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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44637 ***
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 44637-h.htm or 44637-h.zip:
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44637/44637-h/44637-h.htm)
+      or
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44637/44637-h.zip)
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+      Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).
+
+      Text enclosed by equal signs is in bold face (=bold=).
+
+
+
+
+
+BROTHER BILLY
+
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+                 BROTHER BILLY
+
+                    Works of
+              Frances Margaret Fox
+
+    Farmer Brown and the Birds        $ .50
+    The Little Giant's Neighbours       .50
+    Mother Nature's Little Ones         .50
+    Betty of Old Mackinaw               .50
+    Brother Billy                       .50
+    Little Lady Marjorie               1.50
+
+              L. C. PAGE & COMPANY
+              New England Building
+                  Boston, Mass.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+
+[Illustration: "'THAT'S MY AUNT FLORENCE'S LOCKET'"]
+                                     (_See page 31_)
+
+
+Cosy Corner Series
+
+BROTHER BILLY
+
+by
+
+FRANCES MARGARET FOX
+
+Author of "Farmer Brown and the Birds," "Little Lady
+Marjorie," "Betty of Old Mackinaw," etc.
+
+Illustrated by Etheldred B. Barry
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Boston
+L. C. Page & Company
+1905
+
+Copyright, 1904
+By L. C. Page & Company
+(Incorporated)
+
+All rights reserved
+
+Published October, 1904
+
+Colonial Press
+Electrotyped and Printed by C. H. Simonds & Co.
+Boston, Mass., U. S. A.
+
+
+
+
+                   TO
+             MY DEAREST ONE
+        =Lee Everett Joslyn, Jr.=
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: CONTENTS]
+
+  CHAPTER                                                    PAGE
+  I.       ENTERTAINING AUNT FLORENCE                          1
+  II.      INDIANS                                             8
+  III.     BILLY GOES SWIMMING                                24
+  IV.      THE STEAM-TUG BILLY                                35
+  V.       ANTOINE LEBRINN                                    53
+  VI.      ORANGES                                            67
+  VII.     MINNAVAVANA'S BRAVES                               72
+  VIII.    ANTOINE'S BEAR STORIES                             82
+  IX.      UNCLE JOHN'S "OLD TIMER"                           97
+  X.       FISHING THROUGH THE ICE                           105
+  XI.      CHRISTMAS EVE                                     119
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: ILLUSTRATIONS]
+
+                                                             PAGE
+
+  "'THAT'S MY AUNT FLORENCE'S LOCKET,'"
+   (_See page 31_)                                 _Frontispiece_
+  "'ISN'T IT QUEER ABOUT INDIAN TRAILS?'"                     10
+  "EVERYTHING HE WORE WAS NEW"                                34
+  "HE HELD BILLY ON HIS KNEE"                                 54
+  "WATCHING FROM BEHIND THE NORTH WALL
+     OF THE EVERGREEN FORT"                                   76
+  "THERE WAS MERRIMENT WITHIN THE EVERGREEN
+     FORT"                                                    77
+  "SAMONE"                                                    83
+  "BETTY ... WROTE HER PLEDGE"                               109
+  "LIFTING HER IN HIS ARMS"                                  127
+
+
+
+
+
+                             BROTHER BILLY
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+                       ENTERTAINING AUNT FLORENCE
+
+
+Billy was cross. The twins from Grand Rapids who were living in the
+green cottage wanted him to play Indians on the beach. The boy from
+Detroit, whose mother didn't know where he was half the time, had been
+teasing him to go swimming. 'Phonse LeBrinn, child of Mackinaw, was
+throwing stones at the boat-house, a signal Billy well understood.
+When 'Phonse had a plan that promised more fun than usual, he always
+threw stones at the boat-house. Other boys came to the door and rang
+the bell or knocked when they wanted Billy. 'Phonse knew better. Billy
+longed to find out what was on his mind, but it wouldn't do to let any
+one know that the ragged little playmate had a particular reason for
+throwing stones.
+
+Suddenly a light dawned on Billy's face. "Mamma," said he, "let me go
+down on the beach and tell Frenchy he must quit that, he'll spoil the
+paint. I won't be gone but a minute."
+
+"Now, see here," remonstrated Billy's mother, "never mind what 'Phonse
+is doing, and keep away from the window, Billy, so he won't see you.
+Come, child, Aunt Florence will soon be ready."
+
+"Oh, shoot the luck! I don't want to go with Aunt Florence. I want to
+play with the boys. What made Betty go and tell her all about old fort
+relics, I'd like to know."
+
+"Hush, hush, Billy! Aunt Florence may hear you."
+
+"Well, but, mamma, I don't want to go to the old fort and dig beads all
+the afternoon. It's too warm. I'm roasting."
+
+Billy's mother laughed. One look at the child's face was enough to make
+anybody laugh. He was so cross. "Maybe auntie won't care to stay long,
+Billy. Strangers who are not accustomed to our woods often feel pretty
+lonesome at the old fort."
+
+"She'll stay, mamma; I know all about bead-diggers; they stay and stay.
+Besides that, she won't be afraid, because there are about a million
+thousand resorter folks up there every day digging relics. I wish that
+Betty had kept something to herself. She just reads that old Pontiac's
+history all the time, and then tells all she knows to anybody that
+wants to find out. She makes me tired. I don't like to go to the old
+fort, anyway."
+
+"Why not, Billy?"
+
+"'Cause everybody up there that don't know you asks questions. They
+say, 'There's a little boy, ask him;' then 'cause you don't want to
+talk, they say, 'Lost your tongue,' and silly things like that. Aunt
+Florence is a question asker, too, mamma. Oh, shoot the luck!"
+
+"I'll tell you a good plan, Billy dear," suggested his mother. "You
+help Aunt Florence dig beads, like a good boy, and very likely she'll
+be willing to come home sooner. Then you can play with the boys the
+rest of the afternoon."
+
+"May I play with Frenchy?"
+
+"Ye-es, yes, you may this time."
+
+Billy's face brightened suddenly. "Oh, goody, goody, there comes
+Betty," he cried. "Now I won't have to go. Where's my hat? Oh, Bet, you
+came just in time," continued the boy. "Aunt Florence wants you to go
+to the old fort with her to dig beads, because the missionary meeting's
+going to be here, and mamma says to entertain Aunt Florence. You've got
+to go, that's all."
+
+"Of course she must go," echoed Aunt Florence, who came down-stairs in
+time to hear Billy's last words. "Didn't you find your little girl at
+home, Betty?"
+
+"No, auntie, she had gone to the island, but I only came home for a
+minute to ask--"
+
+"Well," interrupted Aunt Florence, "then of course you can go with
+Billy and me to the old fort."
+
+"Guess--guess I won't go, Aunt Florence; there's a boy down there wants
+me," and Billy waved his hand to 'Phonse.
+
+"Yes, Billy'll go with you," Betty hastened to say, "because--because,
+Aunt Florence, I can't. I'd love to, but I must go to see another
+girl. I'd love to walk up there with you, but--but I--"
+
+"You needn't go if you don't want to, children," Aunt Florence looked
+the least bit grieved.
+
+"Certainly they want to go," declared Billy's mother, in a tone that
+Betty and Billy understood. "Go find your little shovels, children, and
+bring Aunt Florence the fire shovel from the wood-shed."
+
+Billy was about to venture a protest, but, catching a look from Betty
+that meant a great deal to him, he followed her out of the room.
+
+"What is it, Bet?" he whispered.
+
+"Well, Billy, don't you see it won't do a bit of good to make a fuss.
+We'll have to go to the old fort; mamma'll make us. But I know one
+way to fix it so we won't have to stay long. The Robinsons are making
+pineapple sherbet, and they've invited me to it, so I can't waste
+time up to the old fort this afternoon. I told Lucille I'd come right
+straight back soon's I asked mamma."
+
+"And I want to play with Frenchy," put in the little brother.
+
+"But don't you see, Billy, we've got to be decent to company first, so
+we'll take her to the old fort all right enough, but we'll scare her
+to death when we get her there, so she'll want to come right straight
+home. Don't you see? I'll tell her true wild Indian stories, and she
+won't want to stay."
+
+"And I know another thing we can do," agreed Billy.
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"We'll take your old fort beads and then, Betty, we'll break the string
+and scatter the beads in the dirt, and then we'll call her to come and
+find them. She'll be satisfied to come home after that."
+
+"Why, of course, Billy, and your plan is so much better than mine,
+we'll try it first. We won't scare her unless we have to, though a good
+scare never hurts anybody. You get the beads while I get the shovels.
+Hurry now, we'll have some fun."
+
+Mrs. Grannis was much relieved when the children returned with pleasant
+faces. Aunt Florence, too, was pleased.
+
+"I truly wouldn't want you to go a step unless you were perfectly
+willing," she said, as they were leaving the house.
+
+"Well, auntie, we're always willing to go anywhere, Billy and I, if we
+think we can have some fun, and we're going to have a jolly time this
+afternoon, aren't we, Billy?"
+
+The little brother's round face beamed as he felt of the beads in his
+trousers' pocket.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+                                INDIANS
+
+
+"You are the dearest children," exclaimed Aunt Florence. "I wish I
+could take you back to New York with me. You can't remember your
+grandfather and grandmother at all, can you, Billy?"
+
+"No, wouldn't know 'em if I'd meet 'em."
+
+"It's a shame. Never mind, I'll tell them all about you two and Gerald,
+and some day I'm coming north on purpose to take you all home with me,
+and we'll have the best kind of a time."
+
+"Guess you wouldn't think of coming after us if we lived where we do
+now, and it was a hundred years ago," suggested Betty.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Oh, because you would have had to come from Detroit in a canoe, and
+this was all woods then, deep, deep woods full of Indians."
+
+"Dear me, Betty, don't speak of it! It seems to me there are woods
+enough here now. My! What a dreary place! the undergrowth is so thick
+you can't see the water, and yet you can hear every wave. Betty
+Grannis, do you mean to tell me that you ever come out here to the old
+fort alone?"
+
+"Oh, not very often; it is rather dreary, isn't it, auntie? You see,
+this is an old, old Indian trail, and that is why the pines meet
+overhead. Let's walk faster. I don't believe you'll want to stay long,
+auntie, after you get to the fort."
+
+"I agree with you, Betty, this is a lonesome walk. I almost wish we'd
+stayed at home."
+
+"Let's turn around and go back," suggested Billy.
+
+"Oh, I must find some beads," Aunt Florence insisted. "Do you ever see
+Indians around here nowadays?"
+
+"Oh, just tame ones," Billy was honest enough to say.
+
+"You must be brave children," the young lady remarked, as she followed
+Betty through the gloomy forest.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"We're used to it," Betty sung over her shoulder, and Billy knew she
+was laughing. "Besides that, we can run like the wind if we have to.
+Then you know, auntie, the awful things that happened here happened
+over a hundred years ago, and there isn't any real danger now, of
+course. It just makes you feel shivery, that's all. Isn't it queer
+about Indian trails, how they wind in and out so often? This trail
+is exactly as it used to be. Did you ever read 'The Conspiracy of
+Pontiac,' auntie?"
+
+"No, Betty, I never read it all; I simply know about the massacre here.
+Have you read it?"
+
+"She knows it by heart," said Billy. "She can say bushels of Indian
+speeches. Tell her one, Betty. Tell her that one where the Indian said
+to Alexander Henry, 'The rattlesnake is our grandfather.'"
+
+"Yes, do, Betty, only tell me first who Alexander Henry was."
+
+"Why, auntie, don't you know? He was the English fur-trader whose
+life was saved by the Indian chief Wawatam. I like him best of any
+fur-trader I ever knew."
+
+"Do tell me his story, Betty."
+
+"Oh, I can't tell it, it is too long. Do you want to know what happened
+to him in the spring of 1761, two years before the massacre?"
+
+"Yes, certainly."
+
+"Well, of course, you know all about the French and Indian War, auntie?"
+
+"Yes, I know something about it."
+
+"Then, auntie, you know that the French liked the Indians, and the
+Indians liked them, but the English despised the Indians, and treated
+them so badly the Indians hated all Englishmen. That was why the
+Indians helped the French in their war. They wanted to drive the
+English out of the country. Well, when the war was over, the Indians
+didn't know that the English came out ahead, and that the French
+soldiers would have to march out of every fort and that the English
+soldiers would march in. Even my Pontiac didn't know it."
+
+"He'd have known all about his own war and where he died if he'd had
+you for a sister," mocked Billy.
+
+"Don't talk quite so loud, Billy dear," cautioned Aunt Florence.
+
+"'Fraid?" questioned Billy.
+
+"Oh, not exactly; go on, Betty, we're listening. How much longer is
+this Indian trail, anyway?"
+
+"Only half a mile, auntie. Billy, you'll punch a hole through your
+pocket if you aren't careful."
+
+"Go on with your story, Bet, and don't turn around so much."
+
+"Well," continued Betty, giving Billy a look that meant "Don't you dare
+lose those beads," "well, auntie, in the spring of that year, 1761, the
+French soldiers had left this fort, and only Canadian families were
+living in it. The English soldiers hadn't come yet, but they were on
+the way. The fort was over a hundred years old then. Only think of it!
+
+"Alexander Henry, my Englishman, wasn't afraid of anything, that's why
+I like him. He came up here with canoes full of beads and things to
+trade with the Indians for furs. On the way he was warned again and
+again to go back if he didn't want to be killed. He probably would have
+been killed long before he got here if he hadn't put on the clothes of
+a Canadian voyageur."
+
+"They're the ones," interrupted Billy, "that used to paddle the canoes
+and sing 'Row, brothers, row,' and--"
+
+"She knows that," sniffed Betty; "even our baby knows that much. Well,
+auntie, when Alexander Henry got here, the Canadians were bad to him
+and tried to scare him. They wanted him to go away before anything
+happened. He hadn't been here but a short time when Minnavavana, a
+Chippewa Indian chief, came with sixty warriors to call on him. They
+marched to his house single file, auntie. Their faces were painted with
+grease and charcoal, and they had feathers through their noses and
+feathers in their hair. Their bodies were painted with white clay. That
+isn't the worst of it. Every warrior carried a tomahawk in one hand
+and a scalping-knife in the other. I suppose they came along this very
+trail.
+
+"Alexander Henry says they walked into the house without a sound. The
+chief made a sign and they all sat on the floor. Minnavavana asked one
+of the interpreters how long it was since Mr. Henry left Montreal, and
+then he said it seemed that the English were brave men and not afraid
+to die, or they wouldn't come as he had, alone, among their enemies.
+Then all the Indians smoked their pipes, and let Alexander Henry think
+about things while it was nice and quiet. Just think of it, auntie!
+
+"When the Indians were through smoking, Minnavavana made a speech. I
+don't know it by heart, but it was something like this:
+
+"'Englishman, it is to you that I speak. Englishman, you know that the
+French king promised to be our father. We promised to be his children.
+We have kept this promise. Englishman, it is you that have made war
+with our father. You are his enemy. How could you have the boldness to
+venture among us, his children? You know his enemies are ours.
+
+"'Englishman, our father, the King of France, is old and infirm. Being
+tired of war, he has fallen asleep. But his nap is almost at an end.
+I think I hear him stirring and asking for his children, the Indians,
+and, when he does awake, what must become of you? He will destroy you
+utterly.'"
+
+Betty, becoming much in earnest, was walking backward.
+
+"'Englishman, we have no father, no friend among the white men but
+the King of France,'" the child went on. "'But for you, we have
+taken into consideration that you have ventured your life among us
+in the expectation that we should not molest you. You do not come to
+make war; you come in peace to trade with us. We shall regard you,
+therefore, as a brother, and you may sleep tranquilly, without fear of
+the Chippewas. As a token of friendship, we present you this pipe to
+smoke.'"
+
+Whereupon, Betty, making a serious bow, offered her little shovel
+to Aunt Florence. For the moment, she actually believed herself
+Minnavavana, the Indian chief, though Billy's face quickly brought her
+back to the present.
+
+"I am thankful to say," resumed Betty, joining in the laugh following
+the presentation of the shovel, "that after three hundred warriors of
+another tribe came and were going to make trouble, the English soldiers
+arrived, and the red flag of England soon floated above the fort. Then,
+for two years, nothing much happened, but I'm glad I wasn't here then.
+I wouldn't have slept a wink, I know."
+
+"Neither should I, Betty," Aunt Florence agreed.
+
+"Frenchy'd have been all right, though," remarked Billy. "There's the
+fort, Aunt Florence, straight ahead; the trail ends here. Now we will
+find an old cellar-hole and hunt for beads. Let me go first, Betty."
+
+"The fort," repeated Aunt Florence, "where is it?" She saw nothing but
+a wilderness of wild-rose blooms.
+
+"Oh," laughed Betty, "there's nothing left of the fort but part of
+the old palisades. Most of the buildings were burned the day of the
+massacre."
+
+"It's unspeakably dreary, in spite of the sunshine and the roses,"
+commented Aunt Florence, "but I do want some beads."
+
+"Come on, come on," cried Billy. "Oh, hurry up, Aunt Florence, I'm
+finding beads by the bushel."
+
+"Where is the child? can you see him, Betty?"
+
+"'Way over there, auntie, in that cellar-hole near the old apple-tree.
+We think that is where one of the storehouses used to be, because all
+around it is where most of the beads have been found."
+
+For awhile Aunt Florence forgot the surrounding woods, in her eager
+search for beads. Had she known Betty and Billy as their mother knew
+them, she might have understood that there was more of mischief than
+pure joy in their smiles.
+
+"Never found so many beads in one place in my life," declared Billy.
+
+"Nor anybody else in the last hundred years," added Betty. "Fun, isn't
+it?"
+
+"Fun!" echoed Aunt Florence, "why, children, I won't want to go home
+until dark."
+
+Betty stared, and Billy made faces. This was an unexpected blow. At
+last the beads that Betty had collected, after working hours and hours
+through many a day, were all found.
+
+"Now we'll look for another place," announced Aunt Florence.
+
+"I guess we are alone out here," suggested Betty, glancing about, as
+though she felt uneasy.
+
+"Oh, no," was the cheerful reply, "down there nearer the lake I saw two
+sunbonnets not three minutes ago. We're all right, children; I'm not
+the least bit timid."
+
+Patiently Aunt Florence continued her search for beads, encouraged by
+the hope of finding another place equal to the first.
+
+"It seems strange that there should have been so many beads in one spot
+of earth, and so few everywhere else," she said, "but I'm not going to
+give up now, after such luck in the beginning."
+
+"You'll just have to scare her to death, I guess," grumbled Billy.
+"Lost your beads for nothing, too."
+
+"Trouble is," confessed Betty, moving nearer Billy and farther from her
+aunt, "this isn't a good place to tell Indian stories."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because, Billy, I get scared myself. Honest and truth, I don't even
+like to think of such horrible things right here where they happened."
+
+"Don't make any difference, you've got to," protested Billy. "Don't you
+know she said she'd stay here till dark?"
+
+"I know it, Billy; let me see, how'll I begin. Oh, I know, Alexander
+Henry was in his room in the fort writing letters home. Perhaps, Billy,
+we are standing on the very place where his house was. He was so busy
+with his letters he didn't want to take the time to go down to the
+beach to see the canoes that had just arrived from Detroit. First thing
+he knew, he heard the war-whoops. Mercy, Billy! Don't scream like that
+again!"
+
+"Billy Grannis," called Aunt Florence, "what's the matter?"
+
+"Why, that was just an Indian war-whoop, auntie. Frenchy and I have
+been practising whoops lately."
+
+"Well, please don't practise any more now; you made me jump so I lost
+three beads. I don't believe an Indian could give a worse yell."
+
+"Oh, yes, he could," exclaimed Betty, "my, that's nothing!" and, seeing
+her opportunity, she began telling stories. Even Billy grew solemn in
+his very mind as he listened, and it wasn't long before Betty succeeded
+in scaring herself, however Aunt Florence may have felt.
+
+Suddenly the air was filled with shrieks. Aunt Florence became white as
+the daisies, as she stared at Betty, while terror seized Billy.
+
+"It's the sunbonnet girls," gasped Betty; "what do you s'pose is the
+matter? What is the matter?" she demanded of the flying maidens.
+
+"Indians, Indians, run quick, run, run! I tell you they're after us!"
+
+One glance toward the lake was enough for Betty. She saw canoes being
+drawn up on the beach, and Indians coming straight toward them. The
+child was never more frightened in her life. Forgetting Billy, she and
+Aunt Florence fairly flew over the rough ground. Billy, poor fellow!
+never could run because he was too plump. He hadn't gone ten breathless
+steps before he fell into a cellar-hole, and, before he could scramble
+out, a big Indian overtook him.
+
+"Match," grunted the Indian, "want match."
+
+"N-n-no, I don't want any matches," answered Billy, trying to steady
+his trembling knees.
+
+"Humph! Indian want match. Give Indian match. Indian build fire," was
+the explanation.
+
+Billy shook his head, and the Indian turned away disappointed.
+
+"That Betty'd leave you to be eaten up by Indians," grumbled Billy,
+and, because he was so angry and because he had been so badly
+frightened over nothing, he began to cry.
+
+"Billy, Billy, don't cry, I came back after you, you poor child." It
+was the voice of Aunt Florence, though Billy couldn't see her.
+
+"Here I am, behind this clump of goose-berry bushes, Billy. I didn't
+dare come straight back, so I kept behind trees and bushes. Come
+quick; now let's run."
+
+"There isn't anything to run for, Aunt Florence," sobbed Billy. "Don't
+you see, they're just tame Indians, and wouldn't hurt anybody? Don't
+you see the little Indian children and the squaws, too? I s'pose
+they've come with baskets to sell. Yes, there comes a squaw, going to
+town now with a load of baskets."
+
+"Then I guess I'll sit down and rest a minute," said Aunt Florence,
+"for I'm tired out. It's dreadful to be so frightened. I'm trembling
+yet."
+
+"Me, too," confessed Billy. "Where's that Betty?"
+
+"Home by this time, I presume," was the laughing reply, "unless she
+couldn't stop running when she got there, in which case she's probably
+in the lake. Well, Billy, let's walk on now, or the whole missionary
+society will be coming to our rescue."
+
+"Oh, Billy, I've been crying my eyes out, fear something had happened
+to you," was Betty's greeting when she saw her little brother.
+
+Billy made a face, as he replied in scornful tones: "'Fore I'd run
+away from tame Indians!" For many a day thereafter, if Billy wanted
+anything that belonged to Betty, it was his if he but threatened to say
+"Tame Indians."
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER III.
+                         BILLY GOES SWIMMING
+
+
+Early the following afternoon, Billy saw 'Phonse LeBrinn throwing
+stones at the boat-house, and, as he liked to play with 'Phonse much
+better than with his nearest neighbours, the twins in the green
+cottage, he flew down the bank fast as he could go.
+
+"Oh, Frenchy," he panted, "I wish I could run like a deer, way you do.
+I can't run worth a cent."
+
+"Shouldn't think you could," grinned 'Phonse.
+
+"Let's go the other side of the boat-house," suggested Billy, "I'm
+'fraid, if my mother sees me down here, she'll think of something she
+wants me to do."
+
+'Phonse was sure of it, so he and Billy straightway sought a
+hiding-place.
+
+"What have you got that tog on for?" asked 'Phonse.
+
+"Going to be a thimble party at our house," explained Billy, "and Bet
+made such a fuss I had to be dressed up fear somebody might see me."
+
+"Where's Gerald?"
+
+"He's camping this week at the Snow Islands with some folks. Wish he
+was home. What'll we do this afternoon, 'Phonse?"
+
+"Catch minnows; don't you want to?"
+
+"I'd rather hunt for Aunt Florence's locket than anything else. See,
+'Phonse, that girl up there on the bank looking through my father's
+spy-glass, she's my Aunt Florence, and she's a brick."
+
+"Ain't she pretty!" exclaimed 'Phonse. "She's the prettiest lady I ever
+saw. She wouldn't like me, though; nobody does."
+
+"I do; all the trouble is, 'Phonse, nobody's acquainted with you. Now,
+if you could find Aunt Florence's locket that she lost yesterday, she'd
+like you for ever and ever. I know she would."
+
+"Where'd she lose it, Billy?"
+
+"She thinks she lost it at the old fort yesterday. It's a gold locket
+that her father gave her when she graduated last summer, and Aunt
+Florence and I hunted for it all the forenoon. We had to give up.
+'Phonse, you stay here, and I'll run up to the house and tell my mother
+I'm going to hunt for the locket. You be walking up the beach, and I'll
+meet you around the point."
+
+When Billy rejoined his ragged playmate, the two began a diligent
+search for the locket.
+
+"If anybody can find it, you can, 'Phonse."
+
+"Aw, somebody's picked it up 'fore this, Billy. Nobody could help
+seeing it on this black ground. Gold shines, you know."
+
+"Maybe," suggested Billy, "maybe she didn't lose it; perhaps she lost
+it where we were digging for beads. Surely, this morning we hunted over
+every inch of this trail, and you know Betty."
+
+'Phonse nodded his black head. "She'd find it if it was here. Don't you
+want to go swimmun, Billy?"
+
+"Too cold, 'Phonse; we'd freeze."
+
+"We can make a bonfire on the beach, see?" 'Phonse showed Billy a
+handful of matches. "Swiped 'em," he commented. "We'll go down on
+the sand under the bank and start a fire beside of the tramp's raft.
+Nobody'll see us there, you know, and we can go swimmun and get dressed
+where it's warm."
+
+"All right, sir," assented Billy, "only don't run, 'Phonse, whatever
+you do."
+
+Beyond the fort was an old raft of planks, upon which years before
+tramps crossed the straits in a storm. It was a favourite resort among
+the boys. Billy instantly began gathering driftwood for a bonfire.
+
+"Guess the Indians had a fire in this same place yesterday, 'Phonse,"
+he said, "because just see the new-looking ashes. Wonder if they
+started it with flint or by rubbing two sticks together. Do you know?"
+
+"No, I don't. Hustle up, Billy, and don't stop to talk."
+
+When the pile of driftwood was high enough to suit 'Phonse, he started
+the fire. Thanks to the west wind, it burned, and the boys were soon
+ready for the water. Billy walked into the lake, screaming at every
+step. 'Phonse climbed upon a rock and plunged in.
+
+"Silly," he shouted, "course you'll be cold acting that way; get down
+in the water, Billy, then you'll be warm."
+
+"It's too--too--too early to go swimming," gasped Billy, shivering in
+the wind and the icy water. "I--I'm--I'm glad we started the fire."
+
+"Come out where it's deeper; here, give me your hand," said 'Phonse,
+"I'll show you how to go swimmun."
+
+Soon Billy declared that the water was warm, and he and 'Phonse played
+in the lake for an hour. They splashed, laughed, and shouted, with only
+the gulls to hear, until 'Phonse said it was time to get dressed. The
+fire was out. 'Phonse threw some bark upon the coals, and looked for
+his clothes. There was not a thread of them left.
+
+"Oh, Billy," he wailed "we left our clothes too near the fire, and
+they're all burned up; what can we do?"
+
+"Oh, what shall we do?" cried Billy. "Oh, b-b-but m-my c-c-clothes
+are all r-right," he added in the next breath. "I'll divide with you,
+'Phonse."
+
+"Your clothes ain't either all right," insisted 'Phonse. "They're
+burning yet. Look at them."
+
+"Here's one all right s-stocking, just the same, 'Phonse."
