebottle,andsheemptiedtheredpurseofeverythingexceptthetickets.Thenthemanembarrassedheruntilhercheeksflamed.

"That'sright,littlegirl.Carryittothedearsuffererathomewhowillblessyouforyourkindness.Anybodyelseherewhowillimitatethischild'sgenerousact?Ifyouhaven'tanypainyourself,showyourgratitudebythinkingofsomeonelessfortunatethanyou."

Georginafeltthatherblusheswereburningherupatthusbeingmadethecentreofpublicnotice.Shealmostfelloffthewheelinherhastetogetdown,andindoingsostumbledoveradogwhichsuddenlyemergedfromunderthewagonatthatinstant.



"Why,it'sCaptainKidd!"sheexclaimedinastonishment."Howeverdidhegethere?"

"Musthavescratchedunderthedoorandtrailedus,"answeredRichard."Goonhome,sir!"hecommanded,sternly,stampinghisfoot."Youknowtheywon'tletyouintotheshowwithus,andyou'llgetintotroubleifyoustaydowntownalone.GoonhomeIsay."

Withdroopingtailandalooksoreproachfulthatitwasfairlyhuman,CaptainKiddslunkaway,startingmournfullyhomeward.Hesneakedbackinafewminutes,however,andtrailedhispartyasfarasthedoorofthetheatre.Somebodykickedathimandhefleddownthestreetagain,retracingthetrailthathadledhimtothewagon.

Alongtimeafterwhentheperformancewasnearlyoverhewentswingingupthebeachwithsomethinginhismouthwhichhehadpickedupfromneartheendofthewagon.Itwasatobaccopouchofsoftgrayleatherthathadneverbeenusedfortobacco.Therewassomethinghardandroundinsidewhichfeltlikeabone.AtthetopoftheGreenStairshelaydownandmoutheditawhile,tuggingatitwithhissharpteeth;butafterhehadmumbledandgnaweditforsometimewithoutbringingtheboneanynearerthesurface,hegrewtiredofhisnewfoundplaything.Droppingitinthegrass,hebetookhimselftothedoor-matonthefront

porch,toawaithismaster'sreturn.

CHAPTERXIV

BURIEDTREASURE

WHENGeorginatiptoedupthewalktothefrontporchwhereBellesatwaitingforherinthemoonlight,Tippycalleddownthatshewasn'tasleep,andtheyneedn'tstayoutthereonheraccount,whispering.It

didnotseemanauspicioustimetopresentthebottleofliniment,buttoGeorgina'ssurpriseTippyseemedgladtotrythenewremedy.Thelong-continuedpainwhichrefusedtoyieldtotreatmentmadeherwillingtotryanythingwhichpromisedrelief.

Itwasvile-smellingstuff,sopungentthatwheneverthecorkwastakenoutofthebottlethewholehouseknewit,butitburnedwithsoothingfireandTippyroseupandcalleditblessedbeforethenextdaywasover.Beforethathappened,however,GeorginatookadvantageofBelle'seasyruletoleavehomeassoonasherlittlemorningtasksweredone.Strollingdowntheboard-walkwithmanystopsshecameatlasttothefootoftheGreenStairs.Richardsatonthetopstep,tuggingataknottedstring.

"Comeonup,"hecalled."SeewhatI'vetakenawayfromCaptainKidd.Hewasjuststartingtoburyit.Lookslikeatobaccopouch,butIhaven'tgotituntiedyet.Hemadethestringallwet,gnawingonit."

Georginaclimbedtothetopofthestepsandsatdownbesidehim,watchingindeepandsilentinterest.Whenthestringfinallygavewaysheofferedherlaptoreceivethecontentsofthepouch.Twofive-dollargoldpiecesrolledoutfirst,thenahandfulofsmallchange,ablackringevidentlywhittledoutofarubberbuttonand



lastlyawatch-fobornament.Itwasalittlecompass,setinsomethingwhichlookedlikeanut.

"Ibelievethat'sabuckeye,"saidRichard.Heexamineditcarefullyonallsides,thencalledexcitedly:

"Aw,lookhere!Seethoselettersscratchedontheside--'D.D.'?Thatstandsfor_my_name,Dare-devilDick.I'mgoingtokeepit."

"That'sthecunningestthingIeversaw,"declaredGeorginainatonebothadmiringandenvious,whichplainlyshowedthatshewishedtheinitialsweresuchascouldbeclaimedbyaGoryGeorge.Thenshepickedupthepouchandthrustinherhand.Somethingrustled.Itwasaletter.Evidentlyithadbeenforwardedmanytimes,fortheenvelopewasentirelycriss-crossedwithnamesthathadbeenwrittenandblottedoutthatnewonesmightbeadded.Alltheycouldmakeoutwas"Mrs.Henry"--"Texas"and"Mass."

"I'dliketohavethatstampformyalbum,"saidRichard."It'sforeign.SeemstomeI'vegotonethatlookssomethinglikeit,butI'mnotsure.Maybetheletterwilltellwhothepouchbelongsto."

"Butwecan'treadotherpeople'sletters,"objectedGeorgina.

"Well,whowantsto?Itwon'tbereadingitjusttolookattheheadandtail,willit?"

"No,"admittedGeorgina,hesitatingly."Thoughitdoesseemlikepeeking."

"Well,ifyoulostsomethingwouldn'tyouratherwhoeverfounditshouldpeekandfindoutitwasyours,thantohaveitstaylostforever?"

"Yes,Is'poseso."

"Let'slook,then."

TwoheadsbentoverthesheetspreadoutonRichard'sknee.Theyreadslowlyinunison,"Dearfriend,"thenturnedoverthepaperandsoughtthelastline."YourgratefulfriendDave."

"Wedon'tknowanymorenowthanwedidbefore,"saidGeorgina,virtuouslyfoldinguptheletterandslippingitbackintotheenvelope.

"Let'stakeittoUncleDarcy.Thenhe'llletusgoalongandringthebellwhenhecalls,'Found.'"

Richardhadtwoobjectionstothis."Who'dpayhimfordoingit?Besides,it'sgoldmoney,andanybodywholosesthatmuchwouldadvertiseforitinthepapers.Let'skeepittillthisweek'spapers

comeout,andthenwe'llhavethefunoftakingittothepersonwholostit."

"Itwouldn'tbesafeforustokeepit,"wasGeorgina'snextobjection."It'sgoldmoneyandburglarsmightfindoutwehadit."

"ThenI'lltellyou"----Richard'sfaceshoneashemadethesuggestion--"Let's_bury_it.Thatwillkeepitsafetillwecanfindtheowner,andwhenwedigitupwecanplayit'spirategoldandit'llbelikefindingrealtreasure."



"Lets!"agreedGeorgina."Wecankeepoutsomething,anickeloradime,andwhenwegotodigupthepouchwecanthrowitovertowardtheplacewhereweburiedthebagandsay,'Brother,gofindyourbrother,'thewayTomSawyerdid.Thenwe'llbecertaintohitthespot."

Richardpickedupthecompass,andrubbedthepolishedsidesofthenutinwhichitwasset.

"I'llkeepthisoutinsteadofanickel.Iwonderwhatthefellow'snamewasthatthisD.D.standsfor?"

Halfanhourlatertwobloody-mindedsea-robbersslippedthroughthebackgateoftheMilfordplaceandtooktheirstealthywayoutintothedunes.Nofiercemustachiosorhoopear-ringsmarkedthemonthisoccasionastheDreadDestroyerortheMenaceoftheMain.Thetimedidnotseemfavorablefordonningtheirrealcostumes.Soonewentdisguisedasadaintymaideninashortpinkfrockandlongbrowncurls,andtheotherasasturdyboyinagrass-stainedlinensuitwithaholeinthekneeofhisstocking.Buttheirspeechwouldhavebetrayedtheirevilbusinesshadanyonebeeninearshotofit.Onewouldhavethoughtitwas

"_WildRogercomeagain.

HespokeofforaysandoffraysupontheSpanishMain._"

Havingrealgoldtoburymadethewholeaffairseemarealadventure.Theywererecountingtoeachotherastheydug,thebloodyfightithadtakentosecurethislotoftreasure.

Downinahollowwherethesurroundingsand-ridgesshelteredthemfromview,theycrouchedoverasmallbaskettheyhadbroughtwiththemandperformedcertainceremonies.Firstthepouchwaswrappedinmanysheetsoftinfoil,whichRichardhadbeenlongincollectingfromvarioustobacco-lovingfriends.Whenthatwasdoneitflashedinthesunlikeanuggetofwrinkledsilver.Thiswasstuffedintoabaking-powdercanfromwhichthelabelhadbeencarefullyscraped,andonwhoselidhad

beenscratchedwithanail,thenamesGeorginaHuntingdonandRichardMoreland,withthedate.

"We'dbetterputoureverydaynamesonitinsteadofourpiratenames,"GoryGeorgesuggested."Forifanythingshouldhappenthatsomeotherpiratedugitupfirsttheywouldn'tknowwhotheDreadDestroyerandtheMenaceoftheMainwere."

Lastly,fromthebasketwastakentheendofawaxcandle,severalmatchesandastickofredsealing-wax,borrowedfromCousinJames'desk.Holdingtheendofthesealing-waxoverthelightedcandleuntilitwassoftanddripping,Richarddaubeditaroundtheedgeofthecanlid,ashehadseenthemanintheexpressofficesealpackages.Hehad

alwayslongedtotryithimself.Therewassomethingpeculiarlypleasinginthesmellofmeltedsealing-wax.Georginafounditequallyalluring.Shetookthestickawayfromhimwhenitwasabouthalfused,andfinishedit.

"Therewon'tbeanytoputbackinCousinJames'deskifyoukeeponusingit,"hewarnedher.

"I'mnotusinganymorethanyoudid,"sheanswered,andcalmlyproceededtosmearontheremainder."Ifyouhadletmesealwiththe



firstendofthestick,you'dhavehadallthelastendtosave."

AllthistimeCaptainKiddsatclosebesidethem,aninterestedspectator,butastheybegandiggingtheholeherushedtowardsitandpawedviolentlyateachshovelfulofsandthrownout.

"Aw,lethimhelp!"RichardexclaimedwhenGeorginaorderedhimtostop."HeoughttohaveapartinitbecausehefoundthepouchandwasstartingtoburyithisownselfwhenItookitawayfromhimandspoiledhisfun."

GeorginasawthejusticeoftheclaimandallowedCaptainKiddtojoininashepleased,butnosoonerdidtheystopdiggingtogivehimachancethanhestoppedalso.

"Rats!"calledRichardinashrillwhisper.

Atthatfamiliarwordthedogbegandiggingsofranticallythatthesandflewineverydirection.EachtimehepausedforbreathRichardcalled"Rats"again.Itdoubledtheinterestforbothchildrentohavethedogtakesuchfranticandearnestpartintheirgame.

Whentheholewaspronounceddeepenoughthecanwasdroppedin,thesandshoveledoveritandtrampeddown,andamarkermade.Along,

forkedstick,brokenfromabayberrybush,wasrunintothegroundsothatonlytheforkofitwasvisible.Thenattwentypacesfromthestick,Richardsteppingthemoffinfourdirections,consultingthelittlecompassinsodoing,Georginaplacedthemarkers,foursectionsofabrokencrockrescuedfromtheash-barrelandbroughtdowninthebasketforthatespecialpurpose.

"We'llletitstayburiedforaweek,"saidRichardwhenallwasdone."Unlesssomebodyclaimsitsooner.Iftheydon'tcomeinaweek,thenwe'llknowthey'renevercoming,andthegoldwillbeours."

CHAPTERXV

ANARROWESCAPE

MR.MILFORDwasstretchedoutinahammockonthefrontporchofthebungalowwhenthechildrencamebackfromtheduneswiththeiremptybasket.Theycouldnotseehimastheyclimbeduptheterrace,theporchbeinghighabovethemanddrapedwithvines;andhedeepinanewbookwasonlyvaguelyconsciousofapproachingvoices.

Theywerediscussingthe"RescuesofRosalind,"theplaytheyhadseen

thenightbeforeonthefilms.Theirshrill,eagertoneswouldhaveattractedtheattentionofanyonelessabsorbedthanMr.Milford.

"I'llbetyoucouldn't,"Georginawassaying."IfyouweregaggedandboundthewayRosalindwas,you_couldn't_getloose,nomatterhowyousquirmedandtwisted."

"Comebackinthegarageandtryme,"Richardretorted."I'llproveittoyouthatIcan."



"_Always_anautomobiledashesupandthere'sachase.It'sbeenthatwayineverymovieIeversaw,"announcedGeorginawiththeairofonewhohasattendednightlythroughmanyseasons.

"Icandothatpartallright,"declaredRichard."Icanrunanautomobile."

Therewasnodisputingthatfact,nomatterhowcontradictoryGeorgina'sframeofmind.OnlythedaybeforeshehadseenhimtakethewheelandrunthecarforthreemilesunderthedirectionofCousinJames,whentheycametoalevelstretchofroad.

"Yes,butyouknowyourCousinJamessaidyouwerenevertodoitunlesshewasalonghimself.Youwasn'ttodaretotouchitwhenyouwereoutwithonlythechauffeur."

"Hewouldn'tcareifwegotinanddidn'tstartanythingbuttheengine,"saidRichard."ClimbinandplaythatI'mrunningawaywithyou.Withthemotorchuggingawayandshakingthemachineit'llseemasifwe'rereallygoing."

Bythistimetheywereinsidethegarage,withthedoorsclosedbehindthem.

"NowyougetinandkeeplookingbackthewayRosalinddidtoseehowneartheyaretocatchingus."

InstantlyGeorginathrewherselfintothespiritofthegame.Climbingintothebackseatsheassumedtheposeofthekidnappedbridewhoseadventureshadthrilledthemthenightbefore.

"Playmywhiteveilisfloatingoutinthewind,"shecommanded,"andI'mlookingbackandwavingtomyhusbandtocomefasterandtakemeawayfromthedreadfulvillainwhoisgoingtokillmeformyjewels.Iwishthiscarwasoutofdoorsinsteadofinthisdarkgarage.WhenIlookbackIlookbangagainstthecloseddooreverytime,andIcan'tmakeitseemasifIwasseeingfardowntheroad."

"Playit'snight,"suggestedRichard.Hehadputonapairofgogglesandwasmakingagreatpretenceofgettingreadytostart.Georgina,leaningoutasRosalindhaddone,wavedherlilyhandinfranticbeckoningsforherrescuerstofollowfaster.Themotorchuggedharderandharder.Thecarshookviolently.

Tothevividimaginationsofthepassengers,thechasewasasexcitingasiftheautomobilewerereallyplungingdowntheroadinsteadofthrobbingsteadilyinonespotinthedimgarage.Thegasrollingupfromsomewhereinthebackmadeitwonderfullyrealistic.Butoutontheopenroadthesmellofburninggasolinewouldnothavebeensooverpowering.Insidethelittlebox-likegarageitbegantocloseinon

themandsettledownlikeadensefog.

GeorginacoughedandRichardlookedbackapprehensively,feelingthatsomethingwaswrong,andifthatqueersmokedidn'tstoppouringoutinsuchathickcloudhe'dhavetoshutofftheengineordosomething.Anothermomentpassedandheleanedforward,fumblingforthekey,buthecouldn'tfindit.Hehadgrownqueerlyconfusedandlight-headed.Hecouldn'tmakehisfingersmovewherehewantedthemtogo.

HelookedbackatGeorgina.Shewasn'twavingherhandsanymore.She



waslyinglimplybackontheseatasiftootiredtoplayanylonger.Andathousandmilesaway--atleastitsoundedthatfar--abovetheterrificnoisethemotorwasmaking,heheardCaptainKiddbarking.Theywereshort,excitedbarks,sothinandqueer,almostasthinandqueerasifhewerebarkingwiththevoiceofamosquitoinsteadofhisown.

Andthen--Richardheardnothingmore,noteventhenoiseofthemotor.Hishanddroppedfromthewheel,andhebeganslippingdown,downfromtheseattothefloorofthecar,whiteandlimp,overcomelikeGeorgina,bythefumesofthepoisonousgasrollingupfromthecarburetor.

Mr.Milford,upinthehammock,hadbeenvaguelyconsciousforseveralminutesofunusualsoundssomewhereintheneighborhood,butitwasnotuntilhereachedtheendofthechapterthathetookanyintelligentnotice.Thenhelookedupthinkingsomebody'smachinewasmakingaterriblefusssomewherenear.Butitwasn'tthatsoundwhichmadehimsitupinthehammock.ItwasCaptainKidd'sfranticbarkingandyelpingandwhiningasifsomethingterriblewashappeningtohim.

Standinguptostretchhimself,thenwalkingtothecorneroftheporch,Mr.Milfordlookedout.Hecouldseethelittleterrieralternatelyscratchingonthegaragedoorandmakingfranticeffortstodigunderit.Evidentlyhefeltleftoutandwastryingdesperatelytojoinhis

littleplaymates,orelsehefeltthatsomethingwaswronginside.

ThenitcametoMr.Milfordinaflashthatsomething_was_wronginside.Nobodyevertouchedthatmachinebuthimselfandthechauffeur,andthechauffeur,whowashavingadayoff,washalf-waytoYarmouthbythistime.Hedidn'twaittogodownbythesteps.Withoneleaphewasovertherailing,crashingthroughthevines,andrunningdowntheterracetothegarage.

Asherolledbackoneoftheslidingdoorsasuffocatingburstofgasrushedintohisface.Hepushedbothdoorsopenwide,andwithahandoverhismouthandnosehurriedthroughtheheavily-chargedatmospheretoshutoffthemotor.Thefreshairrushingin,beganclearingawaythe

fumes,andheseizedGeorginaandcarriedherout,thinkingshewouldberevivedbythetimehewasbackwithRichard.Butneitherchildstirredfromthegrasswherehestretchedthemout.

Ashecalledforthecookandthehousekeeper,thereflashedintohismindanaccounthehadreadrecentlyinaNewYorkpaper,ofamanandhiswifewhohadbeenasphyxiatedinjustsuchawayasthis.Nowthoroughlyalarmed,hesentthecookrunningdowntheGreenStairstosummonRichard'sfatherfromthestudio,andthehousekeepertotelephoneinvariousdirections.Threedoctorswerethereinamiraculouslyshorttime,butdespitealltheycoulddoattheendofhalfanhourbothlittlefiguresstilllaywhiteandmotionless.

Thenthepulmotorthathadbeenfranticallytelephonedforarrivedfromthelife-savingstation,andjustasthemandashedupwiththat,Mrs.Triplettstaggereduptheterrace,herkneesshakingsothatshecouldscarcelymanagetoclimbthelastfewsteps.

Afterwards,thehappeningsofthedaywereveryhazyinGeorgina'smind.Shehadanindistinctrecollectionofbeingliftedinsomebody'sarmsandmovedabout,andoffeelingverysickandweak.Somebodysaidsoothinglytosomebodywhowascrying:



"Oh,theworstisovernow.They'rebothbeginningtocomearound."

Thenshewasinherownbedandthewild-catfromthebanksoftheBrazoswasbendingoverher.Atleast,shethoughtitwasthewild-cat,becauseshesmelledthelinimentasstronglyasshedidwhensheclimbedupinthewagonbesideit.ButwhensheopenedhereyesitwasTippywhowasbendingoverher,smoothinghercurlsinacomforting,purryway,butthesmelloflinimentstillhungintheair.

ThenGeorginarememberedsomethingthatmusthavehappenedbeforeshewascarriedhomefromthebungalow.--CaptainKiddsquirmingoutofTippy'sarms,andTippywiththetearsstreamingdownherfacetryingtoholdhimandhughimasifhehadbeenaperson,andtheMilford'scooksaying:"Ifithadn'tbeenforthelittlebeast'sbarkin'they'dhavebeendeadinafewminutesmore.Thenthere'dhavebeenadoublefuneral,poorlambs."

Georginasmileddrowsilynowandslippedofftosleepagain,butlaterwhensheawakenedthecharmofthecook'sphrasearousedherthoroughly,andshelaywonderingwhat"adoublefuneral"waslike.WouldithavebeenatherhouseorRichard's?Wouldtwolittlewhitecoffinshavestoodsidebyside,orwouldeachhavebeeninitsownplace,withthetwosolemnprocessionsmeetingandjoiningatthefootoftheGreenStairs.Maybetheywouldhaveputonhertombstone,"Noneknewherbut

toloveher."No,thatcouldn'tbesaidabouther.She'dbeenwilfullydisobedienttoooftenforthat,likethetimesheplayedwiththePortuguesechildrenonpurposetospiteTippy.Shewassorryforthatdisobediencenow,forshehaddiscoveredthatTippywasfonderofherthanshehadsupposed.ShehadproveditbyhuggingCaptainKiddsogratefullyforsavingtheirlives,whenshesimply_loathed_dogs.

SomehowGeorginafeltthatshewasbetteracquaintedwithMrs.Triplettthanshehadeverbeenbefore,andfonderofher.Lyingthereinthedarkshemadeseveralgoodresolutions.Shewasgoingtobeabettergirlinthefuture.Shewasgoingtodokind,lovelythingsforeverybody,sothatifanearlytombshouldclaimher,everyheartintownwouldbesaddenedbyhergoing.Itwouldbelovelytoleavea

widespreadheartachebehindher.Shewishedshecouldlivesuchalifethattherewouldn'tbeadryeyeinthetownwhenitwaswhisperedfromhousetohousethatlittleGeorginaHuntingdonwaswiththeangels.

ShepicturedBelle'sgrief,andUncleDarcy'sandRichard's.ShehadalreadyseenTippy's.ButitwasaverydifferentthingwhenshethoughtofBarby.TherewasnopleasureinimaginingBarby'sgrief.Therewassomethingtoorealandsharpinthepainwhichdartedintoherownheartatthethoughtofit.Shewantedtoputherarmsaroundhermotherandwardoffsorrowandtroublefromherandkeepalltearsawayfromthosedeareyes.ShewantedtogrowupandtakecareofherdarlingBarbyandprotectherfromtheTishbite.

SuddenlyitoccurredtoGeorginathatinthisescapeshehadbeenkeptfromthepowerofthatmysteriousevilwhichhadthreatenedhereversinceshecalleditforthbydoingsuchawickedthingastousethe"SacredBook"toworkacharm.

Shehadbeenputtobedinthedaytime,hencehereveningpetitionswerestillunsaid.Nowshepulledthecoversoverherheadandincludedthemallinoneferventappeal:

"AndkeepondeliveringusfromtheTishbite,foreverandever,Amen!"



CHAPTERXVI

WHATTHESTORMDID

NEXTmorningnearlyeveryoneinthetownwastalkingaboutthestorm.Bellesaidwhatwiththeboomingofthewavesagainstthebreakwaterandthewindrattlingtheshutters,shehadn'tsleptawinkallnight.Itseemedasifeverygustwouldsurelytakethehouseoffitsfoundations.

OldJeremyreportedthatitwasoneoftheworstwind-stormseverknownalongtheCape,wildenoughtoblowallthesanddunesintothesea.They'dhadthebestshakingupandshiftingaroundthatthey'dhadinyears,hedeclared.CaptainAmes'cranberrybogwasburiedsodeepinsandyoucouldn'tseeablossomoraleaf.Andtherewassanddriftedalloverthegarden.Ithadwhirledclearoverthewall,tillthebirdpoolwashalffullofit.

Georginalistenedlanguidly,feelingverycomfortableandimportantwithherbreakfastbroughtintoheronatray.Tippythoughtitwastoo

chillyforherinthedining-roomwheretherewasnofire.Jeremyhadkindledacheerfulblazeontheliving-roomhearthandhistalesofdamagedonetotheshippingandtoroofsandchimneysabouttown,seemedtoemphasizeherownsafetyandcomfort.Theonlythingwhichmadethestormseemapersonalaffairwasthebiglimbblownoffthewillowtree.

Mrs.TriplettandJeremycouldrememberastormyearsagowhichshiftedthesanduntilthewholefaceoftheCapeseemedchanged.ThatwasbeforetheGovernmentplantedgrassalloverit,tobindittogetherwithfirmroots.Laterwhentheringofanaxetoldthatthewillowlimbwasbeingchoppedinpieces,Georginabeggedtobeallowedtogooutdoors.

"Letmegooutandseethetracksofthestorm,"sheurged."Ifeelallright.I'malloverthegasnow."

ButMrs.Triplettpreferredtorunnorisks.AllshesaidtoGeorginawas:

"No,aftersuchaclosecallasyouhadyesterdayyoustayrightherewhereIcankeepaneyeonyou,andtakeitquietlyforadayortwo,"butwhenshewentintothenextroomGeorginaheardhersaytoBelle:

"There'snoknowinghowthatgasmayhaveaffectedherheart."

Georginamadeafaceatthefirstspeech,butthesecondonemadeherliedownlanguidlyonthesofawithherfingeronherpulse.Shewashalfpersuadedthattherewassomethingwrongwiththewayitbeat,andwasabouttoaskfaintlyifshecouldn'thavealittleblackberrycordialwithherlunch,whensheheardRichard'salleycalloutsideandCaptainKidd'squickbark.

Shestartedup,forgettingallaboutthecordialandherpulse,andwasskippingtothefrontdoorwhenTippyhurriedinfromthedining-roomandreacheditfirst.Shehadapieceofanoldcoffeesackinherhand.



"Here!"shesaidabruptlytoRichard,whowassosurprisedatthesuddenopeningofthedoorthathenearlyfellinagainsther.

"YoucatchthatdogandholdhimwhileIwipehisfeet.Ican'thaveanydirtyquadrupedlikethat,trackingupmycleanfloors."

Georginalookedattheperformanceinamazement.TippyscrubbingawayatCaptainKidd'smuddypawstillallfourofthemwereclean,andthenactuallylettinghimcomeintothehouseandcurluponthehearth!Tippy,whonevertoucheddogsexceptwiththeendofabroom!Shecouldscarcelybelievewhatherowneyestoldher.SheandRichardmusthavehada"closecall,"indeed,closerthaneitherofthemrealized,tomakesuchawonderfulchangeinTippy.

AndthechangewastowardsRichard,too.Shehadneverseemedtolikehimmuchbetterthanhisdog.Sheblamedhimfortakingthecreambottleswhentheyplayedpirate,andshethoughtitmadelittlegirlsboisterousandrudetoplaywithboys,andshewonderedatBarby'slettingGeorginaplaywithhim.Severaltimesshehaddoneherwonderingoutloud,sothatGeorginaheardher,andwantedtosaythingsback--shockingthings,suchasRosasaidtoJoseph.Butsheneversaidthem.Therewasalwaysthatoldsilverporringer,sittingprimandlady-likeuponthesideboard.

Thingsweredifferentto-day.Afterthedog'spawswerewipeddryTippyaskedRichardhowhefeltaftertheaccident,andsheaskeditasifshereallycaredandwantedtoknow.Andshebroughtinaplateofearlysummerapples,thefirstinthemarket,andtoldhimtohelphimselfandputsomeinhispocket.Andtherewasthechecker-boardiftheywantedtoplaycheckersordominoes.HerunusualconcernfortheirentertainmentimpressedGeorginamorethananythingelseshecouldhavedonewiththeseriousnessofthedangertheyhadbeenin.Shefeltverysolemnandimportant,andthankedTippywithasweet,patientair,befittingonewhohasjustbeenbroughtupfromthe"valleyoftheshadow."

ThemomenttheywerealoneRichardbeganbreathlessly:

"Say.OnthewayhereIwentbythatplacewhereweburiedthepouch,andwhatdoyouthink?Themarkersareoutofsightandthewholeplaceitselfisburied--justfilleduplevel.Whatarewegoingtodoaboutit?"

TheseriousnessofthesituationdidnotimpressGeorginauntilheadded,"S'posethepersonwholostitcomesbackforit?Maybewe'dbeputinprison."

"Butnobodyknowsit'sburiedexceptyouandme."

Richardscuffedoneshoeagainsttheotherandlookedintothefire.

"ButAuntLettysaysthere'snogettingaroundit,'Besureyoursinwillfindyouout,'always.AndI'mawfullyunluckythatway.SeemstomeIneverdidanythinginmylifethatIoughtn'ttoadone,thatIdidn'tgetfoundout.AuntLettyhasabookthatshereadstomesometimeswhenI'mgoingtobed,thatprovesit.Everystoryinitprovesit.Oneisaboutatravelerwhomurderedaman,andkeptitsecretfortwentyyears.Thenhegaveitaway,talkinginhissleep.Andonewasafeatherinaboy'scoatpocket.Itledtoitsbeingfoundout



thathewasachickenthief.There'saboutfortysuchstories,andeveryoneofthemproveyoursinissuretofindyououtsometimebeforeyoudie,evenifyoucoveritupforyearsandyears."

"Butwedidn'tdoanysin,"protestedGeorgina."Wejustburiedapouchthatthedogfound,tokeepitsafe,andifabigwindcamealongandcovereditupsowecan'tfindit,thatisn'tourfault.Wedidn'tmakethewindblow,didwe?"

"Buttherewasgoldmoneyinthatpouch,"insistedRichard,"anditwasn'tours,andmaybetheletterwasimportantandweoughttohaveturneditovertoDadorUncleDarcyorthepoliceorsomebody."

AuntLetty'sbedtimeeffortstokeepRichard'sconsciencetenderwerefarmoreeffectivethanshehaddreamed.HewasquotingAuntLettynow.

"Wewouldn'twantanybodytodo_our_thingsthatway."Thenathoughtofhisowncametohim,"Youwouldn'twantthepolicecomingroundandtakingyouofftothelockup,wouldyou?Isaw'emtakeBinneyRogersonetime,justbecausehebrokeawindowthathedidn'tmeanto.Hewasonlyshyingarockatasparrow.Therewasacoponeachsideofhimaholdofhisarm,andBinney'smotherandsisterwerefollowingalongbehindcryingandbeggingthemnottotakehimsomethingawful.Butalltheycouldsaydidn'tdoaspeckofgood."

Thepicturecarriedweight.InspiteofherlighttoneGeorginawasimpressed,butshesaiddefiantly:

"Well,nobodysawusdoit."

"Youdon'tknow,"wasthegloomyanswer."Somebodymighthavebeenupinthemonumentwithaspyglass,lookingdown.There'salwayspeopleuptherespyingaround,oroutonthemastsintheharbor,andifsomesleuthwasputonthetrailofthatpouchthefirstthingthatwouldhappenwouldbehe'dcomeacrosstheverypersonwiththeglass.Italwayshappensthatway,andIknow,becauseBinneyRogershasreadalmostallthedetectivestoriesthereis,andhesaidso."

AfeelingofuneasinessbegantoclutchatGeorgina'sinterior.Richardspokesoknowinglyandconvincinglythatshefeltarealneedforblackberrycordial.Butshesaidwithadefiantlittleupliftofherchin:

"Well,aslongaswedidn'tmeantodoanythingwrong,I'mnotgoingtogetscaredaboutit.I'mjustgoingtobearupandsteerrighton,andkeephopingthateverythingwillturnoutallrightsohardthatitwill."

Her"linetoliveby"buoyedherupsosuccessfullyforthetimebeing,thatRichard,too,feltthecheerfulinfluenceofit,andpassedtomore

cheerfulsubjects.

"We'regoingtobeinallthepapers,"heannounced."AreportercalledupfromBostontoaskCousinJameshowithappened.There'sonlybeenafewcaseslikeoursinthewholeUnitedStates.Won'tyoufeelfunnytoseeyournameinthepaper?CaptainKiddwillhavehisnamein,too.IheardCousinJamessayoverthetelephonethathewastheheroofthehour;thatifhehadn'tgiventhealarmwewouldn'thavebeendiscoveredtillitwastoolate."



Richarddidnotstaylong.ThefinishedportraitwastobehungintheArtgalleryintheTownHallthatmorningandhewantedtobeonhandatthehanging.LateritwouldbesenttotheNewYorkexhibition.

"Daddy'sgoingtoletmegowithhimwhenMr.Lockecomesforhimonhisyacht.He'sgoingtotakemebecauseIsatstillandlethimgetsuchagoodpicture.It'sthebesthe'severdone.We'llbegoneaweek."

"Whenareyougoing?"demandedGeorgina.

"Oh,inafewdays,wheneverMr.Lockecomes."

"Ihopewecanfindthatpouchfirst,"sheanswered.Alreadyshewasbeginningtofeellittleandforlornandleftbehind."It'llbeawfullonesomewithyouandBarbybothgone."

TippycameinsoonafterRichardleftandsatdownatthesecretary.

"I'vebeenthinkingIoughttowritetoyourmotherandletherknowaboutyesterday'sperformancebeforeshehasachancetohearitfromoutsidersorthepapers.It'sawholeweekto-daysincesheleft."

"Aweek,"echoedGeorgina."Isthatall?Itseemsamonthatleast.It'sbeensolong."

Mrs.Tripletttossedheracalendarfromthedesk.

"Countitupforyourself,"shesaid."ShelefttwodaysbeforeyourbirthdayandthisistheWednesdayafter."

WhileMrs.TriplettbeganherletterGeorginastudiedthecalendar,puttingherfingeronadateassherecalledthevarioushappeningsofit.Eachdayhadbeenlongandfull.ThatoneafternoonwhensheandRichardfoundthepaperintherifleseemedanageinitself.ItseemedmonthssincetheyhadpromisedBelleandUncleDarcytokeepthesecret.

Sheglancedup,abouttosayso,thenbithertongue,startledathavingsonearlybetrayedthefactoftheirhavingasecret.ThenthethoughtcametoherthatEmmett'ssinhadfoundhimoutinasstrangeawayasthatofthemanwhotalkedinhissleeporthechickenthieftowhomthefeatherclung.ItwasonemoreproofaddedtothefortyinAuntLetty'sbook.Richard'spositivenessmadeadeeperimpressiononherthanshelikedtoacknowledge.Sheshuthereyesamoment,squintingthemupsotightthathereyelidswrinkled,andhopedashardasshecouldhopethateverythingwouldturnoutallright.

"Whatonearthisthematterwithyou,child?"exclaimedTippy,lookingupfromherletterintimetocatchGeorginawithherfacethusscrewedintowrinkles.

Georginaopenedhereyeswithastart.

"Nothing,"wastheembarrassedanswer."Iwasjustthinking."

[Illustration]



CHAPTERXVII

INTHEKEEPINGOFTHEDUNES

SCARCELYhadGeorginaconvincedherselfbythecalendarthatithadbeenonlyoneshortweeksinceBarbywentawayinsteadoftheendlesslylongtimeitseemed,thanaletterwasbroughtintoher.

"MYDEARLITTLERAINBOW-MAKER,"itbegan.

"Youaresurelyaprismyourownself,foryouhavemadeablessedbrightspotintheworldforme,eversinceyoucameintoit.Ireadyourlettertopapa,tellingallaboutyourbirthdayandtheprismUncleDarcygaveyou.Itcheeredhimupwonderfully.Iwassoproudofyouwhenhesaiditwasafineletter,andthathe'dhavetoengageyouasaspecialcorrespondentonhispapersomeday.

"Atfirstthedoctorsthoughthissightwasentirelydestroyed,bytheflyingglassofthebrokenwindshield,butnowtheyarebeginningtohopethatoneeyeatleastmaybesaved,andpossiblytheother.Papaisverydoubtfulaboutithimself,andgetsverydespondentattimes.Hehadjustbeenhavinganespeciallybluemorningwhenyourletterwasbroughtin,andhesaid,whenIreadit:

"'That_is_agoodlinetoliveby,daughter,'andhehadmegetouthisvolumeofMiltonandreadthewholesonnetthatthelineistakenfrom.ThefactthatMiltonwasblindwhenhewroteitmadeitspeciallyinterestingtohim.

"Heandmammabothneedmesorelynowforalittlewhile,Babydear,andifyoucankeepbusyandhappywithoutmeI'llstayawayacoupleofweekslongerandhelptakehimhometoKentucky,butIcan'tbecontentedtostayunlessyousendmeapostaleveryday.Ifnothingmoreisonitthanyourname,writtenbyyourownlittlefingers,itwillputarainbowaroundmytroublesandhelpmetobecontentedawayfromyou."

Georginaspenttherestofthemorningansweringit.Shehadafeelingthatshemustmakeupforherfather'sneglectasacorrespondent,bywritingoftenherself.MaybethefamilyatGrandfatherShirley'swouldn'tnoticethattherewasneveranyletterwithaChinesestamponit,addressedinaman'sbighandinBarby'spileofmail,iftherewereothersforhertosmileover.

Ithadbeenfourmonthssincethelastonecame.Georginahadkeptcarefulcount,althoughshehadnotbetrayedherinterestexceptinthewistfulwayshewatchedBarbywhenthepostmancame.ItmadeherthroatachetoseethatlittleshadowofdisappointmentcreepintoBarby'slovelygrayeyesandthenseeherturnawaywithherlipspressedtogethertightforamomentbeforeshebegantohumorspeakbrightly

aboutsomethingelse.NoChineseletterhadcomeinherabsencetobeforwarded.

GeorginawishedherfathercouldknowhowverymuchBarbycaredabouthearingfromhim.Maybeifhisattentionwerecalledtoithewouldwriteoftener.IftheeditorofabignewspaperlikeGrandfatherShirley,thoughtherlettersweregoodenoughtoprint,maybeherfathermightpayattentiontooneofthem.Aresolvetowritetohimsomedaybegantoshapeitselfinhermind.



Shewouldhavebeensurprisedcouldshehaveknownthatalreadyoneofherepistleswasonitswaytohim.Barbyhadsenthimthe"rainbowletter."ForBarbyhadnotdrawnoffsilentandhurtwhenhislettersceasedtocome,asmanyawomanwouldhavedone.

"Awayoffthereintheinteriorhehasmissedthemails,"shetoldherself."Orthemessengerhetrustedmayhavefailedtoposthisletters,orhemaybeill.I'llnotjudgehimuntilIknow."

AfterGeorgina'slettercamesheresolutelyputherforebodingsandmisgivingsasidemanyatime,promptedbyittosteeronwardsosteadilythathopemustdoasUncleDarcysaid,"makerainbowsevenofhertears."

Georginawroteonuntildinnertime,tellingallaboutthewayshehadspentherbirthdaydollar.Afterdinnerwhenthesunshinehaddriedalltracesofthepreviousnight'srain,shepersuadedTippythatshewasentirelyovertheeffectsofthegas,andperfectlyabletogodownstreetandselectthepicturepostalswithwhichtoconductherdailycorrespondence.

Richardjoinedherasshepassedthebungalow.Theymadeathrillingafternoonforthemselvesbywhisperingtoeachotherwheneveranystrange-lookingpersonpassedthem,"S'pose_that_wastheownerofthe

pouchandhewaslookingforus."Thedreadoftheirsinfindingthemoutwalkedlikeasilent-footedghostbesidethemalltheway,makingthetwopairsofbrowneyesstealfurtiveglancesateachothernowandthen,anddeliciouslittleshiversofapprehensioncreepupanddowntheirbacks.

WhetheritwasthepassingoftheunseasonableweatherintohotJulysunshineagainorwhetherthewild-catlinimentwasresponsible,nooneundertooktosay,butMrs.Triplett'srheumatismlefthersuddenly,andatatimewhenshewasspeciallygladtoberidofit.TheSewingCircle,towhichshebelonged,waspreparingforabazaarattheChurchofthePilgrims,andherpartinitwouldkeepherawayfromhomemostofthetimeforthreedays.

ThatiswhyGeorginahadunlimitedfreedomforawhile.ShewasleftinBelle'scharge,andBelle,stillbroodingoverhertroubles,listlesslyassentedtoanythingproposedtoher.Bellehadbeenallowedtogoandcomeasshepleasedwhenshewasten,andshesawnoreasonwhyGeorginawasnotequallycapableoftakingcareofherself.

HardlywasMrs.TriplettoutofsightthatfirstmorningwhenGeorginaslippedoutofthebackgatewithalongbrass-handledfire-shovel,tomeetRichardoutonthedunes.Hebroughtahoe,andinhishandwasthelittlecompassimbeddedinthenut.

Whenallwasready,accordingtoGeorgina'sinstructions,heturned

aroundthreetimes,thenfacingtheeasttossedthecompassoverhisshoulder,sayingsolemnly,"Brother,gofindyourbrother."Shestoodreadytomarkthespotwhenitshouldfall,butCaptainKiddwasaheadofherandhadthenutinhisteethbeforeshecouldreachtheplacewhereithadtouchedtheground.SoRichardtookthenutawayandheldtheagitatedlittleterrierbythecollarwhileGeorginawentthroughthesameceremony.

ThistimeRichardreachedthenutbeforethedog,anddrewacirclearoundthespotwhereithadlain.Thenhebegandiggingintothesand



withthehoesoindustriouslythatCaptainKiddwasmovedtofranticbarking.

"Here,gettoworkyourselfandkeepquiet,"orderedRichard."Rats!You'llhaveCousinJamescomingouttoseewhatwe'redoing,firstthingyouknow.Hethinkssomethingisthematternow,everytimeyoubark.Rats!Isay."

Themagicwordhaditseffect.AfteraninstantofquiveringeagernessthedogpouncedintotheholewhichRichardhadstarted,andsentthesandflyingfuriouslyaroundhimwithhisactivelittlepaws.Georginadraggedtheaccumulatingpilesasidewiththefire-shovelononeside,andRichardpliedthehoeontheother.WhentheholegrewtoodeepforCaptainKiddtodiginlonger,Richardsteppedinandwentdeeper.Butitwasunsatisfactorywork.Theshiftingsand,dryaspowderatthisdepth,wasconstantlycavinginandfillingupthespace.

Theytriedmakingnewholes,tothenorthoftheoldone,thentothesouth,thenontheremainingsides.Theywerestillatitwhenthewhistleatthecold-storageplantblewfornoon.Georginarubbedasleeveacrossherred,perspiringface,andshooktheendsofhercurlsupanddowntocoolherhotneck.

"Idon'tseehowwecandiganymoreto-day,"shesaidwearily."Thesun

isblistering.Ifeelallscorched."

"I'vehadenough,"confessedRichard."Butwe'vegottofindthatpouch."

Afteramoment'srest,leaningonthehoe-handle,hehadaninspiration."Let'sgetManuelandJosephandRosatohelpus.They'ddigalldayforanickel."

"Ihaven'tonenickelleft,"saidGeorgina.Thenshethoughtamoment."ButIcouldbringsomejelly-roll.ThoseFayalswoulddigforeatsasquickastheywouldformoney.I'lltellBellewe'regoingtohaveasortofapicnicoverhereandshe'llletmebringallthat'sleftin

thecakebox."

Richardinvestigatedhispockets.Asolitarynickelwasallhecouldturnout."TwocentsforeachoftheboysandoneforRosa,"hesaid,butGeorginashookherhead.

"Rosawouldmaketroubleifyoudividedthatway.She'dhowltillsomebodycametoseewhatwasthematter.Butwecoulddothisway.Theonewhogetstheleastmoneygetsthemostjelly-roll.We'llwaittillthediggingisoverandthenletthemdivideittosuitthemselves."

Byfiveo'clockthatafternoon,thecompasshadbeensentto"huntbrother"inahundreddifferentplaces,andthehollowcircledbythe

bayberrybushesandbeachplumswherethepouchhadbeenhiddenfilledwithdeepholes.CaptainKiddhadrespondedtotherepeatedcallof"Rats"untilthemagicwordhadlostallcharmforhim.Evenadogcomestounderstandintimewhenafellowcreaturehas"anaxetogrind."Finally,hewentoffandlaydown,merelywagginghistailinaboredwaywhenanyfurthereffortwasmadetoarousehisenthusiasm.

TheFayalchildren,workingvaliantlyinthetrenches,laiddownarmsatlastandstrolledhome,theirfacesstreakedwithjelly-roll,andGeorginawentwearilyupthebeach,draggingherfire-shovelafterher.



Shefeltthatshehadhadenoughofthedunestolasthertherestofhernaturallifetime.Sheseemedtoseepilesofsandevenwhenshelookedatthewaterorwhenhereyeswereshut.

"Butwewon'tgiveup,"shesaidstaunchlyasshepartedfromRichard."We'reobligedtofindthatpouch,sowe've_got_tokeephopeattheprow."

"Pityallthisgooddigginghastobewasted,"saidRichard,lookingaroundatthevariousholes."Ifithadallbeeninoneplace,straightdown,itwouldhavebeendeepenoughtostrikeapirate'schestbythistime.Ihopethey'llfillupbeforeanybodycomesthiswaytonoticethem."

"Somehow,I'mnotsoanxiousasIwastogooff'a-piratin'sobold,'"saidGeorginawithatiredsigh."I'vehadenoughdiggingtolastmeforeverandalways,amen."

TheFayalchildren,surfeitedwithoneafternoonofsucheffort,andnotaltogethersatisfiedastothedivisionofwageswhichhadledtowarintheirmidst,didnotcomebacktothePlaceofthePouchnextmorning,butRichardandGeorginaappearedpromptly,albeitwithsoremusclesandebbingenthusiasm.Onlysternnecessityandfearofconsequenceskeptthemattheirtask.

CousinJameshadreportedthattherewasafishingvesselinthatmorningwithtwoenormoushorsemackerelinthecatch,whichweretobecutupandsaltedatRailroadwharf.Itwasdeliciouslycooldownonthewharf,withthebreezeblowingoffthewaterthroughthegreatpackingshed,andthewhitesailsscuddingpasttheopendoorslikefans.WithMrs.TriplettbusywiththeaffairsoftheBazaar,itwouldhavebeenawonderfulopportunityforGeorginatohavegoneloiteringalongthepier,watchingthesummerpeoplestartoffinmotorboatsorspreadthemselveslazilyunderflappingsailsforatriparoundtheharbor.

Butsomethingofthegrimspiritoftheirancestors,typifiedbythemonumentlookingdownonthemfromthehill,nervedbothRichardand

GeorginaonemoretimetoanswertothesterncallofDuty.

[Illustration]

CHAPTERXVIII

FOUNDOUT

"IDREAMEDaboutthatoldpouchlastnight,"saidRichardinoneofthe

intervalsofrestwhichtheyallowedthemselves.

"IdreamedthatitbelongedtoaChinesemanwithcrooked,yellowfinger-nailsafootlong.Hecameandstoodovermybedandsaidthatbecausetherewasimportantnewsinthatletterandweburiedit,andkeptitfromgoingtowhereitoughttogo,_we_hadtobeburiedalive.AndhepickedmeuplikeIwasthatnutandtossedmeoverhisshoulder,andsaid,'Brother,gofindyourbrother.'AndIbegansinkingdowninthesanddeeperanddeeperuntilIbegantosmother."



Georginamadenoanswer.Thedreamdidnotimpressherasbeingatallterrifying.Shehadswungherprismaroundherneckthatmorningwhenshedressed,andnowwhilesherestedsheamusedherselfbyflashingthebarsofcoloracrossCaptainKidd.Richardresentedherlackofinterest.

"Well,itmaynotsoundverybadouthereinthedaylight,butyououghttohave_had_it.IyelleduntilDaddyshookmeandtoldmeI'dwakeupthewholeendoftownwithsuchanightmare.Ifyou'dhaveseenthatoldChinaman'sfacelikeadragon's,you'dunderstandwhyIfeelthatwe'vejustgottofindthatpouch.It'sgoingtogetusintosomekindoftrouble,certainsure,ifwedon't."

Georginarosetobegindiggingagain."It'sluckynobodyevercomesthiswaytoseealltheseholes,"shebegan,butstoppedwithhershovelhalflifted.Afamiliarvoicefromthecircleofbushesatthetopofthedunecalleddowncheerily:

"Shipahoy,mates.Whatportareyouboundfornow?DiggingthroughtoChina?"

"It'sUncleDarcy!"theyexclaimedinthesamebreath.Hecameplungingdownthesideofthedunebeforetheycouldrecoverfromtheirconfusion.Therewasapailofblueberriesineachhand.Hehadbeen

downthestateroadpickingthem,andwasnowonhiswaytotheGrayInntosellthemtothehousekeeper.Leavingthepailsinalevelspotundertheshadeofascrubbybush,hecameontowherethechildrenwerestanding,andeasedhimselfstifflydowntoaseatonthesand.Itamusedhimtoseetheirevidentembarrassment,andhiseyestwinkledasheinquired:

"Whatmischiefareyouuptonow,diggingallthosegopherholes?"

Neitheransweredforamoment,thenGeorginagulpedandfoundhervoice."It's--it'sasecret,"shemanagedtosay.

"Oh,"heanswered,growinginstantlygraveatthesoundofthatword.

"ThenImustn'taskanyquestions.Wemustalwayskeepoursecrets.Sometimesit'sapitythough,whenonehastopromisetodoso.Ihopeyoursisn'ttheburdentoyouthatmineistome."

ThiswasthefirsttimehehadspokentothemofthepromisetheyhadmadetohimandBelle.Withalookallaroundasiftomakecertainthecoastwasclear,hesaid:

"There'ssomethingI'vebeenwantingtosaytoyouchildreneversincethatdayyouhadtherifle,andnow'sasgoodachanceasany.IwantyoutoknowthatIneverwouldhavepromisedwhatIdidifitcouldhavemadeanypossibledifferencetoMother.ButlatelysheseemsallconfusedaboutDanny'strouble.Sheseemstohaveforgottentherewas

anytroubleexceptthathewentawayfromhome.Formonthsshe'sbeenlookingforhimtowalkinmostanyday.

"EversinceIgavemywordtoBelle,I'vebeenstudyingovertherightandwrongofit.IfeltIwasn'tactingfairtoDanny.Butnowit'sclearinmymindthatit_was_therightthingtodo.Iargueitthisway.DannycaredsomuchaboutsavingEmmettfromdisgraceandBellefromthepainoffindingitout,thathewaswillingtogiveuphishomeandgoodnameandeverything.Nowitwouldn'tbefairtohimtomakethatsacrificeinvainbytellingwhileitcanstillbesucha



death-blowtoEmmett'sfatherandhurtBellemuchasever.She'sgoneonalltheseyearsfairlyworshipingEmmett'smemoryforbeingsuchahero."

UncleDarcystoppedsuddenlyandseemedtobedrawnfarawayfromthemasifhehadgoneinsideofhimselfwithhisownthoughtsandforgottentheirpresence.Georginasatandfannedherselfwithhershadehat.Richardfumbledwiththelittlecompass,rollingitfromonehandtotheother,withoutgivinganythoughttowhathewasdoing.PresentlyitrolledawayfromhimandCaptainKidddartedafterit,strikingitwithhisforepawsashelandedonit,andthusrollingitstillfarthertillitstoppedattheoldman'sfeet.

Recalledtohissurroundingsinthisway,UncleDarcyglancedattheobjectindifferently,butsomethingstrangelyfamiliarinitsappearancemadehimleancloserandgiveitanotherlook.Hepickeditup,examiningiteagerly.Thenhestoodupandgazedallaroundasifithaddroppedfromtheskyandheexpectedtoseethehandthathaddroppedit.

"Wheredidyougetthis?"hedemandedhuskily,insuchaqueer,breathlesswaythatRichardthoughthisdayofreckoninghadcome.Hissinhadfoundhimout.HelookedatGeorginahelplessly.

"Yes,tell!"sheexclaimed,answeringhislook.

"I--I--just_played_itwasmine,"hebegan."'CausetheinitialsonitarethesameasminewhenweplaypirateandI'mDare-devilDick.Iwasonlygoingtokeepittillwedugupthepouchagain.WewerekeepingittohelpfindthepouchlikeTomSawyerdid----"

ItseemedtoRichardthatUncleDarcy'shand,clutchinghisshoulder,wasevenmorethreateningthantheChinaman'sofhisnightmare,andhisvoicemoreimperative.

"Tellme!Wheredidyougetit?_That'smycompass!__I_scratchedthoselettersonthatnut.'D.D.'standsforDan'lDarcy.Ibroughtithome

frommylastvoyage.'Twasagood-lucknuttheytoldmeinthelastportIsailedfrom.ItwasoneofthefirstthingsDannyeverplayedwith.There'sthemarksofhisfirstlittletoothunderthoseletters.Igaveittohimwhenhegotoldenoughtoclaimit,fortheletterswerehis,too.Healwayscarrieditinhispocketand_hehaditwithhimwhenhewentaway_.Fortheloveofheaven,child,tellmewhereyoufoundit?"

ThehandwhichclutchedRichard'sshoulderwasshakingasviolentlyasithadthedaytheoldriflegaveupitssecret,andRichard,feelingthesameunnamableterrorhehadfeltinhisnightmare,couldonlystammer,"I--Idon'tknow.CaptainKiddfoundit."

Thenallthreeofthemstartedviolently,foraheartyvoicejustbehind

themcalledoutunexpectedly:

"Hullo,what'salltheexcitementabout?"

ItwasCaptainJamesMilford,whohadstrolleddownfromthebungalow,hishatstuckjauntilyonthebackofhishead,andhishandsinhispockets.Afewmomentsbeforehehadbeenscanningtheharborthroughalongspy-glass,andhappeningtoturnittowardstheduneshadseenthetwochildrendiggingdiligentlywithshovelandhoe.



"Looksasifthey'dstartedtohoney-combthewholeCapewithholes,"hethought."Curioushowmanythingskidsofthatagecanthinkof.Itmightbewelltostepdownandseewhatthey'reabout."

Heputupthespy-glassandstarteddown,approachingthemononesideastheTowncrierreachedthemontheother.

"Nowforayarnthat'llmaketheireyesstandout,"hethoughtwithasmileashesawtheoldmansitdownonthesand.

"WonderifitwouldsoundasthrillingnowasitdidwhenIwasDick'sage.IbelieveI'lljustslipupandlistentooneforoldtimes'sake."

UncleDarcyletgoofRichard'sshoulderandturnedtothenewcomerappealingly.

"Jimmy,"hesaidwithachokeinhisvoice."Lookatthis!Thefirsttraceofmyboysinceheleftme,andtheycan'ttellmewheretheygotit."

HeheldoutthecompassandMr.Milfordtookitfromhistremblingfingers.

"Why,_I_rememberthisoldtrinket,UncleDan'l!"exclaimedMr.

Milford."YouletmecarryitinmypocketonedaywhenIwasnobiggerthanDicky,here,whenyoutookmefishingwithyou.Ithoughtitwasresponsibleformyluck,forImademyfirstbigcatchthatday.GotamackerelthatIbraggedaboutallseason."

UncleDarcyseizedtheman'sarmwiththesamedesperategripwhichhadheldtheboy's.

"Youdon'tseemtounderstand!"heexclaimed."I'mtryingtotellyouthat_Danny_ismixedupwiththisinsomeway.Eitherhe'sbeennearhereorsomebodyelsehaswho'sseenhim.Hehadthiswithhimwhenhewentaway,Itellyou.Thesechildrensaytheytookitoutofapouchthatthedogfound.Helpme,Jimmy.Ican'tseemtothink----"

Hesatweaklydownonthesandagain,hisheadinhishands,andMr.Milford,deeplyinterested,turnedtothechildren.Hisquestionscalledoutaconfusingandinvolvedaccount,toldpiecemealbyGeorginaandRichardinturn.

"Holdon,now,let'sgetthestraightofthis,"heinterrupted,growingmorebewilderedasthestoryproceeded."Whatwasinthepouchbesidesthegoldpieces,theothermoneyandthiscompass?"

"Aletterwithaforeignstamponit,"answeredRichard."Inoticedspecially,becauseIhaveastampalmostlikeitinmyalbum."

Onbeingcloselycross-questionedhecouldnotsaypositivelytowhatcountrythestampbelonged.HethoughtitwasSiamorChina.Georginarecalledseveralnamesoftownspartiallyscratchedoutonthebackoftheenvelope,andthewordTexas.Shewassureofthatandof"Mass."andof"Mrs.Henry----"somethingorother.

"Buttheinsideoftheletter,"persistedMr.Milford."Didn'tyoutrytoreadthat?"

"Coursenot,"saidGeorgina,herheadindignantlyhigh."Weonlylooked



ateachendofittoseeiftheperson'snamewasonit,butitbegan,'Dearfriend,'andended,'YourgratefulfriendDave.'"

"Sotheletterwasaddressed'_Mrs._,'"beganMr.Milford,musingly,"butwasinatobaccopouch.Thefirstfactarguesthatawomanlostit,thelastthatitwasaman."

"Butitdidn'tsmelloftobacco,"volunteeredGeorgina."ItwasniceandcleanonlywhereCaptainKiddchewedthestring."

"Isupposeitdidn'thaveanysmellatall,"saidMr.Milford,notasifheexpectedanyonetoremember,butthathehappenedtothinkofit.AslowlydawningrecollectionbegantobrighteninGeorgina'seyes.

"Butitdidhaveasmell,"sheexclaimed."Irememberitperfectlywellnow.Don'tyouknow,Richard,whenyouwereuntyingitatthetopofthestepsIsaid'Phew!thatmakesmethinkofthelinimentIboughtfromthewild-catwomanlastnight,'IhadtoholdthebottleinmylapallthetimewewereatthemovingpictureshowsoIhadachancetogetprettywellacquaintedwiththatsmell.Andafterwardswhenwewerewrappingthetinfoilaroundthepouch,gettingreadytoburyitwebothturnedupournosesatthewayitsmelled.Itseemedstrongerwhenthesunshoneonit."

"Thewild-catwoman,"repeatedMr.Milford,turningonGeorgina."Wherewasshe?Whatdidyouhavetodowithher?Wasthedogwithyou?"

Littlebylittletheybegantorecalltheevening,howtheyhadstartedtotheshowwiththeFayalfamilyandturnedasidetohearthepatentmedicinemansing,howRichardandGeorginahaddaredeachothertotouchthewild-cat'stailthroughthebars,andhowGeorginainclimbingdownfromthewheelhadstumbledoverCaptainKiddwhomtheythoughtsafelyshutupathome.

"Ibelievewe'vefoundaclue,"saidMr.Milfordatlast."Ifanybodyintownhadlostitthere'dhavebeenanoticeputupinthepost-officeortheownerwouldhavebeenaroundforyoutocryit,UncleDan'l.Butif

it'sthewild-catwoman'ssheprobablydidnotdiscoverherlosstillshewaswelloutoftown,andmaybenotuntilshereachedhernextstopping-place."

"There'sbeennothingofthesortpostedonthebulletinboardatthepost-office,"saidtheoldman."Ialwaysglanceinatiteverymorning."

Mr.Milfordlookedathimthoughtfullyasifconsideringsomething.Thenhesaidslowly:

"UncleDan'l,justhowmuchwoulditmeantoyoutofindtheownerofthatpouch?"

"Why,Jimmy,"wasthetremulousanswer,"ifitledtoanytraceofmyboyitwouldbetheonegreathopeofmyliferealized."

"Youarequitesurethatyou_want_tobringhimback?Thatitwouldbebestforallconcerned?"hecontinuedmeaningly.

Therewasasilence,thentheoldmanansweredwithdignity:

"Iknowwhatyou'rethinkingof,andconsideringallthat'sgonebefore,



I'mnotblamingyou,butIcantellyouthis,JimmyMilford.IfthetowncouldknowallthatIknowit'dbegladandproudtohavemyboybroughtbacktoit."

Hesmotethefistofonehandintothepalmoftheotherandlookedaboutlikesomethingtrapped,seekingescape.

"Itisn'tfair!"heexclaimed."Itisn'tfair!Himworthytoholduphisheadwiththebestofthem,andmeboundnottotell.ButI'vegivenmypromise,"headded,shakinghisheadslowlyfromsidetoside."Is'poseit'llallworkoutforthebest,somehow,intheLord'sowngoodtime,butIcan'tseemtoseethejusticeinitnow."

Hesatstaringdejectedlyaheadofhimwithdim,appealingeyes.

Theyoungermantookastepforwardandlaidanarmacrossthebentshoulders.

"Allright,UncleDan'l,"hesaidheartily."Ifthere'sanythingunderthesunIcandotohelpyouI'mgoingtodoit,beginningrightnow.ComeonuptothehouseandI'llbeginthisSherlockHolmesbusinessbytelephoningdowntheCapetoeverytownonittillwelocatethiswild-catlinimentwagon,andthenwe'llgetafteritasfastasthebestautomobileinProvincetowncantakeus."

[Illustration]

CHAPTERXIX

TRACINGTHELINIMENTWAGON

TOWellfleet,toOrleans,toChathamwentthetelephonecall,toHarwichportandthenbackagaintothelittletownsonthebaysideof

theCape,forthewild-catanditskeepersdidnotfollowastraightcourseintheirmeanderings.ItwassometimebeforeMr.Milfordsucceededinlocatingthem.Atlasthehungupthereceiverannouncing:

"TheyshowedinOrleanslastnightallright,butitwasn'ttheroadtoChathamtheytookoutoftherethismorning.ItwastoBrewster.Wecaneasilyovertakethemsomewherealonginthatdirectionandgetbackhomebeforedark."

TherewasoneecstaticmomentforGeorginawhenitwasmadecleartoherthatshewasincludedinthat"we";thatshewasactuallytohaveashareinanautomobilechaseliketheonesthathadthrilledherinthemovies.Butthatmomentwassoonover.

"IhardlyknowwhattodoaboutleavingMother,"beganUncleDarcyinatroubledvoice."She'sfeelinguncommonpoorlyto-day--she'sinbedandcan'tseemtorememberanythinglongerthanyou'retellingit.Mrs.SaggscameintositwithherwhileIwasoutblueberrying,butshesaidshecouldn'tstaypastteno'clock.Shehascompanycoming."

"Couldn'tyougetsomeoftheotherneighborstocomeinforthefewhoursyou'dbeaway?"askedMr.Milford."It'simportantyoushouldfollowupthisclueyourself."



"No,Mrs.SaggsistheonlyonewhokeepsMotherfromfrettingwhenI'mawayfromher.Hersidewindowlooksrightintoourfrontyard,andordinarilyitwouldbeenoughjustforhertocallacrosstohernowandthen,butitwouldn'tdoto-day,Mothernotbeingaswellascommon.She'dforgetwhereIwasgoneandIcouldn'tbeartohaveherlyingtherefrightenedandworriedandnotrememberingwhyIhadleftheralone.She'slikeachildattimes._You_knowhowitis,"hesaid,turningtoGeorgina."Notflighty,butjustneedingtobesoothedandtalkedto."

Georginanodded.Sheknew,foronseveraloccasionsshehadsatbesideAuntElspethwhenshewasinsuchamood,andhadquietedandpleasedherwithlittlesongsandsimplerhymes.Sheknewshecoulddoitagainto-dayaseffectuallyasMrs.Saggs,ifitwasn'tforgivingupthatexcitingmotorchaseafterthewild-catwoman.Itseemedtoheragreatersacrificethanfleshandbloodshouldbecalledupontomake.Shesatontheporchstep,twirlingherprismcarelesslyonitspinkribbonwhileshewaitedforthemachinetobebroughtaround.ThensheclimbedintothebackseatwithUncleDarcyandthetwopailsofblueberries,whileRichardsettledhimselfandCaptainKiddinfrontwithhisCousinJames.

TheywhirleduptotheGrayInntoleavetheblueberries,andthen

arounddownBradfordStreettoFishburnCourttoattempttoexplaintoAuntElspeth.OnthewaytheypassedthePilgrimmonument.Georginatriednottolookatit,butshecouldn'thelpglancingupatitfromthecornerofhereye.

"Youmust,"itseemedtosaytoher.

"Iwon't,"sheassilentlyansweredback.

"It'syourduty,"itremindedher,"andtheideaofadescendantofoneofthePilgrimFathersandoneoftheMinute-menshirkingherduty.AprettymemberoftheRainbowClub_you_are,"itscoffed.

Theywhirledbythegrimmonsterofamonumentquickly,butGeorginafeltimpelledtoturnandlookbackatit,hergazefollowingituphigherandhigher,abovethegargoyles,tothetipmoststoneswhichseemedtotouchthesky.

"IhatethatwordDuty,"shesaidsavagelytoherself."It'sasbiganduglyandasalways-in-front-of-youasthatoldmonument.They'reexactlyalike.Youcan'thelpseeingthemnomatterwhichwayyoulookorhowhardyoutrynotto."

AtthegateshetriedtoputtheobnoxiouswordoutofhermindbyleaningluxuriouslybackinthecarandlookingupatthechimneytopswhileUncleDarcysteppedoutandwentintothehouse.Hecameoutagain

almostimmediately,crossedthelittlefrontyardandputhisheadinatMrs.Saggs'sidewindow.Afterashortconversationwithherhecameouttothegateandstoodirresolutelyfingeringthelatch.

"Idon'tknowwhattodo,"herepeated,hisvoiceevenmoretroubledthanbefore."Mother'sasleepnow.Mrs.Saggssaysshe'llgooverattwelveandtakeherhertea,but--Ican'thelpfeelingIoughtnottoleaveheraloneforsolong.Couldn'tyoumanagewithoutme?"

Andthen,Georginainwardlyprotesting,"Idon'twanttoandIwon't,"



foundherselfsteppingoutofthecar,andheardherownvoicesayingsweetly:

"I'llstaywithAuntElspeth,UncleDarcy.Icankeepherfromfretting."

Asmileofreliefbrokeovertheoldman'sfaceandhesaidheartily:

"Why,ofcourseyoucan,honey.Itneveroccurredtometoaskalittlelasslikeyoutostopandcareforher,butyoucandoitbetterthananybodyelse,becauseMother'ssofondofyou."

Neitherhaditoccurredtohimortoeitheroftheothersthatitwasasacrificeforhertogiveupthisride.Therewasnotawordfromanyoneaboutitsbeinganoblethingforhertodo.Mr.Milford,inahurrytobeoff,merelynoddedhissatisfactionathavingthematterarrangedsoquickly.UncleDarcysteppedbacktothewindowforapartingwordwithMrs.Saggs.

"She'llkeepanearoutforyou,Georgina,"hesaidashewentbacktothecar."Justcallherifyouwantherforanyreason.There'splentycookedinthecupboardforyourdinner,andMrs.SaggswilltendtoMother'steawhenthetimecomes.WhenshewakesupandasksformebestnottellherI'moutoftown.JustsayI'llbebackbyeandbye,and

humorheralongthatway."