+
+"Let me take it, then, Billy, and I'll put out the fire with it that's
+burning the rest of the things."
+
+"You may wear the stocking," offered Billy. "The other one's gone, and
+the shoes are spoiled. Why, 'Phonse, there isn't anything left of my
+clothes but my shirt and my blouse and my trousers,--and look at my
+trousers, will you, all full of holes!"
+
+"What if you didn't have anything left," grumbled 'Phonse. "I've got
+some shoes and stockings at home, Billy, but that's all. I don't know
+what dad will do, but I'll catch it, sure."
+
+"Oh, 'Phonse, my mother'll give you some clothes to wear, if we can
+ever get to my house, but, oh, dear, it is so cold! Which do you want
+to wear, 'Phonse, my shirt or my white blouse; there's one sleeve
+burned out of both of 'em, and my waist is all gone."
+
+"I'll take the shirt," 'Phonse decided. "Don't cry, Billy, I'm the one
+that ought to cry."
+
+"B-but, but I'm s-s-so c-cold, and, oh, dear, I'm going to put on the
+s-s-stocking if you--you don't want it."
+
+"I do, though," insisted 'Phonse; "give her here. You've got more on
+than I have, anyway. Come on, Billy, we'll be warmer if we run."
+
+"Only I can't run, and--and--and the s-s-stones h-hurt m-my fee-feet,"
+protested Billy, his teeth chattering.
+
+"Don't be a baby," 'Phonse advised. "Oh, Billy, what if there is a lot
+of folks at the old fort? We better keep back from the lake. It's too
+cold here, anyway. Let's sneak around where the bushes grow."
+
+"All right, go ahead, 'Phonse."
+
+Cautiously the boys made their way around the clearing. They were
+nearly past the old fort grounds when they heard voices.
+
+"Duck, Billy, duck; it's some boys from out of town," whispered
+'Phonse, "and if they see us, I don't know what'll happen! Let's crawl!"
+
+"Listen," Billy replied; "they've found a wonderful relic, I guess;
+hear them quarrel. Oh, 'Phonse, it's my Aunt Florence's locket, that's
+what it is, and they've got to give it up!"
+
+Without stopping to think further, Billy darted from the thicket,
+followed closely by 'Phonse.
+
+"That's my Aunt Florence's locket, so please give it to me," demanded
+the child, springing toward the largest boy in the group.
+
+"Listen to him, will you," replied a taunting voice. "Here's the Wild
+Man of Borneo wants his Aunt Florence's locket. Well, I guess not. Have
+you two escaped from a circus, or do you want to join one, which?"
+
+"Give me that locket," cried Billy. "I say that belongs to my Aunt
+Florence."
+
+Great fun the big boys had then, teasing poor Billy, who begged,
+threatened, and jumped for the locket held just beyond his reach.
+
+"Tell you what," suggested the roughest-looking boy, "let's tie these
+youngsters together, and leave them here until we can get out of town.
+Them's diamonds in that locket, boys."
+
+At that moment 'Phonse sprang like a wild-cat upon the boy with the
+locket, and, snatching the treasure, ran with it to the woods. Billy
+was never more astonished, and at first the boys were too surprised to
+chase the strange little figure flying across the clearing. When they
+ran after 'Phonse, Billy hid. He wasn't afraid any one could catch
+'Phonse, the swift-footed French boy, but he did fear being caught
+himself. Like an old-time Indian, Billy managed to keep out of the
+enemy's sight all the way home. 'Phonse was waiting for him in the edge
+of the woods.
+
+"Here," said 'Phonse, offering Billy the locket, "take it to her."
+
+Billy shook his head. "'Phonse, you come in the wood-shed, and sit in
+the corner where nobody'll see you, while I ask my mother for some
+clothes for us. Then you can give auntie the locket yourself."
+
+"Won't you catch it?" asked 'Phonse; "you don't look very nice, Billy."
+
+"You do what I tell you," remarked Billy. "My mother's the kind you can
+explain things to. I don't want the company to see me, though, so I
+guess I'll whistle for Betty."
+
+Betty quickly appeared in answer to the whistle.
+
+"Why, Billy Grannis!" she began, and then how she laughed.
+
+"Keep still, Bet, there is a boy in the wood-shed that's cold. He
+hasn't on very much clothes, and he wants something to wear home."
+
+That was all 'Phonse heard, as Billy was led into the house. The little
+fellow returned in a moment, dragging a cape. "Here, 'Phonse, Betty
+sent you this to wrap up in, and Betty says come in by the kitchen
+fire."
+
+"I won't do it," was the reply.
+
+"All right, then, I'll have to bring your 'freshments out here. It's a
+shivering kind, though,--ice-cream and cake; want some?"
+
+"Don't I? You bet!" was the answer.
+
+"Come, 'Phonse, come in the kitchen," urged Betty, again appearing at
+the door. "Please come. Billy has told auntie and me about the locket,
+and Aunt Florence just loves you. Quick as the company goes, mamma'll
+find you something to wear."
+
+Trailing the cape behind him, 'Phonse walked into the kitchen, where
+Betty introduced him to Aunt Florence.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+That night, when 'Phonse LeBrinn went home, his own folks didn't know
+him. In his arms he carried a bundle of Billy's old clothes; but
+everything he wore was new, from the red cap to the patent-leather
+shoes.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+                         THE STEAM-TUG BILLY
+
+
+Aunt Florence didn't forget 'Phonse, and it was evident to the marine
+reporter's family that 'Phonse didn't forget her. He scarcely said
+thank you when she gave him his new suit, but every morning while Aunt
+Florence was in Mackinaw a bunch of wild flowers was found tied to the
+front door-knob. Once only a bit of pasteboard was attached, upon which
+was written in letters hard to read, "For billies ant."
+
+At first the family wondered why 'Phonse kept away, but when they
+learned that Antoine LeBrinn had sold his little son's new clothes for
+drink, they understood.
+
+"Poor little fellow," Aunt Florence said one morning, when a cluster of
+bluebells was brought her, wound so closely not a blossom could move
+its dainty head. "How I wish he would come again."
+
+"He won't, though, 'cept when nobody knows," observed Billy, "and if
+any one says a word against his father, he'll fight."
+
+"I'm curious to see his father, too," replied Aunt Florence. "Betty has
+told me so much about the family that I'd like to talk to that man; I'd
+say some things he'd remember."
+
+"Antoine used to come often," said Betty. "We always tease him to tell
+stories. Everybody likes him; you'll see him sometime, auntie, and then
+you'll like him, too."
+
+"I shall tell him what I think of him," declared Aunt Florence; but a
+week later, when Antoine came, she didn't say a word.
+
+It was a rainy afternoon, and when Billy announced that the game
+must be circus as usual, and that the parade should be first on the
+programme, Betty objected.
+
+"Billy Grannis," she exclaimed, "you're a nuisance. Gerald and I have
+played circus with you until we are sick and tired of it. You may be a
+lion-tamer if you want to, but you and your old lion will have to have
+a show of your own. I won't stand it any longer, and you can't have my
+cat for a polar bear, either."
+
+"Why, Bet," was the remonstrance, "what makes you be so cross? I
+thought you liked to play circus. Do you want to be the lion-tamer this
+time, Bet? I'll let you take my big dog; do you want to, Betty?"
+
+"No, Billy, I don't want to be anything that's in a circus, so there!
+I'll play Grace Darling, though; you and Gerald and Hero may be the
+shipwrecked sailors, and I'll be Grace Darling."
+
+"I don't want to play shipwreck," declared Gerald. "I had enough of
+shipwrecks when the _California_ went down."
+
+"Me, too," echoed Billy. "I'd rather play Noah and the flood. Oh,
+Betty, let's play that, and then my dog Hero can be the lion,--no,
+Betty no, I didn't mean it; he can be the elephant, I mean, and your
+cat can be a--a--what other animal is white 'sides a polar bear? And,
+oh, Gerald, your bluest pigeon can be the dove."
+
+"But why don't you want to play Grace Darling?" interrupted Betty.
+"I'll let you take my dolls for the shipwrecked children, and I'll
+live in the lighthouse."
+
+"If you want to know what's fun," put in Gerald, "just listen to me.
+Let's play--"
+
+"But I want to play get the animals out of the ark," insisted Billy.
+
+"And I say," Betty argued, "that you don't know whether you like to
+play Grace Darling or not until you try it. Who's going to be captain
+of the shipwrecked boat, you, Billy, or Gerald? Now, this rug is the
+Northumberland coast."
+
+"No, sir," shouted Billy, "it's Mt. Ararat."
+
+"Why, children, what's going on?" asked Aunt Florence, who was passing
+the doorway.
+
+"We all want to play different things," explained Betty.
+
+"Why don't you make signal-flags, like the ones on the chart?"
+suggested Aunt Florence. "You know what I mean, Betty, the chart I saw
+you looking at yesterday in your father's office, the one with the
+pictures of signal-flags on it. I'll find sheets of red and blue and
+yellow and white paper, and I believe you can have a nice time making
+tiny paper flags. I'll get some paste ready for you, too."
+
+"But what are the flags for?" asked Billy, "and why do they put letters
+beside of them on the chart?"
+
+"It tells all about the signal-flags in papa's marine directory, and
+I'm going after it," announced Betty.
+
+"She can tell you about the signals, Billy," said Aunt Florence, "and
+let's see who can make the most perfect little flags. Gerald will help
+you, Billy, won't you, Gerald?"
+
+"Don't need any help," Billy hastened to say, "'less he wants to
+whittle out flag-sticks."
+
+"That's so, auntie," agreed Gerald. "I'll go after something to use for
+flagstaffs."
+
+"And I'm going after some shears and things, and then," said Billy,
+"I'm going to cut out the 'B' flag. It's all red, auntie, and cut the
+way Betty's hair-ribbons are on the ends. I guess I will make the 'Q'
+flag, 'cause it's just a square made out of yellow; and the 'S' is
+easy, too, just white with a blue square in the centre. Oh, auntie's
+gone. Don't you feel queer, Hero, when you talk to somebody that isn't
+there?"
+
+Gerald and Betty returned quickly with coloured paper and a book.
+
+"Now, Billy," remarked the little girl, in her most severe tone, "put
+down the shears and listen a minute. I'm going to read out of the
+Marine Directory."
+
+"Don't read it; tell it," besought Billy.
+
+"She wants to read it just because she can read big words without
+stopping to spell them," declared Gerald, after a glance at the open
+book.
+
+Betty could read much better than Gerald ever expected to.
+
+"It isn't that," was the reply, "but, if you will listen, you will
+know that the book tells it all better than I can. Now listen: 'The
+necessity for a uniform and comprehensive system of signalling at
+sea'--Billy Grannis, stop making faces. I've got to begin it all
+over again. 'The necessity for a uniform and comprehensive system of
+signalling at sea and to shore stations on the coast of the United
+States and other countries has long been felt and discussed by those
+interested in maritime pursuits, and by the leading maritime powers
+of the world.' Now, Gerald, stop acting like a goose. You and Billy
+both know what 'maritime' means just as well as I do. Now listen, and
+I'll go on. 'In view of this necessity, the adoption of a common code
+of signals to be observed by all nations, discarding all other codes
+and systems, appears to be in a high degree desirable and important.
+The international code of signals has been recommended and adopted by
+nearly all the principal nations of the world, and it is now the only
+code recognized or of practical use. It is the only one which, from its
+completeness, is likely to fully meet the existing need.'
+
+"Billy, what ails you? Do stop laughing. What's the matter with you,
+Gerald,--tooth-ache?"
+
+"No, Betty, worse'n that. When I think how your jaws must feel, I--"
+
+"Now, Gerald, I don't believe you know a word I've read."
+
+"Well, Betty, I should say not. Who could?"
+
+"What I want to know is, what are all these flags for?" demanded Billy.
+"So please shut that old book and tell us."
+
+"You horrid boys," exclaimed Betty, "I don't see how you ever expect to
+'mount to anything."
+
+"Wouldn't if we were girls," was Gerald's retort, which Betty didn't
+seem to hear. She often had deaf spells.
+
+"Now, Billy dear," she went on, "you see there are eighteen of the
+signal-flags. They are marked B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R,
+S, T, V, and W. Besides these are two little pointed flags that mean
+'Yes' and 'No.' The 'Yes' flag is white with a round red spot, and the
+flag that means 'No' is blue with a round white spot on it."
+
+"Oh, now I know," exclaimed Billy. "If your boat wants to tell another
+boat 'No,' then it puts up the pointed blue flag."
+
+"Yes, Billy, that's it."
+
+"How do they use the other flags?" inquired Gerald. "You can't spell
+things without _a's_ and _o's_."
+
+"Don't you see, Gerald, each flag means something. Look on the back of
+the chart and you will see how they use the flags. The first signal is
+'H--B.' When those two flags are displayed,--'display' is the right
+word to use, mister, so don't make eyes. When the 'H' flag and the
+'B' flag are displayed together, with the 'H' above the 'B,' that's a
+signal that means 'Want immediate assistance.'
+
+"Oh, boys, now I'll tell you what let's play. Every ship, you know,
+should carry a set of these signal-flags, so let's play we're all
+boats. I'll be a yacht, I guess, because yachts are beautiful."
+
+"I'm a steam-tug--choo--choo--choo!--and my name's the tug _Billy_.
+Choo--choo choo--"
+
+"Good, Bill!" exclaimed Gerald. "You're built just right for a tug. I
+guess I'll be the schooner _Gerald_ of the White Star Line. Lumber's my
+cargo."
+
+"Dear me, I can't be just a yacht, sailing around for the fun of it,"
+remarked Betty. "I must be part of the merchant marine myself."
+
+"Part of the dictionary, you mean," grumbled Gerald.
+
+Betty was deaf for a moment. "I guess I would rather not be what
+you boys are, after all, so I'll be a passenger boat, the _City of
+Elizabeth_. I'm an ocean liner."
+
+"Oh, that's just like a girl," and Gerald laughed. "An ocean liner on
+the Great Lakes. Oh, oh!"
+
+"Did you ever get left, smarty Gerald? I tell you, I'm an ocean liner.
+These signals aren't used on the Great Lakes, only on the ocean.
+Besides that, if I'm a boat, I want the ocean to sail on. I couldn't
+think of puddling around in a little bit of water. I'm the finest
+steamship afloat, and I make regular trips between--oh, I guess London
+and New York. That will give you some work to do, Billy, because I'll
+need a steam-tug to pilot me into the harbour every time. You'll make a
+dear little pilot-boat, you are so chubby."
+
+"Choo--choo--choo! toot--toot--toot!" responded the steam-tug _Billy_.
+
+"What's the use of making a full set of flags?" remonstrated Gerald.
+"If we're going to play boat, let's play boat, and pretend we have them
+all. I've made the 'N--M' flags, that mean 'I'm on fire.'"
+
+"That's what I say," agreed Billy. "I found out that 'P--N' means 'Want
+a steam-tug,' so I've made two sets of 'P--N' flags, one for you and
+one for Betty to use. For my own self, the 'Yes' and 'No' flags are
+all I want. You two better pin your 'Want a steam-tug' flags on; they
+won't stay stuck. Choo--choo--choo! toot--toot! Here I come puffing
+around--toot--toot--toot--see my black smoke! Oh, Bet, let's play there
+came up an awful fog, so we'll have to toot our horns all the time."
+
+"And keep our bells sounding all the while we are at anchor," added
+Gerald.
+
+When the three boats began making trips, there were collisions and
+noise. Hero tried in vain to keep out of the way.
+
+"He's a reef; there ought to be a lighthouse on him," suggested Betty.
+
+"Look out for the St. Bernard Shoals," assented Gerald. "Hold on,
+there's a tug ashore,--a wreck on the St. Bernard Shoals."
+
+"Toot--toot--toot! puff--puff! choo--choo--choo!" This from the
+steam-tug _Billy_.
+
+"Tug is off the shoals, no lives lost," commented Gerald. "Oh, fire!
+fire! fire! My deck is all in flames. Up goes my signal 'I'm on fire,'
+and now where's my 'Want a steam-tug' signal. Oh, right here. I shall
+be saved if the tug _Billy_ doesn't burst his boilers before he gets
+here!"
+
+It so happened that the tug fell sprawling over the St. Bernard Shoals,
+and but for the timely assistance of the steamship _City of Elizabeth_,
+the schooner _Gerald_ of the White Star Line must have been lost with
+all on board. To be sure, Gerald emptied his pockets upon the floor,
+insisting that everything that fell, from his jack-knife to marbles,
+were frantic sailors, who either perished in the sea or were devoured
+by sharks.
+
+In the meantime, the St. Bernard Shoals made trouble for the steam-tug
+_Billy_. "Can't even blow my whistle," puffed Billy. "Hero, let me get
+up. Don't keep tumbling me over and over. Don't you know I'm a boat? Go
+'way, Hero. Open the door, Gerald, so he'll go out. Call him, Betty."
+
+Outside the window, Hero tried his best to persuade the children to
+come out and play in the rain.
+
+"Oh, dear, let's rest a minute," suggested Betty.
+
+"And say over the verses we learned that day of the worst blizzard last
+winter," added Billy. "You know what I mean, Betty, the rules for
+steamers passing, and then, Betty, we'll play it is a dark night when
+we go on some more trips."
+
+"Oh, I'll tell you," put in Gerald, "we'll cut lanterns out of paper,
+red and green and white ones, and pin them on."
+
+"Begin the verses first, Betty; let's say them all together," suggested
+Billy, "and say them loud so Hero can hear."
+
+"Let me see," Betty hesitated, "the first one is this:
+
+    "'Meeting steamers do not dread
+     When you see three lights ahead.
+     Port your helm and show your red.'"
+
+"Here's a red lantern for you, Bill," interrupted Gerald, "and this
+is yours, Betty. Go on, why don't you? The next verse is about two
+steamers passing."
+
+"Oh, I remember; say it with me, boys:
+
+    "'For steamers passing you should try
+     To keep this maxim in your eye.
+     Green to green or red to red,
+     Perfect safety--go ahead.'
+
+"Then, boys, the third verse is about steamships crossing:
+
+    "'If to starboard red appear,
+     'Tis your duty to keep clear;
+     Act as judgment says is proper,
+     Port or starboard--back--or stop her.
+
+    "'But when on your port is seen
+     A steamer with a light of green,
+     There's not much for you to do,
+     The green light must keep clear of you.'"
+
+By this time three voices were singing merrily:
+
+    "'Both in safety and in doubt,
+       Always keep a good lookout.
+     Should there not be room to turn,
+       Stop your ship and go astern.'"
+
+Billy gave a shout. "Oh, look, Betty! look, Gerald! There's Antoine at
+the gate, and he's afraid of Hero. He doesn't dare pass him."
+
+"He's calling you, Billy; go get your dog." Gerald laughed as he spoke.
+
+"'Both in safety and in doubt, always keep a good lookout,'" mocked
+Billy. "He's scared to death. Look at him back up when Hero walks
+toward him. 'Should there not be room to turn, stop your ship and go
+astern.' If Antoine was a boat, he could play Hero was an iceberg. Hey,
+Bet?"
+
+At last Antoine saw the children.
+
+"If we don't stop laughing," warned Betty, "he'll go away. He may think
+we're making fun of him."
+
+"Oh, how I wish Hero would give one of his loud barks," added Gerald.
+"Oh, I believe he will, sure as anything. He doesn't know what to think
+of Antoine. I guess he never saw any one act so queer. Now just see him
+stand there in front of the gate and make crazy motions."
+
+Suddenly Hero gave three loud barks that startled the little Frenchman
+almost out of his senses.
+
+"Look at him jump," continued Gerald. "He went up in the air like a
+rubber ball."
+
+"It's too bad," protested Betty. "I'm going to the door to tell Antoine
+that Hero won't hurt him. Billy, you go and get your dog."
+
+"Oh, I say, Bill," suggested Gerald, "instead of getting Hero, why
+don't you tow Antoine into port?"
+
+"Oh, goody! Choo--choo--choo!--where's my tow-line?"
+
+"Here, you rascal!" exclaimed Betty, "how dare you take my
+hair-ribbons. Why, Billy, you'll spoil them tying them together in a
+hard knot like that."
+
+"One's too short--choo--ch--choo!--toot--toot--toot--French boat in
+distress, don't you see? Gerald, you go and pin your 'Want a steam-tug'
+flag on him."
+
+Away flew Gerald, while Betty and Billy stood laughing in the window.
+Antoine not only allowed Gerald to pin the flag upon him, but instantly
+began making an active display of his signals, calling aloud for the
+steam-tug _Billy_.
+
+"Toot--toot--toot!--choo--choo--choo!" was the immediate response, and
+the steam-tug went puffing to the rescue regardless of the falling rain.
+
+"Make fast the hawser," commanded Billy, passing Antoine the tow-line.
+"It's kind of short," he added, under his breath.
+
+Antoine obeyed.
+
+"Choo--choo--choo!--ding--ding--ding--make fast. Ding--ding--ding--let
+go." Slowly did the steam-tug venture into deep water; too slowly to
+suit Antoine, whose fear of the dog was genuine. Gerald had explained
+that Hero never harmed any one Billy befriended, merely hinting at dark
+possibilities that might befall the unwary. He also laughingly told
+Antoine that Hero was not a dog, but a dangerous reef. In a short time
+the little Frenchman had reason to believe that the reef was volcanic
+in its nature.
+
+"Choo--choo--choo"--on came the steam-tug, the French boat close
+behind. "Choo--choo--choo--choo"--slower and slower the two approached
+the reef, the steam-tug venturing nearer and nearer, to the dismay of
+the boat in tow.
+
+Four sharp whistles sounded from the tug. It was the danger-signal!
+The steam-tug _Billy_ was on the reef, and but for the parting of the
+hawser the French boat must have followed.
+
+"Don't you try to run, Antoine," called Gerald; "you can't tell what
+Hero might do. You better stand right still till Billy gets on his feet
+again." Then he and Betty laughed. Terror was pictured on Antoine's
+face as the dog barked and pranced around, thoroughly enjoying the
+game.
+
+Billy struggled to his feet. "Toot--toot--make fast," he commanded, and
+Betty's hair-ribbons were once more tied together, how loosely only
+Billy knew.
+
+"Toot--go ahead," he sung out, but again the hawser parted, and
+Antoine, watching Hero, dared not stir. "Toot--toot--toot," there
+was the sound of laughter in the whistle, and the captain's
+voice was scarcely steady as he called out, "Slow up," then
+"Toot--stop--toot--toot--back up--make fast--toot--go ahead."
+
+Safely into port came the French boat, in the midst of cheering from
+the decks of the _City of Elizabeth_ and the schooner _Gerald_ of the
+White Star Line.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+                            ANTOINE LEBRINN
+
+
+"Tell you a bear story, Beely? No, I'm too scare to tell you a bear
+story," Aunt Florence heard Antoine remark. "I tole you dog story, hey?
+How you scare you old friend Antoine with you big dog. That was a bad
+trick, Beely. You do wrong to scare ole Antoine."
+
+So earnestly did the Frenchman say this, as he held Billy on his knee,
+the small boy felt uncomfortable, though Aunt Florence laughed, and
+wondered how and when to begin her lecture.
+
+"But, Antoine," Billy explained, "that was a game."
+
+"A game, Beely, you call that game, do you, when you scare ole Antoine
+out his wit? Game, hey?"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"I knew Hero wouldn't hurt you, Antoine; he's a nice, kind dog, and he
+wouldn't bite a mosquito."
+
+Antoine shook his head and made a downward motion with his hands.
+
+"That's all right for you, Beely, but how did Antoine know the dog
+she wouldn't bite one moskeet? When I see his mouth, I say to myself,
+Antoine, he swallow you sure, and then I call my friend Beely."
+
+"But I was a steamboat then," protested Billy, "and, anyway, I came
+after you, didn't I?"
+
+"Yes, Beely, I find you out in the wood some day, big black bear after
+you. Beely call ole Antoine, and ole Antoine he play steamboat, hey,
+Beely? How you like that?"
+
+"Tell us a bear story, please do," persisted the child.
+
+"No, Beely, maybe I tole you bear story, maybe so, but that big dog he
+scare me. Now, I'm scare out of bear story."
+
+"Poor old Hero, he wants to come in," said Billy. "Shall I let him come
+in and get acquainted with you, Antoine?"
+
+"No, Beely, I'm too much acquaint with him now. You call your dog, I
+go."
+
+"But he likes you, Antoine; I could tell by the way he sniffs at you
+that he likes you."
+
+"Yes, maybe he likes me too much, I'm think. I'll bring my gun next
+time," warned Antoine; "then let him sniff at me, hey, Beely?"
+
+"You wouldn't shoot him."
+
+"I wouldn't stand still and let him eat me, I tell you that, Beely.
+When you see Antoine coming, you better call your dog and hide him."
+
+"Give it to him, Antoine," said Gerald, with a brotherly grin.
+
+Billy said nothing, but, with his back turned toward Aunt Florence, he
+made a face at Gerald.
+
+"Well, Beely," protested the Frenchman, "that's a pretty crooked face
+you make there. Let me look on that face. She's round like the pumpkin,
+and your eye she's like two little blue bead. Well, I can't see nothing
+wrong with it now. A minute ago I'm 'fraid. You must not make such face
+like that on your brother, because, Beely, I'm afraid she freeze like
+that."
+
+"But where have you been all this time?" questioned Betty, while Gerald
+motioned Aunt Florence to watch the grimaces and motions Antoine made
+as he talked.
+
+"Oh, I'm work back here on the cedar swamp, getting out some pole to
+load big vesseal when he come. Where's your papa? I want to see if he's
+hear anything of the _George Sturgis_. I'm think he's come last week,
+and I'm look for it ever since. He was going to come last week to Cecil
+Bay to get my pole to take to Chicago. I'm 'fraid we's going to get bad
+weather, and I want to get out my load of pole quick as I could."
+
+"You'll have to wait, Antoine," declared Gerald, "because papa went to
+the station with some messages, and he's going to wait for the mail,
+and the train's late."
+
+"Don't you want to see our baby?" asked Betty. "Oh, he is the dearest
+little fellow, just three months old. Mamma says he looks exactly as
+Billy did when he was a baby."
+
+"Beely ain't baby no more," commented the Frenchman. "I s'pose he ain't
+like the new baby pretty good?"
+
+"Oh, yes," Betty assured Antoine, "Billy loves the baby."
+
+"And I'm seven, going on eight," the small boy declared. "It seems a
+hundred years since you were here last," he continued; "have you been
+working in the cedar swamp all that time?"
+
+"Well," was the reply, "I'm think if you be there when the black fly
+and the moskeet eat you up, you would say it was one hundred year sure.
+You say your papa she go to the post-office, hey?"
+
+"Yes, and the train is late. If I was an engine, I'd get here on time,
+and not keep folks waiting for their mail."
+
+Antoine LeBrinn made a remarkably bad grimace, looked at Billy for
+several seconds, and then replied: "Little boy ain't got no patience
+these day. Now, when I'm a little boy and live on Cadotte's Point, we
+only got our mail two time in one week."
+
+"But that was before the railroads came," said Betty, "and I don't see
+how you got any mail at all. Did it come in canoes?"
+
+Antoine shrugged his shoulders. "No, Betty, the dog she bring our mail
+in those day."
+
+"Dogs!" exclaimed Billy. He was sure there was a story coming.
+
+"What do you mean?" inquired Gerald, seating himself in Billy's rocker,
+while Betty drew her footstool close beside him. "Antoine, what do you
+mean?"