Andthentheywereoffwithawhirrandaclangthatsentthechickensintheroadscatteringineverydirection.Georginawasleftstandingbythegatethinking,"Whatmademedoit?What_made_medoit?Idon'twanttostayonebit."

TheodorofgasolineclearedawayandtheusualSabbath-likestillnesssettleddownoverallthecourt.Shewalkedslowlyacrosstheshadylittlegrassplottothefrontdoor,hesitatedthereamoment,thenwentintothecottageandtookoffherhat.

AglanceintothedimbedroombeyondshowedherAuntElspeth'swhite

headlyingmotionlessonherpillow.Thesightofthequietsleepermadeherfeelappallinglylonesome.Itwaslikebeingallbyherselfinthehousetobetherewithonewhomadenosoundormovement.Shewouldhavetofindsomethingtodo.Itwasonlyeleveno'clock.Shetiptoedoutintothekitchen.

Thealmanachadbeenleftlyingonthetable.Shelookedslowlythroughit,andwasrewardedbyfindingsomethingofinterest.Onthelastpagewasacolumnofriddles,andoneofthemwassogoodshestartedtomemorizeitsothatshecouldpropoundittoRichard.Shewassurehenevercouldguessit.Findingithardertorememberthanitseemedatfirstglance,shedecidedtocopyit.Shedidnotknowwheretolookforasheetofpaper,butrememberedseveralpaperbagsonthepantry

shelves,soshewentinsearchofone.Findingonewithonlyacupfulofsugarleftinit,shetoreoffthetopandwrotetheriddleonthatwithastubofapencilwhichshefoundonthetable.

Whilesearchingforthebagshetookaninventoryofthesuppliesinthepantryfromwhichshewastochooseherdinner.Whenshehadfinishedcopyingtheriddleshewentbacktothem.Therewerebakedbeansandblueberrypie,coldbiscuitandadishofhoney.

"I'llgetmydinnernow,"shedecided,"thenI'llbereadytositwith



AuntElspethwhenherteacomes."

AsGeorginawentbackandforthfromtabletoshelfitwasinunconsciousimitationofMrs.Triplett'sbriskmanner.PatteringafterthatcapablehousekeeperonherbusyroundsaspersistentlyasGeorginahaddoneallherlife,hadtaughthertomoveinthesameway.Presentlyshediscoveredthattherewasafirelaidinthelittlewoodstovereadytolight.Thestovewassosmallincomparisontothebigkitchenrangeathome,thatitappealedtoGeorginaasatoystovemighthavedone.ShestoodlookingatitthinkingwhatfunitwouldbetocooksomethingonitallbyherselfwithnoTippystandingbytosaydothisordon'tdotheother.

"IthinkIoughttobeallowedtohavesomefuntomakeupformydisappointment,"shesaidtoherselfasthetemptationgrewstrongerandstronger.

"Icouldcookmeanegg.TippyletsmebeatthembutsheneverletsmebreakthemandI'vealwayswantedtobreakoneandletitgoplunkintothepan."

Shedidnotresistthetemptationlong.Therewasthesputterofamatch,thepuffofaflame,andthelittlestovewasroaringawaysoeffectivelythatoneofoldJeremy'ssayingsrosetoherlips.Jeremy

hadaproverbforeverything.

"Littlepot,soonhot,"shesaidoutloud,gleefully,andreachedintothecupboardforthecrockofbraninwhichtheeggswerekept.ThenGeorgina'sskillasanactorshoweditselfagain,althoughshewasnotconsciousofimitatinganyone.InTippy'sbestmannershewipedoutthefrying-pan,settleditinahotplaceonthestove,droppedinabitofbutter.

Withtheassuredairofonewhohashadlongpractice,shepickedupaneggandgaveitasharpcrackontheedgeofthepan,expectingittopartevenlyintohalvesanditscontentstoglideproperlyintothebutter.Itlookedsoalluringlysimpleandeasythatshehadalways

resentedTippy'ssayingshewouldmakeamessofitifshetriedtodoit.Butmesswastheonlynamewhichcouldbegiventowhatpouredoutonthetopofthestoveasherfingerswentcrashingthroughtheshellandintotheslimyfeelingcontents.Thebrokenyolkdrippedfromherhands,andintheoneinstantshestoodholdingthemoutfromherindisgust,alltherestoftheeggwhichhadgoneslidingoverthestove,cooked,scorchedandturnedtoacinder.

Thesmellandsmokeoftheburningeggrosetotheceilingandfilledtheroom.GeorginasprangtoclosethedoorsothattheodorwouldnotrouseAuntElspeth,andthenwithcarvingknifeandstove-lidlifter,shescrapedthecharredremainsintothefire.

"Anditlooked_so_easy,"shemourned."MaybeIdidn'twhackitquicklyenough.I'mgoingtotryagain."Shefeltintothebranforanotheregg.Thistimeshestrucktheshellsohardthatitscontentssplashedoutsidewayswithanunexpectedsquirtandslidtothefloor.Shewasreadytocryasshewipeduptheslipperystuff,buttherecametohermindsomeverseswhichTippyhadtaughtherlongago.AndsodeterminedhadTippybeenforhertolearnthem,thatsheofferedtheinducementofastringofbluebeads.Thenameofthepoemwas"Perseverance,"anditbegan:



"_Here'salessonallshouldheed----Try,tryagain.Ifatfirstyoudon'tsucceed,Try,tryagain._"

anditended,

"_ThatwhichotherfolkscandoWhywithpatiencemaynotyou?Try,tryagain._"

TippysowedthatseedthesamewinterthatshetaughtGeorgina"TheLandingofthePilgrims";butsurely,nomatterhowlongatimesincethen,Tippyshouldbeheldaccountablefortheaftereffectsofthatplanting.IfGeorginapersevereditwasnomorethancouldbeexpectedconsideringherrigorousup-bringing.

Georginapushedthefrying-pantothebackofthestovewhereitwascooler,andwithherredlipspursedintoatightline,choseanotheregg,smoteitsharplyontheedgeofthepan,therebycrackingitandbreakingtheshellintohalves.Herthumbspunchedthroughintotheyolkofthisonealso,butbylettingpartoftheshelldropwithit,shemanagedtolanditallinthepan.Thatwasbetter.Shefishedoutthefragmentofshellandtookanotheregg.

Thistimethefeatwasaccomplishedasdeftlyasanexpertchefcouldhavedoneit,andapleasedsmiletooktheplaceofthegrimdeterminationonGeorgina'sface.Elatedbyhersuccessshebrokeanotheregg,thenanotherandanother.Itwasaseasyasbreathingorwinking.Shebrokeanotherforthepurejoyofputtingherdexteritytothetestoncemore.Thenshestopped,appalledbythepileofemptyshellsconfrontingheraccusingly.Shecountedthem.Shehadbrokeneight--three-fourthsofasetting.WhatwouldUncleDarcysaytosuchawickedwaste?Shecouldburntheshells,butwhatanawfullotofinsidestodisposeof.Allmixedupastheywere,theycouldn'tbesavedforcake.Therewasnothingtodobuttoscramblethem.

Scramblethemshedid,andthepanseemedtogrowfullerandfullerasshetossedthefluffymassaboutwithafork.Itwasfundoingthat.Shemadethemostofthisshortspaceoftime,anditwasoveralltoosoon.SheknewthatAuntElspethhadgrowntiredofeggsearlyinthesummer.Therewasnousesavinganyforher.Georginaherselfwasnotespeciallyfondofthem,butshewouldhavetoeatallshecouldtokeepthemfrombeingwasted.

Sometimeaftersherosefromthetableandlookedatthedishwithafeelingofdisgustthattherecouldstillbesuchaquantityleft,aftershehadeatensomuchthatitwasimpossibletoenjoyevenatasteoftheblueberrypieorthehoney.Carryingthedishoutthroughthebackdoorsheemptieditintothecats'pan,ferventlywishingthatJohnand

MaryDarcyandoldYellownosecoulddisposeofitallwithoutbeingmadeill.

Longagoshehadlearnedtodohersumsinthesand.Nowshestoopeddownandwiththehandleofherspoonscratchedsomefiguresinthepath."Iftwelveeggscostthirtycents,howmuchwilleighteggscost?"Thatwasthesumshesetforherself.OnlythatmorningshehadheardTippyinquirethepriceofeggsfromthebutter-woman,andsaytheywereunusuallyhighandhardtogetbecausetheyweresomanysummerpeopleintownthisseason.Shedidn'tknowwheretheyweregoingtogetenough



forallthecakesnecessaryfortheBazaar.

IttookGeorginasometimetosolvetheproblem.Thengoingbacktothekitchenshegatheredupalltheshellsanddroppedthemintothefire.Hersacrificewascostingherfarmorethanshehadanticipated.Somehow,somewhere,shemustgetholdoftwentycentstopayforthoseeggs.Dutyagain._Always_Duty.ButforthatonehorridwordshewouldberacingdowntheroadtoBrewsterinthewakeofthewild-catwoman.Shewonderediftheyhadcaughtupwithheryet.

[Illustration]

CHAPTERXX

DANCEOFTHERAINBOWFAIRIES

GEORGINA,intentonwashingthefrying-panandcleaningthelastvestigeofburnteggfromthetopofthestove,didnothearMrs.SaggscomeinatthefrontdoorwithAuntElspeth'sdinneronatray.Nordidshehearthemurmurofvoicesthatwentonwhileitwasbeingeaten.Thebedroom

wasinthefrontofthehouse,andtheraspingnoiseshewasmakingasshescratchedawaywiththeedgeofanironspoon,keptherfromhearinganythingelse.Sowhenthedoorintothekitchensuddenlyopeneditgavehersuchastartthatshedroppedthedishclothintothewoodbox.

Mrs.Saggssniffedsuspiciously.TherewassomethingreproachfulinthemeretiltofhernosewhichGeorginafeltandresented.

"IthoughtIsmelledsomethingburning."

"Is'pectyoudid,"Georginaansweredcalmly."Butit'sallovernow.Iwasgettingmydinnerearly,so'sIcouldsitwithAuntElspethafterward."

Mrs.Saggshadbothhandsfull,asshewascarryinghertray,soshecouldnotopenthestovetolookin;butshewalkedovertowardsitandpeeredatitfromacloserviewpoint,continuingtosniff.Buttherewasnothingforhertodiscover,nocluetothesmell.EverythingwhichGeorginahadusedwaswashedandbackinplacenow.Thesharpeyesmadeasurveyofthekitchen,watchingGeorginanarrowlyasthechild,havingrinsedthedishclothafteritsfall,leanedoutofthebackdoortohangitonabushinthesun,asUncleDarcyalwaysdid.

"You'vebeentaughttoberealneat,haven'tyou?"shesaidinanapprovingtonewhichmadeGeorginalikeherbetter.Thenherglancefellonawork-basketwhichhadbeenleftsittingontopoftheflourbarrel.

Initwasapieceofhalf-finishedmending.Thesharpeyessoftened.

"Ideclare!"sheexclaimed."It'sdownrightpitifulthewaythatoldmantriestodoforhimselfandhispooroldwife.It'ssurprising,though,howwellhegetsalongwiththehouseworkandtakingcareofherandall."

Sheglancedagainattheneedleleftstickingintheclumsyunfinishedseam,andrecognizedthegarment.



"Well,Iwishyou'dlookatthat!Eventryingtopatchherpooroldnightgownforher!Canyoubeatthat?Here,child,giveittome.Myhandsarefullwiththistray,sojuststickitundermyarm.I'llmenditthisafternoonwhileI'msettingtalkingtothecompany."

ShetightenedhergriponthebundlewhichGeorginathrustunderherarm,andlookeddownatit.

"Thempitifuloldstifffingersofhis'n!"sheexclaimed."Theysuremakeabotchofsewing,buttheydon'tevermakeabotchofbeingkind.Well,I'moffnow.Guessyou'dbetterruninandsetwithMis'Darcyforaspell,forshe'swakeduprealnaturalandknowingnow,andseemstocravecompany."

Georginawent,butpausedontheway,seeingthefamiliarroomsinanewlight,sinceMrs.Saggs'remarkshadgivenhernewandilluminatinginsight.EverywhereshelookedtherewassomethingaseloquentasthatbitofunfinishedmendingtobearwitnessthatUncleDarcywasfarmorethanjustaweather-beatenoldmanwithasmileandwordofcheerforeverybody.RingingtheTowncrier'sbellandfishingandblueberryingandtellingyarnsandhelpingeverybodybeartheirtroublewastheleastpartofhisdoings.Thatwasonlywhattheworldsaw.Thatwasallshehadseenherselfuntilthismoment.

Nowshewassuddenlyawareofhisbignessofsoulwhichmadehimcapableofaninfinitetendernessandcapacitytoserve.HisdevotiontoAuntElspethspreadanencirclingcarearoundherasagreatoakthrowsthearmsofitsshade,tillhercomfortwashisconstantthought,herhappinesshisgreatestdesire.

"Thempitiful,old,stifffingersofhis'n!"HowcouldMrs.Saggsspeakofthemso?Theywereheroic,effectualfingers.TheirswassomethingfargreaterthantheMidastouch--theytransmutedthesmallestserviceintoLove'sgold.

Georgina,withherlongstretchinguptobooksthatwere"overherhead,"understoodthiswithoutbeingabletoputitintowords.Nor

couldsheputintowordsthelongingwhichseizedherlikeadullache,for_Barby_tobelovedandcaredforlikethat,tobeasconstantlyandsupremelyconsidered.Shecouldn'tunderstandhowAuntElspeth,oldandwrinkledandchildish,couldbetheobjectofsuchwonderfuldevotion,andBarby,heradorable,winsomeBarby,callforthless.

"Notoneletterinfourlongmonths,"shethoughtbitterly.

"Dan'l,"calledAuntElspethfeeblyfromthenextroom,andGeorginawentintoassureherthatUncleDarcywas_not_outintheboatandwouldnotbebroughthomedrowned.Hewasattendingtosomeimportantbusinessandwouldbebackbyeandbye.Inthemeantime,shewasgoingtohangherprisminthewindowwherethesuncouldtouchitandletthe

rainbowfairiesdanceoverthebed.

Thegayflashesofcolor,dartinglikeelfinwingshereandthereasGeorginatwistedtheribbon,pleasedAuntElspethasifshewereachild.Sheliftedathin,shriveledhandtocatchatthemandgaveaweaklittlelaugheachtimetheyeludedhergrasp.Itwassuchathinhand,almosttransparent,withthick,purplishveinsstandingoutonit.GeorginaglancedatherownandwonderedifAuntElspeth'severcouldhavebeendimpledandsoftlikehers.Itdidnotseempossiblethatthisfrailoldwomanwiththesnowy-whitehairandsunkencheekscouldever



havebeenarosychildlikeherself.Asifinanswertoherthought,AuntElspethspoke,gropingagainwithweak,ineffectualpassesaftertherainbows.

"Ican'tcatchthem.Theybobaroundso.That'sthewayIusedtobe,alwaysonthemove.Theycalledme'BouncingBet!'"

"Tellmeaboutthattime,"urgedGeorgina.BackamongearlymemoriesAuntElspeth'smindwalkedwithfirm,unfailingtread.Itwasonlyamongthoseoflateryearsthatshehesitatedandgropedherwayasiflostinfog.BythetimetheclockhadstruckthehourstwicemoreGeorginafeltthatsheknewintimatelyamischievousgirlwhomherfamilycalledBouncingBetforherwildways,butwhoborenotraceofaresemblancetothefeebleoldcreaturewhorecountedherpranks.

Andtheblue-eyedrompwhocouldsailaboatlikeaboyorswimlikeamackerelgrewupintoaslenderslipofalasswithashygracewhichmadeonethinkofawild-flower.AtleastthatiswhattheolddaguerreotypeshowedGeorginawhenAuntElspethsentherrummagingthroughatrunktofindit.Itwastakeninawhitedressstandingbesideayoungsailorinhisuniform.NowonderUncleDarcylookedproudinthepicture.ButGeorginaneverwouldhaveknownitwasUncleDarcyifshehadn'tbeentold.Hehadchanged,too.

ThepicturemadeGeorginathinkofoneofBarby'ssongs,andpresentlywhenAuntElspethwastiredoftalkingshesangittoher:

"_HandinhandwhenourlifewasMay.Handinhandwhenourhairisgray.SorrowandsunforeveryoneAstheyearsrollon.HandinhandwhenthelongnighttideGentlycoversussidebyside----Ah,lad,thoughweknownotwhen,Lovewillbewithusforeverthen.Alwaysthesame,Darbymyown,AlwaysthesametoyouroldwifeJoan!_"

AfterthattherewereothersongswhichAuntElspethaskedfor,"Oh,wertthouinthecauldblast,"and"RobinAdair."ThencamealongtiresomepausewhenGeorginadidn'tknowwhattodonext,andAuntElspethturnedherheadrestlesslyonthepillowandseemeduneasy.

Georginawishedwithallherheartshewasoutofthestuffylittlebedroom.Ifshehadgonewiththeothers,shewouldbespeedingalongthesmooth,whiteroadnow,cominghomefromBrewster,withthewindandsunshineofallthewide,freeoutdoorsaroundher.

AuntElspethdrewalong,tiredsigh.

"Maybeyou'dlikemetoreadtoyou,"venturedGeorgina.Shehesitatedovermakingsuchanoffer,becausethereweresofewbooksinthehouse.Nothingbutthealmanaclookedinteresting.AuntElspethassented,andpointedoutawornlittlevolumeofdevotionsontopofthebureau,saying:

"That'swhatDan'lreadsmeonSundays."

Georginaopenedit.Evidentlyithadbeencompiledfortheuseofsea-faringpeople,foritwasfullofthepromisesthatsailor-folkbest



understand;noneoftheshepherdpsalmsortalkofgreenpasturesandhelp-givinghills.Itwasallaboutmightywatersandpathsthroughthedeep.Shesettledherselfcomfortablyinthelowrocking-chairbesidethebed,tossedbackhercurlsandwasabouttobegin,whenoneoftherainbowlightsfromtheprismdancedacrossthepage.Shewaited,smiling,untilitglimmeredaway.Thenshereadtheversesonwhichithadshone.

"_Allthywavesandthybillowsaregoneoverme,yettheLordwillcommandHislovingkindnessinthedaytime,andinthenightHissongshallbewithme._"

Thesweetlittlevoicesoothedthetroubledspiritthatlistenedlikemusic.

"_WhenthoupasseththroughthewatersIwillbewiththee,andthroughtherivers:theyshallnotoverflowthee....ThussaiththeLordwhichmakethawayinthesea,andapathinthemightywaters._"

AuntElspethreachedoutagropinghandforGeorgina'sandtookthesoftlittlefingersinhers.Georginadidn'twanttohaveherhandheld,especiallyinsuchastiff,bonyclasp.Itmadeheruncomfortabletositwithherarmstretchedupinsuchaposition,butshewastoopolitetowithdrawit,soshereadonforseveralpages.

"_Hemakeththestormacalm,sothatthewavesthereofarestill.SoHebringeththemintotheirdesiredhaven._"

Attractedbythesoundofheavybreathing,shelookedup.AuntElspethwasasleep.Georginalaidthebookonthetable,andslowly,veryslowlybegantoraiseherselfoutofthechair,afraidofarousingthesleeperwhostillheldherhand.Asshestoodup,theboardinthefloorunderhersqueaked.Shewasafraidtotakeanothersteportotrytopullherhandaway.Shehadcometotheendofherresourcesforentertainment,andshewasafraidAuntElspeth'snextawakeningmightbetoacrying,restlessmoodwhichshecouldnotcontrol.Soshesatdownagain.

Itwasverystillinthebedroom.Aflybuzzedontheoutsideofthewindowscreen,andawayoffonanotherstreetthe"accommodation"wasgoingby.Shecouldhearthebellsjinglingonthehorses.Asshesatthus,notevenrocking,butjustjigglingthechairatrifle,thewordsshehadreadbegantocomebacktoherafterawhilelikearefrain:"SoHebringeththemintotheirdesiredhaven.SoHebringeththemintotheirdesiredhaven."Shewhisperedthemoverandoverassheoftenwhisperedsongs,hearingthemusicwhichhadnotoneexceptinherthought.

Andpresently,asthewhisperedsongrepeateditself,thewordsbegantobringawonderfulsenseofpeaceandsecurity.Shedidnotrealizewhatitwasthatwasspeakingtoherthroughthem.Itwasthefaithwhichhad

livedsolongintheselowlylittlerooms.ItwasthefaithwhichhadupborneUncleDarcyyearafteryear,helpinghimtosteeronwardintheconfidencethattheHandhetrustedwouldfulfilallitspromises.Shefeltthesubtleinfluencethatgoesoutfromsuchlives,withoutknowingwhatitwasthattouchedher.Shewasconsciousofitonlyasshewasconsciousofthenearnessofmignonettewhenitsfragrancestoleinfromtheflower-bedunderthewindow.Theywerebothunseenbutthemignonette'sfragrancewaswonderfullysweet,andthefeelingofconfidence,breathingthroughthewordsoftheoldpsalmwaswonderfullystrong.Somedayshe,too,wouldbebrought,andBarbywouldbebrought



into"theirdesiredhaven."

Georginawastired.Ithadbeenafullday,beginningwiththatdigginginthedunes.Presentlyshebegantonod.Thentherockingchairceasedtosway.Whentheclockstruckagainshedidnothearit.ShewassoundasleepwithherhandstillclaspedinAuntElspeth's.

CHAPTERXXI

ONTHETRAILOFTHEWILD-CATWOMAN

MEANWHILE,thepursuingpartyhadmadethetriptoBrewsterandwereontheirwayhome.Atthevarioussmalltownswheretheystoppedtoaskquestions,theyfoundthatthepatent-medicinevendorshadinvariablyfollowedonecourse.Theyhadtakensupperatthehotel,butaftereachevening'sperformancehaddrivenintothecountryalittlewaytocampforthenightintheopen.AtOrleansanacquaintanceofMr.Milford'sinafeedstorehadmuchtosayaboutthem.

"Idon'tknowwhethertheycampoutofconsiderationforthewild-cat,

orwhetherit'sbecausethey'reattachedtothatrovin',gypsylife.They'regoodspenders,andfromthewaytheysoldtheirlinimentherelastnight,you'dthinktheycouldaffordtoputupatahotelallthetimeandtakearoomforthecatinthebargain.Youneedn'ttellmethatbeasteversawthebanksoftheBrazos.I'llbettheycaughtitupintheMainewoodssome'rs.Buttheyseemsuchhonest,straightforwardsortoffolks,somehowyouhavetobelieve'em.They'reafriendlypair,too,speciallytheoldlady.Seemsfunnytohearyouspeakofherasthewild-catwoman.Thatnameissureamisfitforher."

Mr.Milfordthoughtsohimself,whenalittlelaterhecameacrossher,amileoutofBrewster.Shewassittinginthewoodenrockingchairinoneendofthewagon,placidlydarningapairofsocks,whileshewaited

forherhusbandtobringthehorsesfromsomeplaceupinthewoodswherehehadtakenthemforwater.Theyhadbeenstakedbytheroadsideallnighttograze.Thewild-catwasblinkingdrowsilyinitscage,havingjustbeenfed.

Somecharredsticksandalittlepileofashesbytheroadside,showedwhereshehadcookeddinneroveracamp-fire,buttheemberswerecarefullyextinguishedandthefryingpananddisheswerestowedoutofsightinsomemysteriouscompartmentunderthewagonbed,ascompactlyasiftheyhadbeenpartsofaChinesepuzzle.Longexperienceontheroadhadtaughtherhowtopackwitheaseanddexterity.

Shelookedupwithinterestastheautomobiledrewoutoftheroad,and

stoppedalongsidethewagon.Shewasusedtopurchasersfollowingthemoutoftownforthelinimentafterasuccessfulshowlikelastnight'sperformance.

Despitethefeedman'sdescriptionofher,Mr.Milfordhadexpectedtoseesomesortofanadventuresssuchasonenaturallyassociateswithsuchabusiness,andwhenhesawtheplacidoldladywiththesmooth,grayhair,andmetthegazeofthemotherlyeyespeeringoverherspectaclesathim,hescarcelyknewhowtobegin.UncleDarcy,growingimpatientatthetimeconsumedinpolitelyleadinguptotheobjectof



theircoming,fidgettedinhisseat.Atlasthecouldwaitnolongerforremarksaboutweatherandwild-cats.Suchconversationalpathslednowhere.Heinterruptedabruptly.

"I'mtheTowncrierfromProvincetown,ma'am.Didyouloseanythingwhileyouwerethere?"

"Well,now,"shebeganslowly."Ican'tsaywhereIlostit.Ididn'tthinkitwasinProvincetownthough.ImadesureitwassomeplacebetweenHarwichportandOrleans,andIhadmymanpostnoticesinboththoseplaces."

"Andwhatwasityoulost?"inquiredMr.Milfordpolitely.Hehadcautionedhisoldfriendonthewaydownatintervalsofeveryfewmiles,nottobuildhishopesuptoomuchonfindingthatthiswomanwastheownerofthepouch.

"Youmayhavetofollowahundreddifferentcluesbeforeyougetholdoftherightone,"hewarnedhim."We'retakingthistriponthemerechancethatwe'llfindtheowner,justbecausetwochildrenassociatedthepouchintheirmemorywiththeodorofliniment.Itismorethanlikelythey'remistakenandthatthisisallawild-goosechase."

ButUncleDarcy_had_builthishopesonit,hadsethishearton

findingthiswastherightclue,andhisbeamingfacesaid,"Itoldyouso,"whensheanswered:

"Itwasalittletobaccopouch,andI'mdreadfullyputoutoverlosingit,becauseasidefromthevaluablesandkeep-sakesinittherewasaletterthat'sbeenfollowingmealloverthecountry.Itdidn'treachmetilljustbeforeIgottoProvincetown.It'sfromsomeheathencountrywithsuchanoutlandishnameIcouldn'trememberitwhileIwasreadingit,scarcely,andnowI'llneverthinkofitagainwhiletheworldwags,andthere'snowayformetoansweritunlessIdo."

"Oh,don'tsaythat!"exclaimedUncleDarcy."You_must_thinkofit.AndI_must_know.Howdidthiscomeintoyourhands?"

Heheldoutthelittlewatch-fobcharm,thecompasssetinanutandsheseizediteagerly.

"Well,youdidfindmypouch,didn'tyou?"sheexclaimed."Imadesurethatwaswhatyouwereaimingtotellme.That'sagood-luckcharm.Itwasgiventomeasmuchaseightyearsago,byayoungfellowwhowastakensickonourranchdowninTexas.He'dbeenworkingaroundthedocksinGalveston,butcameoninlandbecausesomebodyropedhimintobelievehecouldmakeafortuneincattleinafewmonths.HewasridingfencesforHenry,andhecamedownwithafeverandHenryandmenursedhimthrough."

Alwaystalkative,shepouredoutherinformationnowinastream,drawnonbythecompellingeagernessoftheoldman'sgaze.

"Hewasaniceboyandthemostgratefulsoulyoueversaw.Buthedidn'ttaketothecattlebusiness,andhesoonpushedon.Hewasallbrokeupwhenitcametosayinggood-bye.Youcouldseethat,althoughhe'soneofyourquietkind,hidinghisrealfeelingslikeanIndian.Hegavemethisgood-luckcharmwhenheleft,becausehedidn'thaveanythingelsetogive,toshowheappreciatedournursinghimanddoingforhim,andhesaidthathe'd_make_itbringusgoodluckordie



a-tryingandwe'dhearfromhimsomeofthesedays."

"Andyoudid?"

Theoldman'sfacewastwitchingwitheagernessasheaskedthequestion.

"Yes,aboutfiveyearsagohesentusanicelittlecheckatChristmas.SaidhehadagoodjobwithawealthyEnglishmanwhospenthistimegoingaroundtheworlddiscoveringqueerplantsandwritingbooksaboutthem.HewasinSouthAmericathen.We'veheardfromhimseveraltimessince.Thislastletterfollowedmearoundfrompillartopost,alwaysjustmissingmeandhavingtohavetheaddressscratchedoutandwrittenovertillyoucouldhardlymakeheadortailofwhatwasonit.

"Heaskedmetowritetotheaddresshegaveme,butwhetheritwasin'Afric'ssunnyfountainorIndia'scoralstrand,'Ican'ttellnow.Itwassomeheathenish'landinerror'schain,'asthemissionaryhymnsays.Iwassoworriedoverlosingtheletteronaccountoftheaddress,forhedidseemsobentonhearingfromus,andhe'saniceboy.I'dhatetolosetrackofhim.SoI'mmightythankfulyoufoundthepouch."

Shestopped,expectingthemtohanditover.Mr.Milfordmadethenecessaryexplanation.HetoldofCaptainKiddfindingitandbringing

ithome,ofthetwochildrenburyingitinplayandthestormsweepingawayeverytraceofthemarkers.Whilehetoldthestoryseveralautomobilespassedthemandtheoccupantsleanedouttolookatthestrangegroupbesidetheroad.Itwasnoteverydayonecouldseeanoldladyseatedinarockingchairinoneendofanunattachedwagonwithawild-catintheother.Thesepassingtouristswouldhavethoughtitstrangerstill,couldtheyhaveknownhowfatehadbeentanglingthelifethreadsofthesepeoplewhowereinsuchearnestconversation,orhowithadwoundthemtogetherintoaqueerskeinofhappenings.

"Andtheonlyreasonthiscompasswassaved,"concludedMr.Milford,"wasbecauseithadtheinitials'D.D.'scratchedonit,whichstandsforthislittleboy'snamewhenheplayspirate--Dare-devilDick."

ThemotherlyeyessmiledonRichard."Ifyouwanttoknowtherealnamethoselettersstandfor,"shesaid,"it'sDaveDaniels.That'sthenameoftheboywhogaveittome."

Richardlookedalarmed,andevenMr.MilfordturnedwithaquestioningglancetowardsUncleDarcy,abouttosaysomething,whentheoldmanleanedpasthimandspokequickly,almostdefiantly,asachildmighthavedone.

"That'sallright.Idon'tcarewhathetoldyouhisnamewas.Hehadagoodreasonforchangingit.AndI'mgoingtotellyouthismuchnomatterwhatIpromised._I_scratchedthoseinitialsontheremyown

self,overfortyyearsago.Andtheboywhogaveittoyou_is_namedDaniel,butit'shisfirstname,sameasmine.Dan'lDarcy.Andtheboy'smine,andI'vebeenhuntinghimfortenlongyears,andI'vefaithtobelievethatthegoodLordisn'tgoingtodisappointmenowthatI'mthisneartheendofmyhunt.Hehadagoodreasonforgoingawayfromhomethewayhedid.He'dagoodreasonforchanginghisnameashedid,butthetimehascomenowwhenit'sallrightforhimtocomebackand,"shakinghisfingersolemnlyandimpressivelyatthewoman,"_Iwantyoutogetthatwordbacktohimwithoutfail_."



"Butthisisonlycircumstantialevidence,UncleDan'l,"saidMr.Milford,soothingly."Youhaven'tanyrealproofthatthisDaveisyourDanny."

"Proof,proof,"wastheexcitedanswer."Itellyou,man,I'vealltheproofIneed.AllIaskforistheaddressinthatletter.I'llfindmyboyquickenough."

"ButIdon'tknow,"wasallthewomancouldanswer."Theonlywayintheworldtofinditistodigupthatpouch."

"Butevenifyoucan'trememberthenewaddresstellmeoneoftheoldones,"hepleaded."I'lltakeachanceonwritingthereandhavingitforwarded."

Butthewomancouldnotrecallthenameofasinglecity.SouthAmerica,Australia,NewZealand,sherememberedhehadbeeninthosecountries,butthatwasall.Richard,uponbeingcross-questionedagain,"b'leeved"thestampwasfromSiamorChinabutcouldn'tbecertainwhich.

"HerecomesHenry!"exclaimedthewomaninarelievedtone."Maybehe'llremember."

Henry,atall,raw-bonedmanwithiron-grayhairunderhisTexas

sombrero,inhisshirtsleevesandwithhisafter-dinnerpipestillinhismouth,cameleisurelyoutofthewoods,leadingthehorses.Theywerealreadyharnessed,readytobehitchedtothewagon.Hebackedthemuptothetongueandsnappedthechainsinplacebeforehepausedtogivethestrangersmorethanapassingnodofgreeting.Thenhecamearoundtothesideofthewagonnearestthemachine,andputtingonefootuponaspokeofhisfrontwheel,leanedoverinalisteningattitude,whilethewholestorywasrepeatedforhisbenefit.

"Soyou'rehisfather,"hesaidmusingly,lookingatUncleDarcywithshrewdeyesthatwereusedtoappraisingstrangers.

"WhoeverwouldathoughtofcomingacrossDaveDaniels'tracksuphere

onoldCapeCod?Youlooklikehimthough.Ibetathisageyouwereasmuchalikeastwopeasinapod.Ineverdidknowwherehehailedfrom.Hewasaclose-mouthedchap.ButIsomehowgottheideahemusthavebeenbroughtupnearsaltwater.Hetalkedsomuchsailorlingo."

"Putonyourthinking-cap,Henry,"demandedhiswife."Thegentlemenwantstoknowwherethatlastletterwaswrittenfrom,whatthepostmarkwas,ortheaddressinside,orwhatcountrythestampbelongedto.Andifyoudon'tknowthat,whataresomeoftheotherplaceshewrotetousfrom?"

"You'rebarkingupthewrongtreewhenyouask_me_anysuchquestions,"wastheonlyanswerhecouldgive."Ididn'tpayanyattentionto

anythingbutthereadingmatter."

Questions,surmises,suggestions,everythingthatcouldbebroughtupasaidstomemorywereofnoavail.Henry'smemorywasablankinthatoneimportantparticular.Finally,Mr.Milfordtooktwofive-dollargoldpiecesoutofhispocketandahandfulofsmallchangewhichhedroppedintothewoman'slapdespiteherprotests.

"We'llsquareupthedamagethechildrendidasfaraspossible,"hesaidwithalaugh."Butwecan'tgettheletterbackuntilthewindis



readytoturnthedunestopsy-turvyagain.Thatmaybeinyearsanditmaybenever.Letmehaveyouraddressandifeveritisfounditshallbesentdirectlybacktoyou,andthechildrencaninheritthemoneyifI'mnotheretoclaimit."

Themanmadeawryfaceatmentionofhisaddress."Wesortofbelongtowhattheycallthefloatingpopulationnow.HomewithusmeansanyoldplacewhereMotherhappenstosetherrockingchair.We'veturnedtheranchovertomydaughterandherhusbandwhileweseesomethingoftheworld,andaslongasthingsgoassmoothlyastheydo,we'reinnogreatshakesofahurrytogetback."

"Buttheranchaddresswillalwaysfindus,Henry,"sheinsisted."Writeitdownforthegentlemen.Ain'tthisbeenastrangehappening?"shecommented,asshereceivedMr.Milford'scardinreturnwiththeTowncrier'snamepenciledontheback.ShelookedsearchinglyatRichard.

"Irememberyou,now,"shesaid."Therewassuchaprettylittlegirlwithyou--climbeduponthewagontotouchTim'stailthroughthebars.Shehadlongcurlsandasmilethatmademewanttohugher.Sheboughtabottleofliniment,Iremember,andI'vethoughtofheradozentimessincethen,thoughthowalittlefacelikethatbrightensupalltheworldaroundit."

"ThatwasGeorginaHuntingdon,"volunteeredRichard.

"Well,now,that'saprettyname.Writeitdownontheothersideofthispieceofpaper,sonny,andyours,too.ThenwhenIgoaboutthecountryI'llknowwhattocallyouwhenIthinkaboutyou.Thisisjustlikeastory.Iftherewassomebodywhoknewhowtowriteitup'twouldmakeagoodpieceforthepapers,wouldn'tit?"

Theywerereadytostartbacknow,sincetherewasnomoreinformationtobehad,butononepretextoranotherUncleDarcydelayed.HewassopitifullyeagerformorenewsofDanny.Thesmallestcrumbaboutthewayhelooked,whathedidandsaidwasseizeduponhungrily,althoughit

wasnewseightyearsold.AndhebeggedtohearoncemorejustwhatitwasDannyhadsaidabouttheEnglishman,andtheworktheyweredoingtogether.Hecouldhavesattheretherestofthedaylisteningtoherrepeatthesamethingsoverandoverifhehadhadhiswish.Thensheaskedaquestion.

"WhoisBelle?Imindwhenhewasoutofhisheadsolongwiththefeverhekeptsaying,'_Belle_mustn'tsuffer.Nomatterwhathappens_Belle_ mustbespared.'Irememberedbecausethat'smyname,andhearingitcalledoutinthedeadofnightthewayamancrazywithfeverwouldcallit,naturallymakesyourecollectit."

"Thatwasjustafriendofhis,"answeredUncleDarcy,"thegirlwhowas

goingtomarryhischum."

"Oh,"wastheanswerinatonewhichseemedtoconveyashadeofdisappointment."Ithoughtmaybe----"

Shedidnotfinishthesentence,fortheenginehadbeguntoshakenoisily,anditseemedtodistractherthoughts.Andnowtherebeingreallynothingmoretogivethemanexcuseforlingeringtheysaidgood-byetotheirwaysideacquaintances,feelingthattheywerepartingfromtwooldfriends,socordialwerethegoodwisheswhichaccompanied



theleave-taking.

[Illustration]

CHAPTERXXII

THERAINBOWGAME

WITHherarmstiffandcrampedfrombeingheldsolonginoneposition,Georginawakedsuddenlyandlookedaroundherinbewilderment.UncleDarcywasintheroom,sayingsomethingaboutherridinghomeinthemachine.Hedidn'twanttohurryheroff,butMr.Milfordwaswaitingatthegate,anditwouldsaveheralongwalkhome----

WhilehetalkedhewasleaningoverAuntElspeth,pattinghercheek,andshewasclingingtohishandandsmilingupathimasifhehadjustbeenrestoredtoherafteralong,longabsence,insteadofaseparationofonlyafewhours.Andhelookedsogladaboutsomething,asifthenicestthingintheworldhadhappened,thatGeorginarubbedhereyesandstaredathim,wonderingwhatitcouldhavebeen.

Evidently,itwasthehonkofthehornwhichhadarousedGeorgina,andwhenitsoundedagainshesprangup,stillconfusedbythesuddennessofherawakening,withonlyonethingclearinhermind,thenecessityforhaste.Shesnatchedherprismfromthewindowandcaughtupherhatassheranthroughthenextroom,butnotuntilshewashalf-wayhomedidsherememberthatshehadsaidnothingabouttheeggsandhadaskednoquestionsaboutthetriptoBrewster.Shehadnotevensaidgood-bye.

Mr.Milfordnoddedpleasantlywhenshewentouttothecar,saying,"Hopin,kiddie,"buthedidnotturnaroundaftertheystartedandshedidnotfeelwellenoughacquaintedwithhimtoshoutoutquestionsbehindhisback.Besides,aftertheyhadgoneacoupleofblockshebegan

explainingsomethingtoRichard,whowassittingupinfrontofhim,abouttheworkingsofthecar,andkeptonexplainingalltherestofthewayhome.Shecouldn'tinterrupt.

Notuntilsheclimbedoutinfrontofherowngatewithashy"Thankyou,Mr.Milford,forbringingmehome,"didshefindcourageandopportunitytoaskthequestionshelongedtoknow.

"Didyoufindthewoman?_Was_itherpouch?"

Mr.Milfordwasleaningforwardinhisseattoexaminesomethingthathadtodowiththeshiftingofthegears,andheansweredwhileheinvestigated,withoutlookingup.

"Yes,butshecouldn'trememberwheretheletterwasfrom,sowe'renotmuchwiserthanwewerebefore,exceptthatweknowforacertaintythatDanwasaliveandwelllessthantwomonthsago.AtleastUncleDan'lbelievesitisDan.ThewomancallshimDave,butUncleDan'lvowsthey'reoneandthesame."

Havingadjustedthedifficulty,Mr.Milford,withagood-byenodtoGeorgina,startedondownthestreetagain.Georginastoodlookingaftertherapidlydisappearingcar.



"Well,nowonderUncleDarcylookedsohappy,"shethought,recallinghisradiantface."ItwasknowingthatDannyisaliveandwellthatmadeitshineso.IwishI'dbeenalong.WishIcouldhaveheardeverythingeachoneofthemsaid.IcouldhaverememberedeverysinglewordtotellRichard,buthewon'trememberevenhalftotellme."

ItwasinthepursuitofalltheinformationwhichcouldbepumpedoutofRichardthatGeorginasoughttheGreenStairssoonafterbreakfastnextmorning.Incidentally,shewasonherwaytoanearbygroceryandhadbeentoldtohurry.Sheranallthewaydowninordertogainafewextramomentsinwhichtoloiter.Asusualatthistimeofmorning,RichardwasrompingovertheterraceswithCaptainKidd.

"Hi,Georgina,"hecalled,ashespiedhercoming."I'vegotanewgame.Anewwaytoplaytag.Look."

Plungingdownthestepsheheldoutforherinspectionacrystalpaperweightwhichhehadpickedupfromthelibrarytable.Itsroundsurfacehadbeencutintomanyfacets,asadiamondiscuttomakeitflashthelight,andthespotsofcoloritthrewasheturneditinthesunwererainbow-hued.

"See,"heexplained."InsteadoftaggingCaptainKiddwithmyhandI

touchhimwitharainbow,andit'slotshardertodobecauseyoucan'talwaysmakeitlightwhereyouwantittogo,orwhereyouthinkitisgoingtofall.I'veonlytaggedhimtwicesofarinallthetimeI'vebeentrying,becausehebobsaroundsofast.Comeon,I'llgetyoubeforeyoutagme,"headded,seeingthatherprismhungfromtheribbononherneck.

Shedidnotweariteveryday,butshehadfeltanespecialneedforitscomfortingthismorning,andhadputitonassheslowlydressed.Thedifficultyofrestoringtheeggsloomedupinfrontofherasarealtrouble,andsheneededthistoremindhertokeeponhopingthatsomewaywouldsoonturnuptoendit.

Itwasafascinatinggame.Suchtagsareelusive,uncertainthings.Thepursuercanneverbecertainoftouchingthepursued.Georginaenteredintoit,alertandglowing,dartingthiswayandthattoescapebeingtouchedbythespotsofvividcolor.Herprismthrewitinbars,Richard'sintinysquaresandtriangles.

"Let'smakethemfight!"Richardexclaimedinthemidstofit,andforafewmomentsthecolorspotsflashedacrosseachotherlikeflocksofdartingbirds.SuddenlyGeorginastopped,saying:

"Oh,Iforgot.I'monmywaytothegrocery,andImusthurryback.ButIwantedtoaskyoutwothings.Onewas,tellmeallaboutwhatthewomansaidyesterday,andtheotherwas,thinkofsomewayformeto

earntwentycents.Thereisn'ttimetohearaboutthefirstonenow,butthinkrightquickandanswerthesecondquestion."

Shestarteddownthestreet,skippingbackwardsslowly,andRichardwalkedafterher.

"Aw,Idon'tknow,"heansweredinavagueway."Athomewhenwewantedtomakemoneywealwaysgaveashowandchargedapennytogetin,orwekeptalemonadestand;butwedon'tknowenoughkidsheretomakethatpay."



Thenhelookedoutoverthewaterandmadeasuggestionatrandom.Aboygoingalongthebeachtowardsoneofthesummercottageswithapailinhishand,madehimthinkofit.

"Pickblueberriesandsellthem."

"Ithoughtofthat,"answeredGeorgina,stillprogressingtowardsthegrocerybackward."AnditwouldbeagoodtimenowtoslipawaywhileTippy'sbusywiththeBazaar.Thisisthethirdday.Butthey'vedonesowellthey'regoingtokeeponwithitanotherday,andthey'vethoughtupalotofnewthingsto-morrowtodrawacrowd.Oneofthemisakindoftalkingtableau.I'mtobeinit,soitwouldn'tdoformetogoandgetmyhandsallstainedwithberrieswhenI'mtobedressedupasapartoftheshowforthewholetowntocomeandtakealookatme."

Richardhadnomoresuggestionstooffer,sowithonemoreflashoftheprismandacryof"lasttag,"Georginaturnedandstartedonaruntothegrocery.Richardandthepaperweightfollowedinhotpursuit.

Upatoneofthefrontwindowsofthebungalow,twointerestedspectatorshadbeenwatchingthegamebelow.OnewasRichard'sfather,theotherwasanewguestofMr.Milford'swhohadarrivedonlythenightbefore.HewastheMr.LockewhowastotakeRichardandhis

fatherandCousinJamesawayonhisyachtnextmorning.Hewasalsoafamousillustratorofjuvenilebooks,andhesometimeswrotetherhymesandfairytaleshimselfwhichheillustrated.Everybodyinthistownofartistswhoknewanythingatalloftheworldofbooksandpicturesoutside,knewofMilfordNorrisLocke.Nowashewatchedthegracefulpassesofthetwochildrendartingbackandforthontheboard-walkbelow,heasked:

"Who'sthelittlegirl,Moreland?She'sthechildofmydreams--theveryoneI'vebeenhuntingforweeks.ShehasnotonlythesparkleandspiritthatIwanttoputintothosepicturesIwastellingyouabout,butthegraceandthecurlsandthemischievouseyesaswell.ReckonIcouldgethertoposeforme?"

ThatishowitcameaboutthatGeorginafoundRichard'sfatherwaitingforheratthefootoftheGreenStairswhenshecamerunningbackfromthegrocery.Whenshewenthomeafewminuteslater,shecarriedwithhersomethingmorethanthecakeofsweetchocolatethatTippyhadsentherforinsuchahurry.Itwastheflatteringknowledgethatafamousillustratorhadaskedtomakeasketchofherwhichwouldbepublishedinabookifitturnedouttobeagoodone.

WithasailingpartyandastudioreceptionandseveralotherengagementstofilluphisonedayinProvincetown,Mr.Lockecouldgiveonlyapartofthemorningtothesketches,andwantedtobeginassoonaspossible.SoafewminutesafterGeorginawentdancinginwiththe

news,hefollowedinMr.Milford'smachine.Hearrivedsosoonafter,infact,thatTippyhadtoreceivehimjustasshewasinherginghamhousedressandapron.

AfterlookingallovertheplacehetookGeorginadowntothegardenandposedheronastonebenchnearthesun-dial,attheendofatall,brightaisleofhollyhocks.Therewasnotimetowaste.

"We'llpretendyou'resittingonthestonerimofagreatfountainintheKing'sgarden,"hesaid."You'retryingtofindsometraceofthe



beautifulPrincesswhohasbeenbewitchedandcarriedawaytoacastleunderthesea,thathad'aceilingofamber,apavementofpearl.'"

Georginalookedup,delightedthathehadusedalinefromapoemsheloved.Itmadeherfeelasifhewereanoldfriend.

"Thisisforafairytalethathasjustbeguntohatchitselfoutinmymind,soyouseeitisn'tallquiteclearyet.There'llbelilypadsinthefountain.Maybeyoucanhearwhattheyaresaying,ormaybethegold-fishwillbringyouamessage,becauseyouarealittlemortalwhohassuchakindheartthatyouhavebeengiventhepowertounderstandthespeechofeverythingwhichcreepsorswimsorflies."

Georginaleanedoverandlookedintotheimaginaryfountaindubiously,forgettinginherinterestofthemomentthathercompanionwasthegreatMilfordNorrisLocke.Shewasenteringwithhimintothespiritofhisgameof"pretend"asifhewereRichard.

"No,I'lltellyou,"shesuggested."Haveitafroginsteadofafishthatbringsthemessage.HecanjumprightoutofthatlilypadontotheedgeofthefountainwhereIamsitting,andthenwhenyoulookatthepictureyoucanseeustalkingtogether.NoonecouldtellwhatIwasdoingiftheysawmejustlookingdownintothefountain,buttheycouldtellrightawayifthefrogwashereandIwasshakingmyfinger

athimasifIweresaying:

"'Nowtellmethetruth,Mr.Frog,ortheOgreoftheOozyMarshshalleatyouerethedaybedone.'"

"Don'tmove.Don'tmove!"calledMr.Locke,excitedly."Ah,that'sperfect.That'sexactlywhatIwant.Holdthatposeforamomentortwo.Why,Georgina,you'vegivenmeexactlywhatIwantedandasplendidideabesides.Itwillgivethefairytaleanentirelynewturn.Ifyoucanonlyholdthatpositionabitlonger,thenyoumayrest."

Hispencilflewwithmagicalrapidityandashesketchedhekeptontalkinginordertoholdthelookofintenseinterestwhichshowedin

herglowingface.

"Idearlylovestorieslikethat,"sighedGeorginawhenhecametotheendandtoldhertoleanbackandrestawhile.

"Barby--Imeanmymother--andIactthemallthetime,andsometimeswemakethemupourselves."

"Maybeyou'llwritethemwhenyougrowup,"suggestedMr.Lockenotlosingamoment,butsketchingherinthepositionshehadtakenofherownaccord.

"MaybeIshall,"exclaimedGeorgina,thrilledbythethought."My

grandfatherShirleysaidIcouldwriteforhispapersomeday.Youknowhe'saneditor,downinKentucky.I'dliketobetheeditorofamagazinethatchildrenwouldadorethewayIdothe_St.Nicholas_."

TippywouldhavesaidthatGeorginawas"runningon."ButMr.Lockedidnotthinkso.Childrenalwaysopenedtheirheartstohim.Heheldthemagickey.GeorginafounditeasiertotellhimherinmostfeelingsthananybodyelseintheworldbutBarby.

"That'sabeautifulgameyouandDickywereplayingthismorning,"he



remarkedpresently,"taggingeachotherwithrainbows.IbelieveI'llputitintothisfairytale,havethewater-nixiesdoitastheyslideoverthewater-fall."

"Butitisn'thalfasniceasthegameweplayinearnest,"sheassuredhim."InourRainbowClubwehaveasortofgameoftag.Wetagapersonwithagoodtime,orsomekindnesstomakethemhappy,andwepretendthatmakesalittlerainbowintheworld.Doyouthinkitdoes?"

"Itmakesaveryrealone,Iamsure,"wastheseriousanswer."Haveyoumanymembers?"

"JustRichardandmeandthebankpresident,Mr.Gates,sofar,but--butyoucanbelong--ifyou'dliketo."

Shehesitatedatrifleoverthelastpartofherinvitation,havingjustrememberedwhatafamousmanshewastalkingto.Hemightthinkshewastakingalibertyeventosuggestthathemightcaretobelong.

"I'dlikeitverymuch,"heassuredhergravely,"ifyouthinkIcanliveuptotherequirements."

"Oh,youalreadyhave,"shecried."Thinkofallthehappyhoursyouhavemadeforpeoplewithyourbooksandpictures--justswarmsand

beviesand_flocks_ofrainbows!Wewouldhaveputyouonthelistofhonorarymembersanyhow.Thosearethememberswhodon'tknowtheyaremembers,"sheexplained."They'rejustliketheprismsthemselves.Prismsdon'tknowtheyareprismsbuteverybodywholooksatthemseesthebeautifulplacestheymakeintheworld."

[Illustration:_ComingacrossaSeaofDreams_]

"Georgina,"hesaidsolemnly,"thatistheveryloveliestthingthatwaseversaidtomeinallmylife.MakemeclubmembernumberfourandI'llplaythegametomyverybestability.I'lltrytodosometaggingreallyworthwhile."

Hehadbeensketchingconstantlyallthetimehetalked,andnow,impelledbycuriosity,Georginagotupfromthestonebenchandwalkedovertotakealookathiswork.Hehadlaidasidetheseveraloutlinestudieshehadmadeofher,andwasnowexercisinghisimaginationinsketchingaship.

"ThisistobetheonethatbringsthePrincesshome,andinaminuteIwantyoutoposeforthePrincess,forsheistohavecurls,long,goldenones,andsheistoholdherheadasyoudidafewmomentsagowhenyouweretalkingaboutlookingofftosea."

Georginabroughtherhandstogetherinaquickgestureasshesaidimploringly,"Oh,_do_putHopeattheprow.EverytimeIpassthe

FigureheadHouseandseeHopesittingupontheporticoroofIwishIcouldseehowshelookedwhenshewasridingthewavesontheprowofagallantvessel.That'swheresheoughttobe,Iheardamansay.HesaidHopesquattingonaporticoroofmaylookridiculous,butHopebreastingthebillowsissuperb."

Mr.Lockewasnostrangerinthetown.Heknewthestoryofthefigureheadasthetownspeopleknewit,nowhehearditsmessageasUncleDarcyknewit.HelistenedasintentlytoGeorginaasshehadlistenedtohim.Attheendheliftedhishead,peeringfixedlythrough



half-closedeyesatnothing.

"Youhavemademeseethemostbeautifulship,"hesaid,musingly."ItisasilvershallopcomingacrossaseaofDreams,itssilkensailssetwide,andattheprowisanangel.'White-handedHope,thouhoveringangelgirtwithgoldenwings,'"hequoted."Yes,I'llmakeitwithgoldenwingssweepingbackoverthesidesthisway.See?"

Hispencilflewoverthepaperagain,showingherinafewswiftstrokesanoutlineofthevisionshehadgivenhim.

AndnowTippywouldhavesaidnotonlythatGeorginawas"runningon,"butthatshewas"woundup,"forwithsuchasympatheticandappreciativelistener,shetoldhimthemanythingsshewouldhavetakentoBarbyhadshebeenathome.Especially,shetalkedaboutherdifficultiesinlivinguptotheaimoftheclub.Instoriestherearealwayspoorpeoplewhomonecanbenefit;patientsufferersathospitals,pallidchildrenoftheslums.ButintherangeofGeorgina'slifethereseemedtobesofewopportunitiesandthosefewdidnotalwaysturnoutthewaytheyshould.

Forinstance,therewasthetimeshetriedtocheerTippyupwithher"linetoliveby,"andhereffortswereneitherappreciatednorunderstood.Andtherewasthetimeonlyyesterdaywhenshestayedwith

AuntElspeth,andgotintotroublewiththeeggs,andnowhadadebtonherconscienceequaltoeighteggsortwentycents.

ItshowedhowwellMr.Lockeunderstoodchildrenwhenhedidnotlaughovertherecitalofthatlastcalamity,althoughitsoundedunspeakablyfunnytohimasGeorginatoldit.InsuchcongenialcompanythetimeflewsofastthatGeorginawasamazedwhenMr.Milforddroveuptotakehisdistinguishedguestaway.Mr.Locketookwithhimwhathehadhopedtoget,anumberofsketchestofillinathisleisure.

"They'reexactlywhatIwanted,"heassuredhergratefullyasheshookhandsatparting."Andthatsuggestionofyoursfortheshipwillmakethemostfetchingillustrationofall.I'llsendyouacopyinoilswhen

Igettimeforit,andI'llalwaysthinkofyou,mylittlefriend,as _GeorginaoftheRainbows_."

Withacourtlybowhewasgone,andGeorginawentintothehousetolookforthelittleblankbookinwhichshehadstartedtokeephertwolistsofClubmembers,honoraryandreal.ThenameofMilfordNorrisLockeshewroteinbothlists.Iftherehadbeenathirdlist,shewouldhavewrittenhimdowninthatastheverynicestgentlemanshehadevermet.ThenshebeganalettertoBarby,tellingallaboutherwonderfulmorning.Butitseemedtohershehadbarelybegun,whenMr.Milford'schauffeurcamedrivingbackwithsomethingforherinapaperbag.Whenshepeepedinsideshewassoastonishedshenearlydroppedit.

"Eggs!"sheexclaimed.TheninunconsciousimitationofMrs.Saggs,sheadded,"Canyoubeat_that_!"

Onebyoneshetookthemoutandcountedthem.Therewereexactlyeight.Thenshereadthecardwhichhaddroppeddowntothebottomofthebag.

"Mr.MilfordNorrisLocke."

Abovethenamewasatinyrainbowdoneinwatercolors,andbelowwasscribbledthewords,"Lasttag."



Itwasapitythatthenewmembercouldnothaveseenherfaceatthatinstant,itsexpressionwassoeloquentofsurprise,ofpleasureandofreliefthathertroublehadthusbeenwipedoutofexistence.

CHAPTERXXIII

LIGHTDAWNSFORUNCLEDARCY

FORsometimethefaintjangleofabellhadbeensoundingatintervalsfardownthestreet.OrdinarilyitwouldhavecaughtGeorgina'sattentionlongbeforethis,butabsorbedinthelettertowhichshehadreturnedafterputtingtheeggsdowncellar,shedidnotheartheringinguntilitwasnearenoughfortheTowncrier'smessagetobeaudiblealso.HewasannouncingtheextradayoftheBazaar,andcallingattentiontothemanynewattractionsitwouldhavetoofferonthemorrow.

Instantly,Georginadroppedherpencilandflewouttomeethim.HerewasanopportunitytofindoutallabouttheBrewstertrip.Ashecame

towardshershesawthesamelookinhisweather-beatenoldfacewhichshehadwonderedatthedaybefore,whenhewasbendingoverAuntElspeth,pattingheronthecheek.Itwasliketheshiningofanewly-lightedcandle.

Shewasnottheonlyonewhohadnoticedit.Allthewayupthestreetglanceshadfollowedhim.Peopleturnedforasecondlook,wonderingwhatgoodfortunehadbefallentheoldfellow.Theyhadcometoexpectacheerygreetingfromhim.Healwaysleftakindlyglowbehindhimwheneverhepassed.Butto-daythecheerinesswassointensifiedthatheseemedtobebrimmingoverwithgoodwilltoeverybody.

"Why,UncleDarcy!"criedGeorgina."Youlooksohappy!"

"Well,isitanywonder,lass,withsuchnewsfromDanny?Himaliveandwellandsuretocomebacktomesomeofthesedays!IcouldhardlykeepfromshoutingitouttoeverybodyasIcamealongthestreet.I'mafraidit'lljustnaturallytellitselfsomeday,inspiteofmypromisetoBelle.I'mgladIcanletoffsteamuphere,youknowingthesecret,too,forthisoldheartofmineisjustabouttoburstwithallthegladnessthat'sinsideofme."

Herewassomeoneasanxioustotellasshewastohear;someonewhocouldrecalleverywordoftheinterviewwiththewild-catwoman.Georginaswungontohisarmwhichheldthebell,andbegantoaskquestions,andnothingloath,heletherleadhimintotheyardandto

therusticseatrunningaroundthetrunkofthebigwillowtree.Hewasreadytorest,nowthathisroutewastraveledandhisdollarearned.

Belle,backinthekitchen,preparingalightdinnerforherselfandGeorgina,Tippybeingawayfortheday,didnotseehimcomein.Shehadnotseenhimsincethedaytheoldriflegaveupitssecret,andshetriedtoputhimoutofhermindasmuchaspossible,forshewasmiserableeverytimeshethoughtofhim.ShewouldhavebeenstillmoremiserablecouldshehaveheardallthathewassayingtoGeorgina.



"JimmyMilfordthoughtthatthelinimentfolkscallingtheboy'Dave,'provedthathewasn'tthesameasmyDanny.ButjustonethingwouldhavesettledalldoubtsformeifI'dahadany.Thatwaswhathekeptacallinginhisfeverwhenhewasoutofhishead:'Bellemustn'tsuffer.Bellemustbespared,nomatterwhathappens!'

"Andthat'stheonethingthatreconcilesmetokeepingstillawhilelonger.Itwashiswishtospareher,andifhecouldsacrificesomuchtodoit,Ican'tmakehissacrificeseeminvain.Ilayawakelastnighttillnearlydaylight,thinkinghowI'dliketotakethisoldbellofmine,andgofromoneendofthetowntotheother,ringingittillitcracked,cryingout,'_Dannyisinnocent_,'tothewholeworld.Butthetimehasn'tcomeyet.I'llhavetobepatientawhilelongerandbearupthebestIcan."

Georgina,gazingfixedlyaheadofheratnothinginparticular,ponderedseriouslyforalong,silentmoment.

"Ifyoudidthat,"shesaidfinally,"criedthegoodnewsthroughthetowntilleverybodyknew--thenwhenpeoplefoundoutthatitwasEmmettPotterwhowasthethiefandthathewastoomuchofacowardtoownupandtaketheblame--wouldtheyletthemonumentgoonstandingthere,thatthey'dputuptoshowhewasbrave?Itwouldservehimrightiftheytookitdown,wouldn'tit!"sheexclaimedwithasavagelittle

scowldrawingherbrowstogether.

"No,no,child!"hesaidgently."Givetheladhisdue.He_was_bravethatonetime.Hesavedallofthoselivesasitischiseledonhisheadstone.Itisbetterheshouldberememberedforthebestactinhislifethanfortheworstone.Aman'smeasureshouldbetakenwhenhe'sstretcheduptohisfullheight,justasfarashecanliftuphishead;notwhenhe'sstoopedtothelowest.It'sonlyfairtojudgeeitherthelivingorthedeadthatway."

Forsometimeafterthatnothingmorewassaid.Theharborwasfullofboatsthismorning.Itwasasightworthwatching.Onenaturallydriftedintoday-dreams,followingthesweepofthesailsmovingsilentlytoward

thefarhorizon.Georginawasbusypicturingahome-comingscenethatmadetheprodigalson'swelcomeseemmildincomparison,whenUncleDarcystartledherbyexclaiming:

"Oh,it_pays_tobearupandsteerrightonward!S'poseIhadn'tdonethat.S'poseI_hadn't_keptHopeattheprow.IbelieveI'dhavebeeninmygravebythistimewithallthegriefandworry.Butnow----"

Hestoppedandshookhishead,unabletofindwordstoexpresstheemotionwhichwasmakinghisvoicetrembleandhisfaceglowwiththatwonderfulinnershining.Georginafinishedthesentenceforhim,lookingoutonthesail-filledharborandthinkingofthedayhehadtakenheroutinhisboattotellherofhisson.

"Butnowyou'llbeallreadyandwaitingwhenyourshipcomeshomefromseawithitspreciouscargo."Theywerehisownwordsshewasrepeating.

"Danny'llweatherthestormsatlastandcomeintoportwithallflagsflying."

Thepictureherwordssuggestedwastoomuchfortheoldfather.Heputhishatupinfrontofhisface,andhisshouldersshookwithsilentsobs.Georginalaidasympatheticlittlehandontheroughsleevenext



her.Suddenlythesailsintheharborseemedtoruntogetherallblurryandqueer.Shedrewherhandacrosshereyesandlookedagainattheheavingshoulders.Ahappinesssodeepthatitfounditsexpressionthatway,filledherwithawe.Itmustbethekindofhappinessthatpeoplefeltwhentheyreached"theshiningshore,theothersideofJordan,"andtheirlovedonescamedowntowelcomethem"intotheirdesiredhaven."

Thatlastphrasecametoherlipslikeabitofrememberedmusicandunconsciouslysherepeateditaloud.UncleDarcyheardit,andlookedup.Hischeekswerewetwhenheputdownhishat,butitwasthehappiestfaceshehadeverseen,andtherewasnoshakeinhisvoicenowwhenhesaidsolemnly:

"AndnobodybutthegoodLordwho'shelpedhispoorsailorsthroughshipwreckandstorm,knowshowmightilythey'vedesiredthathaven,orwhatitmeanstothemtobebroughtintoit."

Adeliverywagonfromoneofthefruitstoresstoppedinfrontofthegate,andthedrivercamein,carryingabasket.UncleDarcyspoketohimashepassedthewillowtree.

"Well,Joe,thislookslikeachanceformetogetaliftmostofthewayhome."

"Sure,"wasthecordialreply."Climbin.I'llberightback."

Georginathoughtofsomethingasherosetogo.

"Oh,waitjustaminute,UncleDarcy,Iwanttogetsomethingofyoursthat'sdowncellar."

Whenshecamebacktherewasnotimeoropportunityforanexplanation.Heandthedriverwerebothinthewagon.Shereachedupandputthebagontheseatbesidehim.

"I--Ididsomethingtosomeofyoureggs,yesterday,"shestammered,

"andthesearetotaketheplaceoftheonesIbroke."

UncleDarcypeeredintothebagwithapuzzledexpression.Hehadnotmissedanyeggsfromthecrockofbran.Hedidn'tknowwhatshewastalkingabout.Butbeforehecouldaskanyquestionsthedriverslappedthehorsewiththereins,andtheywererattlingoffdownstreet.Georginastoodlookingafterthemamoment,thenturnedherheadtolisten.Somebodywascallingher.ItwasBelle,whohadcometothefrontdoortosaythatdinnerwasready.

WheneverMrs.Triplettwasathome,Bellemadeextraeffortstotalkandappearinterestedinwhatwasgoingonaroundher.Shewasafraidherkeen-eyedAuntMariawouldseethatshewasunhappy.Butalonewith

Georginawhosharedhersecret,sherelapsedintoasilencesodeepitcouldbefelt,respondingonlywithawansmilewhenthechild'slivelychatterseemedtoforceananswerofsomekind.Butto-daywhenGeorginacametothetableshewasstrangelysilentherself,somutethatBellenoticedit,andfoundthatshewasbeingfurtivelywatchedbythebigbrowneyesoppositeher.EverytimeBellelookedupshecaughtGeorgina'sgazefastenedonher,andeachtimeitwasimmediatelytransferredtoherplate.

"What'sthematter,Georgina?"sheaskedfinally."Whydoyoukeep



staringatme?"

Georginaflushedguiltily."Nothing,"wastheembarrassedanswer."Iwasjustwonderingwhethertotellyouornot.Ithoughtmaybeyou'dliketoknow,andmaybeyououghttoknow,butIwasn'tsurewhetheryou'dwantmetotalktoyouaboutitornot."

Belleputdownhertea-cup.Itwasherturntostare.

"Forgoodness'sake!What_are_youbeatingaroundthebushabout?"