+
+"Just what I'm say. Dog, she bring our mail in the old day. Did you
+never hear of a traineau?"
+
+"Yes," admitted Betty. "I have read of traineaus, but I never expected
+to see any one who ever saw one. Do tell me all about them."
+
+"Well," began the Frenchman, making all sorts of motions with his
+head and his hands as he went on, "well, when I'm little boy and this
+was call Old Mackinaw Point, there was no train and no steamboat, and
+in the winter-time all our mail was brought by these dog I am tell
+you about. These dog she was train with the harness and haul a long
+sleigh call a traineau. I know a little chap," and Billy had to give
+a hard kick at somebody who pinched his toes, "I know one little chap
+that hitch up one dog to her sled and take a ride on all kinds of
+weather. Well, well, what's the matter with Beely? She jump around like
+something bite him."
+
+"Go on, Antoine, go on, tell us about the dogs," teased Billy.
+"Gerald's always acting horrid."
+
+"Well," resumed the Frenchman, "a traineau was pulled by six dog; all
+had harness on, and hitch one in front the other on one long string.
+The traineau she's all pile full of mailbag, and one man go along to
+drive the dog. This driver she go three, four hundred mile on one trip,
+and she would carry enough along to eat to last him and his dog four or
+five day."
+
+At this point Billy became much excited, and broke in with a remark
+that amused Gerald so highly he stood on his head and waved his feet in
+the air until Betty reminded him of his manners.
+
+"Why, why, Antoine," Billy demanded, "how could the driver carry stones
+enough to last even one hundred miles, I'd like to know?"
+
+The Frenchman was puzzled. "Stone," he remarked, running his fingers
+through his short, black hair, "now what, Beely, would the driver do
+with stone?"
+
+Betty clapped her hands. "When Billy goes driving on the ice with
+Major," she explained, "he has to carry a pocket full of stones, or
+Major wouldn't go a step. He throws a stone and Major goes after it;
+then he throws another, and that's the way he keeps the dog flying."
+
+"Well, that's pretty good," said the smiling Antoine, "but you see,
+Beely, these dog she was train to pull the sleigh when she was a little
+bit of a pup. He was train so he was used to it. When the driver said
+'Go,' she went; and at first, no matter how much mail they have, the
+dog she would jump and run as if they like it. After they draw a bit
+load two or three day, she's begin get tired, and then they would lay
+right down on the road, so the driver would stop and let the dog rest.
+
+"Here, on Mackinaw Point, the driver she stop at the little store and
+left the mail for all the folks; for the fishermen along the shore and
+on Cadotte's Point where I'm live."
+
+"But where did the traineaus start and where did they go?" inquired
+Betty.
+
+"They come from Alpena and go way up to the Soo, and then go back
+again."
+
+"Why didn't they use big sleighs and horses?" Gerald put in.
+
+"No road," was the reply, "only narrow trail through the wood."
+
+"And was all the mail from the big world brought to Mackinaw that way
+when you were a little boy?" persisted Betty; "and did you ever get a
+letter?"
+
+"No, I can't say I ever got one letter myself. Little children ain't
+much account those day, but my aunt what live on Canada send me one
+pair mitten for a New Year present. I'm just about big like Beely then,
+but I'm walk in all alone from Cadotte's Point."
+
+"And you must have seen a bear," observed Billy.
+
+"Oh, now, you Beely, you think I'm going to tell you a bear story. Well
+I ain't feel just right for tole you a bear story this time. I'm tell
+that some other time. I'm tell you a bear story every time I'm see you,
+Beely, and I'm getting them pretty near all wear out."
+
+At this the children laughed so uproariously, the baby awoke and began
+to cry.
+
+"Mamma'll bring him out in a minute," remarked Betty, and when the
+baby, still screaming, was brought into the room, Antoine insisted
+upon taking him, to the delight of the children, who stood by, softly
+clapping their hands and laughing. Their mother laughed, too, when
+Antoine, who knew something about babies from long experience, began
+walking the floor with the little fellow and talking to him.
+
+"Well, is this the new baby? Bring it here and let me look at it. Well,
+a pretty nice looking baby, I'm think, if she ain't cry so much. Her
+face is all crooked and all wrinkle up. Come now, you ain't going to
+cry all the time. I'm going to look and see them little eye you got
+there. Well, she make quite a bit of noise for her size, but I'm going
+to sing him a little song and see if she won't go to sleep again:
+
+    "'The Frenchman he hate to die in the fall,
+     When the marsh is full of game:
+     For the muskrat he is good and fat,
+     And the bullfrog just the same.
+
+    "'High le,
+     High low,
+     Now baby don't you cry,
+     For ole Antoine is right close by.'"
+
+"Now you see, Beely, she's quit crying already. You ain't know Antoine
+can sing, eh?"
+
+It was even as Antoine said; the baby had stopped crying, and Billy,
+astonished by the music of the Frenchman's voice, begged for another
+song, insisting that anything would please him.
+
+"Oh, no, Beely," objected his friend. "I ain't going to sing no more to
+the baby, she's quiet now. I'm goin to tole you a story."
+
+"Is it a bear story?"
+
+"No, it's a cow story. My cow she's run away once, and I'm find it
+on Wheeler's farm." Thus began Antoine, accompanying his words with
+gestures far more laughable than the tale he told, and causing the
+children great amusement. Billy's round face became one broad grin as
+he listened.
+
+"When I'm take my cow home," went on the little Frenchman, still
+walking the floor with the baby in his arms, "I'm take short cut on
+the wood; I'm go by old log road. There was a lot of raspberry there,
+so now I'm to pick up some raspberry for myself. So I'm tie my cow on
+black stick of wood, and let it eat grass on the road and drag the
+wood along, and she can't get away from me."
+
+At this point Betty's mother rescued the baby from the arms of the
+prancing Frenchman, to the evident relief of Betty, who thought the
+baby too precious a bundle to be flourished so vigorously, as Antoine
+stooped to pick raspberries and to tie his cow.
+
+"Pretty soon," continued the narrator, "pretty soon she give a jerk
+with his head, and the piece of wood jump toward it and scare my cow.
+Well, she start to run down the road, and I'm run after it and holler,
+'Whoa, Bess, whoa!' but she's so scare she ain't stop.
+
+"By and by my cow stop, all play out." Antoine placed himself before
+Betty, who was sitting on a footstool near Aunt Florence, while Gerald
+and Billy were standing near their mother's chair, the refuge they
+sought when Antoine was running after his cow. "Well, as I'm say, my
+cow stop all play out. She stand right there on front that stick of
+wood." Antoine certainly mistook Betty for the stick of wood. "She's
+stand there and look straight at it, and she's go, 'Woof! woof! woof!'
+and his tail she's go round and round," and Antoine's arms made wide
+circles in the air, "but she's all right; she ain't hurt at all, so I'm
+catch my cow and take it home, and I'm pretty glad she ain't hurt at
+all. Now I ain't tie my cow to no more black stick of wood. I told you
+that right now."
+
+In the midst of the laugh that followed, and while Billy was pulling
+at the Frenchman's sleeve, beseeching him to tell another story, the
+marine reporter came home. Immediately Antoine told his errand, and
+made his escape from the presence of the clamouring children, laughing,
+shrugging his shoulders, and declaring that he would sometime tell
+them all the stories they would listen to. Thus Aunt Florence lost an
+opportunity to deliver her first temperance lecture.
+
+Scarcely had the door closed behind Antoine when it was opened by
+Billy, who followed his friend into the yard.
+
+"Here, Antoine," he called, "take this orange to 'Phonse. Mamma gave me
+one, and Betty one, and Gerald one."
+
+"It's a good little Beely," was the remark that filled the small boy's
+heart with pride, as Antoine slipped the treasure in his pocket.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+                               ORANGES
+
+
+After supper Billy thought longingly of his orange. He wondered if
+it was thick-skinned and if it was juicy. He felt pretty sure it was
+sweet, and the more he thought of it the sweeter it seemed to his
+imagination. Billy was just saying to himself that, if he had not given
+away his orange, he would eat it without asking his mother for sugar,
+when he stumbled upon Gerald leaning over the wood-box in the kitchen.
+
+"What are you doing out here all alone?" demanded Billy.
+
+"What business is it of yours, I'd like to know? Why don't you go back
+in the other room?" Gerald grumbled, making rather lively motions
+around three sides of the wood-box, as he tried to keep his back toward
+Billy.
+
+"Aw, pig!" sniffed Billy, "eating your orange out here where nobody'd
+see you, so you wouldn't have to divide. Orange juice running all down
+your arm, and I'm glad of it, pig!"
+
+"Got an orange of your own," was Gerald's retort.
+
+"Haven't either," declared Billy.
+
+"Then you've eaten it up, and now who's a pig, I'd like to know? I
+offered to divide my orange with Selma, but she was in a hustle to
+get her dishes washed and get down-town, and it isn't my fault if she
+couldn't wait for me to get it peeled. You're the pig, Billy, because
+you didn't even offer to divide with anybody."
+
+"No, I gave my whole orange to Antoine before I even stopped to smell
+of it," wailed Billy, "and I guess if I had a little brother that
+hadn't had a smell of orange, I'd give him a piece."
+
+Gerald whistled. "Who ever'd think you'd do such a thing, Billy? Here,
+little boy, is your reward of merit," and Gerald, thrusting half his
+orange into Billy's outstretched hand, walked away, whistling.
+
+Half an orange made Billy wish for more. It was a sweet one and juicy.
+He wondered if Betty's orange was anywhere near as good. Later in the
+evening Gerald went out on the beach with his father to see if there
+were any boats in sight to be reported. While he was gone, Betty
+prepared to eat her orange.
+
+"Come on, Billy," she suggested, "get your rocker, and we'll eat our
+oranges while mamma undresses the baby. I'm glad it is a chilly night,
+so we had to have a fire in the grate."
+
+A wistful expression crept into Billy's face. "I gave my orange to
+Antoine to take to 'Phonse," was his reply in sorrowful tones.
+
+"Why, you dear, good Billy, you shall have half of mine. Bring your
+rocker here beside of me, and we'll eat my orange together. See my
+saucer of sugar. I'll divide that with you, too."
+
+Billy, more than willing, was thoroughly enjoying himself when Gerald
+returned. The minute the door was opened, the boy stuffed the last
+piece of his half of Betty's orange into his mouth so quickly Betty
+couldn't imagine what ailed him.
+
+Gerald's remark upon beholding this performance was an explosion.
+"Pig!" he shouted. Explanations followed, and Billy was sent into the
+kitchen to do some quiet thinking. The cat followed him, whether from
+curiosity or because she liked Billy, it is impossible to say.
+
+When Billy climbed into a hard, uncomfortable chair, so high his
+feet couldn't touch the floor, the cat jumped upon another chair and
+settled down to watch him. At first Billy looked ashamed of himself
+and miserable. For a minute he seemed to think of pulling his loose
+tooth; but, after touching it ever so gently, he shook his head. Then,
+observing a strange expression on the cat's face, Billy half-smiled;
+that is, the smile stopped just below his eyes, whose solemn stare
+remained unchanged.
+
+That was enough for the cat. With a remark that sounded exactly like
+what she used to say to her kittens when she brought them a mouse, she
+bounded into Billy's chair, and began rubbing against him, purring
+cheerfully. By the time she had flourished her tail in his face, licked
+his hands, and clawed at his red sweater for a few seconds, Billy
+laughed merrily.
+
+Perhaps if the cat had minded her own business, Billy would not have
+forgotten his disgrace so quickly. However that may be, the small boy
+slipped down from his chair and had a good time. He played tiger in
+the jungle with the cat until she objected; then he played he was the
+northwest wind, sending everything helter-skelter before his icy breath.
+
+Suddenly Billy bethought him of a new game, and a few minutes later the
+whole family rushed into the kitchen half-fearing that the stove must
+have fallen upon the child, so unusual was the racket they heard. There
+was no cause for alarm. At the moment Billy was Antoine's cow. A big
+tin pail attached to his waist by Betty's jumping-rope was the black
+stick of wood.
+
+When the family appeared at the door, the cow was standing in front of
+the black stick of wood, stamping its feet and snorting, "Woof! woof!
+woof!" The cat was nowhere in sight.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VII.
+                        MINNAVAVANA'S BRAVES
+
+
+The north wind is no respecter of persons. He wasn't invited to Betty's
+lawn party, but he came at dawn and stayed until dark the day she chose
+to entertain her dearest friends. Billy was glad of it. He said that
+girls' parties were silly, anyway, and he hoped the whole flock would
+have to stay in the house. He declared that Betty needn't expect to see
+him at the party: he would rather hide in the cellar all day than be
+the only boy among so many girls. Aunt Florence smiled, and said she
+guessed they could get along without him if he felt that way.
+
+"Sometime before I go home, though," she promised Billy, "we'll have a
+boys' party, and then we won't care how hard the wind blows. But the
+girls, dear me, Billy, they'll be so disappointed if they have to stay
+in the house."
+
+"Who cares?" suggested Billy.
+
+"Why, I care," suggested Aunt Florence. "Young man, I am helping Betty
+with this party, and the wind is more than I know what to do with."
+
+"Oh, if it's your party, Aunt Florence, that's different, and I know
+what to do. Build a tramps' shelter and keep the wind out."
+
+"What's a tramps' shelter, Billy?"
+
+"Why, Aunt Florence, out in the woods the tramps make regular little
+rooms of trees and branches. We can coax papa and his man to get a
+wagon-load of Christmas-trees from the woods and make a room, not where
+we'd spoil the lawn, but the other side of the house, you know, down
+close to the lake."
+
+"Who would report boats, Billy, if your father and the man both go to
+the woods?"
+
+"Mamma would," was the reply; "she does lots of times. I'll get
+some boys to help make the room if you want to do it. I wish Gerald
+was here, but every time Mr. Robinson invites him to go on the
+fishing-tug, he goes. I wish I was him."
+
+When Betty heard of Billy's plan, she said she didn't know he could
+think of anything so nice, and before noon the room was made.
+
+"It's a fort!" declared Billy.
+
+"Why, so it is," added Betty. "And to-morrow, Billy, let's play fort,
+and I'll ask Lucille and that little girl that plays with her, that
+little Marion Struble from Marquette, and Cora and Gay to come and
+bring their dolls and play ladies from the settlement seeking safety in
+the fort during an Indian war. You may be an Indian chief, you know,
+and I don't care how many boys you have for braves. Oh, it will be
+loads of fun."
+
+"Let's do it to-day," suggested Jimmie Brown, the Detroit boy.
+
+"And scare the girls to death," added one of the green cottage twins.
+
+"Oh, mercy, boys, that wouldn't do at all! You see, this is to be a
+real stylish party to-day, and besides that, I don't s'pose half the
+girls that are coming ever played Indian. Why, one time, auntie, Gerald
+and Billy and I had an Indian show, and we hadn't any more than begun
+when the girls were scared and ran home crying.
+
+"I wish you boys would please go now and pick about ten bushels of wild
+flowers, so we can make the inside of this evergreen fort perfectly
+beautiful. See, Aunt Florence, papa made the north wall extra thick
+and high, so the wind can't get in. Isn't this the sweetest place for
+a party you ever heard of? Of course, we'll be crowded, and of course
+we can't stay in it all the time, but that won't hurt anything. Mamma
+says we may bring out all the cushions and put them on the board seats.
+We'll have the music-box here in the corner."
+
+Soon the boys returned with arms full of wild flowers. "Powder and shot
+for the fort," announced Billy, and the mischief shining in his eyes
+alarmed his sister.
+
+"Now, Billy Grannis," she warned, "don't you dare try any tricks."
+
+"Of course not," replied Billy, though Jimmie and the green cottage
+twins tossed their caps into the air and grinned.
+
+"They're planning something, auntie," Betty declared, but when the
+guests began to arrive she forgot her suspicions.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Alice Swayze came first, dressed in her best white gown. She was from
+Kalamazoo. Betty seated her beside the music-box. Two little girls from
+Chicago came next, wearing wide blue sashes just alike. Little Belle
+Lamond from California straightened her pink sash, felt of the bow on
+her pretty dark curls, and acted so vain and silly, four small boys,
+who were watching from behind the north wall of the evergreen fort,
+almost laughed aloud.
+
+"Won't she jump, though?" whispered Billy.
+
+"You bet," replied Jimmie Brown, "and there comes Nellie Thomas.
+She's from Detroit, and is in my sister's room at school. She'll jump
+sky-high."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+There was merriment within the evergreen fort, as little girls
+continued to enter and the tiny space became crowded. When Betty
+started the music-box, whispering behind the north wall was no longer
+necessary.
+
+"It's getting so noisy in there, I'm 'fraid they won't even hear wild
+Indians," ventured Jimmie Brown at the top of his voice.
+
+"Hush," cautioned Billy, "don't talk too loud. Music-boxes and wind and
+waves and talking girls sometimes keep still at the same time."
+
+"Oh, look," exclaimed the twins, "what's coming?"
+
+"Frenchy and Bud and Buzz and Tony and their little 'dopted sister
+Samone," Billy declared, as he began motioning for the new-comers to
+creep quietly to the fort.
+
+'Phonse took the hint, and soon he and his wondering followers were
+peering through the evergreen walls.
+
+"What's going to happen?" demanded 'Phonse, with a grin.
+
+"Well," explained Billy, "it's a game, only the girls don't know
+they're in it. That's a fort, and we're Indians. I'm Minnavavana, the
+chief, and the rest of you are my braves. You want to play, of course.
+Samone don't count, though, she's only a papoose."
+
+"But where are your tomahawks, and what's going to happen, I say?"
+persisted 'Phonse, as he and his brothers crowded around Billy.
+
+"Look," said Jimmie Brown, showing the LeBrinn children a firecracker.
+"These Indians have guns. Can't you give him a gun, Billy? My pocket's
+full of matches."
+
+"Sure," replied Billy; "you give out the matches. Now listen, you that
+don't know the game. We're all Indians, but I'm the chief. You're
+just braves. When I nod my head like this, every brave must give an
+awful war-whoop. Just screech, boys, yell for all you're worth, and I
+will, too, and that same minute fire off your firecrackers and run.
+You mustn't even stop to see what the girls do, because then we'll be
+caught."
+
+"You all cut for the woods," 'Phonse warned his brood.
+
+"Now get in a straight line," commanded Billy, "and look in. I guess
+they're all here now, and we mustn't wait long if we expect to have
+any fun, because soon's they're all here Betty's going to have them
+all go and have games on the porch, and they're coming back here for
+'freshments. Watch out there, Bud, don't lean too hard. What if the
+stockade should tumble in?"
+
+Unconscious of bright eyes watching, and of the row of grins behind the
+fort's north wall, the little girls laughed and gaily chatted.
+
+Suddenly, without the least warning, blood-curdling sounds filled
+the air, accompanied by what seemed to be cannon shots. At the same
+instant, the evergreens forming the north wall trembled, shook, fell
+in; while screaming girls, frightened almost out of their senses,
+struggled to get away.
+
+Billy tried to run but couldn't. "Wait, boys, wait for me!" he
+shouted, but the boys didn't wait, not even for the little Samone,
+who cried frantically for help. Billy never heard such an uproar,
+quickly followed by screams of terror unlike anything he ever dreamed
+of. Turning, he saw what Betty and her little friends that instant
+noticed; saw what made the grown folks, rushing across the lawn, white
+with fear. Little Samone, trying in vain to free herself from the
+evergreens, was on fire. Billy saw the flames reaching for the ragged
+sleeve of her calico slip, and knew that he must try to save her.
+Betty saw what he meant to do, and tried to stop him.
+
+"Wait, Billy, wait!" she screamed. "You're too little! Papa is coming!
+Wait, oh, Billy, Billy!"
+
+But the north wind wasn't waiting, and Samone was tiny. Quicker than
+a flash, Billy, usually so slow, leaped upon the evergreens, snatched
+Samone, and rolled her down the bank into the water.
+
+When certain braves returned, seeking a lost papoose, they found her
+playing with Betty's guests; but the great chief, Minnavavana, whose
+hands were a trifle burned, was still sobbing in his mother's arms.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII.
+                        ANTOINE'S BEAR STORIES
+
+
+Straight into all hearts walked the little Samone. Every one in the
+village loved her, and strangers, learning the child's story, had tried
+to take her away from Antoine LeBrinn, for Samone was a waif. When
+Betty, Billy, and Aunt Florence called at the Frenchman's home, Antoine
+received them with scant courtesy. He supposed that Aunt Florence was
+one more summer visitor who wanted the child; one more who had come to
+tell him that she must not be allowed to grow up in a shanty on the
+beach; and, taking Billy one side, Antoine talked angrily, as he spread
+his nets to dry.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"Why," remonstrated Billy, "of course, I wouldn't bring any one
+down here to get Samone away from you. Auntie is glad you have
+Samone. She says she's glad of it--only--only--" How could Billy
+explain the errand upon which Aunt Florence had come? He did wish
+Betty would keep things to herself. Talking to Antoine about drinking
+didn't do a bit of good, anyway. Billy was sure of it, and he did wish
+Mrs. LeBrinn and the children were home. They were away huckleberrying.
+Betty and Aunt Florence were sitting on a log in front of the shanty,
+waiting for Antoine to finish spreading his nets.
+
+"What for your face she get so red, little Beely?" asked Antoine.
+
+"I was wondering if you would tell us a bear story," replied the little
+fellow.
+
+"Beely, I tole you one bear story, you tell ole Antoine why your aunt
+come down to see him."
+
+Billy hesitated only a minute, and then told Antoine that Aunt Florence
+liked his children so well she wanted him to promise not to drink any
+more. "I wouldn't have said a word if you hadn't asked me," concluded
+Billy, "and now you'll tell us a bear story, won't you?"
+
+Antoine laughed long and loud before saying: "Beely, you think your
+aunt like one bear story?"
+
+"Why, yes, but what are you laughing at, Antoine?"
+
+"Oh, I'm think I'm tell one, two, three, four bear story until your
+aunt go home, and ole Antoine she laugh."
+
+"How are you going to begin, Aunt Florence?" asked Betty, as Antoine
+and Billy came toward them hand in hand. "They say he won't promise not
+to drink; he just will spend every cent he can get when he wants to.
+Now what are you going to say?"
+
+"Oh, Betty, I don't know how to begin a bit better than you do, but for
+the sake of those five children somebody ought to try to do something
+besides laugh at such a man, and I shall try."
+
+"But, auntie, how will you begin?"
+
+"You must wait, Betty, and see."
+
+"Excuse me," Antoine began, "but I'm think I'm tell my friend Beely
+one bear story. I guess I'm tell you about the white bear. When I'm a
+little fellow, not so old as you, Beely, my brother have a pet bear. It
+was so high and so big and his colour was brown."
+
+"Brown," repeated Billy, "I thought you said it was white."
+
+"Maybe so, maybe so, Beely. Well, we all like the little brown bear but
+my ma, and she don't like that bear so much as I like the switch she
+always keep on the corner behind the flour barrel. My brother would
+have the bear on the house, and my ma scold and scold, because that
+bear get into all kind of troubles. He steal lump of sugar and he eat
+the codfish, and he help hisself to anything she want.
+
+"Well, Beely, one day my ma hear big noise on what you call the pantry,
+and that noise, Beely, was near the flour barrel, and when she go
+over to see what was the matter out jump a little white bear. He was
+the same little brown bear, Beely, all cover over with flour. My ma
+was so mad at that bear she ain't know what to do after he spoil all
+that flour. So she grab the broom, and she chase the bear all over the
+kitchen. She hit him whack-e-ty whack, Beely, until the poor little
+bear was pretty near scare to dead, and the air was all full of flour,
+and everything was all tip over and tumble down and upset, and my ma
+she look like a crazy woman. By and by she open the door, the little
+bear scoot out and climb a tree, and then he sit and look on my mother
+while she stand there and scold him.
+
+"And do you know, Beely, that little pet bear don't want to come on
+the house no more. You can't coax him on.
+
+"And one time, Beely, I have one little coon; he was my own pet. We
+catch him when he was a little fellow, and I have to feed him with a
+spoon, and when he was big he was chuck full of trick, too. One day,
+when my ma she was milking the cow, she turn her head, and my coon she
+jump right in the milk. Then my ma gave him a taste of a stick, like
+this, Beely, whack, whack, whack. Then my ma say to my pa she won't
+have so much wild animal around, and next day I find my little coon
+asleep, and he never wake up."
+
+"He died while he was asleep, did he, Antoine?"
+
+"Look that way, look that way, Beely. Now I'm tole you about one time
+me and my brother start out to find what you call ging-seng; around
+here we call it shang."
+
+"I never heard of it, Antoine, what is it?"
+
+"It's a root, Beely, the Chinamen want. It used to grow on China, but
+now she's all gone. It grows wild on the wood here, and you can get
+four and five dollar a pound for it if you know where to send it. You
+have to know the wood pretty well, or you ain't know where to find
+it. Well, Beely, me and my brother know where there was a good patch
+of shang, so one time when we have a week to spare, we start out one
+afternoon.
+
+"Before we have go a half-mile from home, my brother think he forget
+something. He go back to get it, and I walk on alone. We intend to
+stay all night in old log shanty. It is pretty near dark when I get
+there. I wait for my brother. He don't come. I'm pretty hungry, so I
+eat my supper, and look around the house where I'm to stay all night.
+Well, Beely, there was no door on the house, but that don't scare me.
+I am used to the wood, and I don't think nothing going to hurt me. But
+before I lay down and before it get dark, I put everything we bring to
+eat up on some high place, so the mouse and the squirrel can't get it.
+Then I go to sleep."
+
+"Oh, my, weren't you afraid, Antoine?"
+
+"What I be afraid of, Beely? I have my gun close beside me. I ain't
+know what time it is when I wake up. It is dark, and I think I hear a
+noise outside the shanty. Then I hear something walk in. Oh, Beely,
+my hair stand on one end, I'm so scare when I hear something go
+'sniff--sniff.' I'm so scare I don't dare get my gun, and my teeth
+go like this, Beely." Antoine tried to make Betty, Billy, and Aunt
+Florence realize how his teeth chattered, accompanying the performance
+by gestures that were funny enough.
+
+"Well, Beely, in a moment more I hear something walk, and I know a big
+bear has come to see me."
+
+"Why, Antoine, why didn't you shoot him?"
+
+"Because, Beely, I'm too scare. I don't dare stir, and, Beely, I'm
+think good-bye, Antoine, for the big bear came and pokes me two time
+with his nose."
+
+"Oh, sakes alive, Antoine."
+
+"Well, Beely, it is the truth I tole you. After he give me two poke,
+the old bear walk around until he find my can of salmon. Then I hear
+him eating and tip over all my things. Then he walk around and around,
+and by and by he come and see me again."
+
+"Oh, Antoine!"
+
+"But, Beely, you just wait; I tole you one joke on the big bear. He
+knock my gun down; he go off biff-bang! At first I'm so scare I'm
+think I'm going to die. Then I laugh until I pretty near choke to dead,
+for I hear the big bear run off through the wood. And in the morning,
+Beely, I find his track,--great, big, black bear track."
+
+"Tell me another, Antoine, please."
+
+Antoine, giving Billy a wink, began again before Aunt Florence or Betty
+could say a word. "Now, Beely, you know the wood is full of some bear,
+and ole Antoine he like to go bear-hunting."
+
+"Yes, go on, you went hunting, and what happened?"