"AboutthenewsfromDanny,"answeredGeorgina."Abouttheletterhewrotetothewild-catwomanandthatgotburiedinthedunestoodeepevertobedugupagain."

AsthiswasthefirstBellehadheardofeithertheletterorthewoman,herexpressionofastonishmentwasallthatGeorginacoulddesire.Hernewshadmadeasensation.Belleshowedplainlythatshewasstartled,andaseagertohearasGeorginawastotell.Soshebeganatthebeginning,fromthetimeoftheopeningofthepouchontheGreenStairs,tothelastwordofthewild-catwoman'sconversationwhichUncleDarcyhadrepeatedtoheronlyafewmomentsbeforeunderthewillow.

Instinctively,shegavetherecitaladramatictouchwhichmadeBellefeelalmostlikeaneyewitnessasshelistened.AnditwaswithUncleDarcy'sowngesturesandmannerthatsherepeatedhisfinalstatement.

"JimmyMilfordthoughtthelinimentfolkscallingtheboyDaveprovedhewasn'tthesameasmyDanny.ButjustonethingwouldhavesettledalldoubtsformeifI'dhadany.Thatwaswhathekeptacallinginhisfeverwhenhewasoutofhishead:'_Belle_mustn'tsuffer._Belle_ mustbesparednomatterwhathappens.'"

AtthebringingofherownnameintothestoryBellegaveaperceptiblestartandatingeofredcreptintoherpalecheeks.

"Didhesaythat,Georgina?"shedemanded,leaningforwardandlookingatherintently."Areyousurethosearehisexactwords?"

"Hisvery-own-exactly-the-samewords,"declaredGeorginasolemnly."Icrossmyheartandbodythey'rejustasUncleDarcytoldthemtome."

Risingfromthetable,BellewalkedovertothewindowandstoodwithherbacktoGeorgina,lookingoutintothegarden.

"Well,andwhatnext?"shedemandedinaqueer,breathlesssortofway.

"AndthenUncleDarcysaidthathissayingthatwastheonethingthatmadehimfeelwillingtokeepstillawhilelongerabout--youknow--what

wasintherifle.'CauseifDannycaredenoughaboutsparingyoutogiveuphomeandhisgoodnameandeverythingelseinlifehecouldn'tspoilitallbytellingnow.ButUncleDarcysaidhelayawakenearlyalllastnightthinkinghowhe'dlovetotakethatoldbellofhisandgoringingitthroughthetowntillitcracked,callingouttotheworld,'Myboyisinnocent.'

"AndwhenIsaidsomethingaboutit'sallcomingoutallrightsomeday,andthatDannywouldweatherthestormsandcomeintoportwithallflagsflying----"HereGeorginaloweredhervoiceandwentonslowlyas



ifshehesitatedtospeakofwhathappenednext--"hejustputhisoldhatoverhisfaceandcried.AndIfeltsosorry----"

Georgina'svoicechoked.Thereweretearsinhereyesasshespokeofthescene.

"_Don't!_"groanedBelle,herbackstillturned.

ThenoteofdistressinBelle'svoicestilledGeorgina'slivelytongueafewseconds,buttherewasonemorethinginhermindtobesaid,andwiththepersistenceofamosquitoshereturnedtothesubjecttogivethatfinalstab,quiteunconsciousofhowdeeplyitwouldsting.Shewasonlywonderingaloud,somethingwhichshehadoftenwonderedtoherself.

"IshouldthinkthatwhenanybodyhadsufferedaslongasDannyhastospareyou,itwouldmakeyouwanttosparehim.Doesn'tit?Ishouldthinkthatyou'dwanttodosomethingtosortofmakeuptohimforitall.Don'tyou?"

"Oh,_don't_!"exclaimedBelleagain,sharplythistime.ThentoGeorgina'sutteramazementsheburiedherfaceinherapron,stoodsobbingbythewindowamoment,andranoutoftheroom.Shedidnotcomedownstairsagainuntilnearlysuppertime.

Georginasatatthetable,notknowingwhattodonext.Shefeltthatshehadmuddledthingsdreadfully.InsteadofmakingBellefeelbetterasshehopedtodo,sherealizedshehadhurtherinsomeunintentionalway.Presently,sheslowlydrewherselfupfromherchairandbegantoclearthetable,pilingthefewdishestheyhadused,underthedishpaninthesink.Thehousestoodopentothesummerbreeze.ItseemedsodesolateanddesertedwithBelleupstairs,drawninalonewithhertroublesandTippyaway,thatshecouldn'tbeartostayinthesilentrooms.Shewanderedoutintotheyardandclimbedupintothewillowtolookacrossthewater.

Somewhereoutthereonthoseshiningwaves,Richardwassailingalong,inthepartygivenforMr.Locke,andto-morrowhewouldbegoingaway

ontheyacht.Ifhewereathomeshewouldn'tbeupinthewillowwonderingwhattodonext.Well,aslongasshecouldn'thaveagoodtimeherselfshe'dthinkofsomeoneelseshecouldmakehappy.Forseveralminutesshesentherthoughtswanderingoverthelistofallthepeoplesheknew,butitseemedasifherfriendswerecapableofmakingtheirowngoodtimes,allexceptpoorBelle.Probably_she_neverwouldbehappyagain,nomatterwhatanybodydidtotrytobrightenherlife.Itwassodiscouragingwhenonewastryingtoplaythegameof"RainbowTag,"fortheretobenoonetotag.Shewishedsheknewsomeneedyperson,someunfortunatesoulwhowouldbegladofhereffortstomakethemhappy.

Onceshethoughtofslippingoffdownstreettothelibrary.MissTupman

alwayslethergoinwheretheshelveswereandchooseherownbook.MissTupmanwasalwayssointeresting,too,morethananyofthebookswhenshehadtimetotalk.ButthatgrimoldwordDutyroseupinfrontofher,tellingherthatsheoughtnottorunawayandleavethehouseallopenwithBellelockedinherroomupstairs.Somebodyoughttobewithinhearingifthetelephonerangoranyonecame.Shewentintothehouseforabookwhichshehadreadmanytimesbutwhichneverfailedtointeresther,andcurledupinabigrockingchaironthefrontporch.

Lateintheafternoonshesmelledburningpinechipsandsmokefromthe



kitchenchimneywhichtoldthatafirewasbeingstartedinthestove.Afterawhileshewentaroundthehousetothekitchendoorandpeepedin,apprehensively.Bellewaspilingthedinnerdishesintothepan,preparatorytowashingthemwhilesupperwascooking.HereyeswereredandshedidnotlookupwhenGeorginacamein,buttherewasanairofsilentdeterminationaboutherasforcibleasherAuntMaria's.Pickingupthetea-kettle,shefilledthedishpanandcarriedthekettlebacktothestove,settingitdownhardbeforeshespoke.Thenshesaid:

"Nobody'lleverknowwhatI'vebeenthroughwith,fightingthisthingoutwithmyself.Ican'tgoallthewayyet.I_can't_saythewordthat'lllettheblowfallonpooroldFatherPotter.ButIdon'tseemtocareaboutmypartofitanymore.IseethingsdifferentlyfromwhatIdidthatfirstday--_you_know.EvenEmmettdon'tseemthesameanymore."

Forseveralminutestherewasarattlingofdishes,butnofurtherspeechfromBelle.Georgina,notknowingwhattosayordo,stoodpoiseduncertainlyonthedoor-sill.ThenBellespokeagain.

"I'mwillingitshouldbetoldifonlyitcouldbekeptfromgettingbacktoFatherPotter,forthewayDan'sdone_does_makemewanttosethimsquarewiththeworld.Iwouldliketomakeuptohiminsomewayforallhe'ssufferedonmyaccount.Ican'tgetoveritthatitwas

_him_thathadallthebraveryandthenoblenessthatIwasfairlyworshipinginEmmettalltheseyears.Seemslikethewholeworldhasturnedupsidedown."

Georginawaitedalongtime,butBelleseemedtohavesaidallthatsheintendedtosay,sopresentlyshewalkedoverandstoodbesidethesink.

"Belle,"shesaidslowly,"doeswhatyousaidmeanthatyou'rereallywillingIshouldtellBarby?Rightaway?"

Bellewaitedaninstantbeforereplying,thentakingadeepbreathasifabouttomakeadesperateplungeintoachasmonwhosebrinkshehadlongbeenpoised,said:

"Yes.UncleDan'lwouldratherhaveherknowthananybodyelse.Hesetssuchstorebyhergoodopinion.Butoh,_do_makeitplainitmustn'tbetalkedaboutoutside,so'sit'llgetbacktoFatherPotter."

ThenextinstantGeorgina'sarmswerearoundherinasilentbutjoyfulsqueeze,andsheranupstairstowritetoBarbybeforethesunshouldgodownorTippygetbackfromtheBazaar.

[Illustration]

CHAPTERXXIV

ACONTRASTINFATHERS

GEORGINAwashavingabeautifulday.ItwasthefirsttimeshehadevertakenpartinaBazaar,andsoimportantwastheroleassignedherthatshewasinaboothallbyherself.Moreover,thelittlemahoganychairinwhichshesatwasonahighplatforminsidethebooth,sothatall



mightbeholdher.DressedinaquaintoldcostumeborrowedfromthechestsintheFigureheadHouse,sherepresented"ALittleGirlofLongAgo."

OnatablebesideherstoodotherborrowedtreasuresfromtheFigureheadHouse--adollbedsteadmadebyanoldseacaptainononeofhisvoyages.Eachofitshighpostswastippedwithawhitepoint,carvedfromtheboneofawhale.Wonderfullittlepatchworkquilts,afeatherbedandtinypillowsmadeespeciallyforthebed,wereobjectsofinteresttoeveryonewhocrowdedaroundthebooth.Sowerethetoysanddishesbroughthomefromotherlongcruisesbythesameoldseacaptain,whoevidentlywasanindulgentfatherandthoughtoftenofthelittledaughterleftbehindinthehomeport.Arowofdollsdressedinfashionshalfacenturyoldwerealsoonexhibition.

WithunfailingpolitenessGeorginaexplainedtothecurioussummerpeoplewhothrongedaroundher,thattheyallbelongedinthehousewherethefigureheadofHopesatontheporticoroof,andwerenotforsaleatanyprice.

Untilto-dayGeorginahadbeenunconsciousthatshepossessedanyunusualpersonalcharms,excepthercurls.Herattentionhadbeencalledtothemfromthetimeshewasoldenoughtounderstandremarkspeoplemadeaboutthemasshepassedalongthestreet.Theirbeautywouldhave

beenagreatpleasuretoherifTippyhadnotimpresseduponherthefactthatlookinginthemirrormakesonevain,andit'swickedtobevain.OnewayinwhichTippyguardedheragainstthesinofvanitywastomentionsomeofherbadpoints,suchashermouthbeingatrifletoolarge,orhernosenotquitesoshapelyashermother's,eachtimeanyoneunwiselycalledattentiontoher"glorioushair."

Anotherwaywastorepeatapoemfromabookcalled"SongsfortheLittleOnesatHome,"thesamebookwhichhadfurnishedthe"LandingofthePilgrims"and"Try,TryAgain."Itbegan:

"_What!Lookingintheglassagain?Why'smysillychildsovain?_"

Thedisgust,thesurprise,thescornofTippy'svoicewhensherepeatedthatwasenoughtomakeonehurrypastamirrorinshame-facedembarrassment.

"_Beautysoonwillfadeaway.Yourrosycheeksmustsoondecay.There'snothinglastingyouwillfind,Butthetreasuresofthemind._"

Rosycheeksmightnotbelasting,butitwascertainlypleasanttoGeorginatohearthemcomplimentedsocontinuallybypassers-by.Sometimestheremarkswereaddresseddirectlytoher.

"My_dear_,"saidoneenthusiasticadmirer,"ifIcouldonlybuy_you_ andputyouinagoldframe,I'dhaveaprettierpicturethananyartistintowncanpaint."Thensheturnedtoacompaniontoadd:

"Isn'tshealoveinthatlittlepokebonnetwiththerowofrose-budsinsidetherim?Ineversawsuchexquisitecoloringorsuchgorgeouseyes."

Georginablushedandlookedconfusedasshesmoothedthelonglacemitts



overherarms.Butbythetimethedaywasovershehadheardthesentimentrepeatedsomanytimesthatshebegantoexpectitandtofeelvaguelydisappointedifitwerenotforthcomingfromeachnewgroupwhichapproachedher.

Anotherthinggaveheranewsenseofpleasureandenrichedherday.Onthetablebesideher,underaglasscase,toprotectitfromcarelesshandling,wasalittleblankbookwhichcontainedtherecordsofthefirstsewingcircleinProvincetown.Thebooklayopen,displayingapageoftheminutes,andacolumnofnamesofmembers,writteninanexquisitelyfineandbeautifulhand.ThenameofGeorgina'sgreat-greatgrandmotherwasinthatcolumn.Itgaveherafeelingofbeingwellbornanddistinguishedtobeabletopointitout.

Thelittlebookseemedtoreinforceandemphasizetheclaimsofthemonumentandthesilverporringer.Shefeltitwassonicetobebeautifuland_tobelong_;tohavebelongedfromthebeginningbothtoafirstfamilyandafirstsewingcircle.

Stillanotherthingaddedtohercontentmentwhenevertherecollectionofitcametoher.TherewasnolongeranysecretloomingupbetweenherandBarbylikeadreadfulwall.ThelettertellingallaboutthewonderfulandexcitingthingswhichhadhappenedinherabsencewasalreadyonitswaytoKentucky.Itwasnotalettertobeproudof.It

wasscrawledasfastasshecouldwriteitwithapencil,andsheknewperfectlywellthatadozenormorewordsweremisspelled,butshecouldn'ttaketimetocorrectthem,ortothinkofeasywordstoputintheirplaces.ButBarbywouldn'tcare.ShewouldbesohappyforUncleDarcy'ssakeandsointerestedinknowingthatherownlittledaughterhadhadanimportantpartinfindingthegoodnewsthatshewouldn'tnoticethespellingorthescragglywriting.

Asthedayworeon,Georgina,growingmoreandmoresatisfiedwithherselfandherlot,feltthattherewasnooneinthewholeworldwithwhomshewouldchangeplaces.TowardsthelastoftheafternoonagroupofpeoplecameinwhomGeorginarecognizedasafamilyfromtheGrayInn.TheyhadbeenattheInnseveraldays,andshehadnoticedthem

eachtimeshepassedthem,becausethechildrenseemedonsuchsurprisinglyintimatetermswiththeirfather.Thathewasanavalofficersheknewfromthewayhedressed,andthathewasonalongfurloughsheknewfromsomeremarkwhichsheoverheard.

Hehadagrave,sternface,andwhenhecameintotheroomhegaveasearchingglancefromlefttorightasiftotakenoticeofeveryobjectinit.HismannermadeGeorginathinkof"Casabianca,"anotherpoemofTippy'steaching:

"_HestoodAsborntorulethestorm.Acreatureofheroicblood,

Abravethough...form._"

"Childlike"wasthewordsheleftoutbecauseitdidnotfitinthiscase."Abraveandmanlikeform"wouldbebetter.Sherepeatedtheversetoherselfwiththisalteration.

WhenhespoketohislittledaughterorshespoketohimhisexpressionchangedsowonderfullythatGeorginawatchedhimwithdeepinterest.Theoldestboywaswiththem.Hewasaboutfourteenandastallashismother.Hewaswalkingbesideherbuteveryfewstepsheturnedtosay



somethingtotheothers,andtheyseemedtobeenjoyingsomejoketogether.Somebodywhoknewthemcameupastheyreachedtheboothof"TheLittleGirlofLongAgo,"andintroducedthemtoGeorgina,soshefoundouttheirnames.ItwasBurrell.HewasaCaptain,andthechildrenwerePeggyandBailey.

AsGeorginalookeddownatPeggyfromthelittleplatformwhereshesatintheoldmahoganychair,shethoughtwithathrobofsatisfactionthatshewasgladshedidn'thavetochangeplaceswiththathomelylittlething.Evidently,Peggywasjustupfromasevereillness.Herhairhadbeencutsoshortonecouldscarcelytellthecolorofit.Shewassothinandwhitethathereyeslookedtoolargeforherfaceandhernecktooslenderforherhead,andthefreckleswhichwouldscarcelyhaveshownhadshebeenherusualrosyself,stoodoutlikebigbrownsplotchesonherpallidlittleface.Shelimpedatrifletoo,asshewalked.

Withasatisfiedconsciousnessofherownrose-leafcomplexion,Georginawasalmostpatronizingasshebentoverthetabletosaygraciouslyoncemoreaftercountlessnumberoftimes,"no,thatisnotforsale."

ThenextinstantPeggywasswingingonherfather'sarmexclaiming,"Oh,Dad-o'-my-heart!Seethatcunningdollbathingsuit.Pleasegetitfor

me."AlmostinthesamebreathBailey,joggingtheCaptain'selbowontheotherside,exclaimed,"Look,Partner,_that's_arelicworthhaving."

Georginalistened,fascinated.Tothinkofcallingone'sfather"Dad-o'-my-heart"or"Partner!"Andtheylookedupathimasiftheyadoredhim,eventhatbigboy,nearlygrown.AndasortoflaughcomeintotheCaptain'seyeseachtimetheyspoketohim,asifhethoughteverythingtheysaidanddidwasperfect.

AwaveoflonelinesssweptoverGeorginaasshelistened.Therewasanemptyspotinherheartthatachedwithlonging--notforBarby,butforthefatherwhomshehadneverknowninthissweetintimateway.Sheknew

nowhowitfelttobeanorphan.Whatsatisfactionwasthereinhavingbeautifulcurlsifnobig,kindhandeverpassedovertheminafatherlycaresssuchaswaspassingoverPeggyBurrell'sclosely-clippedhead?Whatpleasurewasthereinhavingpeoplepraiseyouiftheysaidbehindyourback:

"Oh,that'sJustinHuntingdon'sdaughter.Don'tyouthinkamanwouldwanttocomehomeonceortwiceinalifetimetosuchalovelychildasthat?"

Georginahadheardthatveryremarkearlierintheday,alsotheanswergivenwithasignificantshrugoftheshoulders:

"Oh,hehasotherfishtofry."

Theremarkshadnotannoyedherespeciallyatthetime,buttheyranklednowassherecalledthem.Theyhurtuntiltheytookallthepleasureandsatisfactionoutofherbeautifulday,justasthesun,goingunderacloud,leavestheworldbereftofallitsshineandsparkle.Shelookedaround,wishingitweretimetogohome.

Presently,CaptainBurrell,havingmadetheroundsoftheroom,camebacktoGeorgina.Hesmiledathersowarmlythatshewonderedthatshe



couldhavethoughthisfacewasstern.

"TheytellmethatyouareDoctorHuntingdon'slittlegirl,"hesaidwithasmilethatwentstraighttoherheart."SoI'vecomebacktoaskyouallabouthim.Whereishenowandhowishe?YouseeIhaveanespecialinterestinyourdistinguishedfather.HepulledmethroughafeverinthePhilippinesthatallbutendedme.Ihavereasontorememberhimforhismany,manykindnessestomeatthattime."

TheflushthatrosetoGeorgina'sfacemightnaturallyhavebeentakenforoneofprideorpleasure,butitwasonlymiserableembarrassmentatnotbeingabletoanswertheCaptain'squestions.Shecouldnotbeartoconfessthatsheknewnothingofherfather'swhereaboutsexceptthevaguefactthathewassomewhereintheinteriorofChina,andthattherehadbeennoletterfromhimformonthsandthatshehadnotseenhimfornearlyfouryears.

"He--hewaswellthelasttimeweheardfromhim,"shemanagedtostammer."ButIhaven'theardanythinglately.Youknowmymotherisn'thomenow.ShewenttoKentuckybecausemygrandfatherShirleywashurtinanaccident."

"Oh,I'msorrytohearthat,"wastheanswerinacordial,sympatheticvoice."IhopedtohavethepleasureofmeetingherandIwantedMrs.

Burrelltoknowher,too.ButIhopeyou'llcomeovertotheInnandplaywithPeggysometimes.We'llbehereanotherweek."

Georginathankedhiminherprettiestmanner,butshewasrelievedwhenhepassedon,andshewasfreedfromthefearofanymoreembarrassingquestionsaboutherfather.Yetherhandstilltingledwiththefriendlinessofhisgood-byeclasp,andshewishedthatshecouldknowhimbetter.AsshewatchedhimpassoutofthedoorwithPeggyholdinghishandandswingingitastheywalked,shethoughthungrily:

"Howgooditmustseemtohaveafatherlike_that_."

Mrs.Triplettcameuptohersoonafter.Itwastimetoclosethe

Bazaar.Thelastprobablecustomerhadgone,andtheladiesinchargeoftheboothswerebeginningtodismantlethem.Someone'schauffeurwaswaitingtotakeGeorgina'scostumebacktotheFigureheadHouse.

ShefollowedMrs.Triplettobedientlyintoanimproviseddressing-roominthecorner,behindatallscreen,andinaveryfewminuteswasabouttoemergecladinherownclothes,whenMrs.Triplettexclaimed:

"Forpitysakes!Thosegoldbeads!"

Georgina'shandwentuptothestringofgoldbeadsstillaroundherneck.TheyalsowereborrowedfromMrs.TupmanoftheFigureheadHouse.

"IwasgoingtoaskMrs.Tupmantotakethemhomeherself,"saidMrs.Triplett,"butsheleftearlierthanIthoughtshewould,andIhadnochancetosayanythingaboutthem.Weoughtn'ttotrustanythingasvaluableasgoldbeadsthatareanheirloomtoanyoutsider,nomatterhowhonest.Theymightbelost.Supposeyoujust_wear_themhometoher.Doyoufeellikedoingthat?Andkeepthemonyournecktillsheunclaspsthemwithherownhands.Don'tleavethemwithaservant."

Georgina,tiredofsittingalldayinthebooth,wasgladofanexcuseforalongwalk.Itwasalmostsixo'clock,butthesunwasstillhigh.



Asshewentalong,jostledoffthenarrowsidewalkandbackontoitagaineveryfewstepsbythegood-naturedcrowdwhichswarmedthestreetsatthishour,shecouldsmellsuppercookinginthehousesalongtheway.Itwouldbedelayedinmanyhomesbecausethetidewasinandpeoplewererunningdownthebeachfromthevariouscottagesforadipintothesea.Somecarriedtheirbathingsuitsinbundles,someworethemunderraincoatsordressinggowns,andsomewalkedboldlyalongbare-armedandbare-leggedinthesuitsthemselves.

Itwasagayscene,withtouchesofcolorineverydirection.Vividgreengrassinallthedoor-yards,massesofrosesandhollyhocksandclematisagainstthecleanwhiteofthehouses.Colorofeveryshadeinthecapsandsweatersandbathingsuitsandfloatingmotorveilsandparasols,jollylaughtereverywhere,andfriendlyvoicescallingbackandforthacrossthestreet.Itwasaholidaytownfullofhappyholidaypeople.

Georgina,skippingalongthroughthemidstofit,addedanotherprettytouchofcolortothescene,withherblueribbonsandhatwiththeforget-me-notsaroundit,butifherthoughtscouldhavebeenseen,theywouldhaveshowedasoberdrab.ThemeetingwithCaptainBurrellhadleftherdepressedandunhappy.Thethoughtuppermostinhermindwaswhyshouldtherebesuchadifferenceinfathers?WhyshouldPeggyBurrellhavesuchanadorableone,andshebelefttofeellikean

orphan?

WhenshereachedtheFigureheadHouseshewastoldthatMrs.Tupmanhadsteppedouttoaneighbor'sforafewminutesbutwouldberightback.Shecouldhaveleftthebeadswithamemberofthefamily,buthavingbeentoldtodeliverthemintothehandsoftheowneronly,shesatdownintheswingintheyardtowait.

Fromwhereshesatshecouldlookupatthefigureheadovertheportico.Itwasthebestopportunityshehadeverhadforstudyingitclosely.Alwaysbeforeshehadbeenlimitedtothefewsecondsthatwerehersinwalkingordrivingby.Nowshecouldsitandgazeatitintentlyasshepleased.

Thefactthatitwasweather-stainedanddarkasanIndianwiththepaintwornoffitsfaceinpatches,onlyenhanceditsinterestinhereyes.Itseemedtobearthescarsofonewhohassufferedandcomeupthroughgreattribulation.NomatterhowbatteredthisLadyofMysterywasinappearance,toGeorginashestillstoodfor"Hope,"clingingtoherwreath,stillfacingthefuturewithheadheldhigh,thesymbolofallthose,whohavingshipsatsea,watchandwaitfortheirhome-comingwithproud,undauntedcourage.

Onlyanoldwoodenimage,butoutofapastofshipwreckandstormitsmessagesurvivedandinsomesubtlemannerfounditswayintotheheartofGeorgina.

"AndI'lldoit,too,"sheresolvedvaliantly,lookingupatit."I'mgoingtohopesohardthathe'llbethewayIwanthimtobe,thathe'lljust_have_to.Andifheisn't--thenI'lljuststeerstraightonwardasifIdidn'tmindit,soBarby'llneverknowhowdisappointedIam.Barbymustneverknowthat."

Afewminuteslater,thegoldbeadsbeingdeliveredintoMrs.Tupman'sownhands,Georginatookherwayhomeward,considerablylighterofheart,forthosemomentsofreflectionintheswing.Asshepassedthe



antiqueshopagreatgraycatonthedoor-step,roseandstretcheditself.

"Nicekitty!"shesaid,stoppingtosmooththethickfurwhichstoodupashearchedhisback.

Itwas"Grandpa,"towhosetasteforfishsheowedherprismandthebitofphilosophywhichwastobrightennotonlyherownlifebutallthosewhichtouchedhers.Butshepassedon,unconsciousofherdebttohim.

WhenshereachedtheGrayInnshewalkedmoreslowly,foronthebeachbackofitshesawseveralpeoplewhomsherecognized.CaptainBurrellwasinthewaterwithPeggyandBaileyandhalfadozenotherchildrenfromtheInn.Theywereallsplashingandlaughing.Theyseemedtobehavingsomesortofagame.Shestoodamomentwishingthatshehadonherbathingsuitandwasdowninthewaterwiththem.Shecouldswimbetterthananyofthechildrenthere.Butshehadn'tbeenintheseasinceBarbyleft.Thatwasoneofthethingsshepromisedintheirdarkhourofparting,nottogoinwhileBarbywasgone.

Whileshestoodthere,Mrs.BurrellcameoutonthepiazzaoftheInn,followedbythecolorednursewiththebabywhowasjustlearningtowalk.TheCaptain,seeingthem,threwuphishandtosignalthem.Mrs.Burrellflutteredherhandkerchiefinreply.

Georginawatchedthegroupinthewateramomentlonger,thenturnedandwalkedslowlyon.ShefeltthatifshecoulddoitwithouthavingtogiveupBarby,she'dbewillingtochangeplaceswithPeggyBurrell.She'dtakeherhomelylittlepale,freckledface,straighthairand--yes,evenherlimp,fortherighttoclingtothatstrongprotectingshoulderasPeggywasdoingthereinthewater,andtowhisperinhisear,"Dad-o'-my-heart."

[Illustration]

CHAPTERXXV

ALETTERTOHONG-KONG

THEREaresomesubjectsonehesitatestodiscusswithone'sfamily.Itiseasiertoseekinformationfromstrangersorservants,whodonotfeelfreetocomebackatyouwiththedisconcertingquestion,"Butwhydoyouask?"

Itwaswiththehalf-formedresolutionofleadinguptoacertainoneofthesedifficultsubjectsifshecould,thatGeorginawandereddownthe

beachnextmorningtoalittlepavilionneartheGrayInn.ItwasoccupiedbyPeggyBurrell,herbabybrotherandthecolorednurseMelindy.

Georgina,sorelywantingcompanionshipnowthatRichardandCaptainKiddwereoffontheiryachtingtrip,wasthankfulthatMrs.TripletthadmetCaptainBurrellthedaybeforeattheBazaar,andhadagreedwithhimthatGeorginaandPeggyoughttobefriendsbecausetheirfatherswere.Otherwise,theoccupantsofthepavilionwouldhavebeencountedasundesirableplaymatesbeingoutsidethepaleofheracquaintance.



Peggywelcomedherjoyfully.Shewasn'tstrongenoughyettogooffonawholemorning'sfishingtripwithbrotherandDaddy,shetoldGeorgina,andhermotherwasplayingbridgeonthehotelpiazza.Peggywasalittlething,onlyeight,andGeorginanotknowingwhattodotoentertainher,resurrectedanoldplaythatshehadnotthoughtofforseveralsummers.ShebuiltGrandfatherShirley'shouseinthesand.

Ittooksolongtofindtherightkindofshellswithwhichtomakethelanternsforthegate-posts,andtogatherthetwigsofbayberryandbeachplumfortheavenues(shehadtogointothedunesforthem),thatthequestionshewasintendingtoaskMelindyslippedfromhermindforawhile.Itcamebacktoher,however,asshescoopedaplaceinthewallofpebblesandwetsandwhichstoodforthefence.

"Here'stheplacewherethepostmandropsthemail."

ThenshelookedupatMelindy,thequestiononthetipofhertongue.ButPeggy,onherknees,waswatchinghersointentlythatsheseemedtobelookingstraightintohermoutheverytimeitopened,andhercouragefailedher.Insteadofsayingwhatshehadstartedtosay,sheexclaimed:

"Here'stheholeinthefencewherethelittlepigssqueezedthrough."

Thenshetoldthestorythatwentwiththispartofthegame.Whenitwastimetoputinthebee-hives,however,andPeggyvolunteeredtolookupanddownthebeachfortherightkindofapebbletosetthebee-hiveson,GeorginatookadvantageofthemomentalonewithMelindy.Therewasn'ttimetoleaduptothequestionproperly.Therewasn'teventimetoframethequestioninsuchawaythatitwouldseemacasual,matter-of-courseone.Georginawasconsciousthatthebloodwassurgingupintohercheeksuntiltheymustseemasredasfire.Sheleanedforwardtowardthesand-pileshewasshapingtillhercurlsfelloverherface.Thensheblurtedout:

"Howoftendohusbandswritetowives?"

Melindyeitherdidnothearordidnotunderstand,andGeorginahadthemortifyingexperienceofrepeatingthequestion.Itwashardertogiveutterancetoitthesecondtimethanthefirst.ShewasrelievedwhenMelindyansweredwithoutshowinganysurprise.

"Why,mosteveryweekIreckon,whentheyloves'em.Leastwayswhitefolksdo.Itcomeseasytothemtowrite.An'Ilivedinoneplacewheretheladygotalettaheveryothahday."

"ButImeanwhenthehusband'sgoneforalong,longtime,offtoseaortoanothercountry,andisdreadfullybusy,likeCaptainBurrelliswhenhe'sonhisship."

Melindygaveashortlaugh."Huh!Letmetellyou,honey,whenaman _wants_towritehe'sgwinetowrite,busyornobusy."

Later,GeorginawenthomeponderingMelindy'sanswer."Mosteveryweekwhentheylove's'em.Sometimeseveryotherday."AndBarbyhadhadnoletterforoverfourmonths.

SomethinghappenedthatafternoonwhichhadneverhappenedbeforeinallGeorgina'sexperience.ShewastakentotheGrayInntocall.Mrs.Triplett,dressedinhernewblacksummersilk,tookher.



"AslongasBarbaraisn'theretopaysomeattentiontothatMrs.Burrell,"TippysaidtoBelle,"itseemstomeit'smyplaceasnextofkin.TheCaptaincouldn'tgetdonesayingnicethingsaboutJustin."

Evidently,sheapprovedofbothMrs.BurrellandPeggy,forwheneachbeggedthatGeorginabeallowedtostaytosuppershegraciouslygavepermission.

"Peggyhastakenthewildestfancytoyou,dear,"Mrs.BurrellsaidinanasidetoGeorgina."Yougaveherabeautifulmorningonthebeach.Thepoorlittlethinghassufferedsomuchwithherlameknee,thatwearegratefultoanyonewhomakesherforgetallthatshehasgonethrough.It'sonlylastweekthatshecouldhavethebracetakenoff.Shehasn'tbeenabletorunandplaylikeotherchildrenfortwoyears,butwe'rehopingshemayoutgrowthetroubleintime."

Thedining-roomoftheGrayInnoverlookedthesea,andwassoclosetothewateronehadthefeelingofbeinginaboat,whenlookingoutofitswindows.ThereweretwoSouthAmericantransportsintheharbor.SomeoftheofficershadcomeashoreandwerediningwithfriendsattheGrayInn.Afterwardstheystayedtodanceawhileinthelongparlorwiththeyoungladiesoftheparty.

PeggyandGeorginasatonthepiazzajustoutsideoneofthelongFrenchwindows,wheretheycouldwatchthegaysceneinside.Itseemedalmostasgayoutside,whenoneturnedtolookacrosstheharborfilledwithmovinglights.CaptainandMrs.Burrellwereoutsidealso.Theysatfartherdownthepiazza,neartherailing,talkingtooneoftheofficerswhowasnotdancing.Oncewhenthemusicstopped,PeggyturnedtoGeorginatosay:

"DoyouhearDaddyspeakingSpanishtothatofficerfromSouthAmerica?Doesn'thedoitwell?IcanunderstandalittleofwhattheysaybecausewelivedinSouthAmericaawhilelastyear.Wejoinhimwheneverheisstationedataportwhereofficerscantaketheirfamilies.Hesaysthatchildrenofthenavyhavetolearntoberegular

gypsies.Ilovegoingtonewplaces.Howmanylanguagescanyourfatherspeak?"