+
+"Hold on, Beely, I don't go hunting, I go fishing; that is, Beely, I
+start to go fishing, but before I go far I come across a bear track. I
+think I never see such a big bear track. It is big like this, Beely,
+so I say I will follow the track of the big bear, but first I will go
+and get my gun. Then I leave my fish-pole at home, and start out with
+my gun, and I am think I am kill the biggest bear you ever hear of. I'm
+follow that bear track for one, two, three, four mile. It's a fresh
+track, and I'm pretty sure I'm find the bear and shoot him. By and by
+I stand still and think what I'm going to do. The big bear she's gone
+into one thicket, and, if I went after it, I shall have to crawl in. I
+ain't like to do that. I'm a little scare."
+
+"Well, I should think so. Go on, Antoine; of course, you did crawl in."
+
+"Yes, Beely, I crawl in and I keep crawling. You see, I think after
+awhile I'm going to come out at a clearing. I don't much like to follow
+track of one big bear on a place where I can't stand, and by and by I
+hear a twig snap, and pretty soon I'm hear another. Then I'm so scare I
+keep still a minute. I think maybe I'm going straight to the big bear's
+house, and the big bear and his folks will eat me up. When I'm think
+that, I'm think I better get back to the road, I think I don't want to
+shoot that bear, after all. I'm change my mind and go back to the road
+just so quick as I can."
+
+"And when you got there, what happened, Antoine?"
+
+"Why, Beely, I go home."
+
+"And you didn't even see the bear?"
+
+"No, Beely, and when I'm in that thicket, I'm think I don't want to see
+him."
+
+"Well, Antoine, maybe that's a track story, but I don't call it a bear
+story. Now, please tell me a good one 'bout narrow 'scapes. That's the
+kind I like."
+
+"Well, Beely, one time when I'm a little boy, my ma send me after the
+cows. We have two cows then. Well, I'm just ready to start home with
+the cows, when she stand still a minute and look scare to dead. I stand
+up on a log, and I think what is the matter, and then I see a big bear
+stand up on his hind feet. I don't know how I do anything so quick, but
+in a second I jump up on one of those cow, and then they both give a
+snort and start down the road lickety-split."
+
+"And did the bear chase you, Antoine?"
+
+"I think so, Beely, I don't know. I ain't look back to see. I have all
+I can do to hang on my cow. It ain't easy riding, I tole you that."
+
+"Oh, Antoine," remonstrated Billy, "I don't call that a bear story. I
+call it a cow story. Now, please, Antoine, tell me a good one. Please
+don't laugh; tell me a good, wild bear story, one of your narrow
+'scapes. Tell me about the time you caught the little bear last summer.
+I like that story."
+
+"Well, Beely, I ain't like to tell you that story pretty good, for
+every time I'm think on it I'm scare out of my wit yet."
+
+"But, Antoine, the bears can't hurt you now; they are all dead."
+
+"I know that, but I'm think they are going to hurt me that time. Well,
+it's just like this: I'm going on the swamp to look at some cedar I'm
+going to get out that winter. When I'm come to a little birch ridge
+on the swamp, well, I'm going to go across that ridge when I see two
+big bear and one little one lay down on front of me about twenty-five
+feet away. Well, I'm scare the bear, and the bear scare me. I'm come
+up there so quiet they ain't think I'm going to come at all; and I
+ain't think I'm going to see any bear there. I'm too scare to run away
+and I'm too scare to shoot. You know I'm got my gun with me. You know,
+Beely, I'm always got my gun and one little axe when I'm go through the
+wood.
+
+"Well, I'm stand there behind one stump; I look on the bear and the
+bear look on me. The biggest one get up on his hind leg and she show
+his teeth and growl. I'm pretty scare, I'm tole you that, Beely, when
+I'm see her big teeth. But I'm make up my mind I'm got to shoot that
+bear right there, or Antoine don't see Beely no more. Well, I'm take a
+rest with my gun on the stump, and take a good aim and shoot. I'm hit
+that bear right on the head. She's fall right down on his back, and
+growl and kick little bit and die.
+
+"Well, that scare the little bear, so she's climb up the tree. They
+got one more big bear there yet, and I ain't got no more bullet on my
+gun, and I ain't got time for load, so I'm climb one little tree pretty
+quick, just like one little red squirrel. But I'm take my gun along
+with me, so I can load it up there, you know.
+
+"Well, the bear she's come for me, but I'm load my gun pretty quick.
+When the bear she get ready for climb the tree, I'm shoot it, but I
+ain't hit it pretty good, and I ain't kill it that time, because just
+the same time I'm shoot, the limb what I'm stand on break, and I'm fall
+on the ground. I fall right close by the bear. I ain't hurt me very
+much, because I ain't fall pretty far, but I'm jump up like a rabbit
+and I'm grab my little axe, what I'm got on my belt, just the same time
+the bear she jump for me.
+
+"I'm hurt the bear pretty much when I'm shoot the first time, so she
+can't jump quick like me. When the bear she's jump on me, I'm jump
+behind one stump and hit him on the head with my axe. But I ain't kill
+it first time.
+
+"I'm run around the stump, and ever time I'm get a chance I'm hit that
+bear with my axe, and by and by I'm hit it on the nose and kill the
+bear that time. You know, Beely, it's pretty easy to kill a bear when
+you hit him right on the nose.
+
+"Well, Beely, I'm pretty glad I'm kill that bear, but I'm so scare I
+sit on that stump and shake and shake and shake just like as if I have
+the ague. By and by I'm feel a little better, and I think I'm going to
+catch that little bear what's up on the tree, so I'm cut down the tree
+and catch the bear; and I'm take off my belt and tie it around his neck
+and fetch it home. Then I go back there and skin the two bear, because
+the bear she's nice and fat and pretty good to eat that time.
+
+"I have that little bear yet, and he do lots of trick. Pretty smart
+little fellow, pretty ugly, I tole you that. I'm call him Beely after
+my little friend."
+
+"Oh, let's show him to Aunt Florence," suggested Billy, but Aunt
+Florence, for some reason, insisted upon going home.
+
+"No use for me to try to say anything to him," she remarked to Betty,
+as they walked along the bay shore. "I'll give up. I should think that
+man would be ashamed when he remembers that little suit I gave 'Phonse."
+
+"But that's the queer thing about him, auntie," Betty explained; "he
+never remembers anything he wants to forget. I like him, though."
+
+"So do I, far as that goes," agreed Aunt Florence, "but I more than
+like that poor little Samone."
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER IX.
+                      UNCLE JOHN'S "OLD TIMER"
+
+
+Betty cried at the station when Aunt Florence went home. Billy felt
+like crying, but he wouldn't. Aunt Florence was sorry to leave the
+children, and even Gerald felt sad enough as her train disappeared
+among the pines, and the whistle sounded at the crossing down the bay
+shore.
+
+"Well, she's gone," was his cheerful remark.
+
+"But she said she'd come again next summer," Betty sobbed, "and just as
+soon as she gets to the city she's going to send me a beautiful doll to
+dress for Samone."
+
+"Perhaps Samone won't be here then," said Gerald.
+
+"Won't be here! Why not?" asked Betty, wiping her eyes and staring at
+the boys.
+
+"Well, you know Antoine's been drinking again, and I heard some men
+saying if he keeps on they are going to take Samone away from him.
+They're going to send her to the House of Correction,--no, I don't
+believe that's the name of the place, either, but it is some home for
+children that don't belong to anybody."
+
+"Oh, what will Antoine do?" exclaimed Betty.
+
+"He'll fight," suggested Billy, "and so I will, too."
+
+"I'll tell you, boys, what we can do," advised Betty. "You know, it
+won't be long now before Uncle John comes to go hunting. Of course,
+Aunt Florence will tell him all about Antoine and Samone, and how she
+couldn't make him stop drinking, because she didn't know how to begin
+talking to him about it. Now, everybody says that if Antoine would make
+up his mind to be a different kind of a man, he could, and everybody
+likes him, even now, so I'm just going to ask Uncle John to go down to
+his house and make him stop. That's a fine plan. Folks always listen to
+Uncle John because he's so good-looking."
+
+When Uncle John came, he laughed at Betty. "Why, child, I'm not a
+temperance lecturer," he protested. "I came up here to hunt deer, not
+Frenchmen. Besides that, what's the use of my trying to do what you and
+Aunt Florence couldn't?"
+
+"Aunt Florence didn't half try," answered Betty, "and, of course, I've
+never tried at all. I wouldn't dare."
+
+Again Uncle John laughed. "If you don't dare venture, Betty, let's give
+up. What do you say, Billy?"
+
+"I say, let me go hunting with you," replied the boy.
+
+"Hunting the Frenchman?"
+
+"No, hunting deer and bears. Will you take me sometime?"
+
+Betty turned away much troubled. There was no use of talking to Uncle
+John, she could see that plainly. Betty liked Antoine so well she
+couldn't understand why every one laughed when anything was said about
+trying to make him do right. She knew, too, how dearly the Frenchman
+and his family loved the little Samone, and how kind they were to
+the child. She also knew what Antoine was beginning to suspect: a
+number of men in the village who were interested in Samone, and whose
+decisions were always carried out, were talking of sending the little
+one to the State School at Coldwater.
+
+Betty said no more about Antoine to Uncle John, but, while the frost
+fairies painted the maple leaves crimson and brightened the borders
+of the evergreen woods with many a dash of colour, she listened as
+eagerly as Billy and Gerald to all he had to say of forest wonders.
+At the same time, down in her heart, Betty was hoping that Uncle John
+wouldn't get a deer that season. "If he don't kill a deer," she told
+herself, "then the Coldwater school don't get Samone. That's my new
+superstition, though I'll never tell even Billy. Some things you must
+keep to yourself."
+
+Those were the days when Billy hated bedtime with all his might. It
+always came in the middle of some tale of adventure, often at the point
+where Uncle John almost shot a bear.
+
+Evening after evening, Mr. Larzalere, a neighbour, called to see Uncle
+John, and many a tale of the woods he told that made Gerald stare.
+Billy often wondered why such great hunters as Mr. Larzalere and his
+Uncle John could go forth each day, knowing exactly where to find deer,
+and yet return without one.
+
+"Should think you'd begin to get discouraged," he said at last.
+
+Uncle John and Mr. Larzalere only smiled at the idea, and advised
+Billy to wait. In the meantime, they talked with great enthusiasm
+of salt-licks, runways, bucks, does, and fawns, and a certain "Old
+Timer" that interested Billy more than anything else that lived in the
+woods. The little boy dreamed of the "Old Timer," and one never to be
+forgotten morning he saw him.
+
+Mr. Larzalere had promised to meet Uncle John at the "Big Stone," and
+Billy had begged to be taken along. He hadn't the least idea where the
+"Big Stone" was, but, from listening to the daily talk of the hunters,
+he believed that all the animals in the woods trooped by that enchanted
+spot ever day; possibly they formed a procession and marched past.
+Mr. Larzalere and Uncle John seemed always to reach the place either
+too late or too early to see all that happened. Uncle John told Billy
+that, when he was bigger, he would gladly take him hunting, but little
+boys seven years old were too small to think of shooting "Old Timers."
+
+"But, Uncle John, of course, I don't want to shoot the 'Old Timer,'"
+persisted Billy. "I just want to see his big horns, and if you'll let
+me go, I'll climb up on the 'Big Stone' and sit right still until you
+come after me. You and Mr. Larzalere can leave me there while you hunt."
+
+"Couldn't think of it, Billy," replied Uncle John. "When Mr. Larzalere
+and I drag in the Old Timer, then you'll see him."
+
+"That isn't the way I want to see him," said Billy to his mother. "I
+want to see him while he is alive. I've seen hundreds of dead deer down
+to the depot. What I want to see is the 'Old Timer' holding his own
+horns high,--high and running fast,--fast as if he was happy and wasn't
+afraid of hunters."
+
+Early the next morning Billy was up and gazing wistfully out-of-doors.
+In spite of the rain pelting against the window, Billy wanted to go
+hunting, and wondered how his Uncle John could lie in bed and sleep
+after daylight. Suddenly the small boy rubbed his eyes and stared.
+Across the common, in front of Mr. Larzalere's house, he saw the "Old
+Timer." A moment later the deer lifted his wide, spreading horns, stood
+quietly gazing toward the house, then came bounding across the common,
+pausing a moment at Billy's gate before making a dash for the woods.
+
+"Oh, I saw him! I saw him!" cried Billy, rushing from window to window,
+hoping for another glimpse of the deer.
+
+In a little while Mr. Larzalere came, calling loudly upon Uncle John
+to get his gun and follow the deer. He was wet to the skin, and a more
+excited man Billy never saw.
+
+"Where--where's your gun?" asked Billy. "Uncle John isn't dressed yet;
+he says he'll hurry."
+
+"My gun's at home," explained Mr. Larzalere. "You see that deer was
+grazing by the big pine in front of my house, and when I raised the
+shade I must have startled him. I told my wife to get my gun quick, but
+I didn't dare wait for it, because I didn't want to lose sight of my
+deer. Tell your Uncle John to come quick's he can! I'm going back for
+my gun!"
+
+As Mr. Larzalere ran for his gun, Billy flew through the house
+shouting: "Gerald! Betty! Selma! Everybody! Get up and see where there
+was a deer! Come on quick and I'll show you his tracks out in the sand!
+You'll have to hurry if you want to see the tracks, 'cause it's raining
+pitchforks!"
+
+After chasing through the storm for an hour or more, Mr. Larzalere went
+home to breakfast, though broiled venison wasn't on the bill of fare.
+
+Whether dogs drove him out of the woods, or whether the deer overheard
+Mr. Larzalere and Uncle John planning his downfall at one of the
+meetings by the "Big Stone," and walked into the village to show how
+little fear he had of hunters, Billy never knew, and the "Old Timer"
+was never again seen in that region. Whereat rejoiced Betty, the
+superstitious.
+
+Soon after, Uncle John went home; but he always declared that he should
+have killed the deer had he stayed long enough.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER X.
+                      FISHING THROUGH THE ICE
+
+
+It was Billy who gathered the last bunch of bluebells. He found them
+one November morning, their brave, delicate beauty all that remained of
+unforgotten blooms. The next day it was winter.
+
+The boy welcomed the whirling snow, but when the ice began forming
+all along the beach, his delight was unbounded. He couldn't pity the
+poor sailors as Betty advised; Billy envied them. The last trip of the
+season, like the first perilous voyage in the spring, seemed brimming
+with possibilities of adventure.
+
+Morning after morning, Billy ran to the window before he was dressed
+to see the waves tossing the broken ice in ridges farther and farther
+from the shore. How he longed to try the stretches of clear ice between
+the ridges! How he longed to go where the waves were dashing against
+the crystal wall! He wondered how much higher than his head the spray
+leaped toward the sun before it fell in sparkling showers all along the
+southern shore as far as the child could see.
+
+In the meantime the last light-ship had gone into winter quarters,
+the last buoy had been taken away, and even Billy understood that
+navigating the straits was a perilous undertaking. Whenever a boat
+whistled to be reported, the whole family ran to the window to see it
+pass, while the fog-horn sounded a farewell, and Billy's father dipped
+the stars and stripes in parting salute, to which the boat made answer.
+
+One steam-barge, the _Wallula_, was long unaccounted for. She was the
+last of the season, as Billy knew. He and Betty watched almost as
+anxiously as their father for the belated boat. One afternoon there
+came a blinding snow-storm, and for the first time Billy agreed with
+Betty in pitying the poor sailors, especially those on the _Wallula_.
+
+"Just think of being out in such a storm, with the light-ships all gone
+and the buoys all taken away!" said the little girl. "I don't see how
+a boat could help going on the shoals. Don't you ever be a sailor,
+Billy, will you?"
+
+"No," replied Billy, "of course not; I'll be the captain."
+
+A wonderful sight greeted Billy the following day. As usual he was
+up early, and through the east window in the sitting-room he saw the
+_Wallula_ frozen fast in the ice not far from shore.
+
+"Oh, mamma! mamma!" he called. "Here's the big red sun coming right
+out of the red, red clouds, and it's shining on the _Wallula_. And the
+icicles! Oh, mamma! Betty! Come and see the icicles shining on all the
+ropes. Oh, I must get out there quick."
+
+As Billy dressed, the sun was swallowed by a cloud so big, so black,
+its shadow dimmed the joy shining in his face.
+
+"Why, mamma!" he shouted, "what a 'normous cloud, and it's spreading
+over all the sky. I never saw anything happen so quick before. Did you
+ever see such a cloud! It was so heavy it had to go and fall down over
+all the sunshine."
+
+"No wonder!" exclaimed Betty, "I should think it would! Look there!"
+
+"Where? What?"
+
+"Why, Billy, don't you see? There is Antoine LeBrinn down on the beach
+with Samone in his arms, and I know the poor little thing hasn't on
+half enough clothes to keep her warm. I don't care how soon they take
+her away from him, so there!"
+
+"Why, Betty!"
+
+"I don't care, Billy. I'm beginning to feel just the way the rest of
+the folks do about that old Antoine. Papa says he don't stick to any
+kind of work, and his family are too poor for anything!"
+
+"I'm going to tell him," Billy threatened; "you see if I don't."
+
+Late in the morning half the village gathered to watch the tug from
+Cheboygan release the _Wallula_ and tow her into safe water. Then
+Billy saw more than one man frown, as he noticed the thinly clad child
+shivering in the Frenchman's arms. From that time he determined to
+compel Betty to tell Antoine he must stop drinking. At first Betty
+refused, but finally a new idea came into her mind.
+
+"Tell you what we might do, Billy," she said, "we might get up a pledge
+for him to sign his name to."
+
+"What's a pledge?"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"Oh, it's something you sign," and Betty, offering no further
+explanation, wrote her pledge. Having never seen a temperance pledge,
+this was not an easy thing to do. Betty tried many times, and destroyed
+nearly all her best tablet before she decided upon the correct form.
+All this scribbling she did in the presence of the impatient Billy.
+
+"Now read it," he begged, when Betty folded several sheets of paper
+instead of destroying them.
+
+"I am afraid you won't understand it, Billy," she said, doubtfully,
+"but it means, 'I won't drink any more whiskey and things.' Now listen,
+Billy; I'd like to hear how it sounds myself: 'When in the course of
+human events it becomes necessary to touch not, taste not, handle not,
+look not upon the wine when it is red, give me liberty or give me death
+before I ever touch another drop.'"
+
+"Oh, Betty, that's good; course I understand it. Why, it sounds just
+like the Fourth of July last year!"
+
+"There now, Billy, I shall have to read it all over again if I find out
+how it sounds, because that's only the short beginning."
+
+"Why, Betty, but that's enough! If he signs that and promises that he
+won't drink another drop, why, why, that's the place to stop, Betty."
+
+"I don't know but you're right, Billy, but lawyers put in lots of
+words they don't need when they write things, and they never stop when
+they get through. You see, I haven't read you the 'whereas' and 'now
+therefore' part. I wanted this pledge to sound as if a lawyer made it.
+You see, Billy, I know, because I read everything."
+
+"I don't care," Billy maintained, "you might get him mixed."
+
+"That's so," admitted Betty.
+
+"And then, too, Bet, why don't you say 'before I drink another drop--of
+whiskey,' in big capital letters."
+
+"Oh, never, Billy, that would hurt Antoine's feelings. We mustn't even
+hint about getting drunk and such things, but I will do as you say
+about having a short pledge, and we'll trim it with pictures."
+
+"Make pictures of bottles and things, Betty."
+
+"Oh, stop, Billy, I should say not! Birds and flowers will be better,
+and won't hurt Antoine's feelings. Don't you understand? Then we'll tie
+a red ribbon on it."
+
+It so happened that Billy's mother, not sharing the children's secret,
+wouldn't allow them to visit the Frenchman's home, and it was not until
+the ice stretched from shore to shore, and Antoine began his winter
+fishing, that their opportunity came. After school one night, they
+visited his fish shanty on the frozen straits.
+
+"Come in," said Antoine, in response to Betty's knock, "come in."
+
+"Oh, my, what a tiny place!" exclaimed Betty, "and how warm it is! too
+warm! Oh, my!"
+
+"Smells fishy and tarry," added Billy, holding his nose.
+
+"Hush!" warned Betty, fearing Antoine might be offended.
+
+"Warm!" repeated the man, laughing heartily; "the preacher she was
+here, and I ain't want it to stay, so I make it warm, and she ain't
+stay long."
+
+"Why did the minister come to see you?" asked Betty.
+
+"Did he come out here to have you tell him fish stories?" Billy
+inquired.
+
+Again Antoine laughed. "No, Beely, the preacher she come out here and
+bring one temperance pledge. She say to me, 'Antoine, I'm fisherman,
+too. I'm ask you to sign your name on this one paper.' I'm tell that
+preacher she make a mistake, and I'm put one, two, three stick of wood
+on the stove, and it get too warm pretty quick. The preacher she go
+home, and ole Antoine she sign no pledge so long she live, I tole you
+that right now."
+
+Betty looked discouraged, but Billy grinned as he knelt to peer through
+the hole in the ice. Both children knew better than to speak of their
+pledge.
+
+With utmost patience Antoine explained to his visitors all he knew
+about fishing through the ice.
+
+"What you think is on the end of that line, Beely, that go into the
+water there?"
+
+"Minnows?"
+
+"Oh, no, Beely, no minnow on the winter. On the end that line is one
+decoy fish. She's heavy and weighted with lead. We let it down on the
+deep water. Then, when we see a fish come after it, we wind the line
+with one windlass."
+
+"Can't you pull in the line?" asked Betty.
+
+"No, Betty, no, you pull the line, you jerk the decoy fish, and that
+won't do. Beely, you turn the crank there and wind the line over the
+reel. Now, Betty, kneel on the edge of the opening on the floor and
+look down on the water. Can you see one decoy fish?"
+
+"Yes, just as plain as anything."
+
+"Now you, Beely, turn the crank."
+
+"Oh, oh!" cried Betty. "Up comes the little fish, straight, straight
+up, just as natural as if it was alive."
+
+"Now let me see," besought the small boy. "You come, Betty, and turn
+the crank."
+
+"Here, Beely," said Antoine, "you and Betty can both look on the same
+time if you squeeze beside her. Fish shanty ain't big like the town
+hall?"
+
+"Well, I should say not," admitted Billy. "Why, isn't it nice, Antoine?
+You can sit right still on your box and reach all the walls, can't you?
+Oh, that's the way you do it? When you see a fish coming, you just keep
+watching him, and then you reach over and turn the crank and wind up
+the line, and then the pretend fish comes up higher and higher. But
+then, I don't see how you spear the real fish."
+
+"Well, Betty and Beely, I will show you. You see the decoy fish she
+come quiet through the water when we bring it up with a windlass. If
+we brought it up with one jerk, our trout would be scare away. Fish no
+fool, I tole you that. When my fish come to the top of the water, so
+I'm sure of my aim, I send my spear after him."
+
+"But I should think you would lose the spear," said Billy. "My, it's
+heavy!"
+
+Antoine pointed to the rope which tied the spear to a ring fastened in
+the roof.
+
+"Wish a fish would come along now," said Billy, still gazing into the
+depths beneath.
+
+"We make too much noise, Beely. Betty, you be little squaw and Beely
+be Indian, and we'll keep still like the Indian and then I'll show you
+one fish. I'm fix the spear so she's all ready, and now watch. Don't
+whisper."
+
+Silently the three peered through the hole in the ice. Betty wished
+that her heart wouldn't beat so loud; she feared the fish must hear
+its thumping. Several times Billy was compelled to stifle deep sighs,
+warned by a look from Antoine. Poor Billy! His knees ached and his
+back ached, and it is no wonder the active child kept thinking that he
+couldn't endure such a cramped position another moment. It seemed ages
+to Betty also before she raised her face with a pleased smile to the
+fisherman and exchanged a glance with the radiant Billy.
+
+There was a big fish coming straight toward the decoy. The children
+had a fine chance to see exactly how a fish swims. Billy held his
+breath, as the line was slowly wound over the reel and the decoy came
+nearer and nearer the surface. They could see the bright eyes and the
+glistening fins of the fish that came after it.
+
+Just as Antoine reached for his spear, Betty sneezed. Quick as a flash
+the fish darted to the bottom of the straits; but it moved no quicker
+than Antoine, who motioned for silence. Betty longed to explain that
+she couldn't help sneezing, while Billy could scarcely be restrained
+from venting his wrath. Under the circumstances, he gave Betty an angry
+glance, and ventured to wiggle the least bit before settling himself
+for another time of breathless waiting. As for Betty, she could just
+manage to keep the tears back, and, when the fish slowly rose from the
+bottom of the lake, she didn't see him so clearly as Billy and the
+fisherman did.
+
+That time Antoine speared the fish. Billy not only saw him do it, but
+helped pull a big trout through the hole in the ice, and soon he and
+Betty were taking turns carrying the treasure home.
+
+"Dear me," said Betty at last, "I'll never dare say 'pledge' to him
+again."
+
+"I should say not," echoed Billy.
+
+Upon reaching home, Betty was much distressed when she discovered that
+her pledge was lost. "Somebody'll find it, Billy, and tell everybody in
+town, and then won't we catch it? Everybody'll be making fun of us."
+
+Billy tried to be consoling. "They won't know who wrote it, Betty."
+
+"Oh, that's the worst of it, Billy. I put my name and your name and the
+date and everything on that paper, and I said it was for Mrs. LeBrinn's
+Christmas present! Oh, dear!"
+
+At that very moment, Antoine, alone in his shanty, was reading Betty's
+pledge. A curious smile came and went as he read the slip of paper.
+When the last gleam of sunlight faded in the west, he locked his shanty
+and walked to the village with his load of fish.
+
+The following morning little 'Phonse LeBrinn came late to school. His
+pinched face looked sad and care-worn.
+
+"Old Antoine was drunk again last night," some one whispered across the
+aisle. "He sold his fish before he went home, and spent every cent at
+the saloons."
+
+Billy heard the whisper, and, passing 'Phonse on his way to class, he
+left a piece of candy on his desk. It was all he had to offer.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+                            CHRISTMAS EVE
+
+
+Two things puzzled Billy. One was the letter from Aunt Florence,
+in which she hinted at the possibility of visiting Santa Claus on
+Christmas Day. Neither Billy's father nor Billy's mother knew what to
+think. Mid-winter was not the time to expect company in their part of
+the world.
+
+"It's some kind of a joke, I guess," was Billy's suggestion.
+
+The second thing that puzzled Billy was the great change that suddenly
+came over the LeBrinn family. He wondered if he had anything to do with
+it. One day, having overheard a conversation not intended for his ears,
+he told 'Phonse that Samone was surely going to be sent to the home at
+Coldwater, and advised him to tell his father to "watch out." The next
+time Billy met Antoine LeBrinn, Samone was with him.
+
+"Come here, little Beely," called the Frenchman, "ole Antoine want to
+shake hand with you. It's a pretty good little Beely. Samone like Beely
+pretty good, I tole you that."
+
+Antoine then explained to the boy that no one should take Samone away
+from him, because he intended keeping her with him all the time, and
+from that hour until the day soon after, when Billy saw the little
+Samone no more, she was always close beside her father. The particular
+thing that puzzled Billy, though, kept half the village guessing.
+'Phonse, Buzz, Bud, and Tony came to school just before the holidays
+dressed in fine new suits and beaming with smiles. That same afternoon
+Billy was in the dry-goods store when Antoine bought a red dress for
+his wife and wide red ribbons to trim it with.