Georgina,thussuddenlyquestioned,feltthatshewouldratherdiethanacknowledgethatsheknewsolittleofherfatherthatshecouldnotanswer.Shewassavedthemortificationofconfessingit,however,bythemusicstrikingupagainatthatmoment.

"Oh,Icanplaythat!"sheexclaimed."That'sthedanceofthetarantula.Isn'titaweirdsortofthing?"

TheairofabsorbedinterestwithwhichGeorginaturnedtolistentothemusicmadePeggyforgetherquestion,andlisteninthesameway.She

wantedtodoeverythinginthesamewaythatGeorginadidit,andfromthatmomentthatpieceofmusicheldspecialcharmforherbecauseGeorginacalleditweird.

ThenexttimeGeorginaglanceddownthepiazzaMrs.Burrellwasalone.Inherdimly-lightedcorner,shelookedlikeoneoftheprettysummergirlsoneseessometimesonamagazinecover.Shewasallinwhitewithapalebluewrapofsomekindaboutherthatwassosoftandfleecyitlookedlikeapalebluecloud.Georginafoundherselflookingdownthatwayoften,withadmiringglances.Shehappenedtohavehereyesturned



thatwaywhentheCaptaincamebackandstoodbesideherchair.Thebluewraphadslippedfromhershoulderswithouthernotice,andhestoopedandpickeditup.Thenhedrewthesoft,warmthinguparoundher,andbendingover,laidhischeekforjustaninstantagainsthers.

ItwassuchafleetinglittlecaressthatnoonesawitbutGeorgina,andsheturnedhereyesawayinstantly,feelingthatshehadnorighttolook,yetgladthatshehadseen,becauseofthewarmglowitsentthroughher.Shecouldn'ttellwhy,butsomehowtheworldseemedahappiersortofplaceforeverybodybecausesuchthingshappenedinit.

"Iwonder,"shethoughtwistfully,ashereyesfollowedthegracefulstepsoftheforeigndancersandherthoughtsstayedwithwhatshehadjustwitnessed,"IwonderifthathadbeenBarbyandmyfather,would _he_?"----

Butshedidnotfinisheventoherselfthequestionwhichroseuptoworryher.Itcamebackeverytimesherecalledthelittlescene.

OnthemorningafterhervisittotheGrayInnsheclimbeduponthepianostoolwhenshehadfinishedpractisingherscales.Shewantedacloserviewoftheportraitwhichhungoverit.Itwasanoilpaintingofherfatherattheageoffive.Heworekiltsandlittlesockswithplaidtops,andhecarriedawhiterabbitinhisarms.Georginaknew

everyinchofthecanvas,havingadmireditfromthetimeshewasfirsthelduptoitinsomeone'sarmsto"seetheprettybunny."Nowshelookedatitlongandsearchingly.

Thensheopenedthebook-caseandtookoutanoldphotographalbum.Therewereseveralpicturesofherfatherinthat.OnetakenwithhisHighSchoolclass,andonewithagroupofyoungmedicalstudents,andoneinthewhiteservicedressofanassistantsurgeonofthenavy.Noneofthemcorrespondedwithherdimmemoryofhim.

ThenshewentupstairstoBarby'sroom,andstoodbeforethebureau,studyingthepictureuponitinalargesilverframe.Itwastakeninastandingpositionandhadbeencarefullycolored,sothatsheknew

accuratelyeverydetailofthedressuniformofanavalsurgeonfromthestripesofgoldlaceandmaroonvelvetonthesleeves,totheeagleonthebeltbuckleandtheswordknotdanglingoverthescabbard.Therewerevariousmedalspinnedonhisbreastwhichhadalwaysinterestedher.

Butthismorningitwasnottheuniformorthedecorationswhichclaimedherattention.Itwasthefaceitself.Shewaslookingforsomethinginthedepthsofthoseseriousdarkeyes,thatshehadseeninCaptainBurrell'swhenhelookedatPeggy;somethingmorethanasmile,somethingthatmadehiswholefacelightuptillyoufeltwarmandhappyjusttolookathim.Shewonderediftheclosely-setlipsshewasstudyingcouldcurveintoawelcomingsmileifanybodyrantomeethim

withhappyoutstretchedarms.Butthepicturewasbafflinganddisappointing,becauseitwasaprofileview.

Presently,shepickeditupandcarriedittoherownroom,placingitonthetablewhereshealwayssattowrite.Shehadscreweduphercourageatlast,tothepointofwritingtheletterwhichlongagoshehaddecidedoughttobewrittenbysomebody.

OnceBarbysaid,"Whenyoucan'tthinkofanythingtoputinaletter,lookattheperson'spicture,andpretendyou'retalkingtoit."



Georginafollowedthatadvicenow.Butonecannottalkenthusiasticallytoalistenerwhocontinuestoshowyouonlyhisprofile.

Suddenly,herresentmentflamedhotagainstthishandsome,avertedfacewhichwasallsheknewofafather.Shethoughtbitterlythathehadnobusinesstobesuchastrangertoherthatshedidn'tevenknowwhathelookedlikewhenhesmiled.SomethingofthesternnessofheroldPilgrimforbearscreptintohersoulasshesattherejudginghimandbitingtheendofherpen.Sheglanceddownatthesheetofpaperonwhichshehadpainstakinglywritten"DearFather."Thenshescratchedoutthewords,feelingshecouldnothonestlycallhimthatwhenhewassuchastranger.Takingacleansheetofpaper,shewroteevenmorepainstakingly:

"DearSir:Therearetworeesons----"

Thenshelookedupindoubtaboutthespellingofthatlastword.Shemighthavegonedownstairsandconsultedthedictionarybutherexperiencehadprovedthatadictionaryisanunsatisfactorybookwhenonedoesnotknowhowtospellaword.Itisbymerechancethatwhatoneislookingforcanbefound.AfterthinkingamomentsheputherheadoutofthewindowandcalledsoftlydowntoBelle,whowassewingonthesideporch.ShecalledsoftlysothatTippycouldnothearandanswerandmaybeaddtheremark,"Butwhydoyouask?Areyouwritingto

yourmother?"

Bellespelledthewordforher,andtakinganothersheetofpaperGeorginamadeafreshstart.Thistimeshedidnothesitateoverthespelling,butscribbledrecklesslyonuntilallthatwascrowdinguptobesaidwasonthepaper.

"DearSir:Therearetworeasonsforwritingthis.Oneisaboutyourwife.CousinMehitablesayssomethingiseatingherheartout,andIthoughtyououghttoknow.Maybeasyoucancuresomanystrangediseesesyoucandosomethingforher.Theotheristoaskyoutosendusanotherpictureofyourself.Theonlyoneswehaveofyouarelookingoffsideways,andIcan'tfeelaswellacquaintedwithyouasifIcould

lookintoyoureyes.

"ThereisalovelyfatherstayingattheGrayInn.HeisPeggyBurrell's.Heisanavalofficer,too.ItmakesmefeellikeanorfanwhenIseehimgoingdownthestreetholdingherhand.Heaskedmetotellhimallaboutwhereyouareandwhatyouaredoing,becauseyoucuredhimonceonahospitalship,andIwasashamedtotellhimthatIdidn'tknowbecauseBarbyhasnothadaletterfromyouforoverfourmonths.Pleasedon'tletontoherthatIwrotethis.Shedoesn'tknowthatIwasunderthebedwhenCousinMehitablewastalkingaboutyou,andsayingthateverybodythinksitisqueeryounevercomehome.IfyoucandoonlyoneofthethingsIasked,pleasedothefirstone.Yourstruly,GeorginaHuntingdon."

Havingblottedtheletter,Georginareaditovercarefully,findingtwowordsthatdidnotlookquiteright,althoughshedidnotknowwhatwasthematterwiththem.SoshecalledsoftlyoutofthewindowagaintoBelle:

"Howdoyouspelldiseases?"

Belletoldherbutaddedthequestion,"Whydoyouaskawordlikethat?Whosediseasescanyoubewritingabout?"



Georginadrewinherheadwithoutanswering.Shecouldnotseekhelpinthatquarteragain,especiallyforsuchawordas"orfan."Afterstudyingoveritamomentsherememberedtherewasapoemin"SongsfortheLittleOnesatHome,"called"TheOrphanNosegayGirl."

Atripdownstairsforthetatteredvolumegaveherthewordshewanted,andsoonthemisspelledonewasscratchedoutandrewritten.Therewerenowthreeunsightlyblotsontheletterandshehoveredoverthemamoment,herpridedemandingthatsheshouldmakeaclean,faircopy.Butitseemedsuchanendlesstasktorewriteitfrombeginningtoend,thatshefinallydecidedtosenditasitstood.

Addressed,stampedandsealed,itwasreadyatlastandshedroppeditintothemail-box.Thenshehadamomentofpanic.ItwasactuallystartedonitswaytoHong-Kongandnothinginherpowercouldstopitorbringitback.Shewonderedifshehadn'tdoneexactlythewrongthing,andmadeabadmatterworse.

CHAPTERXXVI

PEGGYJOINSTHERAINBOW-MAKERS

ONLYonemorethinghappenedbeforeBarby'sreturnthatisworthrecording.GeorginawenttospendthedayattheGrayInn.CaptainBurrell,himself,cametoaskher.Peggyhadtobeputbackintoherbraceagainhesaid.Hewasafraidithadbeentakenofftoosoon.Shewasveryuncomfortableandunhappyonaccountofit.Theywouldbeleavinginthemorning,muchearlierthantheyhadintended,becauseitwasnecessaryforherphysiciantoseeheratonce,andquiteprobablethatshewouldhavetogobacktothesanitariumforawhile.Shedidn'twanttoleaveProvincetown,becauseshedidnotwanttogoawayfromGeorgina.

"Youhavenoideahowsheadmiresyou,"theCaptainadded,"orhowshetriestocopyyou.Herdreamofperfecthappinessistolookandactjustlikeyou.Yesterdayshemadehermothertieabigpinkbowonherpoorlittlecroppedheadbecauseyoupassedbywearingoneonyourcurls.Youcancheerherupmorethananyoneelseintheworld."

SoGeorgina,touchedbothbytheCaptain'sevidentdistressoverPeggy'sreturninglameness,andPeggy'sfondnessforher,wentgladly.Theknowledgethateverythingshesaidanddidwasadmired,madeiteasyforhertoentertainthechild,andthepitythatwelledupinherhearteverytimeshewatchedthethinlittlebodymovearoundinthetiresomebrace,madeherlongtodosomethingthatwouldreallyeasetheburden

ofsuchamisfortune.

Mrs.Burrellwasbusypackingallmorning,andintheafternoonwentdownthestreettodosomeshoppingthattheirhurrieddeparturemadenecessary.Peggybroughtoutherpost-cardalbum,inwhichtofastenallthepostalsshehadaddedtohercollectionwhileontheCape.AmongthemwasoneoftheFigureheadHouse,showing"Hope"perchedovertheportico.

"Baileysaysthat'sasea-cook,"Peggyexplainedgravely."Asea-cook



whowassuchawooden-headthatwhenhemadedoughnutstheyturnedgreen.He'sgotoneinhishandthathe'sabouttoheaveintothesea."

"Oh,horrors!No!"exclaimedGeorgina,asscandalizedasifsomefalsereporthadbeencirculatedaboutoneofherfamily.

"ThatisHopewithawreathinherhand,lookingupwithherheadheldhigh,justasshedidwhenshewasontheprowofagallantship.WheneverIhaveanytroubleordisappointmentIthinkofher,andshehelpsmetobearupandbebrave,andgoonasifnothinghadhappened."

"How?"askedPeggy,gazingwithwonderingeyesatthepictureofthefigurehead,whichwastoosmallonthepostaltobeverydistinct.AnythingthatGeorginarespectedandadmiredsodeeply,Peggywantedtorespectandadmireinthesameway,butitwaspuzzlingtounderstandjustwhatitwasthatGeorginasawinthatwoodenfiguretomakeherfeelso.AccustomedtothinkingofitinBailey'sway,asasea-cookwithadoughnut,itwashardtoswitcharoundtoapointofviewthatshoweditasHopewithawreath,ortounderstandhowitcouldhelponetobebraveaboutanything.

Somethingofherbewildermentcreptintothewondering"why,"andGeorginahesitated,abitpuzzledherself.Itwashardtoexplaintoa

childtwoyearsyoungerwhathadbeentaughttoherbytheoldTowncrier.

"YouwaittillIrunhomeandgetmyprism,"sheanswered."ThenIcanshowyourightaway,andwecanplayanewkindoftaggamewithit."

BeforePeggycouldprotestthatshewouldratherhaveherquestionunansweredthanbeleftalone,Georginawasoffandrunningupthebeachasfastasherlittlewhiteshoescouldcarryher.Hercheekswereasredasthecoralnecklaceshewore,whenshecamebackbreathlessfromherflyingtrip.

TherefollowedafewmomentsofraptureforPeggy,whenthebeautiful

crystalpendantwasplacedinherownhands,andshelookedthroughitintoaworldtransformedbythemagicofitscoloring.Shesawtheroomchangedinatwinkling,aswhenafairywandtransformsamantleofhomespuntocloth-of-gold.Throughtheopenwindowshesawanenchantedharborfilledwithafleetofrainbows.Everysailwasoutlinedwithone,everymastedgedwithlinesofredandgoldandblue.Andwhileshelooked,andatthesametimelistened,Georgina'sexplanationcaughtsomeofthesameglamor,andsankdeepintohertenderlittleheart.

Thatwasthewaythat_she_couldchangetheworldforpeoplesheloved--putarainbowaroundtheirtroublesbybeingsocheeryandhopefulthateverythingwouldbebrighterjustbecauseshewasthere.TokeepHopeattheprowsimplymeantthatshemustn'tgetdiscouraged

aboutherknee.Nomatterhowmuchithurtherorthebracebotheredher,shemustbearupandsteerrighton.Todothatbravely,withoutanyfretting,wasthesurestwayintheworldtoputarainbowaroundherfather'stroubles.

ThusGeorginamixedher"linetoliveby"andherprismphilosophy,butitwasclearenoughtothechildwholistenedwithheartaswellasears.Andclearenoughtothemanwhosatjustoutsidetheopenwindowontheupperporch,withhispipe,listeningalsoashegazedofftosea.



"Thepoorlittlelamb,"hesaidtohimself."Tothinkofthatbabytryingtobearupandbebraveon_my_account!Itbreaksmeallup."

Afewminuteslaterashestartedacrossthehall,Peggy,seeinghimpassherdoor,calledtohim.

"Oh,Daddy!Comelookthroughthiswonderfulfairyglass.You'llthinkthewholeworldisbewitched."

Shewaslyingbackinalongsteamerchair,andimpatienttoreachhim,shestartedtoclimboutasheenteredtheroom.Butshehadnotgrownaccustomedtothebraceagain,andshestumbledclumsilyonaccountofit.Hecaughtherjustintimetosaveherfromfalling,buttheprism,theshiningcrystalpendant,droppedfromherhandsandstrucktherockerofachairinitsfalltothefloor.

Shegaveafrightenedcry,andstoodholdingherbreathwhileGeorginastoopedandpickeditup.Itwasintwopiecesnow.Thelong,radiantpoint,cutinmanyfacetslikeadiamond,wasbrokenoff.

Georgina,paleandtremblingatthissuddendestructionofhergreatesttreasure,turnedherback,andforonehorriblemomentitwasallshecoulddotokeepfromburstingoutcrying.Peggy,seeingherturnaway

andrealizingallthatherawkwardnesswascostingGeorgina,buriedherfaceonherfather'sshoulderandwentintosuchawildparoxysmofsobbingandcryingthatallhiscomfortingfailedtocomforther.

"Oh,IwishI'd_died_first,"shewailed."She'llneverlovemeagain.Shesaiditwashermostprecioustreasure,andnowI'vebrokenit----"

"There,there,there,"soothedtheCaptain,pattingthethinlittlearmreacheduptoclingaroundhisneck."Georginaknowsitwasanaccident.She'sgoingtoforgivemypoorlittlePeggykinsforwhatshecouldn'thelp.Shedoesn'tminditsbeingbrokenasmuchasyouthink."

HelookedacrossatGeorgina,appealingly,helplessly.Peggy'sgriefwas

souncontrollablehewasgrowingalarmed.Georginawantedtocryout:

"Oh,I_do_mind!Howcanyousaythat?Ican'tstandittohavemybeautiful,beautifulprismruined!"

Shewasonlyalittlegirlherself,withnocomfortingshouldertorunto.Butsomethingcametoherhelpjustthen.Sherememberedtheoldsilverporringerwithitstall,slim-loopedletters.Sherememberedthereweresomethingsshecouldnotdo.She_had_tobebravenow,becausehernamehadbeenwrittenaroundthatshiningrimthroughsomanybravegenerations.Shecouldnotdeepenthehurtofthispoorlittlethingalreadynearlyfranticoverwhatshehaddone.Tippy'searlylessonscarriedhergallantlythroughnow.Sheranacrosstheroom

towherePeggysatonherfather'sknee,andputanarmaroundher.

"Listen,Peggy,"shesaidbrightly."There'sapieceofprismforeachofusnow.Isn'tthatnice?YoutakeoneandI'llkeeptheother,andthatwillmakeyouamemberofourclub.WecallittheRainbowClub,andwe'rerunningaraceseeingwhocanmakethemostbrightspotsintheworld,bymakingpeoplehappy.There'sjustfourmembersinitsofar;RichardandmeandthepresidentofthebankandMr.Locke,theartist,whomadethepicturesinyourblueandgoldfairy-talebook.Andyoucanbethefifth.Butyou'llhavetobeginthisminutebystopping



yourcrying,oryoucan'tbelong.WhatdidItellyouaboutfretting?"

AndPeggystopped.Notinstantly,shecouldn'tdothataftersuchahardspell.Thebigsobskeptjerkingherforafewminutesnomatterhowhardshetriedtostiflethem;butshesatupandletherfatherwipeherfaceonhisbighandkerchief,andshesmiledherbravest,toshowthatshewasworthyofmembershipinthenewclub.

TheCaptainsuddenlydrewGeorginatohisotherkneeandkissedher.

"Youblessedlittlerainbowmaker!"heexclaimed."I'dliketojoinyourclubmyself.Whatahappyworldthiswouldbeifeverybodybelongedtoit."

Peggyclaspedherhandstogetherbeseechingly.

"Oh,_please_lethimbelong,Georgina.I'lllendhimmypieceofprismhalfthetime."

"Ofcoursehecan,"consentedGeorgina."Buthecanbelongwithouthavingaprism.Grownpeopledon'tneedanythingtohelpthemrememberaboutmakinggoodtimesintheworld."

"Iwonder,"saidtheCaptain,asifheweretalkingtohimself.

Georgina,lookingathimshylyfromthecornerofhereye,wonderedwhatitwashewondered.

Itwasalmostsuppertimewhenshewenthome.Shehadkepttheupperhalfoftheprismwhichhadtheholeinit,anditdangledfromherneckonthepinkribbonasshewalked.

"IfonlyBarbycouldhaveseenitfirst,"shemourned."Iwouldn'tminditsomuch.Butshe'llneverknowhowbeautifulitwas."

Buteverytimethatthoughtcametoheritwasfollowedbyarecollectionwhichmadehertinglewithhappiness.ItwastheCaptain'sdeepvoicesayingtenderly,"Youblessedlittlerainbow-maker!"

[Illustration]

CHAPTERXXVII

AMODERN"ST.GEORGEANDTHEDRAGON"

BARBYwasathomeagain.Georgina,hearingthejangleofabell,randownthestreettomeettheoldTowncrierwiththenews.Sheknewnow,

howhefeltwhenhewantedtogothroughthetownringinghisbellandcallingoutthegoodtidingsabouthisDannytoalltheworld.That'sthewayshefelthermother'shome-comingoughttobeproclaimed.Itwassuchajoyfulthingtohaveherbackagain.

AndGrandfatherShirleywasn'tgoingtobeblind,Georginaconfidedinhernextbreath.Thesightofbotheyeswouldbeallrightintime.Theyweresothankfulaboutthat.AndBarbyhadbroughtherthedarlingestlittlepinksilkparasolevermadeordreamedof,allthewayfromLouisville,andsomebeatenbiscuitandacombofhoneyfromthe



beehivesinheroldhomegarden.

ItwaswonderfulhowmuchnewsGeorginamanagedtocrowdintotheshorttimethatittooktowalkbacktothegate.TheBurrellshadlefttownandBellehadgonehome,andRichardhadsentherapostalcardfromBarHarborwithasnapshotofhimselfandCaptainKiddonit.And--sheloweredhervoicealmosttoawhisperasshetoldthenextitem:

"BarbyknowsaboutDanny!BellesaidImighttellherifshe'dpromisenottoletitgetbacktoMr.Potter."

Theyhadreachedthehousebythistime,andGeorginaledhimintoBarbywhorosetowelcomehimwithbothhandsoutstretched.

"Oh,UncleDarcy,"sheexclaimed."Iknow--andI'm_so_glad.AndJustinwillbe,too.IsentGeorgina'slettertohimtheverydayitcame.Iknewhe'dbesointerested,anditcandonoharmforhimtoknow,awayoffthereintheinteriorofChina."

Georginawasstartled,rememberingtheletterwhich_she_hadsenttotheinteriorofChina.Surelyherfatherwouldn'tsendthatbacktoBarby!Suchapanicseizedheratthebarepossibilityofsuchathing,thatshedidnothearUncleDarcy'sreply.ShewonderedwhatBarbywouldsayifitshouldcomebacktoher.Thensherecalledwhathadhappened

thefirstfewmomentsofBarby'sreturnandwonderedwhatmadeherthinkofit.

Barby'sfirstactoncomingintothehouse,wastowalkovertotheoldsecretarywherethemailwasalwayslaid,andlooktoseeifanyletterswerewaitingthereforher.Andthatwasbeforeshehadevenstoppedtotakeoffherveilorgloves.Therewerethreewhichhadarrivedthatmorning,butsheonlyglancedatthemandtossedthemaside.Theoneshewantedwasn'tthere.Georginahadturnedawayandpretendedthatshewasn'twatching,butshewas,andforamomentshefeltthatthesunhadgonebehindacloud,Barbylookedsodisappointed.

Butitwasonlyforamoment,forBarbyimmediatelybegantotellabout

anamusingexperienceshehadhadonherwayhome,andstartedupstairstotakeoffherhat,withGeorginataggingaftertoaskathousandquestions,justasshehadbeentaggingeversince.

Andlatershehadthrownherarmsaroundhermother,exclaimingassheheldherfast,"Youhaven'tchangedasinglebit,Barby,"andBarbyansweredgaily:

"Whatdidyouexpect,dearest,inafewshortweeks?Whitehairandspectacles?"

"Butitdoesn'tseemlikeafewshortweeks,"sighedGeorgina."Itseemsasifyearsfullofthingshadhappened,andthatI'masoldasyou

are."

NowasUncleDarcyrecountedsomeofthesehappenings,andBarbyrealizedhowmanystrangeexperiencesGeorginahadlivedthroughduringherabsence,howmanynewacquaintancesshehadmadeandhowmuchshehadbeenallowedtogoaboutbyherself,sheunderstoodwhythechildfeltsomucholder.SheunderstoodstillbetterthatnightasshesatbrushingGeorgina'scurls.Thelittlegirlonthefootstoolatherkneewasbeginningtoreachup--wasbeginningtoaskquestionsaboutthestrangegrown-upworldwhosesayingsanddoingsarealwayssopuzzling



tolittleheads.

"Barby,"sheaskedhesitatingly,"whatdopeoplemeanexactly,whentheysaytheyhaveotherfishtofry?"

"Oh,justotherbusinesstoattendtoorsomethingelsethey'dratherdo."

"Butwhentheyshrugtheirshouldersatthesametime,"persistedGeorgina.

"Ashrugcanstandforalmostanything,"answeredBarby."Sometimesitsaysmeanerthingsthanwordscanconvey."

ThencametheinevitablequestionwhichmadeGeorginawishthatshehadnotspoken.

"Butwhydoyouask,dear?Tellmehowtheexpressionwasused,andIcanexplainbetter."

NowGeorginacouldnotunderstandwhyshehadbroughtupthesubject.Ithadbeenuppermostinhermindallevening,buteverytimeitreachedthetipofhertongueshedroveitback.Thatis,untilthislasttime.Thenitseemedtosayitself.Havinggonethisfarshecouldnotlightly

changethesubjectasanolderpersonmighthavedone.Barbywaswaitingforananswer.Itcameinamoment,haltingbuttruthful.

"ThatdayIwasattheBazaar,youknow,andeverybodywassayinghowniceIlooked,dresseduplikealittlegirloflongago,IheardMrs.WhitmansaytoMissMinnisthatonewouldthinkthatJustinHuntingdonwouldwanttocomehomeonceortwiceinalifetimetoseeme;andMissMinnisshruggedhershoulders,thisway,andsaid:

"'Oh,hehasotherfishtofry.'"

Georgina,withherusualaptitudeformimicry,madetheshrugsoeloquentthatBarbyunderstoodexactlywhatMissMinnisintendedto

convey,andwhatithadmeanttothewonderingchild.

"MissMinnisisanoldcat!"sheexclaimedimpatiently.Thenshelaiddownthebrush,andgatheringGeorgina'scurlsintoonehand,turnedherheadsothatshecouldlookintothetroubledlittleface.

"Tellme,Baby,"shedemanded."Haveyouheardanyoneelsesaythingslikethat?"

"Yes,"admittedGeorgina,"severaltimes.AndyesterdayawomanwhocameintothebakerywhileIwasgettingtherollsTippysentmefor,askedmeifIwasDoctorHuntingdon'slittlegirl.AndwhenIsaidyes,sheaskedmewhenhewascominghome."

"Andwhatdidyousay?"

"Well,Ithoughtshehadn'tanyrighttoask,speciallyinthewayshemadeherquestionsound.Shedoesn'tbelonginthistown,anyhow.She'sonlyoneofthesummerboarders.SoIdrewmyselfupthewaytheDuchessalwaysdidin'TheFortunesofRomneyTower.'Don'tyouremember?andIsaid,'Itwillprobablybesometime,Madam.'ThenItookupmybagofhotrollsandmarchedout.IthinkthatwordMadamalwayssoundssofreezing,whenyousayitthewaytheDuchesswasalwaysdoing."



"Oh,youridiculousbaby!"exclaimedBarby,claspinghercloseandkissingheragainandagain.Thenseeingthetroublestilllingeringinthebigbrowneyes,shetookthelittlefacebetweenherhandsandlookedintoitlongandintently,asifreadingherthoughts.

"Georgina,"shesaidpresently,"Iunderstandnow,whatisthematter.You'rewonderingthesamethingaboutyourfatherthatthesebusybodiesare.It'smyfaultthough.Itookitforgrantedthatyouunderstoodabouthislongabsence.Ineverdreamedthatitwashurtingyouinanyway."

GeorginahidherfaceinBarby'slap,hersilenceproofenoughthathermotherhadguessedaright.ForamomentortwoBarby'shandstrayedcaressinglyoverthebowedhead.Thenshesaid:

"IwonderifyourememberthisoldstoryIusedtotellyou,beginning,'St.GeorgeofMerryEnglandwastheyoungestandthebravestofthesevenchampionsofChristendom.CladinbrightarmorwithhismagicswordAscalonbyhisside,heusedtotravelonhiswarhorseinfarcountriesinsearchofadventure.'Doyourememberthat?"

Georginanoddedyeswithoutraisingherhead.

"ThenyourememberhecametoabeachwherethePrincessSabacalledtohimtoflee,becausetheDragon,themostterriblemonstereverseenonearth,wasabouttocomeupoutoftheseaanddestroythecity.Everyyearitcameuptodothis,andonlythesacrificeofabeautifulmaidencouldstopitfromdestroyingthepeople.

"Butundismayed,SaintGeorgerefusedtoflee.Hestayedonandfoughtthedragon,andwoundedit,andbounditwiththemaiden'ssashandleditintothemarketplacewhereitwasfinallykilled.Andthepeoplewereforeverfreedfromtheterriblemonsterbecauseofhisprowess.Doyourememberallthat?"

AgainGeorginanodded.Sheknewthestorywell.EveryChristmasasfar

backasshecouldremembershehadeatenherbitofplumpuddingfromacertainrareoldblueplate,onwhichwasthepictureofSaintGeorge,thedragonandthePrincess.

"Nowadays,"Barbywenton,"becausemendonotridearound'cladinbrightarmor,'doingknightlydeeds,peopledonotrecognizethemasknights.Butyourfatherisdoingsomethingthatisjustasgreatandjustasbraveasanyofthedeedsofanyknightwhoeverdrewasword.Overinforeignportswherehehasbeenstationed,isastrangediseasewhichseemstoriseoutofthemarsheseveryyear,justasthedragondid,andthreatenthehealthandthelivesofthepeople.Itisespeciallybadonship-board,anditisreallyhardertofightthanarealdragonwouldbe,becauseitisaninvisiblefoe,asicknessthat

comesbecauseofatiny,unseenmicrobe.

"Yourfatherhaswatchedit,yearafteryear,attackingnotonlythesailorsofforeignnaviesbutourownmen,whentheyhavetoliveinthoseports,andhemadeuphismindtogoonaquestforthisinvisiblemonster,andkillitifpossible.ItissuchaveryimportantquestthattheGovernmentwasgladtogranthimayear'sleaveofabsencefromtheservice.

"Hewasabouttocomehometoseeusfirst,whenhemetanoldfriend,a



verywealthyEnglishman,whohasspentthegreaterpartofhislifecollectingrareplantsandstudyingtheirhabits.HehaswrittenseveralvaluablebooksonBotany,andthelasttenyearshehasbeenespeciallyinterestedintheplantsofChina.Hewasgettingreadytogototheveryplacesthatyourfatherwasplanningtovisit,andhehadwithhimaninterpreterandayoungAmericanassistant.Whenheinvitedyourfathertojoinhimitwasanopportunitytoogreattoberefused.ThisMr.Bowlesisfamiliarwiththecountryandthepeople,evenspeaksthelanguagehimselfalittle.Hehadletterstomanyofthehighofficials,andcouldbeofthegreatestassistancetoyourfatherinmanyways,eventhoughhedidnotstaywiththeparty.Hecouldalwaysbeincommunicationwithit.

"So,ofcourse,heacceptedtheinvitation.Itisfarbetterforthequestandfarbetterforhimselftobewithsuchcompanions.

"Iamnotuneasyabouthim,knowinghehasfriendswithincallincaseofsicknessandaccident,andhewillprobablybeabletoaccomplishhispurposemorequicklywiththehelptheywillbeabletogive.Youknowhehastogooffintoallsortsofdirty,uncomfortableplaces,riskhisownhealthandsafety,goamongthesickandsufferingwherehecanwatchtheprogressofthediseaseunderdifferentconditions.

"Thewholeyearmaybespentinavainsearch,withnothingtoshowfor

itattheend,andevenifheissuccessfulandfindsthecauseofthisstrangeillnessandaremedy,hisonlyrewardwillbethesatisfactionofknowinghehasdonesomethingtorelievethesufferingofhisfellow-creatures.Peoplecanunderstandthekindofbraverythatshows.Ifhewererescuingonepersonfromaburninghouseorasinkingboattheywouldcryout,'Whatahero.'Buttheydon'tseemtoappreciatethiskindofrescuework.Itwilldoathousandtimesmoregood,becauseitwillfreethewholenavyfromtheteethofthedragon.

"Iftherewereawar,peoplewouldnotexpecthimtocomehome.Wearegivinghimuptohiscountrynow,justastrulyasifhewereinthemidstofbattle.Asoldier'swifeandasoldier'sdaughter--itistheproofofourloveandloyalty,Georgina,tobearhislongabsence

cheerfully,nomatterhowhardthatistodo;tobeproudthathecanservehiscountryifnotwithhissword,withthepurposeandprowessofaSaintGeorge."

Barby'seyeswerewetbuttherewasastarrylightinthem,assheliftedGeorgina'sheadandkissedher.Twolittlearmswerethrownimpulsivelyaroundherneck.

"Oh,Barby!I'msosorrythatIdidn'tknowallthatbefore!Ididn'tunderstand,andIfeltrealuglyaboutitwhenIheardpeoplewhisperingandsayingthingsasifhedidn'tloveusanymore.And--whenIsaidmyprayersatbedtime--Ididn'tsing'EternalFatherStrongtoSave'asinglenightwhileyouweregone."

Comfortingarmsheldherclose.

"Whydidn'tyouwriteandtellmotheraboutit?"

"Ididn'twanttomakeyoufeelbad.IwasafraidfromwhatCousinMehitablesaidyouweregoingto_die_.Iworriedandworriedoverit.Oh,Ihadthemiserablesttime!"

Anotherkissinterruptedher."Butyou'llneverdothatwayagain,



Georgina.Promisemethatnomatterwhathappensyou'llcomestraighttomeandhaveitsetright."

Thepromisewasgiven,withwhatremorseandpenitencenoonecouldknowbutGeorgina,recallingthelettershehadwritten,beginningwithastern"DearSir."Buttojustifyherself,sheaskedafterthehair-brushinghadbegunagain:

"ButBarby,whyhashestayedawayfromhomefourwholeyears?Hewasn'thuntingdragonsbeforethis,washe?"

"No,butIthoughtyouunderstoodthat,too.Hedidn'tcomebackheretotheCapebecausetherewereimportantthingswhichkepthiminWashingtonduringhisfurloughs.MaybeyouweretoosmalltorememberthatthetimeyouandIwerespendingthesummerinKentuckyhehadplannedtojoinusthere.ButhewiredthathisbestfriendintheNavy,anoldAdmiral,wasatthepointofdeath,anddidn'twanthimtoleavehim.TheAdmiralhadbefriendedhiminsomanywayswhenhefirstwentintotheservicethattherewasnothingelseforyourfathertodobutstaywithhimaslongashewasneeded.Youwereonlysixthen,andIwasafraidthelong,hottripmightmakeyousick,soIleftyouwithmammawhileIwentonforseveralweeks.Surelyyouremembersomethingofthattime."

"No,justbeinginKentuckyisallIremember,andyourgoingawayforawhile."

"AndthenexttimesomebusinessaffairsofhisownkepthiminWashington,somethingveryimportant.YouwerejustgettingoverthemeaslesandIdidn'tdaretakeyou,soyoustayedwithTippy.Soyouseeitwasn'tyourfather'sfaultthathedidn'tseeyou.HehadexpectedyoutobebroughtdowntoWashington."

Georginaponderedovertheexplanationawhile,thenpresentlysaidwithasigh,"Goodnessme,howeasyitistolookatthingsthewrongway."

SoonafterhervoiceblendedwithBarby'sinareturntothelongneglectedbedtimerite:

"_Oh,hearuswhenwecrytoThee,Forthoseinperilonthesea._"

Afterward,hertroublesallsmoothedandexplainedaway,shelayinthedark,comfortedandatpeacewiththeworld.Oncealittleblackdoubtthrustitsheaduplikeasnake,toremindherofMelindy'sutterance,"Whenaman_wants_towrite,he'sgwinetowrite,busyornobusy."Buteventhatfoundanexplanationinherthoughts.

Ofcourse,Melindymeantjustordinarymen.Notthosewhohadgreat

deedstodointheworldlikeherfather.ProbablySaintGeorgehimselfhadn'twrittentohisfamilyoften,ifhehadafamily.Hecouldn'tbeexpectedto.Hehad"otherfishtofry,"anditwasperfectlyrightandproperforhimtoputhismindonthefryingofthemtotheneglectofeverythingelse.

Thefourmonths'longsilencewasunexplainedsaveforthiscomfortingthought,butGeorginaworriedaboutitnolonger.UpfrombelowcamethesoundofkeystouchedsoftlyasBarbysanganoldlullaby.Shesangitinaglad,trustfulsortofway.



"_Heisfaracrossthesea,Buthe'scominghometome,Babymine!_"

Lyingthereinthedark,Georginacomposedanotherlettertosendafterherfirstone,andnextmorningthisiswhatshewrote,sittingupinthewillowtreewithamagazineonherkneesforawritingtable:

"DearestFather:IamsorrythatIwrotethatlastletter,becauseeverythingisdifferentfromwhatIthoughtitwas.IdidnotknowuntilBarbycamehomeandtoldme,thatyouarejustasbraveasSt.Georgewas,cladinbrightarmor,whenhewenttorescuethepeoplefromthedragon.Ihopeyougetthemonsterthatcomesupoutoftheseaeveryyearafterthepoorsailors.Barbysayswearegivingyoutoourcountryinthisway,asmuchasiftherewaswar,sonowI'mprouderofhavingaSt.-George-and-the-dragon-kindofafatherthanonelikePeggyBurrell's,evenifshedoesknowhimwellenoughtocallhim'Dad-o'-my-heart.'Evenifpeopledon'tunderstand,andsaythingsaboutyournevercominghometoseeus,wearegoingto'stillbearupandsteerrightonward,'becausethat'sourlinetoliveby.Andwehopeashardaswecaneveryday,thatyou'llgetthemike-robeyouareinkwestof.Yourlovinglittledaughter,GeorginaHuntingdon."

CHAPTERXXVIII

THEDOCTOR'SDISCOVERY

INduetimetheletterwritteninthewillowtreereachedthecityofHong-Kong,andwascarriedtothebigEnglishhotel,overlookingtheloveliestofChineseharbors.ButitwasnotdeliveredtoDoctorHuntingdon.Itwaspiledontopofalltheothermailwhichlaythere,awaitinghisreturn.UnderitwasGeorgina'sfirstlettertohimandthe

oneshehadwrittentohermotheraboutDanDarcyandtherifle.AndunderthatwastheonewhichBarbaracalledthe"rainbowletter,"andthenatleasthalfadozenfromBarbaraherself,withthebeautifulcoloredphotographoftheTowncrierandhislass.Alsotherewereseveralbundlesofofficial-lookingdocumentsandmanyAmericannewspapers.

Nothinghadbeenforwardedtohimfortwomonths,becausehehadleftinstructionstoholdhismailuntilfurthernotice.Thefirstpartofthattimehewasmovingconstantlyfromoneout-of-the-wayplacetoanotherwherepostaldeliverywasslowanduncertain.Thelastpartofthattimehewaslyingillinthegripoftheverydiseasewhichhehadgoneouttostudyandtoconquer.

HewasgladthentobetravelinginthewakeofthefriendlyoldEnglishmanandhisparty.Throughtheirinterpreter,arrangementsweremadetohavehimcarriedtooneofthetentsofaprimitivesortofahospital,keptbysomenativemissionaries.TheEnglishman'syoungassistantwentwithhim.HewasaquietfellowwhomMr.BowleshadjokinglydubbedDavidthesilent,becauseitwassohardtomakehimtalk.ButDoctorHuntingdon,areserved,silentmanhimself,hadbeenattractedtohimbythatverytrait.



Duringthemonthstheyhadbeenthrowntogethersomuch,DavehadtakengreatinterestintheDoctor'sreportsoftheexperimentshewasmakingintreatingthedisease.WhentheDoctorwastoldthatMr.Bowleshadgonebacktothecoast,havingfoundwhathewantedandmadehisnotesforhisnextbook,andconsequentlyDavewasfreetostayandnursehim,hegaveasighofrelief.

Davestoppedhisthanksalmostgruffly.

"There'smorethanonereasonformystaying,"hesaid."I'vebeensickamongstrangersinastrangecountry,myself,andIknowhowitfeels.Besides,I'minterestedinseeingifthisnewtreatmentofyoursworksoutonawhitemanaswellasitdidonthesenatives.I'llbedoingasmuchinthewayofscientificresearch,keepingachartonyou,asifIweretakingnotesforMr.Bowles."

ThatwasalongspeechforDave,thelongestthathemadeduringtheDoctor'sillness.Butinthedayswhichfollowed,onemightwellhavewonderediftherewasnotagreaterreasonthanthoseheofferedforsuchdevotedattendance.Hewasalwayswithincall,alwayssoquicktonoticeawantthatusuallyawishwasgratifiedbeforeitcouldbeexpressed.Hiswasadevotiontooconstanttobepromptedmerelybysympathyforafellow-country-manorinterestinmedicalexperiments.

Once,whentheDoctorwasconvalescing,heopenedhiseyestofindhissilentattendantsittingbesidehimreading,andstudiedhimforsometime,unobserved.

"Dave,"hesaid,afterwatchinghimawhile--"it'sthequeerestthing--latelyeverytimeIlookatyouI'mremindedofhome.YoumustresemblesomeoneIusedtoknowbackthere,butforthelifeofmeIcan'trecallwho."

Daveansweredindifferently,withoutglancingupfromthepage.

"There'sprobablyathousandfellowsthatlooklikeme.I'mmediumheightandabouteverythirdpersonyouseebackintheStateshasgray

eyeslikemine,andjusttheordinaryevery-daysortoffeaturesthatIhave."

TheDoctormadenoanswer.ItneverwouldhaveoccurredtohimtotellDaveinwhatwayhisfacedifferedfromthemanyothersofhistype.Therewasacertainkindlinessoftwinkleinthegrayeyesattimes,andalwaysastraightforwardhonestyofgazethatmadeoneinstinctivelytrusthim.Therewasstrengthofpurposeintheresolutesetofhismouth,andonecouldnotimaginehimbeingturnedbackonanyroadwhichhehadmadeuphismindtotraveltotheend.

SeveraldaysafterthatwhentheDoctorwassittingupoutsidethetent,theresemblancetosomeonewhomhecouldnotrecall,puzzledhimagain.

Davewaswhittling,hislipspursedupashewhistledsoftlyinanabsent-mindedsortofway.

"Dave,"exclaimedtheDoctor,"there'ssomethinginthewayyousitthere,whittlingandwhistlingthatbringslittleoldProvincetownrightupbeforemyeyes.IcanseeoldCaptainAmessittingthereonthewharfonacoilofrope,whittlingjustasyouaredoing,andjokingwithSamandthecrewastheypileintotheboattogoouttotheweirs.Icanseethenetsspreadouttodryalongshore,andsmelltarandcodfishasplainasifitwerehererightundermynose.AnddowninFishburnCourt



there'sthelittlehousethatwasalwaysasecondhometome,withUncleDarcypotteringaroundintheyard,singinghisoldsailors'songs."

TheDoctorclosedhiseyesanddrewinalong,slowbreath.

"Um!There'sthemostdelicioussmellcomingoutofthatkitchen--blueberrypiesthatAuntElspeth'sbaking.Whatwouldn'tIgivethisminuteforoneofthosegood,juicyblueberrypiesofhers,smokinghot.IcansmellitclearoverhereinChina.Thereneverwasanythingintheworldthattastedhalfsogood.IwasalwaystaggingaroundafterUncleDarcy,asIcalledhim.HewastheTowncrier,andoneofthosestaunch,honestsoulswhomakeyoubelieveinthegoodnessofGodandmannomatterwhathappenstoshakethefoundationsofyourfaith."

TheDoctoropenedhiseyesandlookedupinquiringly,startledbytheknockingoverofthestoolonwhichDavehadbeensitting.Hehadrisenabruptlyandgoneinsidethetent.

"Goon,"hecalledback."Icanhearyou."

Heseemedtobelookingforsomething,forhewasstridingupanddowninitsnarrowspace.TheDoctorraisedhisvoiceatrifle.

"That'sallIhadtosay.Ididn'tintendtoboreyoutalkingaboutpeopleandplacesyouneverheardof.Butitjustcameovermeinabigwave--thatfeelingofhomesicknessthatmakesyoufeelyou'vegottogetbackordie.Didyoueverhaveit?"

"Yes,"cametheanswerinanindifferenttone."Severaltimes."

"Well,it'sgotmenow,rightbythethroat."

Presentlyhecalled,"Dave,whileyou'reinthereIwishyou'dlookinmyluggageandseewhatnewspapersarefoldedupwithit.Ihaveadimrecollectionthata_ProvincetownAdvocate_cameaboutthetimeIwastakensickandIneveropenedit.

"Ah,that'sit!"heexclaimedwhenDaveemergedpresently,holdingoutthenewspaper."Lookatthecutacrossthetopofthefirstpage.OldProvincetownitself.It'smoreforthenameofthetownprintedacrossthatpictureoftheharborthanforthenewsthatIkeepontakingthepaper.Ordinarily,Ineverdomorethanglanceatthenewsitems,butthere'stimeto-daytoreadeventheadvertisements.You'venoideahowgoodthosefamiliaroldnameslooktome."

Hereadsomeofthemaloud,smilingoverthememoriestheyawakened.Buthereadwithoutanauditor,forDavefoundhehadbusinesswithoneofthemissionaries,andputofftoattendtoit.Onhisreturnhewasgreetedwiththeannouncement:

"Dave,Iwanttogetoutofhere.I'msuretheremustbeabigpileofmailwaitingformerightnowinHong-Kong,andI'mwillingtoriskthetrip.Let'sstartbackto-morrow."

SeveraldayslatertheywereinHong-Kong,enjoyingtheluxuriesofcivilizationinthebighotel.Stillweakfromhisrecentillnessandfatiguedbythehardshipsofhisjourney,DoctorHuntingdondidnotgodowntolunchthedayoftheirarrival.Itwasservedinhisroom,andasheatehestoppedatintervalstotakeanotherdipintothepileof



mailwhichhadbeenbroughtuptohim.

Inhismethodicalwayheopenedthelettersintheorderoftheirarrival,beginningwiththeonewhosepostmarkshowedtheearliestdate.Ittookalongtimetofinisheatingonaccountofthesepauses.HopChingwasbringinginhiscoffeewhenDavecameback,havinghadnotonlyhislunchinthedining-room,butastrollthroughthestreetsafterward.HefoundDoctorHuntingdonwithaphotographproppedupinfrontofhim,studyingitintentlywhileHopChingservedthecoffee.TheDoctorpassedthephotographtoDave.

[Illustration:_TheTowncrierandhisLass_]

"Takeitovertothewindowwhereyoucangetagoodlightonit,"hecommanded."Isn'tthatapeachofapicture?That'smylittledaughterandtheoldfriendI'malwaysquoting.ThetwoseemtobeasgreatchumsasheandIusedtobe.Idon'twanttoboreyou,Dave,butIwouldliketoreadyouthisletterthatshewrotetohermother,andhermothersentontome.InthefirstplaceI'mproudofherwritingsuchaletter.Ihadnoideashecouldexpressherselfsowell,andsecondlythesubjectmattermakesitaninterestingdocument.

"Onmylittlegirl'sbirthdayUncleDarcytookheroutinhisboat,_TheBetsey_.Thenameofthatoldboatcertainlydoessoundgoodtome!He

toldher--butwait!I'dratherreadittoyouinherownwords.It'llgiveyousuchagoodideaoftheoldman.PerhapsIoughttoexplainthathehadasonwhogotintotroublesometenyearsago,andlefthome.HewasjustalittlechapwhenIsawhimlast,hardlyoutofdresses,thefallIlefthomeforcollege.

"UncleDarcyandAuntElspethwerefairlyfoolishabouthim.Hehadcomeintotheirliveslate,yousee,aftertheirolderchildrendied.Idon'tbelieveitwouldmakeanydifferencetothemwhathe'ddo.Theywouldwelcomehimbackfromtheverygallowsifhe'donlycome.Hismotherneverhasbelievedhedidanythingwrong,andthehopeoftheoldman'slifeisthathis'Danny,'ashecallshim,willmakegoodinsomeway--dosomethingtowipeoutthestainonhisnameandcomebackto

him."

TheDoctorpausedasifwaitingforsomeencouragementtoread.

"Goon,"saidDave."I'dliketohearit,bestintheworld."

Heturnedhischairsothathecouldlookoutofthewindowattheharbor.TheChinesesampansofeverycolorwereglidingacrossthewaterlikeaflockofgaily-huedswans.HeseemedtobedividinghisattentionbetweenthosenativeboatsandtheletterwhentheDoctorfirstbegantoread.ItwasGeorgina'srainbowletter,andthecolorsoftherainbowwererepeatedagainandagainbytheredsandyellowsandbluesofthatfleetofsampans.

ButastheDoctorreadonDavelistenedmoreintently,sointently,infact,thathewithdrewhisattentionentirelyfromthewindow,andleaningforward,buriedhisfaceinhishands,hiselbowsrestingonhisknees.TheDoctorfoundhiminthisattitudewhenhelookedupattheend,expectingsomesortofcomment.HewasusedtoDave'ssilences,buthehadthoughtthissurelywouldcallforthsomeremark.Thenashestudiedthebowedfigure,itflashedintohismindthatthelettermusthavetouchedsomechordintheboy'sownpast.MaybeDavehadanoldfathersomewhere,longingforhisreturn,andthememorywasbreaking



himallup.

Silently,theDoctorturnedasidetothepileoflettersstillunread.Georgina'ssternlittlenotebeginning"DearSir"wasthenextinorderandwasinsuchsharpcontrasttotheloving,intimatewaysheaddressedhermother,thathefelttheintendedreproachofit,evenwhileitamusedandsurprisedhim.Butithurtalittle.Itwasn'tpleasanttohavehisonlychildregardhimasastranger.Itwasfortunatethatthenextletterwastheoneinwhichshehastenedtocallhim"aSaint-George-and-the-dragonsortoffather."

WhenhereadBarbara'sexplanationofhislongsilenceandGeorgina'squickacceptanceofit,hewantedtotakethembothinhisarmsandtellthemhowdeeplyhewastouchedbytheirloveandloyalty;thathehadn'tintendedtobeneglectfulofthemorsoabsorbedinhisworkthatheputitfirstinhislife.Butitwashardforhimtoputsuchthingsintowords,eitherwrittenorspoken.Hehadlefttoomuchtobetakenforgrantedheadmittedremorsefullytohimself.

Foralongtimehesatstaringsternlyintospace.Sopeoplehadbeengossipingabouthim,hadthey?AndBarbaraandthebabyhadheardthewhispersandbeenhurtbythem----He'dgohomeandputastoptoit.HestraightenedhimselfupandturnedtoreporthissuddendecisiontoDave.Butthechairbythewindowwasempty.TheDoctorglancedoverhis

shoulder.Davehadchangedhisseatandwassittingbehindhim.Theywerebacktoback,butamirrorhunginsuchawaytheDoctorcouldseeDave'sface.

Witharmscrossedonalittletableinfrontofhim,hewasleaningforwardforanotherlookatthephotographwhichhehadproppedupagainstavase.Ahungryyearningwasinhisfaceashebenttowardsit,gazingintoitasifhecouldnotlookhisfill.SuddenlyhisheadwentdownonhiscrossedarmsinsuchahopelessfashionthatinaflashDoctorHuntingdondivinedthereason,andrecognizedtheresemblancethathadhauntedhim.Nowheunderstoodwhytheboyhadstayedbehindtonursehim.Nowadozentriflingincidentsthathadseemedofnoimportancetohimatthetime,confirmedhissuspicion.

Hisfirstimpulsewastocryout"_Dan!_"buthislife-longhabitofrepressioncheckedhim.Hefelthehadnorighttointrudeontheprivacywhichtheboyguardedsojealously.ButUncleDarcy'sson!Offhereinaforeignland,boweddownwithremorseandhomesickness!Howhemusthavebeentorturedwithallthattalkoftheoldtownanditspeople!

AgreatwaveofpityandyearningtendernesssweptthroughtheDoctor'sheartashesattwistedaroundinhischair,staringatthatreflectioninthemirror.Hewasuncertainwhatheoughttodo.Helongedtogotohimwithsomewordofcomfort,butheshrankfromthethoughtofsayinganythingwhichwouldseemanintrusion.

Finallyherose,andwalkingacrosstheroom,laidhishandonthebowedshoulderwithasympatheticpressure.

"Lookhere,myboy,"hesaid,inhisdeep,quietvoice."I'mnotaskingyouwhatthetroubleis,butwhateveritisyou'llletmehelpyou,won'tyou?You'vegivenmetherighttoaskthatbyallyou'vedoneforme.AnythingIcoulddowouldbeonlytoolittleforonewhohasstoodbymethewayyouhave.IwantyoutofeelthatI'myourfriendinthedeepestmeaningofthatword.Youcancountonmeforanything."Thenin



alightertoneashegavetheshoulderahalf-playfulslapheadded,"I'm_for_you,son."

Theyoungermanraisedhisheadandstraightenedhimselfupinhischair.

"Youwouldn'tbe!"heexclaimed,"ifyouknewwhoIam."Thenheblurtedouttheconfession:"I'mDanDarcy.Ican'tletyougoonbelievinginmewhenyoutalklikethat."

"ButIknewitwhenIsaidwhatIdid,"interruptedDoctorHuntingdon."ItflashedovermefirstwhenIsawyoulookingatyourfather'spicture.Nomancouldlookatastranger'sfacethatway.ThenIknewwhattheresemblancewasthathaspuzzledmeeversinceImetyou.TheonlywondertomeisthatIdidnotseeitlongago."

"Youknewit,"repeatedDanslowly,"andyetyoutoldmetocountyouasafriendinthedeepestmeaningofthatword.Howcouldyoumeanit?"

TheDoctor'sanswercamewithdeepimpressiveness.

"Because,despitewhateverslipyoumayhavemadeasaboyofeighteen,youhavegrownintoamanworthyofsuchafriendship.Asurgeoninmypositionlearnstoreadcharacter,learnstoknowanhonestmanwhenhe

seesone.Nomatterwhatliesbehindyouthatyouregret,Ihaveeveryconfidenceinyounow,Dan.IamconvincedyouareworthytobethesonofevensuchamanasDanielDarcy."

Heheldouthishandtohaveittakeninalong,silentgripthatmadeitache.

"Comeonandgobackhomewithme,"urgedtheDoctor."You'vemadegoodouthere.Dothebravethingnowandgobackandlivedownthepast.It'llmaketheoldfolkssohappyit'llwipeouttheheart-breakofallthoseyearsthatyou'vebeenaway."

Dan'sonlyresponsewasanothergraspoftheDoctor'shandasstrongand

aspainfulasthefirst.Pullinghimselfupbyithestoodaninstanttryingtosaysomething,then,tooovercometoutteraword,madeadashforthedoor.

DoctorHuntingdonwassostirredbythescenethathefounditdifficulttogobacktohisletters,buttheverynextoneinorderhappenedtobetheoneGeorginawrotetohermotherjustafterBellehadgivenherconsenttoBarby'sbeingtoldofEmmett'sconfession.Hereadthelatterpartofit,standing,forhehadsprungtohisfeetwiththesurpriseofitsopeningsentence.HedidnotevenknowthatEmmetthadbeendeadalltheseyears,andDan,whohadhadnowordfromhomeduringallhisabsence,couldnotknowiteither.Hewasinatremorofeagernesstohurrytohimwiththenews,buthewaitedtoscantherestofthe

letter.

ThenwithitflutteringopeninhishandhestrodeacrossthehallandburstintoDan'sroomwithoutknocking.

"Packupyourjunk,thisminute,boy,"heshouted."Wetakethefirstboatoutofhereforhome.Lookatthis!"

HethrustGeorgina'sletterbeforeDan'sbewilderedeyes.



CHAPTERXXIX

WHILETHEYWAITED

"THEREcomestheboyfromthetelegraphoffice."Mrs.Triplettspokewithsucharaven-likenoteofforebodinginhervoicethatGeorgina,practisingherdailyscales,letherhandsfalllimplyfromthekeys.

"TheTishbite!"shethoughtuneasily.Whatevilwasitabouttosendintothehousenow,undercoverofthatyellowenvelope?WouldittakeBarbyawayfromherasithaddonebefore?

Sittingmotionlessonthepianostool,shewaitedindreadwhileMrs.Tripletthurriedtothedoorbeforetheboycouldring,signedforthemessageandsilentlyboreitupstairs.Theveryfactthatshewentupwithitherself,insteadofcallingtoBarbythatamessagehadcome,gaveGeorginatheimpressionthatitcontainedbadnews.

"A_cablegram_forme?"sheheardBarbyask.Thentherewasamoment'ssilenceinwhichsheknewthemessagewasbeingopenedandread.Then

therewasamurmurasifshewerereadingitaloudtoTippyandthen--anexcitedwhirlwindofaBarbyflyingdownthestairs,hereyeslikehappystars,herarmsoutstretchedtogatherGeorginaintothem,andhervoicehalflaugh,halfsob,singing:

"_Oh,he'scominghometomeBabymine!_"

NeverbeforehadGeorginaseenhersoradiant,soexcited,sooverflowinglyhappythatshegaveventtoherfeelingsasalittleschoolgirlmighthavedone.SeizingGeorginainherarmsshewaltzedheraroundtheroomuntilshewasdizzy.Comingtoapauseatthepianostoolsheseatedherselfandplayed,"TheYearofJubileeHasCome,"in

deep,crashingchordsandtricklylittlerunsandtrills,tilltheoldtunewastransformedintoapaenofjubilation.

Thenshetookthemessagefromherbelt,whereshehadtuckeditandre-readittoassureherselfofitsreality.

"Startinghomeimmediately.Staythreemonths,dragoncaptured."

"Thatmustmeanthathisquesthasbeenfairlysuccessful,"shesaid."Ifhe'sfoundthecauseofthediseaseit'llbeonlyamatteroftimetillhefindshowtokillit."

Thenshelookedup,puzzled.

"Howstrangeforhimtocallitthe_dragon_.Howcouldheknowwe'dunderstand,andthatwe'vebeencallingitthat?"

Georgina'stimehadcomeforconfession.

"Oh,IwrotehimalittlenoteafteryoutoldmethestoryandtoldhimIwasproudofhavingaSaint-George-kindofafather,andthatwehopedeverydayhe'dgetthemicrobe."



"Youdarling!"exclaimedBarbara,drawinghertoherforanotherimpulsivehug.ShedidnotaskasGeorginawasafraidshewould:

"Whydidn'tyoutellmeyouwerewritingtoyourfather?"Barbaraunderstood,withoutasking,rememberingtheheadbowedinherlapafterthatconfessionofherencounterwiththepryingstrangerinthebakery.

SuddenlyGeorginaasked:

"Barby,whatisthe'Tishbite?'"

"Thewhat?"echoedBarby,wrinklingherforeheadinperplexity.

"The_Tishbite_.Don'tyouknowitsaysintheBible,ElijahandtheTishbite----"

"Oh,no,dear,you'veturneditaround,andputtheandinthewrongplace.Itis'_And_ElijahtheTishbite,'justaswe'dsayWilliamtheNormanorManuelthePortuguese."

"Well,forpitysakes!"drawledGeorginainalong,slowbreathofrelief."Is_that_all?IwishI'dknownitlongago.Itwouldhavesavedmealotofscaryfeelings."

ThenshetoldhowshehadmadethewishonthestarandtriedtoproveitasBellehadtaughther,byopeningtheBibleatrandom.

"Ifyouhadreadon,"saidBarby,"you'dhavefoundwhatitmeantyourownself."

"ButthebookshutupbeforeIhadachance,"explainedGeorgina."AndInevercouldfindtheplaceagain,althoughI'vehuntedandhunted.AndIwassureitmeantsomesortofdevil,andthatitwouldcomeandpunishmeforusingtheBiblethatwayasifitwereahoodoo."

"Thenwhydidn'tyouaskme?"insistedBarby."There'sanothertimeyousee,whenabigworryandmisunderstandingcouldhavebeenclearedaway

withaword.Tothinkofyourlivingindreadallthattime,whentheTishbitewasonlyagoodoldprophetwhosepresencebroughtablessingtothehousewhichshelteredhim."

ThatnightwhenGeorgina'scurlswerebeingbrushedshesaid,"Barby,IknownowwhomyTishbiteis;it'sCaptainKidd.He'sbroughtablessingeversincehecametothistown.Ifithadn'tbeenforhisbarkingthatdaywewereplayinginthegarageIwouldn'tbeherenowtotellthetale.Ifithadn'tbeenforhimIwouldn'thaveknownRichard,andwe'dneverhavestartedtoplayingpirate.Andifwehadn'tplayedpirateRichardwouldn'thaveaskedtoborrowtherifle,andifhehadn'taskedweneverwouldhavefoundthenotehiddeninthestock,andifwehadn'tfoundthenotenobodywouldhaveknownthatDannywasinnocent.Thenif

CaptainKiddhadn'tfoundthepouchwewouldn'thaveseenthecompassthatledtofindingthewild-catwomanwhotoldusthatDannywasaliveandwell."

"WhataHouse-That-Jack-Builtsortoftalethatwas!"exclaimedBarby,muchamused."We'llhavetodosomethinginCaptainKidd'shonor.Givehimapartyperhaps,andlightuptheholidaytree."

Theusualbedtimeceremonieswereover,andBarbyhadturnedoutthelightandreachedthedoorwhenGeorginaraisedherselfonherelbowto



call:

"Barby,I'vejustthoughtofit.ThewishImadeonthatstarthatnightisbeginningtocometrue.NearlyeverybodyIknowishappyaboutsomething."Thenshesnuggledherheaddownonthepillowwithalittlewriggleofsatisfaction."Ugh!thisissuchagoodworld.I'msogladI'mlivinginit.Aren'tyou?"

AndBarbyhadtocomeallthewaybackinthedarktoemphasizeherheartfelt"yes,indeed,"withahug,andtosealtherestlesseyelidsdownwithakiss--theonlywaytomakethemstayshut.

Richardcamebackthenextday.HebroughtapicturetoGeorginafromMr.Locke.Itwasthecopyoftheillustrationhehadpromisedher,thefairyshallopwithitssailssetwide,comingacrossaseaofDreams,andattheprow,white-handedHope,theangelgirtwithgoldenwings,whichsweptbackoverthesidesofthevessel.

"ThinkofhavingapaintingbythefamousMilfordNorrisLocke!"exclaimedBarby.Shehungoveritadmiringly."Mostpeoplewouldbehappytohavejusthisautograph."Shebentnearertoexaminethenameinthecornerofthepicture."What'sthisunderneath?LookslikenumberIV."

"Oh,thatmeanshe'snumberfourinourRainbowClub.PeggyBurrellisnumberfiveandtheCaptainisnumbersix.That'sallthememberswehavesofar."

"Aren'tyougoingtocountmein?"askedBarby.

"Oh,you_are_countedin.You'vebelongedfromthebeginning.Wemadeyouan_honary_memberorwhateveritistheycallit,peoplewhodeservetobelongbecausethey'realwaysdoingnicethings,butdon'tknowit.There'syouandUncleDarcyandCaptainKidd,becausehesavedourlivesandsavedourfamiliesfromhavingtohaveadoublefuneral."

Barbystoopedtotakethelittleterrier'sheadbetweenherhandsand

pat-a-cakeitbackandforthwithanaffectionatecaress.

"CaptainKidd,"shesaidgaily,"youshallhaveapartythisverynight,andthereshallbebonesandcakesontheholidaytree,andyoushallbethebestmanwitha'normousbluebowonyourcollar,andwe'llalldancearoundinyourhonorthisway."

Springingtoherfeetandholdingtheterrier'sfrontpaws,shewaltzedhimaroundandaroundonhishindlegs,singing:

"_Allaroundthebarberrybush,Barberrybush,barberrybush.Allaroundthebarberrybush

Soearlyinthemorning._"

Georgina,accustomedallherlifetosuchfriskyperformances,tookitasamatterofcoursethatBarbyshouldgiveventtoherfeelingsinthesamewaythatsheherselfwouldhavedone,butRichardstoodby,bewildered.Itwasarevelationtohimthatanybody'smothercouldbesocharminglyandunreservedlygay.Sheseemedmorelikeabigsisterthananyofthemothersofhisacquaintance.Hecouldn'trememberhisown,andwhileAuntLettywasalwayssweetandgoodtohimhecouldn'timagineherwaltzingadogaroundonitshindlegsanymorethanhe



couldimagineMrs.MarthaWashingtondoingit.

Theholidaytreewasanotherrevelationtohim,whenhecamebackatdusktofinditlightedwiththecoloredlanternsandbloomingwithflagsandhungwithsurprisesforGeorginaandhimself.

"You'veneverseenitlighted,"Barbyexplained,"andGeorgina'sbirthdayhadtobeskippedbecauseIwasn'theretocelebrate,sowe'verolledalltheholidaysintoone,foragrandcelebrationinCaptainKidd'shonor."

ItwastoshortenthetimeofwaitingthatBarbarathrewherselfintothechildren'sgamesandpleasuressoheartily.Everynightshetorealeafoffthecalendarandplannedsomethingtofillupthenextdaytothebrimwithworkorplay.TheyclimbedtothetopofthemonumentwhenshefoundthatRichardhadnevermadetheascent,andstoodlong,lookingofftoPlymouth,twentymilesaway,andatthetownspreadoutbelowthem,seemingfromtheirgreatheight,atinytoyvillage.TheywenttoTrurotoseethebayberrycandle-dipping.TheyplayedMaudMuller,rakingtheyard,becausetheboywhomoldJeremyhadinstalledinhisplacehadhurthisfoot.OldJeremy,beingwellontowardninetynow,nolongerattemptedanywork,thoughstillhaleandhearty.Butthegardenhadbeenhisespecialdomaintoolongforhimtogiveitupentirely,andhespenthoursinitdaily,tothedisgustofhis

easy-goingsuccessor.