+
+"I tole you the ole lady she look pretty good when he get this on,
+Beely," said Antoine, rattling a pocketful of money for Samone's
+benefit. The jingle pleased Antoine more than it did the little girl.
+
+Billy wondered where Antoine got his money, and when he learned that
+the Frenchman's own family didn't know, he wondered more than ever.
+
+For many weeks Antoine had been stage-driver on the evergreen
+road,--the winding way across the ice, marked on either side by forest
+trees.
+
+The day before Christmas there was a blizzard. From Billy's home on the
+point nothing could be seen but whirling snow. The nearest trees on the
+evergreen road were hidden from sight, while the north shore across the
+frozen straits seemed for ever lost.
+
+"Antoine won't go to-day," said Billy; but scarcely were the words
+spoken when the sound of sleigh-bells was heard, and Antoine stopped
+his horses at the cottage door. He asked for an extra shawl or blanket
+for the children, and laughed at the idea of being afraid to make the
+trip. When Billy's mother knew that 'Phonse and Samone were in the
+sleigh, she begged Antoine to leave them with her.
+
+"Samone stay with ole Antoine long as he live in Mackinaw," declared
+the Frenchman, "and Beely she know that. I ain't leave Samone no
+more." Antoine went on to explain that he could cross the evergreen
+road with his eyes shut, and that there wasn't a bit of danger. He had
+positively promised to meet two passengers who were coming from Duluth,
+and he was determined to be on time for the train. The children were
+comfortable as two kittens, Antoine further insisted, at the same time
+declaring that he would be back at noon to help the "old lady" get
+ready for Christmas.
+
+Fumbling in his pocket at the last moment, Antoine drew forth an
+envelope, in which he declared was his wife's Christmas present.
+
+"Tell Beely to take care of it until ole Antoine come back, and, if she
+ain't come home no more, give her to the old lady."
+
+Every hour the storm grew worse, and at noon the marine reporter's
+three children listened in vain for the sound of sleigh-bells.
+
+"Antoine must have decided to stay in St. Ignace, and drive home
+to-morrow," said their mother, and the family were of the same opinion.
+
+All the afternoon the children had the gayest kind of a time. No
+thought of the storm outside disturbed their fun. Gerald, Betty, and
+Billy were too accustomed to blizzards to mind their fury. After the
+lamps were lighted, they gathered around the piano to sing the familiar
+carol they loved so well. That Christmas Eve they sang but one verse:
+
+    "'Oh, little town of Bethlehem!
+         How still we see thee lie!
+     Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
+         The silent stars go by;
+     Yet in thy dark street shineth
+         The everlasting light,
+     The hopes and fears of all the years
+         Are met in thee to-night!'"
+
+The door-bell rang, and Antoine LeBrinn's wife, weeping and wringing
+her hands, was ushered into the bright sitting-room. She had waited
+all the afternoon for the return of her husband and children, and at
+last, leaving Bud and Buzz and Tony with neighbours, had walked to the
+village, expecting and dreading to find Antoine at the saloons. No one
+having seen him since morning, she was sure that, unless he had reached
+the marine reporter's cottage, he was lost on the Straits of Mackinaw,
+and every one knew what that meant. That night the evergreen road was
+drifted full, the trees along the way were blown down, and the ice
+was a trackless wilderness. Even Billy thought of the air-holes and
+shuddered.
+
+It was the little brother who spoke first, after the sobbing
+Frenchwoman had told her story.
+
+"Papa," he asked, "why don't you go down and telegraph to St. Ignace?"
+
+"I'll do it, Billy," he answered, and straightway left the cottage.
+There was a look on his father's face when he returned that Billy had
+never seen before.
+
+"Antoine left St. Ignace two hours ago," he said to Billy's mother.
+"Men have already gone to find him, but it is useless."
+
+Billy's father went away, and in that dreadful time of waiting the
+three children listened to the Frenchwoman's despairing talk. Just that
+morning her husband had told where his money came from. The old aunt in
+Canada was dead, and had left her farm and all she owned to Antoine.
+They had made such happy plans. The little Samone should be a lady, and
+the boys would no longer be ragged and half-starved. Christmas Day the
+children were to be told the good news, and before the New Year they
+would be living in a home of their own in Canada.
+
+The mention of Christmas reminded Billy of the worn envelope left in
+his care.
+
+"Here," said he, giving it to Mrs. LeBrinn, "he said give you that."
+
+The woman tore open the envelope and stared at the slip of paper it
+contained. She couldn't understand; but the instant Betty saw it she
+knew the truth. It was the pledge, with Antoine LeBrinn's name signed
+at the bottom.
+
+For the first time since she entered the cottage, the Frenchwoman
+raised her head and looked hopeful. She said Antoine always kept his
+word, and, since she knew he had not been drinking that day, unless he
+perished in the blizzard, he would find his way home.
+
+A shout from Billy startled every one in the room. "Why, my dog!" he
+fairly screamed. "He is a St. Bernard, and, oh, Mrs. LeBrinn, you know
+what St. Bernards are for. He'll find the lost folks!"
+
+"Billy is right," echoed his mother, as the child ran for the dog.
+"Hero will find them, I know."
+
+Like a flash, the dog darted into the night when he knew what was
+expected of him, and there were no more tears shed in the sitting-room.
+The curtains in the bay-window were raised, while the three children,
+their mother, and Mrs. LeBrinn watched the beacon-fire blazing high at
+the beginning of the evergreen road.
+
+It was growing colder every minute, though the minutes were long. Men
+who gave up the search piled timbers on the fire and waited. It was all
+they could do. At last Hero bounded toward them, and the faint sound of
+sleigh-bells came on the wind.
+
+Safe was the little Samone,--safe, warm, and sound asleep with 'Phonse.
+Neither of the children awoke as they were carried into the cottage and
+placed upon the couch; but they opened wondering eyes when Betty and
+Gerald and little Billy welcomed their Aunt Florence and their Uncle
+John, the passengers for whom Antoine had made that trip to St. Ignace.
+
+For a few minutes every one, including Hero, talked at the same time,
+and nobody listened to what anybody else said until Billy's mother
+suggested dinner.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"We'll have our Christmas dinner now," she declared.
+
+"And another one to-morrow, mamma," added Billy, in a whisper, "unless
+Uncle John would rather have venison than turkey. I know one thing,
+Antoine's so happy, he won't know what he is eating to-night, and I
+feel the same way myself. Aunt Florence looks as if she's pretty glad
+to get here, too. I guess we'll have a good time to-night that even
+Samone will remember long time after she goes to Canada. We are all
+happy, mamma; I 'tole you that.'"
+
+When Antoine saw the candle-light from the Christmas tree shining upon
+his little Samone, he did a queer thing,--lifting her in his arms to
+take her in to dinner, he touched her soft curls and said: "It's a good
+little Beely."
+
+                               THE END.
+
+
+
+
+                        =COSY CORNER SERIES=
+
+
+It is the intention of the publishers that this series shall contain
+only the very highest and purest literature,--stories that shall not
+only appeal to the children themselves, but be appreciated by all
+those who feel with them in their joys and sorrows.
+
+The numerous illustrations in each book are by well-known artists, and
+each volume has a separate attractive cover design.
+
+  Each, 1 vol., 16mo, cloth                                      $0.50
+
+
+_By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON_
+
+
+  =The Little Colonel.= (Trade Mark.)
+
+The scene of this story is laid in Kentucky. Its heroine is a small
+girl, who is known as the Little Colonel, on account of her fancied
+resemblance to an old-school Southern gentleman, whose fine estate and
+old family are famous in the region. This old Colonel proves to be the
+grandfather of the child.
+
+
+  =The Giant Scissors.=
+
+This is the story of Joyce and of her adventures in France,--the
+wonderful house with the gate of The Giant Scissors, Jules, her little
+playmate, Sister Denisa, the cruel Brossard, and her dear Aunt Kate.
+Joyce is a great friend of the Little Colonel, and in later volumes
+shares with her the delightful experiences of the "House Party" and the
+"Holidays."
+
+
+  =Two Little Knights of Kentucky.=
+
+WHO WERE THE LITTLE COLONEL'S NEIGHBORS.
+
+In this volume the Little Colonel returns to us like an old friend, but
+with added grace and charm. She is not, however, the central figure of
+the story, that place being taken by the "two little knights."
+
+
+_By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON (Continued)_
+
+
+  =Cicely and Other Stories for Girls.=
+
+The readers of Mrs. Johnston's charming juveniles will be glad to learn
+of the issue of this volume for young people, written in the author's
+sympathetic and entertaining manner.
+
+
+  =Aunt 'Liza's Hero and Other Stories.=
+
+A collection of six bright little stories, which will appeal to all
+boys and most girls.
+
+
+  =Big Brother.=
+
+A story of two boys. The devotion and care of Steven, himself a small
+boy, for his baby brother, is the theme of the simple tale, the pathos
+and beauty of which has appealed to so many thousands.
+
+
+  =Ole Mammy's Torment.=
+
+"Ole Mammy's Torment" has been fitly called "a classic of Southern
+life." It relates the haps and mishaps of a small negro lad, and tells
+how he was led by love and kindness to a knowledge of the right.
+
+
+  =The Story of Dago.=
+
+In this story Mrs. Johnston relates the story of Dago, a pet monkey,
+owned jointly by two brothers. Dago tells his own story, and the
+account of his haps and mishaps is both interesting and amusing.
+
+
+  =The Quilt That Jack Built.=
+
+A pleasant little story of a boy's labor of love, and how it changed
+the course of his life many years after it was accomplished. Told in
+Mrs. Johnston's usual vein of quaint charm and genuine sincerity.
+
+
+_By EDITH ROBINSON_
+
+
+  =A Little Puritan's First Christmas.=
+
+A story of Colonial times in Boston, telling how Christmas was invented
+by Betty Sewall, a typical child of the Puritans, aided by her brother
+Sam.
+
+
+  =A Little Daughter of Liberty.=
+
+The author's motive for this story is well indicated by a quotation
+from her introduction, as follows:
+
+"One ride is memorable in the early history of the American Revolution,
+the well-known ride of Paul Revere. Equally deserving of commendation
+is another ride,--untold in verse or story, its records preserved only
+in family papers or shadowy legend, the ride of Anthony Severn was no
+less historic in its action or memorable in its consequences."
+
+
+  =A Loyal Little Maid.=
+
+A delightful and interesting story of Revolutionary days, in which the
+child heroine, Betsey Schuyler, renders important services to George
+Washington.
+
+
+  =A Little Puritan Rebel.=
+
+Like Miss Robinson's successful story of "A Loyal Little Maid," this
+is another historical tale of a real girl, during the time when the
+gallant Sir Harry Vane was governor of Massachusetts.
+
+
+  =A Little Puritan Pioneer.=
+
+The scene of this story is laid in the Puritan settlement at
+Charlestown. The little girl heroine adds another to the list of
+favorites so well known to the young people.
+
+
+  =A Little Puritan Bound Girl.=
+
+A story of Boston in Puritan days, which is of great interest to
+youthful readers.
+
+
+_By OUIDA_ (_Louise de la Ramée_)
+
+
+  =A Dog of Flanders=: A CHRISTMAS STORY.
+
+Too well and favorably known to require description.
+
+
+  =The Nürnberg Stove.=
+
+This beautiful story has never before been published at a popular price.
+
+
+  =A Provence Rose.=
+
+A story perfect in sweetness and in grace.
+
+
+  =Findelkind.=
+
+A charming story about a little Swiss herdsman.
+
+
+_By MISS MULOCK_
+
+
+  =The Little Lame Prince.=
+
+A delightful story of a little boy who has many adventures by means of
+the magic gifts of his fairy godmother.
+
+
+  =Adventures of a Brownie.=
+
+The story of a household elf who torments the cook and gardener, but is
+a constant joy and delight to the children who love and trust him.
+
+
+  =His Little Mother.=
+
+Miss Mulock's short stories for children are a constant source of
+delight to them, and "His Little Mother," in this new and attractive
+dress, will be welcomed by hosts of youthful readers.
+
+
+  =Little Sunshine's Holiday.=
+
+An attractive story of a summer outing. "Little Sunshine" is another
+of those beautiful child-characters for which Miss Mulock is so justly
+famous.
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44637 ***
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+<body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44637 ***</div>
+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Brother Billy, by Frances Maragret Fox,
+Illustrated by Etheldred B. Barry</h1>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="pg" />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/cover.jpg">
+<img src="images/cover_th.jpg" alt="cover" /></a>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h1>                             BROTHER BILLY</h1>
+
+
+
+
+<p class="center">
+                               Works of<br />
+
+                        Frances Margaret Fox<br />
+<br />
+
+                Farmer Brown and the Birds &nbsp;&nbsp;       $ .50<br />
+                The Little Giant's Neighbours &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;      .50<br />
+                Mother Nature's Little Ones   &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;      .50<br />
+                Betty of Old Mackinaw &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;    .50<br />
+                Brother Billy        &nbsp;  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;       .50<br />
+                Little Lady Marjorie      &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;      1.50
+
+<br /></p>
+
+
+<p class="center">                          L. C. PAGE &amp; COMPANY<br />
+                          New England Building<br />
+                              Boston, Mass.
+<br /></p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+
+
+<p><a id="front"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/004.jpg">
+<img src="images/004_th.jpg" alt="'THAT'S MY AUNT FLORENCE'S LOCKET'" /></a></div>
+
+<p class="center">"'THAT'S MY AUNT FLORENCE'S LOCKET'"</p>
+<p class="right">(<i><a href="#Page_31">See page 31</a></i>)</p>
+<p>
+<br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                        <p class="ph3">Cosy Corner Series</p>
+
+                          <p class="ph1">BROTHER BILLY</p>
+
+                                <p class="ph3">By<br />
+                                         Frances Margaret Fox</p>
+
+<p class="center">        Author of "Farmer Brown and the Birds," "Little Lady<br />
+              Marjorie," "Betty of Old Mackinaw," etc.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br /></p>
+
+<p class="center">      <i>Illustrated by</i><br />
+                           Etheldred B. Barry</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/005.jpg">
+<img src="images/005_th.jpg" width="120" alt="" /></a></div>
+
+
+
+<p class="center">                       <i>Boston  <br />
+                          L. C. Page &amp; Company<br />
+                                      1905</i>
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p class="center">                         <i>Copyright, 1904</i></p>
+
+<p class="center">                   <span class="smcap">By L. C. Page &amp; Company</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">                            <small>(INCORPORATED)</small></p>
+
+<p class="center">                      <i>All rights reserved</i></p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+<p class="center">                       Published October, 1904</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+<p class="center">                         <i>COLONIAL PRESS<br />
+           Electrotyped and Printed by C. H. Simonds &amp; Co.<br />
+                        Boston, Mass., U. S. A.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+                              <p class="ph4">TO<br />
+                          MY DEAREST ONE</p>
+
+                     <p class="ph4">Lee Everett Joslyn, Jr.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/009.jpg">
+<img src="images/009_th.jpg" width="200" alt="CONTENTS" /></a></div>
+
+
+<table class="toc" summary="Contents">
+<tr>
+  <th class="tocnum">CHAPTER</th>
+  <th class="toctit"></th>
+  <th class="tocpag">PAGE</th>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">I.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_1">Entertaining Aunt Florence</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">1</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">II.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_8">Indians</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">8</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">III.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_24">Billy Goes Swimming</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">24</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">IV.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_35">The Steam-tug Billy</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">35</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">V.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_53">Antoine LeBrinn</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">53</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">VI.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_67">Oranges</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">67</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">VII.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_72">Minnavavana's Braves</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">72</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">VIII.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_82">Antoine's Bear Stories</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">82</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">IX.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_97">Uncle John's "Old Timer"</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">97</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">X.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_105">Fishing through the Ice</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">105</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">XI.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_119">Christmas Eve</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">119</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/011.jpg">
+<img src="images/011_th.jpg" width="250" alt="ILLUSTRATIONS" /></a></div>
+
+
+<table class="toc" summary="Illustrations">
+<tr>
+  <th class="toctit"></th>
+  <th class="tocpag">PAGE</th>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"'<span class="smcap"><a href="#front">That's my Aunt Florence's locket</a></span>,'"<br />
+    (<i><a href="#Page_31">See page 31</a></i>)</td>
+  <td class="tocpag"><i>Frontispiece</i></td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"'<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_10">Isn't it queer about Indian trails?</a></span>'"</td>
+  <td class="tocpag">10</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_34">Everything he wore was new</a></span>"</td>
+  <td class="tocpag">34</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_54">He held Billy on his knee</a></span>"</td>
+  <td class="tocpag">54</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_76">Watching from behind the north wall of the evergreen fort</a></span>"</td>
+  <td class="tocpag">76</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_77">There was merriment within the evergreen fort</a></span>"</td>
+  <td class="tocpag">77</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_82">Samone</a></span>"</td>
+  <td class="tocpag">82</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_109">Betty ... wrote her pledge</a></span>"</td>
+  <td class="tocpag">109</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_127">Lifting her in his arms</a></span>"</td>
+  <td class="tocpag">127</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ <p class="ph1">BROTHER BILLY</p>
+
+
+
+
+                              <h2> CHAPTER I.<br />
+
+                      <small> ENTERTAINING AUNT FLORENCE</small></h2>
+
+
+
+
+
+<p>Billy was cross. The twins from Grand Rapids who were living in the
+green cottage wanted him to play Indians on the beach. The boy from
+Detroit, whose mother didn't know where he was half the time, had been
+teasing him to go swimming. 'Phonse LeBrinn, child of Mackinaw, was
+throwing stones at the boat-house, a signal Billy well understood.
+When 'Phonse had a plan that promised more fun than usual, he always
+threw stones at the boat-house. Other boys came to the door and rang
+the bell or knocked when they wanted Billy. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>'Phonse knew better. Billy
+longed to find out what was on his mind, but it wouldn't do to let any
+one know that the ragged little playmate had a particular reason for
+throwing stones.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a light dawned on Billy's face. "Mamma," said he, "let me go
+down on the beach and tell Frenchy he must quit that, he'll spoil the
+paint. I won't be gone but a minute."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, see here," remonstrated Billy's mother, "never mind what 'Phonse
+is doing, and keep away from the window, Billy, so he won't see you.
+Come, child, Aunt Florence will soon be ready."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, shoot the luck! I don't want to go with Aunt Florence. I want to
+play with the boys. What made Betty go and tell her all about old fort
+relics, I'd like to know."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, hush, Billy! Aunt Florence may hear you."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, but, mamma, I don't want to go to the old fort and dig beads all
+the afternoon. It's too warm. I'm roasting."</p>
+
+<p>Billy's mother laughed. One look at the child's face was enough to make
+anybody laugh. He was so cross. "Maybe auntie won't care to stay long,
+Billy. Strangers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> who are not accustomed to our woods often feel pretty
+lonesome at the old fort."</p>
+
+<p>"She'll stay, mamma; I know all about bead-diggers; they stay and stay.
+Besides that, she won't be afraid, because there are about a million
+thousand resorter folks up there every day digging relics. I wish that
+Betty had kept something to herself. She just reads that old Pontiac's
+history all the time, and then tells all she knows to anybody that
+wants to find out. She makes me tired. I don't like to go to the old
+fort, anyway."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not, Billy?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Cause everybody up there that don't know you asks questions. They
+say, 'There's a little boy, ask him;' then 'cause you don't want to
+talk, they say, 'Lost your tongue,' and silly things like that. Aunt
+Florence is a question asker, too, mamma. Oh, shoot the luck!"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll tell you a good plan, Billy dear," suggested his mother. "You
+help Aunt Florence dig beads, like a good boy, and very likely she'll
+be willing to come home sooner. Then you can play with the boys the
+rest of the afternoon."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"May I play with Frenchy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ye-es, yes, you may this time."</p>
+
+<p>Billy's face brightened suddenly. "Oh, goody, goody, there comes
+Betty," he cried. "Now I won't have to go. Where's my hat? Oh, Bet, you
+came just in time," continued the boy. "Aunt Florence wants you to go
+to the old fort with her to dig beads, because the missionary meeting's
+going to be here, and mamma says to entertain Aunt Florence. You've got
+to go, that's all."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course she must go," echoed Aunt Florence, who came down-stairs in
+time to hear Billy's last words. "Didn't you find your little girl at
+home, Betty?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, auntie, she had gone to the island, but I only came home for a
+minute to ask&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well," interrupted Aunt Florence, "then of course you can go with
+Billy and me to the old fort."</p>
+
+<p>"Guess&mdash;guess I won't go, Aunt Florence; there's a boy down there wants
+me," and Billy waved his hand to 'Phonse.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Billy'll go with you," Betty hastened to say, "because&mdash;because,
+Aunt Florence, I can't. I'd love to, but I must go to see an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>other
+girl. I'd love to walk up there with you, but&mdash;but I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You needn't go if you don't want to, children," Aunt Florence looked
+the least bit grieved.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly they want to go," declared Billy's mother, in a tone that
+Betty and Billy understood. "Go find your little shovels, children, and
+bring Aunt Florence the fire shovel from the wood-shed."</p>
+
+<p>Billy was about to venture a protest, but, catching a look from Betty
+that meant a great deal to him, he followed her out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, Bet?" he whispered.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Billy, don't you see it won't do a bit of good to make a fuss.
+We'll have to go to the old fort; mamma'll make us. But I know one
+way to fix it so we won't have to stay long. The Robinsons are making
+pineapple sherbet, and they've invited me to it, so I can't waste
+time up to the old fort this afternoon. I told Lucille I'd come right
+straight back soon's I asked mamma."</p>
+
+<p>"And I want to play with Frenchy," put in the little brother.</p>
+
+<p>"But don't you see, Billy, we've got to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> decent to company first, so
+we'll take her to the old fort all right enough, but we'll scare her
+to death when we get her there, so she'll want to come right straight
+home. Don't you see? I'll tell her true wild Indian stories, and she
+won't want to stay."</p>
+
+<p>"And I know another thing we can do," agreed Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"We'll take your old fort beads and then, Betty, we'll break the string
+and scatter the beads in the dirt, and then we'll call her to come and
+find them. She'll be satisfied to come home after that."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, of course, Billy, and your plan is so much better than mine,
+we'll try it first. We won't scare her unless we have to, though a good
+scare never hurts anybody. You get the beads while I get the shovels.
+Hurry now, we'll have some fun."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Grannis was much relieved when the children returned with pleasant
+faces. Aunt Florence, too, was pleased.</p>
+
+<p>"I truly wouldn't want you to go a step unless you were perfectly
+willing," she said, as they were leaving the house.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Well, auntie, we're always willing to go anywhere, Billy and I, if we
+think we can have some fun, and we're going to have a jolly time this
+afternoon, aren't we, Billy?"</p>
+
+<p>The little brother's round face beamed as he felt of the beads in his
+trousers' pocket.</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                             <h2>CHAPTER II.<br />
+
+                                <small>INDIANS</small></h2>
+
+
+
+<p>"You are the dearest children," exclaimed Aunt Florence. "I wish I
+could take you back to New York with me. You can't remember your
+grandfather and grandmother at all, can you, Billy?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, wouldn't know 'em if I'd meet 'em."</p>
+
+<p>"It's a shame. Never mind, I'll tell them all about you two and Gerald,
+and some day I'm coming north on purpose to take you all home with me,
+and we'll have the best kind of a time."</p>
+
+<p>"Guess you wouldn't think of coming after us if we lived where we do
+now, and it was a hundred years ago," suggested Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, because you would have had to come <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>from Detroit in a canoe, and
+this was all woods then, deep, deep woods full of Indians."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me, Betty, don't speak of it! It seems to me there are woods
+enough here now. My! What a dreary place! the undergrowth is so thick
+you can't see the water, and yet you can hear every wave. Betty
+Grannis, do you mean to tell me that you ever come out here to the old
+fort alone?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, not very often; it is rather dreary, isn't it, auntie? You see,
+this is an old, old Indian trail, and that is why the pines meet
+overhead. Let's walk faster. I don't believe you'll want to stay long,
+auntie, after you get to the fort."</p>
+
+<p>"I agree with you, Betty, this is a lonesome walk. I almost wish we'd
+stayed at home."</p>
+
+<p>"Let's turn around and go back," suggested Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I must find some beads," Aunt Florence insisted. "Do you ever see
+Indians around here nowadays?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, just tame ones," Billy was honest enough to say.</p>
+
+<p>"You must be brave children," the young <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>lady remarked, as she followed
+Betty through the gloomy forest.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/022.jpg">
+<img src="images/022_th.jpg" width="350" alt="Isn't it queer about Indian trails?" /></a></div>
+
+<p>"We're used to it," Betty sung over her shoulder, and Billy knew she
+was laughing. "Besides that, we can run like the wind if we have to.
+Then you know, auntie, the awful things that happened here happened
+over a hundred years ago, and there isn't any real danger now, of
+course. It just makes you feel shivery, that's all. Isn't it queer
+about Indian trails, how they wind in and out so often? This trail
+is exactly as it used to be. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>Did you ever read 'The Conspiracy of
+Pontiac,' auntie?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Betty, I never read it all; I simply know about the massacre here.
+Have you read it?"</p>
+
+<p>"She knows it by heart," said Billy. "She can say bushels of Indian
+speeches. Tell her one, Betty. Tell her that one where the Indian said
+to Alexander Henry, 'The rattlesnake is our grandfather.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, do, Betty, only tell me first who Alexander Henry was."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, auntie, don't you know? He was the English fur-trader whose
+life was saved by the Indian chief Wawatam. I like him best of any
+fur-trader I ever knew."</p>
+
+<p>"Do tell me his story, Betty."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I can't tell it, it is too long. Do you want to know what happened
+to him in the spring of 1761, two years before the massacre?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, certainly."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, of course, you know all about the French and Indian War, auntie?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I know something about it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, auntie, you know that the French <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>liked the Indians, and the
+Indians liked them, but the English despised the Indians, and treated
+them so badly the Indians hated all Englishmen. That was why the
+Indians helped the French in their war. They wanted to drive the
+English out of the country. Well, when the war was over, the Indians
+didn't know that the English came out ahead, and that the French
+soldiers would have to march out of every fort and that the English
+soldiers would march in. Even my Pontiac didn't know it."</p>
+
+<p>"He'd have known all about his own war and where he died if he'd had
+you for a sister," mocked Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't talk quite so loud, Billy dear," cautioned Aunt Florence.</p>
+
+<p>"'Fraid?" questioned Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, not exactly; go on, Betty, we're listening. How much longer is
+this Indian trail, anyway?"</p>
+
+<p>"Only half a mile, auntie. Billy, you'll punch a hole through your
+pocket if you aren't careful."</p>
+
+<p>"Go on with your story, Bet, and don't turn around so much."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Well," continued Betty, giving Billy a look that meant "Don't you dare
+lose those beads," "well, auntie, in the spring of that year, 1761, the
+French soldiers had left this fort, and only Canadian families were
+living in it. The English soldiers hadn't come yet, but they were on
+the way. The fort was over a hundred years old then. Only think of it!</p>
+
+<p>"Alexander Henry, my Englishman, wasn't afraid of anything, that's why
+I like him. He came up here with canoes full of beads and things to
+trade with the Indians for furs. On the way he was warned again and
+again to go back if he didn't want to be killed. He probably would have
+been killed long before he got here if he hadn't put on the clothes of
+a Canadian voyageur."</p>
+
+<p>"They're the ones," interrupted Billy, "that used to paddle the canoes
+and sing 'Row, brothers, row,' and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"She knows that," sniffed Betty; "even our baby knows that much. Well,
+auntie, when Alexander Henry got here, the Canadians were bad to him
+and tried to scare him. They wanted him to go away before anything
+happened. He hadn't been here but a short time <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>when Minnavavana, a
+Chippewa Indian chief, came with sixty warriors to call on him. They
+marched to his house single file, auntie. Their faces were painted with
+grease and charcoal, and they had feathers through their noses and
+feathers in their hair. Their bodies were painted with white clay. That
+isn't the worst of it. Every warrior carried a tomahawk in one hand
+and a scalping-knife in the other. I suppose they came along this very
+trail.</p>
+
+<p>"Alexander Henry says they walked into the house without a sound. The
+chief made a sign and they all sat on the floor. Minnavavana asked one
+of the interpreters how long it was since Mr. Henry left Montreal, and
+then he said it seemed that the English were brave men and not afraid
+to die, or they wouldn't come as he had, alone, among their enemies.
+Then all the Indians smoked their pipes, and let Alexander Henry think
+about things while it was nice and quiet. Just think of it, auntie!</p>
+
+<p>"When the Indians were through smoking, Minnavavana made a speech. I
+don't know it by heart, but it was something like this:</p>
+
+<p>"'Englishman, it is to you that I speak. Englishman, you know that the
+French king <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>promised to be our father. We promised to be his children.
+We have kept this promise. Englishman, it is you that have made war
+with our father. You are his enemy. How could you have the boldness to
+venture among us, his children? You know his enemies are ours.</p>
+
+<p>"'Englishman, our father, the King of France, is old and infirm. Being
+tired of war, he has fallen asleep. But his nap is almost at an end.
+I think I hear him stirring and asking for his children, the Indians,
+and, when he does awake, what must become of you? He will destroy you
+utterly.'"</p>
+
+<p>Betty, becoming much in earnest, was walking backward.</p>
+
+<p>"'Englishman, we have no father, no friend among the white men but
+the King of France,'" the child went on. "'But for you, we have
+taken into consideration that you have ventured your life among us
+in the expectation that we should not molest you. You do not come to
+make war; you come in peace to trade with us. We shall regard you,
+therefore, as a brother, and you may sleep tranquilly, without <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>fear of
+the Chippewas. As a token of friendship, we present you this pipe to
+smoke.'"</p>
+
+<p>Whereupon, Betty, making a serious bow, offered her little shovel
+to Aunt Florence. For the moment, she actually believed herself
+Minnavavana, the Indian chief, though Billy's face quickly brought her
+back to the present.</p>
+
+<p>"I am thankful to say," resumed Betty, joining in the laugh following
+the presentation of the shovel, "that after three hundred warriors of
+another tribe came and were going to make trouble, the English soldiers
+arrived, and the red flag of England soon floated above the fort. Then,
+for two years, nothing much happened, but I'm glad I wasn't here then.
+I wouldn't have slept a wink, I know."</p>
+
+<p>"Neither should I, Betty," Aunt Florence agreed.</p>
+
+<p>"Frenchy'd have been all right, though," remarked Billy. "There's the
+fort, Aunt Florence, straight ahead; the trail ends here. Now we will
+find an old cellar-hole and hunt for beads. Let me go first, Betty."</p>
+
+<p>"The fort," repeated Aunt Florence, "where is it?" She saw nothing but
+a wilderness of wild-rose blooms.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh," laughed Betty, "there's nothing left of the fort but part of
+the old palisades. Most of the buildings were burned the day of the
+massacre."</p>
+
+<p>"It's unspeakably dreary, in spite of the sunshine and the roses,"
+commented Aunt Florence, "but I do want some beads."</p>
+
+<p>"Come on, come on," cried Billy. "Oh, hurry up, Aunt Florence, I'm
+finding beads by the bushel."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the child? can you see him, Betty?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Way over there, auntie, in that cellar-hole near the old apple-tree.
+We think that is where one of the storehouses used to be, because all
+around it is where most of the beads have been found."</p>
+
+<p>For awhile Aunt Florence forgot the surrounding woods, in her eager
+search for beads. Had she known Betty and Billy as their mother knew
+them, she might have understood that there was more of mischief than
+pure joy in their smiles.</p>
+
+<p>"Never found so many beads in one place in my life," declared Billy.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Nor anybody else in the last hundred years," added Betty. "Fun, isn't
+it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Fun!" echoed Aunt Florence, "why, children, I won't want to go home
+until dark."</p>
+
+<p>Betty stared, and Billy made faces. This was an unexpected blow. At
+last the beads that Betty had collected, after working hours and hours
+through many a day, were all found.</p>
+
+<p>"Now we'll look for another place," announced Aunt Florence.</p>
+
+<p>"I guess we are alone out here," suggested Betty, glancing about, as
+though she felt uneasy.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no," was the cheerful reply, "down there nearer the lake I saw two
+sunbonnets not three minutes ago. We're all right, children; I'm not
+the least bit timid."</p>
+
+<p>Patiently Aunt Florence continued her search for beads, encouraged by
+the hope of finding another place equal to the first.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems strange that there should have been so many beads in one spot
+of earth, and so few everywhere else," she said, "but I'm not going to
+give up now, after such luck in the beginning."</p>
+
+<p>"You'll just have to scare her to death, I <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>guess," grumbled Billy.
+"Lost your beads for nothing, too."</p>
+
+<p>"Trouble is," confessed Betty, moving nearer Billy and farther from her
+aunt, "this isn't a good place to tell Indian stories."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because, Billy, I get scared myself. Honest and truth, I don't even
+like to think of such horrible things right here where they happened."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't make any difference, you've got to," protested Billy. "Don't you
+know she said she'd stay here till dark?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know it, Billy; let me see, how'll I begin. Oh, I know, Alexander
+Henry was in his room in the fort writing letters home. Perhaps, Billy,
+we are standing on the very place where his house was. He was so busy
+with his letters he didn't want to take the time to go down to the
+beach to see the canoes that had just arrived from Detroit. First thing
+he knew, he heard the war-whoops. Mercy, Billy! Don't scream like that
+again!"</p>
+
+<p>"Billy Grannis," called Aunt Florence, "what's the matter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, that was just an Indian war-whoop, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>auntie. Frenchy and I have
+been practising whoops lately."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, please don't practise any more now; you made me jump so I lost
+three beads. I don't believe an Indian could give a worse yell."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, he could," exclaimed Betty, "my, that's nothing!" and, seeing
+her opportunity, she began telling stories. Even Billy grew solemn in
+his very mind as he listened, and it wasn't long before Betty succeeded
+in scaring herself, however Aunt Florence may have felt.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the air was filled with shrieks. Aunt Florence became white as
+the daisies, as she stared at Betty, while terror seized Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"It's the sunbonnet girls," gasped Betty; "what do you s'pose is the
+matter? What is the matter?" she demanded of the flying maidens.</p>
+
+<p>"Indians, Indians, run quick, run, run! I tell you they're after us!"</p>
+
+<p>One glance toward the lake was enough for Betty. She saw canoes being
+drawn up on the beach, and Indians coming straight toward them. The
+child was never more frightened <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>in her life. Forgetting Billy, she and
+Aunt Florence fairly flew over the rough ground. Billy, poor fellow!
+never could run because he was too plump. He hadn't gone ten breathless
+steps before he fell into a cellar-hole, and, before he could scramble
+out, a big Indian overtook him.</p>
+
+<p>"Match," grunted the Indian, "want match."</p>
+
+<p>"N-n-no, I don't want any matches," answered Billy, trying to steady
+his trembling knees.</p>
+
+<p>"Humph! Indian want match. Give Indian match. Indian build fire," was
+the explanation.</p>
+
+<p>Billy shook his head, and the Indian turned away disappointed.</p>
+
+<p>"That Betty'd leave you to be eaten up by Indians," grumbled Billy,
+and, because he was so angry and because he had been so badly
+frightened over nothing, he began to cry.</p>
+
+<p>"Billy, Billy, don't cry, I came back after you, you poor child." It
+was the voice of Aunt Florence, though Billy couldn't see her.</p>
+
+<p>"Here I am, behind this clump of goose-berry bushes, Billy. I didn't
+dare come <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>straight back, so I kept behind trees and bushes. Come
+quick; now let's run."</p>
+
+<p>"There isn't anything to run for, Aunt Florence," sobbed Billy. "Don't
+you see, they're just tame Indians, and wouldn't hurt anybody? Don't
+you see the little Indian children and the squaws, too? I s'pose
+they've come with baskets to sell. Yes, there comes a squaw, going to
+town now with a load of baskets."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I guess I'll sit down and rest a minute," said Aunt Florence,
+"for I'm tired out. It's dreadful to be so frightened. I'm trembling
+yet."</p>
+
+<p>"Me, too," confessed Billy. "Where's that Betty?"</p>
+
+<p>"Home by this time, I presume," was the laughing reply, "unless she
+couldn't stop running when she got there, in which case she's probably
+in the lake. Well, Billy, let's walk on now, or the whole missionary
+society will be coming to our rescue."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Billy, I've been crying my eyes out, fear something had happened
+to you," was Betty's greeting when she saw her little brother.</p>
+
+<p>Billy made a face, as he replied in scornful <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>tones: "'Fore I'd run
+away from tame Indians!" For many a day thereafter, if Billy wanted
+anything that belonged to Betty, it was his if he but threatened to say
+"Tame Indians."</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                             <h2>CHAPTER III.<br />
+
+                         <small>BILLY GOES SWIMMING</small></h2>
+
+
+
+<p>Early the following afternoon, Billy saw 'Phonse LeBrinn throwing
+stones at the boat-house, and, as he liked to play with 'Phonse much
+better than with his nearest neighbours, the twins in the green
+cottage, he flew down the bank fast as he could go.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Frenchy," he panted, "I wish I could run like a deer, way you do.
+I can't run worth a cent."</p>
+
+<p>"Shouldn't think you could," grinned 'Phonse.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's go the other side of the boat-house," suggested Billy, "I'm
+'fraid, if my mother sees me down here, she'll think of something she
+wants me to do."</p>
+
+<p>'Phonse was sure of it, so he and Billy straightway sought a
+hiding-place.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What have you got that tog on for?" asked 'Phonse.</p>
+
+<p>"Going to be a thimble party at our house," explained Billy, "and Bet
+made such a fuss I had to be dressed up fear somebody might see me."</p>
+
+<p>"Where's Gerald?"</p>
+
+<p>"He's camping this week at the Snow Islands with some folks. Wish he
+was home. What'll we do this afternoon, 'Phonse?"</p>
+
+<p>"Catch minnows; don't you want to?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'd rather hunt for Aunt Florence's locket than anything else. See,
+'Phonse, that girl up there on the bank looking through my father's
+spy-glass, she's my Aunt Florence, and she's a brick."</p>
+
+<p>"Ain't she pretty!" exclaimed 'Phonse. "She's the prettiest lady I ever
+saw. She wouldn't like me, though; nobody does."</p>
+
+<p>"I do; all the trouble is, 'Phonse, nobody's acquainted with you. Now,
+if you could find Aunt Florence's locket that she lost yesterday, she'd
+like you for ever and ever. I know she would."</p>
+
+<p>"Where'd she lose it, Billy?"</p>
+
+<p>"She thinks she lost it at the old fort yes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>terday. It's a gold locket
+that her father gave her when she graduated last summer, and Aunt
+Florence and I hunted for it all the forenoon. We had to give up.
+'Phonse, you stay here, and I'll run up to the house and tell my mother
+I'm going to hunt for the locket. You be walking up the beach, and I'll
+meet you around the point."</p>
+
+<p>When Billy rejoined his ragged playmate, the two began a diligent
+search for the locket.</p>
+
+<p>"If anybody can find it, you can, 'Phonse."</p>
+
+<p>"Aw, somebody's picked it up 'fore this, Billy. Nobody could help
+seeing it on this black ground. Gold shines, you know."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe," suggested Billy, "maybe she didn't lose it; perhaps she lost
+it where we were digging for beads. Surely, this morning we hunted over
+every inch of this trail, and you know Betty."</p>
+
+<p>'Phonse nodded his black head. "She'd find it if it was here. Don't you
+want to go swimmun, Billy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Too cold, 'Phonse; we'd freeze."</p>
+
+<p>"We can make a bonfire on the beach, see?" 'Phonse showed Billy a
+handful of matches. "Swiped 'em," he commented. "We'll go <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>down on
+the sand under the bank and start a fire beside of the tramp's raft.
+Nobody'll see us there, you know, and we can go swimmun and get dressed
+where it's warm."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, sir," assented Billy, "only don't run, 'Phonse, whatever
+you do."</p>
+
+<p>Beyond the fort was an old raft of planks, upon which years before
+tramps crossed the straits in a storm. It was a favourite resort among
+the boys. Billy instantly began gathering driftwood for a bonfire.</p>
+
+<p>"Guess the Indians had a fire in this same place yesterday, 'Phonse,"
+he said, "because just see the new-looking ashes. Wonder if they
+started it with flint or by rubbing two sticks together. Do you know?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I don't. Hustle up, Billy, and don't stop to talk."</p>
+
+<p>When the pile of driftwood was high enough to suit 'Phonse, he started
+the fire. Thanks to the west wind, it burned, and the boys were soon
+ready for the water. Billy walked into the lake, screaming at every
+step. 'Phonse climbed upon a rock and plunged in.</p>
+
+<p>"Silly," he shouted, "course you'll be cold <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>acting that way; get down
+in the water, Billy, then you'll be warm."</p>
+
+<p>"It's too&mdash;too&mdash;too early to go swimming," gasped Billy, shivering in
+the wind and the icy water. "I&mdash;I'm&mdash;I'm glad we started the fire."</p>
+
+<p>"Come out where it's deeper; here, give me your hand," said 'Phonse,
+"I'll show you how to go swimmun."</p>
+
+<p>Soon Billy declared that the water was warm, and he and 'Phonse played
+in the lake for an hour. They splashed, laughed, and shouted, with only
+the gulls to hear, until 'Phonse said it was time to get dressed. The
+fire was out. 'Phonse threw some bark upon the coals, and looked for
+his clothes. There was not a thread of them left.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Billy," he wailed "we left our clothes too near the fire, and
+they're all burned up; what can we do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what shall we do?" cried Billy. "Oh, b-b-but m-my c-c-clothes
+are all r-right," he added in the next breath. "I'll divide with you,
+'Phonse."</p>
+
+<p>"Your clothes ain't either all right," in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>sisted 'Phonse. "They're
+burning yet. Look at them."</p>
+
+<p>"Here's one all right s-stocking, just the same, 'Phonse."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me take it, then, Billy, and I'll put out the fire with it that's
+burning the rest of the things."</p>
+
+<p>"You may wear the stocking," offered Billy. "The other one's gone, and
+the shoes are spoiled. Why, 'Phonse, there isn't anything left of my
+clothes but my shirt and my blouse and my trousers,&mdash;and look at my
+trousers, will you, all full of holes!"</p>
+
+<p>"What if you didn't have anything left," grumbled 'Phonse. "I've got
+some shoes and stockings at home, Billy, but that's all. I don't know
+what dad will do, but I'll catch it, sure."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, 'Phonse, my mother'll give you some clothes to wear, if we can
+ever get to my house, but, oh, dear, it is so cold! Which do you want
+to wear, 'Phonse, my shirt or my white blouse; there's one sleeve
+burned out of both of 'em, and my waist is all gone."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll take the shirt," 'Phonse decided. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>"Don't cry, Billy, I'm the one
+that ought to cry."</p>
+
+<p>"B-but, but I'm s-s-so c-cold, and, oh, dear, I'm going to put on the
+s-s-stocking if you&mdash;you don't want it."</p>
+
+<p>"I do, though," insisted 'Phonse; "give her here. You've got more on
+than I have, anyway. Come on, Billy, we'll be warmer if we run."</p>
+
+<p>"Only I can't run, and&mdash;and&mdash;and the s-s-stones h-hurt m-my fee-feet,"
+protested Billy, his teeth chattering.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be a baby," 'Phonse advised. "Oh, Billy, what if there is a lot
+of folks at the old fort? We better keep back from the lake. It's too
+cold here, anyway. Let's sneak around where the bushes grow."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, go ahead, 'Phonse."</p>
+
+<p>Cautiously the boys made their way around the clearing. They were
+nearly past the old fort grounds when they heard voices.</p>
+
+<p>"Duck, Billy, duck; it's some boys from out of town," whispered
+'Phonse, "and if they see us, I don't know what'll happen! Let's crawl!"</p>
+
+<p>"Listen," Billy replied; "they've found a <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>wonderful relic, I guess;
+hear them quarrel. Oh, 'Phonse, it's my Aunt Florence's locket, that's
+what it is, and they've got to give it up!"</p>
+
+<p>Without stopping to think further, Billy darted from the thicket,
+followed closely by 'Phonse.</p>
+
+<p>"That's my Aunt Florence's locket, so please give it to me," demanded
+the child, springing toward the largest boy in the group.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen to him, will you," replied a taunting voice. "Here's the Wild
+Man of Borneo wants his Aunt Florence's locket. Well, I guess not. Have
+you two escaped from a circus, or do you want to join one, which?"</p>
+
+<p>"Give me that locket," cried Billy. "I say that belongs to my Aunt
+Florence."</p>
+
+<p>Great fun the big boys had then, teasing poor Billy, who begged,
+threatened, and jumped for the locket held just beyond his reach.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell you what," suggested the roughest-looking boy, "let's tie these
+youngsters together, and leave them here until we can get out of town.
+Them's diamonds in that locket, boys."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At that moment 'Phonse sprang like a wild-cat upon the boy with the
+locket, and, snatching the treasure, ran with it to the woods. Billy
+was never more astonished, and at first the boys were too surprised to
+chase the strange little figure flying across the clearing. When they
+ran after 'Phonse, Billy hid. He wasn't afraid any one could catch
+'Phonse, the swift-footed French boy, but he did fear being caught
+himself. Like an old-time Indian, Billy managed to keep out of the
+enemy's sight all the way home. 'Phonse was waiting for him in the edge
+of the woods.</p>
+
+<p>"Here," said 'Phonse, offering Billy the locket, "take it to her."</p>
+
+<p>Billy shook his head. "'Phonse, you come in the wood-shed, and sit in
+the corner where nobody'll see you, while I ask my mother for some
+clothes for us. Then you can give auntie the locket yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Won't you catch it?" asked 'Phonse; "you don't look very nice, Billy."</p>
+
+<p>"You do what I tell you," remarked Billy. "My mother's the kind you can
+explain things to. I don't want the company to see me, though, so I
+guess I'll whistle for Betty."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Betty quickly appeared in answer to the whistle.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Billy Grannis!" she began, and then how she laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep still, Bet, there is a boy in the wood-shed that's cold. He
+hasn't on very much clothes, and he wants something to wear home."</p>
+
+<p>That was all 'Phonse heard, as Billy was led into the house. The little
+fellow returned in a moment, dragging a cape. "Here, 'Phonse, Betty
+sent you this to wrap up in, and Betty says come in by the kitchen
+fire."</p>
+
+<p>"I won't do it," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"All right, then, I'll have to bring your 'freshments out here. It's a
+shivering kind, though,&mdash;ice-cream and cake; want some?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't I? You bet!" was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, 'Phonse, come in the kitchen," urged Betty, again appearing at
+the door. "Please come. Billy has told auntie and me about the locket,
+and Aunt Florence just loves you. Quick as the company goes, mamma'll
+find you something to wear."</p>
+
+<p>Trailing the cape behind him, 'Phonse <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>walked into the kitchen, where
+Betty introduced him to Aunt Florence.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/046.jpg">
+<img src="images/046_th.jpg" width="350" alt="Everything he wore was new" /></a></div>
+
+<p>That night, when 'Phonse LeBrinn went home, his own folks didn't know
+him. In his arms he carried a bundle of Billy's old clothes; but
+everything he wore was new, from the red cap to the patent-leather
+shoes.</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                              <h2>CHAPTER IV.<br />
+
+                         <small>THE STEAM-TUG BILLY</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>Aunt Florence didn't forget 'Phonse, and it was evident to the marine
+reporter's family that 'Phonse didn't forget her. He scarcely said
+thank you when she gave him his new suit, but every morning while Aunt
+Florence was in Mackinaw a bunch of wild flowers was found tied to the
+front door-knob. Once only a bit of pasteboard was attached, upon which
+was written in letters hard to read, "For billies ant."</p>
+
+<p>At first the family wondered why 'Phonse kept away, but when they
+learned that Antoine LeBrinn had sold his little son's new clothes for
+drink, they understood.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor little fellow," Aunt Florence said one morning, when a cluster of
+bluebells was <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>brought her, wound so closely not a blossom could move
+its dainty head. "How I wish he would come again."</p>
+
+<p>"He won't, though, 'cept when nobody knows," observed Billy, "and if
+any one says a word against his father, he'll fight."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm curious to see his father, too," replied Aunt Florence. "Betty has
+told me so much about the family that I'd like to talk to that man; I'd
+say some things he'd remember."</p>
+
+<p>"Antoine used to come often," said Betty. "We always tease him to tell
+stories. Everybody likes him; you'll see him sometime, auntie, and then
+you'll like him, too."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall tell him what I think of him," declared Aunt Florence; but a
+week later, when Antoine came, she didn't say a word.</p>
+
+<p>It was a rainy afternoon, and when Billy announced that the game
+must be circus as usual, and that the parade should be first on the
+programme, Betty objected.</p>
+
+<p>"Billy Grannis," she exclaimed, "you're a nuisance. Gerald and I have
+played circus with you until we are sick and tired of it. You may be a
+lion-tamer if you want to, but you and your old lion will have to have
+a show <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>of your own. I won't stand it any longer, and you can't have my
+cat for a polar bear, either."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Bet," was the remonstrance, "what makes you be so cross? I
+thought you liked to play circus. Do you want to be the lion-tamer this
+time, Bet? I'll let you take my big dog; do you want to, Betty?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Billy, I don't want to be anything that's in a circus, so there!
+I'll play Grace Darling, though; you and Gerald and Hero may be the
+shipwrecked sailors, and I'll be Grace Darling."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want to play shipwreck," declared Gerald. "I had enough of
+shipwrecks when the <i>California</i> went down."</p>
+
+<p>"Me, too," echoed Billy. "I'd rather play Noah and the flood. Oh,
+Betty, let's play that, and then my dog Hero can be the lion,&mdash;no,
+Betty no, I didn't mean it; he can be the elephant, I mean, and your
+cat can be a&mdash;a&mdash;what other animal is white 'sides a polar bear? And,
+oh, Gerald, your bluest pigeon can be the dove."</p>
+
+<p>"But why don't you want to play Grace Darling?" interrupted Betty.
+"I'll let you <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>take my dolls for the shipwrecked children, and I'll
+live in the lighthouse."</p>
+
+<p>"If you want to know what's fun," put in Gerald, "just listen to me.
+Let's play&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But I want to play get the animals out of the ark," insisted Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"And I say," Betty argued, "that you don't know whether you like to
+play Grace Darling or not until you try it. Who's going to be captain
+of the shipwrecked boat, you, Billy, or Gerald? Now, this rug is the
+Northumberland coast."</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir," shouted Billy, "it's Mt. Ararat."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, children, what's going on?" asked Aunt Florence, who was passing
+the doorway.</p>
+
+<p>"We all want to play different things," explained Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't you make signal-flags, like the ones on the chart?"
+suggested Aunt Florence. "You know what I mean, Betty, the chart I saw
+you looking at yesterday in your father's office, the one with the
+pictures of signal-flags on it. I'll find sheets of red and blue and
+yellow and white paper, and I believe you can have a nice time making
+tiny paper flags. I'll get some paste ready for you, too."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But what are the flags for?" asked Billy, "and why do they put letters
+beside of them on the chart?"</p>
+
+<p>"It tells all about the signal-flags in papa's marine directory, and
+I'm going after it," announced Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"She can tell you about the signals, Billy," said Aunt Florence, "and
+let's see who can make the most perfect little flags. Gerald will help
+you, Billy, won't you, Gerald?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't need any help," Billy hastened to say, "'less he wants to
+whittle out flag-sticks."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so, auntie," agreed Gerald. "I'll go after something to use for
+flagstaffs."</p>
+
+<p>"And I'm going after some shears and things, and then," said Billy,
+"I'm going to cut out the 'B' flag. It's all red, auntie, and cut the
+way Betty's hair-ribbons are on the ends. I guess I will make the 'Q'
+flag, 'cause it's just a square made out of yellow; and the 'S' is
+easy, too, just white with a blue square in the centre. Oh, auntie's
+gone. Don't you feel queer, Hero, when you talk to somebody that isn't
+there?"</p>
+
+<p>Gerald and Betty returned quickly with coloured paper and a book.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Now, Billy," remarked the little girl, in her most severe tone, "put
+down the shears and listen a minute. I'm going to read out of the
+Marine Directory."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't read it; tell it," besought Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"She wants to read it just because she can read big words without
+stopping to spell them," declared Gerald, after a glance at the open
+book.</p>
+
+<p>Betty could read much better than Gerald ever expected to.</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't that," was the reply, "but, if you will listen, you will
+know that the book tells it all better than I can. Now listen: 'The
+necessity for a uniform and comprehensive system of signalling at
+sea'&mdash;Billy Grannis, stop making faces. I've got to begin it all
+over again. 'The necessity for a uniform and comprehensive system of
+signalling at sea and to shore stations on the coast of the United
+States and other countries has long been felt and discussed by those
+interested in maritime pursuits, and by the leading maritime powers
+of the world.' Now, Gerald, stop acting like a goose. You and Billy
+both know what 'maritime' means just as well as I do. Now <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>listen, and
+I'll go on. 'In view of this necessity, the adoption of a common code
+of signals to be observed by all nations, discarding all other codes
+and systems, appears to be in a high degree desirable and important.
+The international code of signals has been recommended and adopted by
+nearly all the principal nations of the world, and it is now the only
+code recognized or of practical use. It is the only one which, from its
+completeness, is likely to fully meet the existing need.'</p>
+
+<p>"Billy, what ails you? Do stop laughing. What's the matter with you,
+Gerald,&mdash;tooth-ache?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Betty, worse'n that. When I think how your jaws must feel, I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Gerald, I don't believe you know a word I've read."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Betty, I should say not. Who could?"</p>
+
+<p>"What I want to know is, what are all these flags for?" demanded Billy.
+"So please shut that old book and tell us."</p>
+
+<p>"You horrid boys," exclaimed Betty, "I don't see how you ever expect to
+'mount to anything."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Wouldn't if we were girls," was Gerald's retort, which Betty didn't
+seem to hear. She often had deaf spells.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Billy dear," she went on, "you see there are eighteen of the
+signal-flags. They are marked B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R,
+S, T, V, and W. Besides these are two little pointed flags that mean
+'Yes' and 'No.' The 'Yes' flag is white with a round red spot, and the
+flag that means 'No' is blue with a round white spot on it."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, now I know," exclaimed Billy. "If your boat wants to tell another
+boat 'No,' then it puts up the pointed blue flag."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Billy, that's it."</p>
+
+<p>"How do they use the other flags?" inquired Gerald. "You can't spell
+things without <i>a's</i> and <i>o's</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you see, Gerald, each flag means something. Look on the back of
+the chart and you will see how they use the flags. The first signal is
+'H&mdash;B.' When those two flags are displayed,&mdash;'display' is the right
+word to use, mister, so don't make eyes. When the 'H' flag and the
+'B' flag are displayed together, with the 'H' above the 'B,' that's a
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>signal that means 'Want immediate assistance.'</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, boys, now I'll tell you what let's play. Every ship, you know,
+should carry a set of these signal-flags, so let's play we're all
+boats. I'll be a yacht, I guess, because yachts are beautiful."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm a steam-tug&mdash;choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo!&mdash;and my name's the tug <i>Billy</i>.