TherewerepicnicsatHighlandLightandtheRacePointlife-savingstation.Therewerelongwalksoutthestateroad,throughthedunesandbythecranberrybogs.ButeverythingwhichspeededBarbara'sweeksoffeverishwaiting,hurryingheronnearerherheart'sdesire,broughtRichardnearertothetimeofpartingfromtheoldseaporttownandthebesttimeshehadeverknown.Hehadkodakpicturesofalltheiroutings.Mostofthemwerelight-struckoroutoffocusorover-exposed,buthetreasuredthembecausehehadtakenthemhimselfwithhisfirstlittleBrowniecamera.Therewasnothingwrongorqueerwiththerecollectionofthescenestheybroughttohim.Hismemoryphotographedonlyperfectdays,andhedreadedtohavethemend.

BeforethoseweekswereoverRichardbegantofeelthathebelongedtoBarbyinaway,andshetohim.Thereweremanylittlescenesofwhichnosnapshotcouldbetaken,whichleftindelibleimpressions.

Forinstance,thoseeveningsinthedimroomlightedonlybythemoonlightstreaminginthroughtheopenwindows,whenBarbysatatthepianowithGeorginabesideher,singing,whilehelookedoutovertheseaandfeltthesoulofhimstirvaguely,asifhehadwingssomewhere,waitingtobeunfurled.

ThelastSundayofhisvacationhewenttochurchwithBarbaraandGeorgina.Itwasn'ttheChurchofthePilgrims,butanother

white-toweredonenearby.Thepresidentofthebankwasoneoftheushers.HecalledRichardbynamewhenheshookhandswiththethreeofthematthedoor.ThatinitselfgaveRichardasenseofimportanceandofbeingwelcome.Itwasaplainold-fashionedchurch,itsonlydecorationabigbowloftiger-liliesonatabledowninfrontofthepulpit.Whenhetookhisseatinoneofthehighfrontpewshefeltthathehadneverbeeninsuchaquiet,peacefulplacebefore.

Theywereveryearly.Thewindowswereopen,andnowandthenabreezeblowinginfromtheseaflutteredtheleavesofahymn-booklyingopen



onthefrontseat.Eachtimetheyflutteredheheardanothersoundalso,asfaintandsweetasifitweretheringingoflittlecrystalbells.Georgina,ontheothersideofBarby,heardittoo,andtheylookedateachotherquestioningly.ThenRicharddiscoveredwherethetinklecamefrom,andpointedupwardtocallherattentiontoit.There,fromthecenteroftheceilingswungagreat,old-fashionedchandelier,hungwithacircleofpendantprisms,eachoneaslargeandshiningastheoneUncleDarcyhadgivenher.

Georginaknewbetterthantowhisperinsuchaplace,butshecouldn'thelpleaningpastBarbysothatRichardcouldseeherlipssilentlyformthewords,"RainbowClub."ShewonderedifMr.Gateshadstartedit.Therewereenoughprismsfornearlyeverymemberinthechurchtoclaimone.

Barby,readingthesilentmessageofherlipsandguessingthatGeorginawaswonderingoverthediscovery,movedherownlipstoformthewords,"just_honorary_members."

Georginanoddedhersatisfaction.Itwasgoodtoknowthatthereweresomanyofthemintheworld,allworkingforthesameend,whethertheyrealizeditornot.

Justbeforetheservicebegananoldladyintheadjoiningpewnextto

Richard,reachedoverthepartitionandofferedhimseveralcloves.HewastooastonishedtorefusethemandshowedthemtoBarby,notknowingwhattodowiththem.Sheleaneddownandwhisperedbehindherfan:

"Sheeatsthemtokeepherawakeinchurch."

Richardhadnointentionofgoingtosleep,buthechewedoneup,findingitsohotitalmoststrangledhim.Everyseatwasfilledinashorttime,andpresentlyadrowsinesscreptintotheheatedairwhichbegantoweavesomekindofaspellaroundhim.Hisshoeswerenewandhiscollarchafedhisneck.Hiseyelidsgrewheavierandheavier.Hestaredattheliliestillthewholefrontofthechurchseemedfilledwiththem.Helookedupatthechandelierandbegantocounttheprisms,

andwatchforthetimesthatthebreezesweptacrossthemandsetthemtotinkling.

Then,thenextthingthatheknewhewaswakingfromalongdozeonBarby'sshoulder.Shewasfanninghimwithslowsweepsofherwhite-featheredfanwhichsmelleddeliciouslyofsomefaintperfume,andthemanfromBostonwassingingallalone,somethingaboutstillwavesandbeingbroughtintoahaven.

AsenseofSabbathpeaceandstillnessenfoldedhim,withthebeautyofthemusicandthelilies,thetinklingprisms,thefaint,warmperfumewaftedacrosshisfacebyBarby'sfan.Thememoryofitallstayedwithhimassomethingverysacredandsweet,hecouldnottellwhy,unlessit

wasthatBarby'sshoulderwassuchadearplaceforalittlemotherlesslad'sheadtolie.

Georgina,leaningagainstBarbyontheotherside,halfasleep,satupandstraightenedherhatwhentheanthembegan.BeingaHuntingdonshecouldnotturnassomepeopledidandstareupatthechoirloftbehindherwhenthatwonderfulvoicesangalone.Shelookedupattheprismsinstead,andasshelookeditseemedtoherthatthevoicewasthevoiceofthewhiteangelHope,standingattheprowofaboat,itsgoldenwingssweepingback,asstorm-tossedbuttriumphant,itbroughtthe



vesselinatlasttohappyanchorage.

Thewordswhichthevoicesangwerethewordsonwhichtherainbowhadrested,thatdayshereadthemtoAuntElspeth:"_SoHebringeththemintotheirdesiredhaven._"Theyhadseemedlikemusicthen,butnow,rollingupward,asifHopeherselfweresingingthemattheprowofLife'stossingshallop,theyweremorethanmusic.Theyvoicedthejoyofgreatdesirefindinggreatfulfilment.

[Illustration]

CHAPTERXXX

NEARINGTHEEND

"OLDMr.Potterhashadastroke."

GeorginacalledthenewsuptoRichardasshepausedatthefootoftheGreenStairsonherwaytothenet-mender'shouse.

"BellesentanoteoveralittlewhileagoandI'mtakingtheanswerback.Comeandgowithme."

Richard,whohadbeentrundlingCaptainKiddaroundonhisforefeetintheroleofwheelbarrow,droppedthedog'shindlegswhichhehadbeenusingashandlesandcamejumpingdownthesteps,twoatatimetodoherbidding.

"Belle'sgoneovertotakecareofthings,"Georginaexplained,withanimportantairastheywalkedalong."There'samantohelpnursehim,butshe'llstayontotheend."HertoneandwordswereTippy'sownasshemadethisannouncement.

"Endofwhat?"askedRichard."Andwhat'sastroke?"

HalfanhourearlierGeorginacouldnothaveansweredhisquestion,butsheexplainednowwiththeairofonewhohashadalifetimeofexperience.ItwasMrs.Triplett'sfundshewasdrawingon,however,andoldJeremy's.Belle'snotehadstartedthemtocomparingreminiscences,andoutoftheirconversationGeorginahadgatheredmanygruesomefacts.

"Youmaybegoingaboutaswellandheartyasusual,andsuddenlyit'llstrikeyoutoearthlikelightning,anditmayleaveyoupowerlesstomoveforweeksandsometimesevenyears.Youmayknowallthat'sgoingonaroundyoubutnotbeabletospeakormakeasign.Mr.Potterisn't

asbadasthat,buthe'sspeechless.Withhimtheendmaycomeanytime,yethemaylingeronfornobodyknowshowlong."

Richardhadoftenpassedthenet-mender'scottageinthemachine,andstaredinattheoldmanplyinghistwine-shuttleinfrontofthedoor.ThefactthathewasEmmett'sfatherandignorantofthesecretwhichRichardshared,madeanobjectofintenseinterestoutofanotherwiseunattractiveandcommonplaceoldman.Nowthatinterestgrewvastandovershadowingasthechildrenapproachedthehouse.



Belle,steppingtothefrontdoorwhensheheardthegateclick,motionedforthemtogoaroundtotheback.Astheypassedanopensidewindow,eachlookedin,involuntarilyattractedbythesightofabeddrawnupclosetoit.Thentheyglancedateachother,startledandawedbywhattheysaw,andbumpedintoeachotherintheirhastetogetbyasquicklyaspossible.

Onthebedlayarigidform,stretchedoutunderawhitecounterpane.Allthatshowedofthefaceabovethebushywhiskerswasaswaxenlookingasifdeathhadalreadytouchedit,butthesunkeneyeshalfopen,showedthattheywerestillinthemysteriousholdofwhatoldJeremycalleda"livingdeath."Itwasasightwhichneitherofthemcouldputoutoftheirmindsfordaysafterward.

Bellemetthematthebackdoor,solemn,unsmiling,herhushedtonesaddingtotheairofmysterywhichseemedtoshroudthehouse.AsshefinishedreadingthenoteaneighborcameinthebackwayandBelleaskedthechildrentowaitafewminutes.TheydroppeddownonthegrasswhileBelle,leaningagainstthepump,answeredMrs.Brown'squestionsinlowtones.

Shehadbeenupallnight,shetoldMrs.Brown.Yes,shewasgoingtostayontillthecallcame,nomatterwhetheritwasaweekorayear.Mrs.Brownspokeinahoarsewhisperwhichbrokenowandthen,letting

hernaturalvoicethroughwithstartlingeffect.

"It'scertainlynobleofyou,"shedeclared."There'snotmanywhowouldputthemselvesouttodoforanoldpersonwhohadn'tanyclaimonthemthewayyouaredoingforhim.There'llsurelybestarsin_your_ crown."

Later,asthechildrentrudgedbackhome,soberedbyalltheyhadseenandheard,Georginabrokethesilence.

"Well,IthinkweoughttoputBelle'snameontheverytoplineofourclubbook.Sheoughttobeanhonarymember--theveryhonaryestoneofall."

"Why?"askedRichard.

"YouheardallMrs.Brownsaid.Seemstomewhatshe'sdoingtogiveoldMr.Potteragoodtimeistheverynoblest----"

TherewasanamazedlookonRichard'sfaceasheinterruptedwiththeexclamation:

"Gee-minee!Youdon'tcallwhatthatoldman'shavingagoodtime,doyou?"

"Well,it'sgoodtowhatitwouldbeifBellewasn'ttakingcareofhim.

AndifshedoesasMrs.Brownsays,'carriessomecomfortintothevalleyoftheshadowforhim,makinghislastdaysbright,'isn'tthattheverybiggestrainbowanybodycouldmake?"

"Ye-es,"admittedRichardinadoubtfultone."Maybeitisifyouputitthatway."

Theywalkedafewblocksmoreinsilence,thenhesaid:

"Ithink_Dan_oughttobeanhonarymember."



ItwasGeorgina'sturntoaskwhy.

"Aw,youknowwhy!Takingtheblameonhimselfthewayhedidandeverything."

"ButhemadejustasbadtimesforUncleDarcyandAuntElspethashemadegoodtimesforMr.PotterandEmmett.Idon'tthinkhehasanyrighttobelongatall."

Theyarguedthequestionhotlyforafewminutes,comingnearertoaquarrelthantheyhadeverbeenbefore,andonlydroppingitastheycrossedtoasidestreetwhichledintothedunes.

"Let'sturnhereandgohomethisway,"suggestedRichard."Let'sgolookattheplacewhereweburiedthepouchandseeifthesandhasshiftedany."

Nothingwaschanged,however,exceptthattheholestheyhaddugwerefilledtothelevelnow,andthesandstretchedanunbrokensurfaceasbeforethedayoftheirdigging.

"CousinJamessaysthatifeverthegoldcomestothetopwecanhaveit,becausehepaidthewoman.ButifiteverdoesIwon'tbehereto

seeit.I'vegottogohomeineightmoredays."

Hestoodkickinghistoesintothesandasheaddeddolefully,"Hereitistheendofthesummerandwe'veonlyplayedatbeingpirates.We'venevergoneaftertherealstuffindeadearnest,onesingletime."

"Iknow,"admittedGeorgina."Firstwehadtowaitsolongforyourportraittobefinishedandthenyouwentoffontheyacht,andallinbetweentimesthingshavehappenedsofastthereneverwasanytime.Butwefoundsomethingjustasgoodaspiratestuff--thatnoteintheriflewasworthmoretoUncleDarcythanachestofgold."

"AndCaptainKiddwasasgoodasarealpirate,"saidRichard,

brighteningatthethought,"forhebroughthomeabagofrealgold,andwastheonewhostartedusafterthewild-catwoman.IguessUncleDarcywouldratherknowwhatshetoldhimthanhaveachestofducatsandpearls."

"Wecangonextsummer,"suggestedGeorgina.

"MaybeIwon'tbeherenextsummer.Dadalwayswantstotrynewplacesonhisvacation.HeandAuntLettyliketomove.ButI'dliketostayherealways.IhatetogoawayuntilIfindouttheendofthings.IwishIcouldstayuntiltheletterisfoundandDancomeshome."

"Youmaybeagrown-upmanbeforeeitherofthosethingshappen,"

remarkedGeorginasagely.

"ThenI'llknowI'llbeheretosee'm,"wasthetriumphantanswer,"becausewhenI'mamanI'mcomingbackheretolivealltherestofmylife.It'sthenicestplacethereis."

"IfanythinghappenssoonerI'llwriteandtellyou,"promisedGeorgina.

Somethinghappenedtheverynextmorning,however,andGeorginakeptpartofherpromisethoughnotinwriting,whenshecamerunningupthe



GreenStairs,excitedandeager.Hernewswassotremendouslyimportantthatthewordstumbledovereachotherinherhastetotellit.Shecouldhardlymakeherselfunderstood.Thegistofitwasthatalongnightletterhadjustarrivedfromherfather,sayingthathehadlandedinSanFranciscoandwastakingthefirsthomewardboundtrain.HewouldstopinWashingtonforacoupleofdaystoattendtosomebusiness,andthenwascominghomeforalongvisit.And--thiswasthesentenceGeorginasavedtilllasttoelectrifyRichardwith:

"_AmbringingDanwithme._"

"Hedidn'tsaywherehefoundhimoranythingelseaboutit,"addedGeorgina,"only'preparehisfamilyforthesurprise.'SoBarbywentstraightdowntheretoFishburnCourtandshe'stellingAuntElspethandUncleDarcynow,sothey'llhavetimetogetusedtothenewsbeforehewalksinonthem."

Theysatdownonthetopstepwiththedogbetweenthem.

"Theymustknowitbythistime,"remarkedGeorgina."Oh,don'tyouwishyoucouldseewhat'shappening,andhowgladeverybodyis?UncleDarcywillwanttostartrightoutwithhisbellandringittillitcracks,tellingthewholetown."

"Buthewon'tdoit,"saidRichard."Hepromisedhewouldn't."

"AnyhowtillBellesayshecan,"amendedGeorgina."I'msureshe'llsaysowhen'thecall'comes,butnobodyknowswhenthatwillbe.Itmaybesoonanditmaynotbeforyears."

Theysatthereonthestepsalongtime,talkingquietly,butwiththeholidayfeelingthatonehaswhenwaitingforaprocessiontopassby.Theveryairseemedfullofthatsenseofexpectancy,ofwaitingforsomethingtohappen.

CHAPTERXXXI

COMINGSANDGOINGS

OUTtowardsthecranberrybogswenttheTowncrier.Nohaltingstepthistime,nowearydroopofshoulders.Itwouldhavetakenaswift-footedboytokeeppacewithhimonthiserrand.HewascarryingthenewstoBelle.Whatheexpectedhertosayhedidnotstoptoaskhimself,nordidhenoticeinthetumultuousjoywhichkepthisoldheartpoundingatunwontedspeed,thatsheturnedwhitewiththesuddennessofhistelling,andthenawaveofcolorsurgedoverherface.

Heronlyanswerwastoleadhimintotheroomwheretheoldnet-menderlayhelpless,turningappealingeyestoherassheentered,withthelookinthemthatoneseesintheeyesofagratefuldumbanimal.HisgazedidnotreachasfarastheTowncrier,whohaltedonthethresholduntilBellejoinedhimthere.Sheledhimoutside.

"Youseeforyourselfhowitis,"wasallshesaid."Doasyouthinkbestaboutit."



OutontheroadagaintheTowncrierstoodhesitating,uncertainwhichcoursetotake.Twicehestartedinthedirectionofhome,thenretracedhisstepsagaintostandconsidering.Finallyhestraightenedupwithadeterminedairandstartedbrisklydowntheroadwhichledtothecenterofthetown.Straighttothebankhewent,askingforMr.Gates,andamomentlaterwasadmittedintothepresident'sprivateoffice.

"AndwhatcanIdoforyou,UncleDan'l?"wasthecordialgreeting.

Theoldmandroppedheavilyintothechairsetoutforhim.Hewasoutofbreathfromhisrapidgoing.

"YoucandomeoneofthebiggestfavorsIeveraskedofanybodyifyouonlywill.DoyourememberasealedenvelopeIbroughtinherethefirstofthesummerandaskedyoutokeepformetillIcalledforit?"

"Yes,doyouwantitnow?"

"I'mgoingtoshowyouwhat'sinit."

Hehadsuchanairofsuppressedexcitementashesaiditandhisbreathingwassolabored,thatMr.Gateswonderedwhatcouldhavehappenedtoaffecthimso.Whenhecamebackfromthevaulthecarriedtheenvelopewhichhadbeenleftinhischargeearlierinthesummer.

UncleDarcytoreitopenwithfingersthattrembledintheireagerness.

"WhatI'mabouttoshowyouisforyoureyesalone,"hesaid.Hetookoutacrumpledsheetofpaperwhichhadoncebeentornintwoandpastedtogetheragaininclumsyfashion.Itwasthepaperwhichhadbeenwaddedupintherifle,whichBellehadseizedwithhystericalfury,tornintwoandflungfromher.

"There!Readthat!"hecommanded.

Mr.Gateskneweverybodyintown.HehadbeenoneoftheleadingcitizenswhohadsubscribedtothemonumentinEmmettPotter'shonor.Hecouldscarcelybelievetheevidenceofhisowneyesashereadthe

confessionthrustintohishands,andhehadneverbeenmoresurprisedatanytaleevertoldhimthantheoneUncleDarcyrelatednowofthewayithadbeenfound,andhispromisetoBelleTriplett.

"I'mnotgoingtomakeitpublicwhileoldPotterhangson,"hesaidinconclusion."I'llwaittillhe'spastfeelingthehurtsofearth.ButMr.Gates,I'vehadwordthatmyDanny'scominghome.Ican'tlettheboycomebacktodarklooksandcoldshouldersturnedonhimeverywhere.Ithoughtifyou'djuststartthewordaroundthathe'sallright--thatsomebodyelseconfessedtowhathe'saccusedof--thatyou'dseentheproofwithyourowneyesandcouldvouchforhisbeingallright--if _you'd_justgivehimawelcominghandandshowyoubelievedinhimitwouldmakeallthedifferenceintheworldinDanny'shome-coming.You

needn'tmentionanynames,"hepleaded."Iknowit'llmakealotoftalkandsurmising,butthatwon'thurtanybody.Ifyoucouldjustdothat----"

Whentheoldmanwalkedoutofthepresident'sofficehecarriedhisheadashighasifhehadbeengivenakingdom.Hehadbeengivenwhatwasworthmoretohim,theheartyhandclaspofamanwhose"wordwasasgoodasabond,"andthepromisethatDanshouldbewelcomedbacktothetownbygreatandsmall,asfaraswasinhispowertomakethatwelcomecordialandwidespread.



*****

DandidnotwaitinWashingtonwhileDoctorHuntingdonmadehisreport.Hecameonalone,andhavingmissedtheboat,tooktherailroadjourneydowntheCape.IntheearlySeptembertwilighthesteppedoffthecar,feelingasifhewereinastrangedream.Butwhenheturnedintooneofthebackstreetsleadingtohishome,itwasallsofamiliarandunchangedthathehadthestrangerfeelingofneverhavingbeenaway.Itwasthepasttenyearsthatseemedadream.

Hehadnotrealizedhowhelovedtheoldtownorthedepthofhislongingforit,untilhesawitnow,restoredtohim.Eventhefamiliar,savorysmellsfloatingoutfromvarioussuppertablesashepassedalong,gavehimkeenenjoyment.Someofthemhadbeenunknownallthetimeofhiswanderingsinforeignlands.Thevoices,thetypeoffeatures,thedressofthepeoplehepassed,theveriesttrifleswhichhenevernoticedwhenhelivedamongthem,thrilledhimnowwithasenseofhavingcomebacktohisown.

Halfadozenfishermenpassedhim,theirbootsclumpingheavily.Herecognizedtwoofthemifnotasindividuals,asmembersoffamilieshehadknown,fromtheirresemblancetotheolderones.Thenheturnedhisheadasideashereachedthelastman.Hewasnotreadytoberecognized

himself,yet.Hewantedtogohomefirst,andthismanattheendwasPeterWinn.Hehadsailedinhisboatmanyatime.

AcoldfogwassettlingovertheCourtwhenheturnedintoit.Assilentlyasthefogitselfhestolethroughthesandandinatthegate.Thefrontdoorwasshutandtheyellowblindpulleddownoverthewindow,butthelampbehinditsentoutaglow,reachingdimlythroughthefog.Hecreptupclosetoittolistenforthesoundofvoices,andsuddenlytwoblendedshadowswerethrownontheblind.Theoldmanwashelpinghiswifeupfromherrockingchairandsupportingherwithacarefularmasheguidedheracrosstothetable.Hisvoicerangoutcheerfullytothewaitinglistener.

"That'sit,Mother!That'sit!Justonemorestepnow.Why,you'redoingfine!IknewthewordofDanny'scominghomewouldputyouonyourfeetagain.Thelad'llbeheresoon,thankGod!Maybebeforeanothernightfall."

Amomentlaterandthelamp-lightthrewanothershadowontheyellowblind,plainasaphotograph.Itwaswellthatthefogdrewawhiteveilbetweenitandthestreet,foritwasapictureofjoytoosacredforcuriouseyestosee.

_Dannyhadcomehome!_

*****

ItwasthetenthofSeptember.Thetownlookedstrangelydesertedwithnearlyallthesummerpeoplegone.Therailroadwharfwastheonlyplacewheretherewastheusualbustleandcrowd,andthatwasbecausethe _DorothyBradford_wasgatheringupitspassengersforthelasttripoftheseason.

Richardwastobeoneofthem,andamostunwillingone.Notthathewassorrytobegoingbacktoschool.HehadmissedBinneyandthegang,andcouldhardlywaittobeginswappingexperienceswiththem.Buthewas



leavingCaptainKiddbehind.DogswerenotallowedintheapartmenthousetowhichhisfatherandAuntLettyintendedmovingthenextweek.

Therehadbeenasorrymorninginthegaragewhenthenewswasbrokentohim.Hecreptupintothemachineandlaydownonthebackseat,andcriedandcriedwithhisarmsaroundCaptainKidd'sneck.Thefaithfullittletonguereachedoutnowandthentolapawayhismaster'stears,andonceheliftedhispawandclawedatthelittlestripedshirtwaistasiftryingtoconveysomemutecomfort.

"You'rejustthesameasfolks!"sobbedRichard,huggingtheshaggyhead,laidlovinglyonhisbreast."Andit's_cruel_of'emtomakemegiveyouaway."

Severaldayshadpassedsincethatunhappymorning,however,andRicharddidnotfeelquitesodesolateovertheseparationnow.ForonethingithadnotbeennecessarytogiveupallclaimonCaptainKiddtoinsurehimagoodhome.Georginahadgladlyacceptedtheofferofhalfofhim,andhadcoaxedevenTippyintoaccordinghimareluctantwelcome.

Thepassengersalreadyondeckwatchedwithinterestthegroupnearthegang-plank.Richardwasputtingthecleverlittleterrierthroughhiswholelistoftricks.

"It'sthelasttime,oldfellow,"hesaidimploringlywhenthedoghesitatedoveroneofthem."Goonanddoitformethisonce.MaybeI'llneverseeyouagaintillI'mgrownupandyou'retoooldtorememberme."

"That'swhatyousaidaboutDan'scominghome,"remarkedGeorginafromundertheshadeofherpinkparasol.Thatparasolandthepinkdressandtherose-likeglowonthehappylittlefacewasattractingevenmoreadmirationfromthepassengersthanCaptainKidd'stricks.Barbara,standingbesideher,coolanddaintyinawhitedressandpalegreensweaterandgreenparasol,madealmostasmuchofapicture.

"YoutalkedthatwayaboutneverexpectingtoseeDannytillyouwere

grown,"continuedGeorgina,"anditturnedoutthatyounotonlysawhim,butwerewithhimlongenoughtohearsomeofhisadventures.Itwouldbethesamewayaboutyourcomingbackhereifyou'djustkeephopinghardenough."

"ComeDicky,"calledMr.Morelandfromtheupperdeck."They'reabouttotakeinthegang-plank.Don'tgetleft."

Maybeitwasjustaswellthattherewasnotimeforgood-byes.Maybeitwasmorethanthelittlefellowcouldhavemanagedmanfully.Asitwashisvoicesoundedsuspiciouslynearbreakingashecalledbackoverhisshoulder,almostgruffly:

"Wellyou--youbeasgoodtomyhalfofhimasyouaretoyours."

Amomentortwolater,leaningovertherailingoftheupperdeckhecouldseeCaptainKiddstrugglingandwhiningtofollowhim.ButBarbyheldtightlytothechainfastenedtohiscollar,andGeorgina,herpreciouspinkparasolcastaside,kneltonthewharfbesidethequivering,eagerlittlebodytoclaspherarmsaboutitandpouroutafloodofcomfortingendearments.

Widerandwidergrewthestretchofwaterbetweentheboatandthe



wharf.Richardkeptonwavinguntilhecouldnolongerdistinguishthelittlegroupontheendofthepier.ButheknewtheywouldbethereuntilthelastcurlofsmokefromthesteamerdisappearedaroundLongPoint.

"Here,"saidthefriendlyvoiceofawomanstandingnexttohim.Shehadbeenoneoftheinterestedwitnessesoftheparting.Shethrustanopera-glassintohishands.Foronemorelongsatisfyingmomenthehadanotherglimpseofthelittlegroup,stillfaithfullywaving,stillwatching.Howvery,veryfarawaytheywere!

Suddenlytheglassgrewsoblurryandqueeritwasnomoregood,andhehandeditbacktothewoman.Atthatmomenthewouldhavegivenallthepirategoldthatwaseveronlandorsea,wereithistogive,tobebackonthatpierwiththethreeofthem,abletoclaimthatoldseaporttownashishomeforeverandalways.Andthentheonethingthatithadtaughthimcametohishelp.Withhisheadup,helookedbacktothedistantshorewherethePilgrimmonumentreareditselflikeawatchfulgiant,andsaidhopefully,underhisbreath:

"Well,_someday_!"

*****

Georgina,wakingearlierthanusualthatSeptembermorning,lookedupandreadtheverseonthecalendaroppositeherbed,whichshehadreadeverymorningsincethemonthcamein.

"_Likeshipsmydayssailswifttoport,IknownotifthisbeTheonetobearacargorareOfhappinesstome._"

"ButI_do_knowthistime,"shethoughtexultingly,sittingupinbedtolookoutthewindowandseewhatkindofweatherthedawnhadbrought.Thiswasthedayherfatherwascominghome.HewascomingfromBostononabattleship,andsheandBarbyweregoingouttomeethimas

soonasitwassightedintheharbor.

Shehadthatquivery,excitedfeelingwhichsometimesseizestravelersastheynearthejourney'send,asifsheherselfwerealittleship,puttingintoalong-wished-forport.Well,itwouldbelikethatinaway,shethought,tohaveherfather'sarmsfoldedaroundher,tocomeatlastintothestrange,sweetintimacyshehadlongedforeversinceshefirstsawPeggyBurrellandtheCaptain.

Anditwasreachinganotherlong-desiredporttohaveBarby'shappinesssocomplete.AsforUncleDarcyhesaidhimselfthathecouldn'tbegladderwalkingtheshiningstreetsofheaven,thanhewasgoingalongthatoldboard-walkwithDannybesidehim,andeverybodysofriendlyand

sopleasedtoseehim.

GeorginastillcalledhimDannyinherthoughts,butithadbeensomewhatashockthefirsttimeshesawhim,tofindthathewasagrownmanwithagrave,matureface,insteadoftheboywhichUncleDarcy'swayofspeakingofhimhadledhertoexpect.HehadalreadybeenuptothehousetotellthemthemanythingstheywereeagertoknowaboutthemonthshehadspentwithDoctorHuntingdonandtheirlongtriphometogether.Andlistening,Georginarealizedhowverydeepwastherespectandadmirationofthisyoungermanforherfatherandhiswork,and



everythinghesaidmadehermoreeagertoseeandknowhim.

UncleDarcyandDanwerewiththemwhentheyputoutinthemotorboattomeetthebattleship.Itwasalmostsunsetwhentheystarted,andthemanatthewheeldrovesofasttheyfeltthekeenwhipofthewindastheycutthroughthewaves.Theyweregladtobuttontheircoats,evenuptotheirchins.UncleDarcyandDantalkedallthewayover,butGeorginasatwithherhandtightlylockedinhermother's,sharinghertenseexpectancy,neversayingaword.

Thenatlastthelittleboatstoppedalongsidethebigone.TherewereafewmomentsofdelaybeforeGeorginalookedupandsawherfathercomingdowntothem.Hewasjustashisphotographhadpicturedhim,tall,erect,commanding,andstrangelyenoughherfirstviewofhimwaswithhisfaceturnedtooneside.ThenitwashiddenfromherashegatheredBarbyintohisarmsandheldherclose.

Georgina,watchingthatmeetingwithwistful,anxiouseyes,feltherlastlittledoubtofhimvanish,andwhenheturnedtoherwithhissternlipscurvedintothesmileshehadhopedfor,andwithoutstretchedarms,shesprangintothemandthrewherarmsaroundhisneckwithsuchawelcomingclaspthathiseyesfilledwithtears.

Then,rememberingcertainlittleletterswhichhehadre-readmanytimes

onhishomewardvoyage,heheldherofftolookintohereyesandwhisperwithatendersmilewhichmadetheteasingquestionajoytoher:

"Whichisitnow?'DearSir'or'Dad-o'-my-heart?'"

Theimpetuouspressureofhersoftlittlecheekagainsthisfacewasanswereloquentenough.

Astheynearedtheshoreabelltolledoutoverthewater.ItwasthebellofSaintPeter,patronsaintofthefisher-folkandallthosewhodwellbythesea.ThenLongPointlighthouseflashedawelcome,andtheredlampofWoodEndblinkedinanswer.OntheothersideHighlandLight

sentitsgreat,unfailingglareoutovertheAtlantic,andtheoldTowncrier,lookingup,sawthefirststarsshiningoverhead.

Alongshorethehomelightsbegantoburn.OneshoneoutinFishburnCourtwhereAuntElspethsatwaiting.OnethrewitsgleamovertheedgeofthecranberrybogfromthewindowwhereBellekeptfaithfulvigil--whereshewouldcontinuetokeepituntil"thecall"cametoreleasethewatcheraswellasthestrickenoldsoulwhosepeacesheguarded.Andupinthebiggrayhousebythebreak-water,whereTippywaskeepingsupperhot,asupperfittosetbeforeaking,lightsblazedfromeverywindow.

Ponderingonwhatalltheselightsstoodfor,theoldmanmovedaway

fromtheothers,andtookhisplaceneartheprow.Hisheartwastoofulljustnowtotalkastheyweredoing.Presentlyhefeltatouchonhisarm.Georginahadlaidherhandonitwiththeunderstandingtouchofperfectcomradeship.Theywerehisownwordsshewasrepeatingtohim,buttheyboretheaddedweightofherownexperiencenow.

"It_pays_tokeepHopeattheprow,UncleDarcy."

"Aye,lass,"heansweredtremulously,"itdoes."



"Andwe'recomingintoportwithallflagsflying!"

"_That_weare!"

Shestoodinsilentgladnessafterthat,therestoftheway,hercurlsflyingbackinthewindmadebytheswiftmotionoftheboat,thewhitespraydashinguptillshecouldtastethesaltofitonherlips;alittlefigureofHopeherself,butofHoperidingtriumphantlyintotheportofitsfulfillment.Itwasforthemall--thosewordsoftheoldpsalmonwhichtherainbowhadrested,andwhichtheangelvoicehadsung--"_Intotheirdesiredhaven._"

THEEND

*****

Transcriber'sNotes:

Obviouspunctuationerrorsrepaired.

Page12,"somthing"changedto"something"(ifitweresomething)

Page23,"Portugese"changedto"Portuguese"(APortuguesewomanonone)

Page33,"far"changedto"for"(gladlyforanhour's)

Page33,"Portugese"changedto"Portuguese"(withtwolittlePortuguese)

Page214,"make"changedto"made"(picturemadeGeorgina)

Page223,"loose"changedto"lose"(tolosetrackof)

Page229,"disappont"changedto"disappoint"(shadeofdisappointment)

Page263,"spotches"changedto"splotches"(brownsplotchesonher)

Page283,"way"changedto"day"(spendthedayattheGray)

Page289,"stiffle"changedto"stifle"(triedtostiflethem)

EndofProjectGutenberg'sGeorginaoftheRainbows,byAnnieFellowsJohnston

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