+Choo&mdash;choo choo&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Good, Bill!" exclaimed Gerald. "You're built just right for a tug. I
+guess I'll be the schooner <i>Gerald</i> of the White Star Line. Lumber's my
+cargo."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me, I can't be just a yacht, sailing around for the fun of it,"
+remarked Betty. "I must be part of the merchant marine myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Part of the dictionary, you mean," grumbled Gerald.</p>
+
+<p>Betty was deaf for a moment. "I guess I would rather not be what
+you boys are, after all, so I'll be a passenger boat, the <i>City of
+Elizabeth</i>. I'm an ocean liner."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that's just like a girl," and Gerald <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>laughed. "An ocean liner on
+the Great Lakes. Oh, oh!"</p>
+
+<p>"Did you ever get left, smarty Gerald? I tell you, I'm an ocean liner.
+These signals aren't used on the Great Lakes, only on the ocean.
+Besides that, if I'm a boat, I want the ocean to sail on. I couldn't
+think of puddling around in a little bit of water. I'm the finest
+steamship afloat, and I make regular trips between&mdash;oh, I guess London
+and New York. That will give you some work to do, Billy, because I'll
+need a steam-tug to pilot me into the harbour every time. You'll make a
+dear little pilot-boat, you are so chubby."</p>
+
+<p>"Choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo! toot&mdash;toot&mdash;toot!" responded the steam-tug <i>Billy</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the use of making a full set of flags?" remonstrated Gerald.
+"If we're going to play boat, let's play boat, and pretend we have them
+all. I've made the 'N&mdash;M' flags, that mean 'I'm on fire.'"</p>
+
+<p>"That's what I say," agreed Billy. "I found out that 'P&mdash;N' means 'Want
+a steam-tug,' so I've made two sets of 'P&mdash;N' flags, one for you and
+one for Betty to use. For my own self, the 'Yes' and 'No' flags are
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>all I want. You two better pin your 'Want a steam-tug' flags on; they
+won't stay stuck. Choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo! toot&mdash;toot! Here I come puffing
+around&mdash;toot&mdash;toot&mdash;toot&mdash;see my black smoke! Oh, Bet, let's play there
+came up an awful fog, so we'll have to toot our horns all the time."</p>
+
+<p>"And keep our bells sounding all the while we are at anchor," added
+Gerald.</p>
+
+<p>When the three boats began making trips, there were collisions and
+noise. Hero tried in vain to keep out of the way.</p>
+
+<p>"He's a reef; there ought to be a lighthouse on him," suggested Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"Look out for the St. Bernard Shoals," assented Gerald. "Hold on,
+there's a tug ashore,&mdash;a wreck on the St. Bernard Shoals."</p>
+
+<p>"Toot&mdash;toot&mdash;toot! puff&mdash;puff! choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo!" This from the
+steam-tug <i>Billy</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Tug is off the shoals, no lives lost," commented Gerald. "Oh, fire!
+fire! fire! My deck is all in flames. Up goes my signal 'I'm on fire,'
+and now where's my 'Want a steam-tug' signal. Oh, right here. I shall
+be <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>saved if the tug <i>Billy</i> doesn't burst his boilers before he gets
+here!"</p>
+
+<p>It so happened that the tug fell sprawling over the St. Bernard Shoals,
+and but for the timely assistance of the steamship <i>City of Elizabeth</i>,
+the schooner <i>Gerald</i> of the White Star Line must have been lost with
+all on board. To be sure, Gerald emptied his pockets upon the floor,
+insisting that everything that fell, from his jack-knife to marbles,
+were frantic sailors, who either perished in the sea or were devoured
+by sharks.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, the St. Bernard Shoals made trouble for the steam-tug
+<i>Billy</i>. "Can't even blow my whistle," puffed Billy. "Hero, let me get
+up. Don't keep tumbling me over and over. Don't you know I'm a boat? Go
+'way, Hero. Open the door, Gerald, so he'll go out. Call him, Betty."</p>
+
+<p>Outside the window, Hero tried his best to persuade the children to
+come out and play in the rain.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, dear, let's rest a minute," suggested Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"And say over the verses we learned that day of the worst blizzard last
+winter," added <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>Billy. "You know what I mean, Betty, the rules for
+steamers passing, and then, Betty, we'll play it is a dark night when
+we go on some more trips."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I'll tell you," put in Gerald, "we'll cut lanterns out of paper,
+red and green and white ones, and pin them on."</p>
+
+<p>"Begin the verses first, Betty; let's say them all together," suggested
+Billy, "and say them loud so Hero can hear."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me see," Betty hesitated, "the first one is this:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><small>"'Meeting steamers do not dread</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>When you see three lights ahead.</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Port your helm and show your red.'"</small><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Here's a red lantern for you, Bill," interrupted Gerald, "and this
+is yours, Betty. Go on, why don't you? The next verse is about two
+steamers passing."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I remember; say it with me, boys:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><small>"'For steamers passing you should try</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>To keep this maxim in your eye.</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Green to green or red to red,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Perfect safety&mdash;go ahead.'</small><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p>
+<p>"Then, boys, the third verse is about steamships crossing:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><small>"'If to starboard red appear,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>'Tis your duty to keep clear;</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Act as judgment says is proper,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Port or starboard&mdash;back&mdash;or stop her.</small><br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><small>"'But when on your port is seen</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>A steamer with a light of green,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>There's not much for you to do,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>The green light must keep clear of you.'"</small><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>By this time three voices were singing merrily:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><small>"'Both in safety and in doubt,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i3"><small>Always keep a good lookout.</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Should there not be room to turn,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i3"><small>Stop your ship and go astern.'"</small><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Billy gave a shout. "Oh, look, Betty! look, Gerald! There's Antoine at
+the gate, and he's afraid of Hero. He doesn't dare pass him."</p>
+
+<p>"He's calling you, Billy; go get your dog." Gerald laughed as he spoke.</p>
+
+<p>"'Both in safety and in doubt, always keep a good lookout,'" mocked
+Billy. "He's scared to death. Look at him back up when <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>Hero walks
+toward him. 'Should there not be room to turn, stop your ship and go
+astern.' If Antoine was a boat, he could play Hero was an iceberg. Hey,
+Bet?"</p>
+
+<p>At last Antoine saw the children.</p>
+
+<p>"If we don't stop laughing," warned Betty, "he'll go away. He may think
+we're making fun of him."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how I wish Hero would give one of his loud barks," added Gerald.
+"Oh, I believe he will, sure as anything. He doesn't know what to think
+of Antoine. I guess he never saw any one act so queer. Now just see him
+stand there in front of the gate and make crazy motions."</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Hero gave three loud barks that startled the little Frenchman
+almost out of his senses.</p>
+
+<p>"Look at him jump," continued Gerald. "He went up in the air like a
+rubber ball."</p>
+
+<p>"It's too bad," protested Betty. "I'm going to the door to tell Antoine
+that Hero won't hurt him. Billy, you go and get your dog."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I say, Bill," suggested Gerald, "instead of getting Hero, why
+don't you tow Antoine into port?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, goody! Choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo!&mdash;where's my tow-line?"</p>
+
+<p>"Here, you rascal!" exclaimed Betty, "how dare you take my
+hair-ribbons. Why, Billy, you'll spoil them tying them together in a
+hard knot like that."</p>
+
+<p>"One's too short&mdash;choo&mdash;ch&mdash;choo!&mdash;toot&mdash;toot&mdash;toot&mdash;French boat in
+distress, don't you see? Gerald, you go and pin your 'Want a steam-tug'
+flag on him."</p>
+
+<p>Away flew Gerald, while Betty and Billy stood laughing in the window.
+Antoine not only allowed Gerald to pin the flag upon him, but instantly
+began making an active display of his signals, calling aloud for the
+steam-tug <i>Billy</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Toot&mdash;toot&mdash;toot!&mdash;choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo!" was the immediate response, and
+the steam-tug went puffing to the rescue regardless of the falling rain.</p>
+
+<p>"Make fast the hawser," commanded Billy, passing Antoine the tow-line.
+"It's kind of short," he added, under his breath.</p>
+
+<p>Antoine obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>"Choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo!&mdash;ding&mdash;ding&mdash;ding&mdash;make fast. Ding&mdash;ding&mdash;ding&mdash;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>let
+go." Slowly did the steam-tug venture into deep water; too slowly to
+suit Antoine, whose fear of the dog was genuine. Gerald had explained
+that Hero never harmed any one Billy befriended, merely hinting at dark
+possibilities that might befall the unwary. He also laughingly told
+Antoine that Hero was not a dog, but a dangerous reef. In a short time
+the little Frenchman had reason to believe that the reef was volcanic
+in its nature.</p>
+
+<p>"Choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo"&mdash;on came the steam-tug, the French boat close
+behind. "Choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo"&mdash;slower and slower the two approached
+the reef, the steam-tug venturing nearer and nearer, to the dismay of
+the boat in tow.</p>
+
+<p>Four sharp whistles sounded from the tug. It was the danger-signal!
+The steam-tug <i>Billy</i> was on the reef, and but for the parting of the
+hawser the French boat must have followed.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you try to run, Antoine," called Gerald; "you can't tell what
+Hero might do. You better stand right still till Billy gets on his feet
+again." Then he and Betty laughed. Terror was pictured on Antoine's
+face as the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>dog barked and pranced around, thoroughly enjoying the
+game.</p>
+
+<p>Billy struggled to his feet. "Toot&mdash;toot&mdash;make fast," he commanded, and
+Betty's hair-ribbons were once more tied together, how loosely only
+Billy knew.</p>
+
+<p>"Toot&mdash;go ahead," he sung out, but again the hawser parted, and
+Antoine, watching Hero, dared not stir. "Toot&mdash;toot&mdash;toot," there
+was the sound of laughter in the whistle, and the captain's
+voice was scarcely steady as he called out, "Slow up," then
+"Toot&mdash;stop&mdash;toot&mdash;toot&mdash;back up&mdash;make fast&mdash;toot&mdash;go ahead."</p>
+
+<p>Safely into port came the French boat, in the midst of cheering from
+the decks of the <i>City of Elizabeth</i> and the schooner <i>Gerald</i> of the
+White Star Line.</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                              <h2> CHAPTER V.<br />
+
+                            <small>ANTOINE LEBRINN</small></h2>
+
+<p>"Tell you a bear story, Beely? No, I'm too scare to tell you a bear
+story," Aunt Florence heard Antoine remark. "I tole you dog story, hey?
+How you scare you old friend Antoine with you big dog. That was a bad
+trick, Beely. You do wrong to scare ole Antoine."</p>
+
+<p>So earnestly did the Frenchman say this, as he held Billy on his knee,
+the small boy felt uncomfortable, though Aunt Florence laughed, and
+wondered how and when to begin her lecture.</p>
+
+<p>"But, Antoine," Billy explained, "that was a game."</p>
+
+<p>"A game, Beely, you call that game, do you, when you scare ole Antoine
+out his wit? Game, hey?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/066.jpg">
+<img src="images/066_th.jpg" width="300" alt="He held Billy on his knee" /></a></div>
+
+<p>"I knew Hero wouldn't hurt you, Antoine; he's a nice, kind dog, and he
+wouldn't bite a mosquito."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Antoine shook his head and made a downward motion with his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right for you, Beely, but how did Antoine know the dog
+she wouldn't bite one moskeet? When I see his mouth, I say to myself,
+Antoine, he swallow you sure, and then I call my friend Beely."</p>
+
+<p>"But I was a steamboat then," protested Billy, "and, anyway, I came
+after you, didn't I?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Beely, I find you out in the wood some day, big black bear after
+you. Beely call ole Antoine, and ole Antoine he play steamboat, hey,
+Beely? How you like that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tell us a bear story, please do," persisted the child.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Beely, maybe I tole you bear story, maybe so, but that big dog he
+scare me. Now, I'm scare out of bear story."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor old Hero, he wants to come in," said Billy. "Shall I let him come
+in and get acquainted with you, Antoine?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Beely, I'm too much acquaint with him now. You call your dog, I
+go."</p>
+
+<p>"But he likes you, Antoine; I could tell by the way he sniffs at you
+that he likes you."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, maybe he likes me too much, I'm think. I'll bring my gun next
+time," warned Antoine; "then let him sniff at me, hey, Beely?"</p>
+
+<p>"You wouldn't shoot him."</p>
+
+<p>"I wouldn't stand still and let him eat me, I tell you that, Beely.
+When you see Antoine coming, you better call your dog and hide him."</p>
+
+<p>"Give it to him, Antoine," said Gerald, with a brotherly grin.</p>
+
+<p>Billy said nothing, but, with his back turned toward Aunt Florence, he
+made a face at Gerald.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Beely," protested the Frenchman, "that's a pretty crooked face
+you make there. Let me look on that face. She's round like the pumpkin,
+and your eye she's like two little blue bead. Well, I can't see nothing
+wrong with it now. A minute ago I'm 'fraid. You must not make such face
+like that on your brother, because, Beely, I'm afraid she freeze like
+that."</p>
+
+<p>"But where have you been all this time?" questioned Betty, while Gerald
+motioned Aunt <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>Florence to watch the grimaces and motions Antoine made
+as he talked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I'm work back here on the cedar swamp, getting out some pole to
+load big vesseal when he come. Where's your papa? I want to see if he's
+hear anything of the <i>George Sturgis</i>. I'm think he's come last week,
+and I'm look for it ever since. He was going to come last week to Cecil
+Bay to get my pole to take to Chicago. I'm 'fraid we's going to get bad
+weather, and I want to get out my load of pole quick as I could."</p>
+
+<p>"You'll have to wait, Antoine," declared Gerald, "because papa went to
+the station with some messages, and he's going to wait for the mail,
+and the train's late."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you want to see our baby?" asked Betty. "Oh, he is the dearest
+little fellow, just three months old. Mamma says he looks exactly as
+Billy did when he was a baby."</p>
+
+<p>"Beely ain't baby no more," commented the Frenchman. "I s'pose he ain't
+like the new baby pretty good?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes," Betty assured Antoine, "Billy loves the baby."</p>
+
+<p>"And I'm seven, going on eight," the small <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>boy declared. "It seems a
+hundred years since you were here last," he continued; "have you been
+working in the cedar swamp all that time?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well," was the reply, "I'm think if you be there when the black fly
+and the moskeet eat you up, you would say it was one hundred year sure.
+You say your papa she go to the post-office, hey?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and the train is late. If I was an engine, I'd get here on time,
+and not keep folks waiting for their mail."</p>
+
+<p>Antoine LeBrinn made a remarkably bad grimace, looked at Billy for
+several seconds, and then replied: "Little boy ain't got no patience
+these day. Now, when I'm a little boy and live on Cadotte's Point, we
+only got our mail two time in one week."</p>
+
+<p>"But that was before the railroads came," said Betty, "and I don't see
+how you got any mail at all. Did it come in canoes?"</p>
+
+<p>Antoine shrugged his shoulders. "No, Betty, the dog she bring our mail
+in those day."</p>
+
+<p>"Dogs!" exclaimed Billy. He was sure there was a story coming.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" inquired Gerald, seating himself in Billy's rocker,
+while Betty drew her footstool close beside him. "Antoine, what do you
+mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just what I'm say. Dog, she bring our mail in the old day. Did you
+never hear of a traineau?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," admitted Betty. "I have read of traineaus, but I never expected
+to see any one who ever saw one. Do tell me all about them."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," began the Frenchman, making all sorts of motions with his
+head and his hands as he went on, "well, when I'm little boy and this
+was call Old Mackinaw Point, there was no train and no steamboat, and
+in the winter-time all our mail was brought by these dog I am tell
+you about. These dog she was train with the harness and haul a long
+sleigh call a traineau. I know a little chap," and Billy had to give
+a hard kick at somebody who pinched his toes, "I know one little chap
+that hitch up one dog to her sled and take a ride on all kinds of
+weather. Well, well, what's the matter with Beely? She jump around like
+something bite him."</p>
+
+<p>"Go on, Antoine, go on, tell us about the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>dogs," teased Billy.
+"Gerald's always acting horrid."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," resumed the Frenchman, "a traineau was pulled by six dog; all
+had harness on, and hitch one in front the other on one long string.
+The traineau she's all pile full of mailbag, and one man go along to
+drive the dog. This driver she go three, four hundred mile on one trip,
+and she would carry enough along to eat to last him and his dog four or
+five day."</p>
+
+<p>At this point Billy became much excited, and broke in with a remark
+that amused Gerald so highly he stood on his head and waved his feet in
+the air until Betty reminded him of his manners.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, why, Antoine," Billy demanded, "how could the driver carry stones
+enough to last even one hundred miles, I'd like to know?"</p>
+
+<p>The Frenchman was puzzled. "Stone," he remarked, running his fingers
+through his short, black hair, "now what, Beely, would the driver do
+with stone?"</p>
+
+<p>Betty clapped her hands. "When Billy goes driving on the ice with
+Major," she ex<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>plained, "he has to carry a pocket full of stones, or
+Major wouldn't go a step. He throws a stone and Major goes after it;
+then he throws another, and that's the way he keeps the dog flying."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that's pretty good," said the smiling Antoine, "but you see,
+Beely, these dog she was train to pull the sleigh when she was a little
+bit of a pup. He was train so he was used to it. When the driver said
+'Go,' she went; and at first, no matter how much mail they have, the
+dog she would jump and run as if they like it. After they draw a bit
+load two or three day, she's begin get tired, and then they would lay
+right down on the road, so the driver would stop and let the dog rest.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, on Mackinaw Point, the driver she stop at the little store and
+left the mail for all the folks; for the fishermen along the shore and
+on Cadotte's Point where I'm live."</p>
+
+<p>"But where did the traineaus start and where did they go?" inquired
+Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"They come from Alpena and go way up to the Soo, and then go back
+again."</p>
+
+<p>"Why didn't they use big sleighs and horses?" Gerald put in.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No road," was the reply, "only narrow trail through the wood."</p>
+
+<p>"And was all the mail from the big world brought to Mackinaw that way
+when you were a little boy?" persisted Betty; "and did you ever get a
+letter?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I can't say I ever got one letter myself. Little children ain't
+much account those day, but my aunt what live on Canada send me one
+pair mitten for a New Year present. I'm just about big like Beely then,
+but I'm walk in all alone from Cadotte's Point."</p>
+
+<p>"And you must have seen a bear," observed Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, now, you Beely, you think I'm going to tell you a bear story. Well
+I ain't feel just right for tole you a bear story this time. I'm tell
+that some other time. I'm tell you a bear story every time I'm see you,
+Beely, and I'm getting them pretty near all wear out."</p>
+
+<p>At this the children laughed so uproariously, the baby awoke and began
+to cry.</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma'll bring him out in a minute," remarked Betty, and when the
+baby, still screaming, was brought into the room, Antoine in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>sisted
+upon taking him, to the delight of the children, who stood by, softly
+clapping their hands and laughing. Their mother laughed, too, when
+Antoine, who knew something about babies from long experience, began
+walking the floor with the little fellow and talking to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, is this the new baby? Bring it here and let me look at it. Well,
+a pretty nice looking baby, I'm think, if she ain't cry so much. Her
+face is all crooked and all wrinkle up. Come now, you ain't going to
+cry all the time. I'm going to look and see them little eye you got
+there. Well, she make quite a bit of noise for her size, but I'm going
+to sing him a little song and see if she won't go to sleep again:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><small>"'The Frenchman he hate to die in the fall,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>When the marsh is full of game:</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>For the muskrat he is good and fat,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>And the bullfrog just the same.</small><br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><small>"'High le,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>High low,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Now baby don't you cry,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>For ole Antoine is right close by.'"</small><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p>
+<p>"Now you see, Beely, she's quit crying already. You ain't know Antoine
+can sing, eh?"</p>
+
+<p>It was even as Antoine said; the baby had stopped crying, and Billy,
+astonished by the music of the Frenchman's voice, begged for another
+song, insisting that anything would please him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, Beely," objected his friend. "I ain't going to sing no more to
+the baby, she's quiet now. I'm goin to tole you a story."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it a bear story?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, it's a cow story. My cow she's run away once, and I'm find it
+on Wheeler's farm." Thus began Antoine, accompanying his words with
+gestures far more laughable than the tale he told, and causing the
+children great amusement. Billy's round face became one broad grin as
+he listened.</p>
+
+<p>"When I'm take my cow home," went on the little Frenchman, still
+walking the floor with the baby in his arms, "I'm take short cut on
+the wood; I'm go by old log road. There was a lot of raspberry there,
+so now I'm to pick up some raspberry for myself. So I'm tie my cow on
+black stick of wood, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>let it eat grass on the road and drag the
+wood along, and she can't get away from me."</p>
+
+<p>At this point Betty's mother rescued the baby from the arms of the
+prancing Frenchman, to the evident relief of Betty, who thought the
+baby too precious a bundle to be flourished so vigorously, as Antoine
+stooped to pick raspberries and to tie his cow.</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty soon," continued the narrator, "pretty soon she give a jerk
+with his head, and the piece of wood jump toward it and scare my cow.
+Well, she start to run down the road, and I'm run after it and holler,
+'Whoa, Bess, whoa!' but she's so scare she ain't stop.</p>
+
+<p>"By and by my cow stop, all play out." Antoine placed himself before
+Betty, who was sitting on a footstool near Aunt Florence, while Gerald
+and Billy were standing near their mother's chair, the refuge they
+sought when Antoine was running after his cow. "Well, as I'm say, my
+cow stop all play out. She stand right there on front that stick of
+wood." Antoine certainly mistook Betty for the stick of wood. "She's
+stand there and look straight at it, and she's go, 'Woof! woof! woof!'
+and his tail she's go round and round," <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>and Antoine's arms made wide
+circles in the air, "but she's all right; she ain't hurt at all, so I'm
+catch my cow and take it home, and I'm pretty glad she ain't hurt at
+all. Now I ain't tie my cow to no more black stick of wood. I told you
+that right now."</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of the laugh that followed, and while Billy was pulling
+at the Frenchman's sleeve, beseeching him to tell another story, the
+marine reporter came home. Immediately Antoine told his errand, and
+made his escape from the presence of the clamouring children, laughing,
+shrugging his shoulders, and declaring that he would sometime tell
+them all the stories they would listen to. Thus Aunt Florence lost an
+opportunity to deliver her first temperance lecture.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had the door closed behind Antoine when it was opened by
+Billy, who followed his friend into the yard.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, Antoine," he called, "take this orange to 'Phonse. Mamma gave me
+one, and Betty one, and Gerald one."</p>
+
+<p>"It's a good little Beely," was the remark that filled the small boy's
+heart with pride, as Antoine slipped the treasure in his pocket.</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                             <h2> CHAPTER VI.<br />
+
+                               <small>ORANGES</small></h2>
+
+
+
+<p>After supper Billy thought longingly of his orange. He wondered if
+it was thick-skinned and if it was juicy. He felt pretty sure it was
+sweet, and the more he thought of it the sweeter it seemed to his
+imagination. Billy was just saying to himself that, if he had not given
+away his orange, he would eat it without asking his mother for sugar,
+when he stumbled upon Gerald leaning over the wood-box in the kitchen.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you doing out here all alone?" demanded Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"What business is it of yours, I'd like to know? Why don't you go back
+in the other room?" Gerald grumbled, making rather lively motions
+around three sides of the wood-box, as he tried to keep his back toward
+Billy.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Aw, pig!" sniffed Billy, "eating your orange out here where nobody'd
+see you, so you wouldn't have to divide. Orange juice running all down
+your arm, and I'm glad of it, pig!"</p>
+
+<p>"Got an orange of your own," was Gerald's retort.</p>
+
+<p>"Haven't either," declared Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you've eaten it up, and now who's a pig, I'd like to know? I
+offered to divide my orange with Selma, but she was in a hustle to
+get her dishes washed and get down-town, and it isn't my fault if she
+couldn't wait for me to get it peeled. You're the pig, Billy, because
+you didn't even offer to divide with anybody."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I gave my whole orange to Antoine before I even stopped to smell
+of it," wailed Billy, "and I guess if I had a little brother that
+hadn't had a smell of orange, I'd give him a piece."</p>
+
+<p>Gerald whistled. "Who ever'd think you'd do such a thing, Billy? Here,
+little boy, is your reward of merit," and Gerald, thrusting half his
+orange into Billy's outstretched hand, walked away, whistling.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Half an orange made Billy wish for more. It was a sweet one and juicy.
+He wondered if Betty's orange was anywhere near as good. Later in the
+evening Gerald went out on the beach with his father to see if there
+were any boats in sight to be reported. While he was gone, Betty
+prepared to eat her orange.</p>
+
+<p>"Come on, Billy," she suggested, "get your rocker, and we'll eat our
+oranges while mamma undresses the baby. I'm glad it is a chilly night,
+so we had to have a fire in the grate."</p>
+
+<p>A wistful expression crept into Billy's face. "I gave my orange to
+Antoine to take to 'Phonse," was his reply in sorrowful tones.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, you dear, good Billy, you shall have half of mine. Bring your
+rocker here beside of me, and we'll eat my orange together. See my
+saucer of sugar. I'll divide that with you, too."</p>
+
+<p>Billy, more than willing, was thoroughly enjoying himself when Gerald
+returned. The minute the door was opened, the boy stuffed the last
+piece of his half of Betty's orange into his mouth so quickly Betty
+couldn't imagine what ailed him.</p>
+
+<p>Gerald's remark upon beholding this per<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>formance was an explosion.
+"Pig!" he shouted. Explanations followed, and Billy was sent into the
+kitchen to do some quiet thinking. The cat followed him, whether from
+curiosity or because she liked Billy, it is impossible to say.</p>
+
+<p>When Billy climbed into a hard, uncomfortable chair, so high his
+feet couldn't touch the floor, the cat jumped upon another chair and
+settled down to watch him. At first Billy looked ashamed of himself
+and miserable. For a minute he seemed to think of pulling his loose
+tooth; but, after touching it ever so gently, he shook his head. Then,
+observing a strange expression on the cat's face, Billy half-smiled;
+that is, the smile stopped just below his eyes, whose solemn stare
+remained unchanged.</p>
+
+<p>That was enough for the cat. With a remark that sounded exactly like
+what she used to say to her kittens when she brought them a mouse, she
+bounded into Billy's chair, and began rubbing against him, purring
+cheerfully. By the time she had flourished her tail in his face, licked
+his hands, and clawed at his red <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>sweater for a few seconds, Billy
+laughed merrily.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps if the cat had minded her own business, Billy would not have
+forgotten his disgrace so quickly. However that may be, the small boy
+slipped down from his chair and had a good time. He played tiger in
+the jungle with the cat until she objected; then he played he was the
+northwest wind, sending everything helter-skelter before his icy breath.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Billy bethought him of a new game, and a few minutes later the
+whole family rushed into the kitchen half-fearing that the stove must
+have fallen upon the child, so unusual was the racket they heard. There
+was no cause for alarm. At the moment Billy was Antoine's cow. A big
+tin pail attached to his waist by Betty's jumping-rope was the black
+stick of wood.</p>
+
+<p>When the family appeared at the door, the cow was standing in front of
+the black stick of wood, stamping its feet and snorting, "Woof! woof!
+woof!" The cat was nowhere in sight.</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                            <h2> CHAPTER VII.<br />
+
+                        <small>MINNAVAVANA'S BRAVES</small></h2>
+
+
+
+<p>The north wind is no respecter of persons. He wasn't invited to Betty's
+lawn party, but he came at dawn and stayed until dark the day she chose
+to entertain her dearest friends. Billy was glad of it. He said that
+girls' parties were silly, anyway, and he hoped the whole flock would
+have to stay in the house. He declared that Betty needn't expect to see
+him at the party: he would rather hide in the cellar all day than be
+the only boy among so many girls. Aunt Florence smiled, and said she
+guessed they could get along without him if he felt that way.</p>
+
+<p>"Sometime before I go home, though," she promised Billy, "we'll have a
+boys' party, and then we won't care how hard the wind blows. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>But the
+girls, dear me, Billy, they'll be so disappointed if they have to stay
+in the house."</p>
+
+<p>"Who cares?" suggested Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I care," suggested Aunt Florence. "Young man, I am helping Betty
+with this party, and the wind is more than I know what to do with."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, if it's your party, Aunt Florence, that's different, and I know
+what to do. Build a tramps' shelter and keep the wind out."</p>
+
+<p>"What's a tramps' shelter, Billy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Aunt Florence, out in the woods the tramps make regular little
+rooms of trees and branches. We can coax papa and his man to get a
+wagon-load of Christmas-trees from the woods and make a room, not where
+we'd spoil the lawn, but the other side of the house, you know, down
+close to the lake."</p>
+
+<p>"Who would report boats, Billy, if your father and the man both go to
+the woods?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma would," was the reply; "she does lots of times. I'll get
+some boys to help make the room if you want to do it. I wish Gerald
+was here, but every time Mr. Robinson <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>invites him to go on the
+fishing-tug, he goes. I wish I was him."</p>
+
+<p>When Betty heard of Billy's plan, she said she didn't know he could
+think of anything so nice, and before noon the room was made.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a fort!" declared Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, so it is," added Betty. "And to-morrow, Billy, let's play fort,
+and I'll ask Lucille and that little girl that plays with her, that
+little Marion Struble from Marquette, and Cora and Gay to come and
+bring their dolls and play ladies from the settlement seeking safety in
+the fort during an Indian war. You may be an Indian chief, you know,
+and I don't care how many boys you have for braves. Oh, it will be
+loads of fun."</p>
+
+<p>"Let's do it to-day," suggested Jimmie Brown, the Detroit boy.</p>
+
+<p>"And scare the girls to death," added one of the green cottage twins.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, mercy, boys, that wouldn't do at all! You see, this is to be a
+real stylish party to-day, and besides that, I don't s'pose half the
+girls that are coming ever played Indian. Why, one time, auntie, Gerald
+and Billy and I had an Indian show, and we hadn't any more <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>than begun
+when the girls were scared and ran home crying.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you boys would please go now and pick about ten bushels of wild
+flowers, so we can make the inside of this evergreen fort perfectly
+beautiful. See, Aunt Florence, papa made the north wall extra thick
+and high, so the wind can't get in. Isn't this the sweetest place for
+a party you ever heard of? Of course, we'll be crowded, and of course
+we can't stay in it all the time, but that won't hurt anything. Mamma
+says we may bring out all the cushions and put them on the board seats.
+We'll have the music-box here in the corner."</p>
+
+<p>Soon the boys returned with arms full of wild flowers. "Powder and shot
+for the fort," announced Billy, and the mischief shining in his eyes
+alarmed his sister.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Billy Grannis," she warned, "don't you dare try any tricks."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not," replied Billy, though Jimmie and the green cottage
+twins tossed their caps into the air and grinned.</p>
+
+<p>"They're planning something, auntie," Betty declared, but when the
+guests began to arrive she forgot her suspicions.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/088.jpg">
+<img src="images/088_th.jpg" width="350" alt="Watching from behind the north wall of the evergreen fort" /></a></div>
+
+<p>Alice Swayze came first, dressed in her best white gown. She was from
+Kalamazoo. Betty seated her beside the music-box. Two little girls from
+Chicago came next, wearing wide blue sashes just alike. Little Belle
+Lamond from California straightened her pink sash, felt of the bow on
+her pretty dark curls, and acted so vain and silly, four small boys,
+who were watching from behind the north wall of the evergreen fort,
+almost laughed aloud.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Won't she jump, though?" whispered Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"You bet," replied Jimmie Brown, "and there comes Nellie Thomas.
+She's from Detroit, and is in my sister's room at school. She'll jump
+sky-high."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/089.jpg">
+<img src="images/089_th.jpg" width="350" alt="There was merriment within the evergreen fort" /></a></div>
+
+
+<p>There was merriment within the evergreen fort, as little girls
+continued to enter and the tiny space became crowded. When Betty
+started the music-box, whispering behind the north wall was no longer
+necessary.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It's getting so noisy in there, I'm 'fraid they won't even hear wild
+Indians," ventured Jimmie Brown at the top of his voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Hush," cautioned Billy, "don't talk too loud. Music-boxes and wind and
+waves and talking girls sometimes keep still at the same time."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, look," exclaimed the twins, "what's coming?"</p>
+
+<p>"Frenchy and Bud and Buzz and Tony and their little 'dopted sister
+Samone," Billy declared, as he began motioning for the new-comers to
+creep quietly to the fort.</p>
+
+<p>'Phonse took the hint, and soon he and his wondering followers were
+peering through the evergreen walls.</p>
+
+<p>"What's going to happen?" demanded 'Phonse, with a grin.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," explained Billy, "it's a game, only the girls don't know
+they're in it. That's a fort, and we're Indians. I'm Minnavavana, the
+chief, and the rest of you are my braves. You want to play, of course.
+Samone don't count, though, she's only a papoose."</p>
+
+<p>"But where are your tomahawks, and what's <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>going to happen, I say?"
+persisted 'Phonse, as he and his brothers crowded around Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Look," said Jimmie Brown, showing the LeBrinn children a firecracker.
+"These Indians have guns. Can't you give him a gun, Billy? My pocket's
+full of matches."</p>
+
+<p>"Sure," replied Billy; "you give out the matches. Now listen, you that
+don't know the game. We're all Indians, but I'm the chief. You're
+just braves. When I nod my head like this, every brave must give an
+awful war-whoop. Just screech, boys, yell for all you're worth, and I
+will, too, and that same minute fire off your firecrackers and run.
+You mustn't even stop to see what the girls do, because then we'll be
+caught."</p>
+
+<p>"You all cut for the woods," 'Phonse warned his brood.</p>
+
+<p>"Now get in a straight line," commanded Billy, "and look in. I guess
+they're all here now, and we mustn't wait long if we expect to have
+any fun, because soon's they're all here Betty's going to have them
+all go and have games on the porch, and they're coming back here for
+'freshments. Watch out there, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>Bud, don't lean too hard. What if the
+stockade should tumble in?"</p>
+
+<p>Unconscious of bright eyes watching, and of the row of grins behind the
+fort's north wall, the little girls laughed and gaily chatted.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, without the least warning, blood-curdling sounds filled
+the air, accompanied by what seemed to be cannon shots. At the same
+instant, the evergreens forming the north wall trembled, shook, fell
+in; while screaming girls, frightened almost out of their senses,
+struggled to get away.</p>
+
+<p>Billy tried to run but couldn't. "Wait, boys, wait for me!" he
+shouted, but the boys didn't wait, not even for the little Samone,
+who cried frantically for help. Billy never heard such an uproar,
+quickly followed by screams of terror unlike anything he ever dreamed
+of. Turning, he saw what Betty and her little friends that instant
+noticed; saw what made the grown folks, rushing across the lawn, white
+with fear. Little Samone, trying in vain to free herself from the
+evergreens, was on fire. Billy saw the flames reaching for the ragged
+sleeve of her calico slip, and knew <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>that he must try to save her.
+Betty saw what he meant to do, and tried to stop him.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait, Billy, wait!" she screamed. "You're too little! Papa is coming!
+Wait, oh, Billy, Billy!"</p>
+
+<p>But the north wind wasn't waiting, and Samone was tiny. Quicker than
+a flash, Billy, usually so slow, leaped upon the evergreens, snatched
+Samone, and rolled her down the bank into the water.</p>
+
+<p>When certain braves returned, seeking a lost papoose, they found her
+playing with Betty's guests; but the great chief, Minnavavana, whose
+hands were a trifle burned, was still sobbing in his mother's arms.</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+                            <h2> CHAPTER VIII.<br />
+
+                        <small>ANTOINE'S BEAR STORIES</small></h2>
+
+
+
+<p>Straight into all hearts walked the little Samone. Every one in the
+village loved her, and strangers, learning the child's story, had tried
+to take her away from Antoine LeBrinn, for Samone was a waif. When
+Betty, Billy, and Aunt Florence called at the Frenchman's home, Antoine
+received them with scant courtesy. He supposed that Aunt Florence was
+one more summer visitor who wanted the child; one more who had come to
+tell him that she must not be allowed to grow up in a shanty on the
+beach; and, taking Billy one side, Antoine talked angrily, as he spread
+his nets to dry.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/095.jpg">
+<img src="images/095_th.jpg"  width="103" alt="Samone" /></a></div>
+
+<p>"Why," remonstrated Billy, "of course, I wouldn't bring any one down
+here to get Samone away from you. Auntie is glad you have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> Samone.
+She says she's glad of it&mdash;only&mdash;only&mdash;" How could Billy
+explain the errand upon which Aunt Florence had come? He did <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>wish
+Betty would keep things to herself. Talking to Antoine about drinking
+didn't do a bit of good, anyway. Billy was sure of it, and he did wish
+Mrs. LeBrinn and the children were home. They were away huckleberrying.
+Betty and Aunt Florence were sitting on a log in front of the shanty,
+waiting for Antoine to finish spreading his nets.</p>
+
+<p>"What for your face she get so red, little Beely?" asked Antoine.</p>
+
+<p>"I was wondering if you would tell us a bear story," replied the little
+fellow.</p>
+
+<p>"Beely, I tole you one bear story, you tell ole Antoine why your aunt
+come down to see him."</p>
+
+<p>Billy hesitated only a minute, and then told Antoine that Aunt Florence
+liked his children so well she wanted him to promise not to drink any
+more. "I wouldn't have said a word if you hadn't asked me," concluded
+Billy, "and now you'll tell us a bear story, won't you?"</p>
+
+<p>Antoine laughed long and loud before saying: "Beely, you think your
+aunt like one bear story?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes, but what are you laughing at, Antoine?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I'm think I'm tell one, two, three, four bear story until your
+aunt go home, and ole Antoine she laugh."</p>
+
+<p>"How are you going to begin, Aunt Florence?" asked Betty, as Antoine
+and Billy came toward them hand in hand. "They say he won't promise not
+to drink; he just will spend every cent he can get when he wants to.
+Now what are you going to say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Betty, I don't know how to begin a bit better than you do, but for
+the sake of those five children somebody ought to try to do something
+besides laugh at such a man, and I shall try."</p>
+
+<p>"But, auntie, how will you begin?"</p>
+
+<p>"You must wait, Betty, and see."</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me," Antoine began, "but I'm think I'm tell my friend Beely
+one bear story. I guess I'm tell you about the white bear. When I'm a
+little fellow, not so old as you, Beely, my brother have a pet bear. It
+was so high and so big and his colour was brown."</p>
+
+<p>"Brown," repeated Billy, "I thought you said it was white."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe so, maybe so, Beely. Well, we all like the little brown bear but
+my ma, and she <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>don't like that bear so much as I like the switch she
+always keep on the corner behind the flour barrel. My brother would
+have the bear on the house, and my ma scold and scold, because that
+bear get into all kind of troubles. He steal lump of sugar and he eat
+the codfish, and he help hisself to anything she want.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Beely, one day my ma hear big noise on what you call the pantry,
+and that noise, Beely, was near the flour barrel, and when she go
+over to see what was the matter out jump a little white bear. He was
+the same little brown bear, Beely, all cover over with flour. My ma
+was so mad at that bear she ain't know what to do after he spoil all
+that flour. So she grab the broom, and she chase the bear all over the
+kitchen. She hit him whack-e-ty whack, Beely, until the poor little
+bear was pretty near scare to dead, and the air was all full of flour,
+and everything was all tip over and tumble down and upset, and my ma
+she look like a crazy woman. By and by she open the door, the little
+bear scoot out and climb a tree, and then he sit and look on my mother
+while she stand there and scold him.</p>
+
+<p>"And do you know, Beely, that little pet <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>bear don't want to come on
+the house no more. You can't coax him on.</p>
+
+<p>"And one time, Beely, I have one little coon; he was my own pet. We
+catch him when he was a little fellow, and I have to feed him with a
+spoon, and when he was big he was chuck full of trick, too. One day,
+when my ma she was milking the cow, she turn her head, and my coon she
+jump right in the milk. Then my ma gave him a taste of a stick, like
+this, Beely, whack, whack, whack. Then my ma say to my pa she won't
+have so much wild animal around, and next day I find my little coon
+asleep, and he never wake up."</p>
+
+<p>"He died while he was asleep, did he, Antoine?"</p>
+
+<p>"Look that way, look that way, Beely. Now I'm tole you about one time
+me and my brother start out to find what you call ging-seng; around
+here we call it shang."</p>
+
+<p>"I never heard of it, Antoine, what is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's a root, Beely, the Chinamen want. It used to grow on China, but
+now she's all gone. It grows wild on the wood here, and you can get
+four and five dollar a pound for it if you know where to send it. You
+have <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>to know the wood pretty well, or you ain't know where to find
+it. Well, Beely, me and my brother know where there was a good patch
+of shang, so one time when we have a week to spare, we start out one
+afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>"Before we have go a half-mile from home, my brother think he forget
+something. He go back to get it, and I walk on alone. We intend to
+stay all night in old log shanty. It is pretty near dark when I get
+there. I wait for my brother. He don't come. I'm pretty hungry, so I
+eat my supper, and look around the house where I'm to stay all night.
+Well, Beely, there was no door on the house, but that don't scare me.
+I am used to the wood, and I don't think nothing going to hurt me. But
+before I lay down and before it get dark, I put everything we bring to
+eat up on some high place, so the mouse and the squirrel can't get it.
+Then I go to sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my, weren't you afraid, Antoine?"</p>
+
+<p>"What I be afraid of, Beely? I have my gun close beside me. I ain't
+know what time it is when I wake up. It is dark, and I think I hear a
+noise outside the shanty. Then I hear something walk in. Oh, Beely,
+my hair stand <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>on one end, I'm so scare when I hear something go
+'sniff&mdash;sniff.' I'm so scare I don't dare get my gun, and my teeth
+go like this, Beely." Antoine tried to make Betty, Billy, and Aunt
+Florence realize how his teeth chattered, accompanying the performance
+by gestures that were funny enough.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Beely, in a moment more I hear something walk, and I know a big
+bear has come to see me."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Antoine, why didn't you shoot him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because, Beely, I'm too scare. I don't dare stir, and, Beely, I'm
+think good-bye, Antoine, for the big bear came and pokes me two time
+with his nose."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, sakes alive, Antoine."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Beely, it is the truth I tole you. After he give me two poke,
+the old bear walk around until he find my can of salmon. Then I hear
+him eating and tip over all my things. Then he walk around and around,
+and by and by he come and see me again."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Antoine!"</p>
+
+<p>"But, Beely, you just wait; I tole you one joke on the big bear. He
+knock my gun down; <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>he go off biff-bang! At first I'm so scare I'm
+think I'm going to die. Then I laugh until I pretty near choke to dead,
+for I hear the big bear run off through the wood. And in the morning,
+Beely, I find his track,&mdash;great, big, black bear track."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me another, Antoine, please."</p>
+
+<p>Antoine, giving Billy a wink, began again before Aunt Florence or Betty
+could say a word. "Now, Beely, you know the wood is full of some bear,
+and ole Antoine he like to go bear-hunting."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, go on, you went hunting, and what happened?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hold on, Beely, I don't go hunting, I go fishing; that is, Beely, I
+start to go fishing, but before I go far I come across a bear track. I
+think I never see such a big bear track. It is big like this, Beely,
+so I say I will follow the track of the big bear, but first I will go
+and get my gun. Then I leave my fish-pole at home, and start out with
+my gun, and I am think I am kill the biggest bear you ever hear of. I'm
+follow that bear track for one, two, three, four mile. It's a fresh
+track, and I'm pretty sure I'm find the bear and shoot <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>him. By and by
+I stand still and think what I'm going to do. The big bear she's gone
+into one thicket, and, if I went after it, I shall have to crawl in. I
+ain't like to do that. I'm a little scare."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I should think so. Go on, Antoine; of course, you did crawl in."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Beely, I crawl in and I keep crawling. You see, I think after
+awhile I'm going to come out at a clearing. I don't much like to follow
+track of one big bear on a place where I can't stand, and by and by I
+hear a twig snap, and pretty soon I'm hear another. Then I'm so scare I
+keep still a minute. I think maybe I'm going straight to the big bear's
+house, and the big bear and his folks will eat me up. When I'm think
+that, I'm think I better get back to the road, I think I don't want to
+shoot that bear, after all. I'm change my mind and go back to the road
+just so quick as I can."</p>
+
+<p>"And when you got there, what happened, Antoine?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Beely, I go home."</p>
+
+<p>"And you didn't even see the bear?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No, Beely, and when I'm in that thicket, I'm think I don't want to see
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Antoine, maybe that's a track story, but I don't call it a bear
+story. Now, please tell me a good one 'bout narrow 'scapes. That's the
+kind I like."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Beely, one time when I'm a little boy, my ma send me after the
+cows. We have two cows then. Well, I'm just ready to start home with
+the cows, when she stand still a minute and look scare to dead. I stand
+up on a log, and I think what is the matter, and then I see a big bear
+stand up on his hind feet. I don't know how I do anything so quick, but
+in a second I jump up on one of those cow, and then they both give a
+snort and start down the road lickety-split."</p>
+
+<p>"And did the bear chase you, Antoine?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think so, Beely, I don't know. I ain't look back to see. I have all
+I can do to hang on my cow. It ain't easy riding, I tole you that."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Antoine," remonstrated Billy, "I don't call that a bear story. I
+call it a cow story. Now, please, Antoine, tell me a good one. Please
+don't laugh; tell me a good, wild <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>bear story, one of your narrow
+'scapes. Tell me about the time you caught the little bear last summer.
+I like that story."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Beely, I ain't like to tell you that story pretty good, for
+every time I'm think on it I'm scare out of my wit yet."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Antoine, the bears can't hurt you now; they are all dead."</p>
+
+<p>"I know that, but I'm think they are going to hurt me that time. Well,
+it's just like this: I'm going on the swamp to look at some cedar I'm
+going to get out that winter. When I'm come to a little birch ridge
+on the swamp, well, I'm going to go across that ridge when I see two
+big bear and one little one lay down on front of me about twenty-five
+feet away. Well, I'm scare the bear, and the bear scare me. I'm come
+up there so quiet they ain't think I'm going to come at all; and I
+ain't think I'm going to see any bear there. I'm too scare to run away
+and I'm too scare to shoot. You know I'm got my gun with me. You know,
+Beely, I'm always got my gun and one little axe when I'm go through the
+wood.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'm stand there behind one stump; I look on the bear and the
+bear look on me. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>The biggest one get up on his hind leg and she show
+his teeth and growl. I'm pretty scare, I'm tole you that, Beely, when
+I'm see her big teeth. But I'm make up my mind I'm got to shoot that
+bear right there, or Antoine don't see Beely no more. Well, I'm take a
+rest with my gun on the stump, and take a good aim and shoot. I'm hit
+that bear right on the head. She's fall right down on his back, and
+growl and kick little bit and die.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that scare the little bear, so she's climb up the tree. They
+got one more big bear there yet, and I ain't got no more bullet on my
+gun, and I ain't got time for load, so I'm climb one little tree pretty
+quick, just like one little red squirrel. But I'm take my gun along
+with me, so I can load it up there, you know.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, the bear she's come for me, but I'm load my gun pretty quick.
+When the bear she get ready for climb the tree, I'm shoot it, but I
+ain't hit it pretty good, and I ain't kill it that time, because just
+the same time I'm shoot, the limb what I'm stand on break, and I'm fall
+on the ground. I fall right close by the bear. I ain't hurt me very
+much, because I ain't fall <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>pretty far, but I'm jump up like a rabbit
+and I'm grab my little axe, what I'm got on my belt, just the same time
+the bear she jump for me.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm hurt the bear pretty much when I'm shoot the first time, so she
+can't jump quick like me. When the bear she's jump on me, I'm jump
+behind one stump and hit him on the head with my axe. But I ain't kill
+it first time.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm run around the stump, and ever time I'm get a chance I'm hit that
+bear with my axe, and by and by I'm hit it on the nose and kill the
+bear that time. You know, Beely, it's pretty easy to kill a bear when
+you hit him right on the nose.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Beely, I'm pretty glad I'm kill that bear, but I'm so scare I
+sit on that stump and shake and shake and shake just like as if I have
+the ague. By and by I'm feel a little better, and I think I'm going to
+catch that little bear what's up on the tree, so I'm cut down the tree
+and catch the bear; and I'm take off my belt and tie it around his neck
+and fetch it home. Then I go back there and skin the two bear, because
+the bear she's nice and fat and pretty good to eat that time.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I have that little bear yet, and he do lots of trick. Pretty smart
+little fellow, pretty ugly, I tole you that. I'm call him Beely after
+my little friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, let's show him to Aunt Florence," suggested Billy, but Aunt
+Florence, for some reason, insisted upon going home.</p>
+
+<p>"No use for me to try to say anything to him," she remarked to Betty,
+as they walked along the bay shore. "I'll give up. I should think that
+man would be ashamed when he remembers that little suit I gave 'Phonse."</p>
+
+<p>"But that's the queer thing about him, auntie," Betty explained; "he
+never remembers anything he wants to forget. I like him, though."</p>
+
+<p>"So do I, far as that goes," agreed Aunt Florence, "but I more than
+like that poor little Samone."</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                             <h2>CHAPTER IX.<br />
+
+                      <small>UNCLE JOHN'S "OLD TIMER"</small></h2>
+
+
+
+<p>Betty cried at the station when Aunt Florence went home. Billy felt
+like crying, but he wouldn't. Aunt Florence was sorry to leave the
+children, and even Gerald felt sad enough as her train disappeared
+among the pines, and the whistle sounded at the crossing down the bay
+shore.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, she's gone," was his cheerful remark.</p>
+
+<p>"But she said she'd come again next summer," Betty sobbed, "and just as
+soon as she gets to the city she's going to send me a beautiful doll to
+dress for Samone."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps Samone won't be here then," said Gerald.</p>
+
+<p>"Won't be here! Why not?" asked Betty, wiping her eyes and staring at
+the boys.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Well, you know Antoine's been drinking again, and I heard some men
+saying if he keeps on they are going to take Samone away from him.
+They're going to send her to the House of Correction,&mdash;no, I don't
+believe that's the name of the place, either, but it is some home for
+children that don't belong to anybody."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what will Antoine do?" exclaimed Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"He'll fight," suggested Billy, "and so I will, too."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll tell you, boys, what we can do," advised Betty. "You know, it
+won't be long now before Uncle John comes to go hunting. Of course,
+Aunt Florence will tell him all about Antoine and Samone, and how she
+couldn't make him stop drinking, because she didn't know how to begin
+talking to him about it. Now, everybody says that if Antoine would make
+up his mind to be a different kind of a man, he could, and everybody
+likes him, even now, so I'm just going to ask Uncle John to go down to
+his house and make him stop. That's a fine plan. Folks always listen to
+Uncle John because he's so good-looking."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When Uncle John came, he laughed at Betty. "Why, child, I'm not a
+temperance lecturer," he protested. "I came up here to hunt deer, not
+Frenchmen. Besides that, what's the use of my trying to do what you and
+Aunt Florence couldn't?"</p>
+
+<p>"Aunt Florence didn't half try," answered Betty, "and, of course, I've
+never tried at all. I wouldn't dare."</p>
+
+<p>Again Uncle John laughed. "If you don't dare venture, Betty, let's give
+up. What do you say, Billy?"</p>
+
+<p>"I say, let me go hunting with you," replied the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"Hunting the Frenchman?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, hunting deer and bears. Will you take me sometime?"</p>
+
+<p>Betty turned away much troubled. There was no use of talking to Uncle
+John, she could see that plainly. Betty liked Antoine so well she
+couldn't understand why every one laughed when anything was said about
+trying to make him do right. She knew, too, how dearly the Frenchman
+and his family loved the little Samone, and how kind they were to
+the child. She also knew what Antoine was beginning <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>to suspect: a
+number of men in the village who were interested in Samone, and whose
+decisions were always carried out, were talking of sending the little
+one to the State School at Coldwater.</p>
+
+<p>Betty said no more about Antoine to Uncle John, but, while the frost
+fairies painted the maple leaves crimson and brightened the borders
+of the evergreen woods with many a dash of colour, she listened as
+eagerly as Billy and Gerald to all he had to say of forest wonders.
+At the same time, down in her heart, Betty was hoping that Uncle John
+wouldn't get a deer that season. "If he don't kill a deer," she told
+herself, "then the Coldwater school don't get Samone. That's my new
+superstition, though I'll never tell even Billy. Some things you must
+keep to yourself."</p>
+
+<p>Those were the days when Billy hated bedtime with all his might. It
+always came in the middle of some tale of adventure, often at the point
+where Uncle John almost shot a bear.</p>
+
+<p>Evening after evening, Mr. Larzalere, a neighbour, called to see Uncle
+John, and many a tale of the woods he told that made Gerald <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>stare.
+Billy often wondered why such great hunters as Mr. Larzalere and his
+Uncle John could go forth each day, knowing exactly where to find deer,
+and yet return without one.</p>
+
+<p>"Should think you'd begin to get discouraged," he said at last.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John and Mr. Larzalere only smiled at the idea, and advised
+Billy to wait. In the meantime, they talked with great enthusiasm
+of salt-licks, runways, bucks, does, and fawns, and a certain "Old
+Timer" that interested Billy more than anything else that lived in the
+woods. The little boy dreamed of the "Old Timer," and one never to be
+forgotten morning he saw him.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Larzalere had promised to meet Uncle John at the "Big Stone," and
+Billy had begged to be taken along. He hadn't the least idea where the
+"Big Stone" was, but, from listening to the daily talk of the hunters,
+he believed that all the animals in the woods trooped by that enchanted
+spot ever day; possibly they formed a procession and marched past.
+Mr. Larzalere and Uncle John seemed always to reach the place either
+too late or too early to see all that happened. Uncle John told Billy
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>that, when he was bigger, he would gladly take him hunting, but little
+boys seven years old were too small to think of shooting "Old Timers."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Uncle John, of course, I don't want to shoot the 'Old Timer,'"
+persisted Billy. "I just want to see his big horns, and if you'll let
+me go, I'll climb up on the 'Big Stone' and sit right still until you
+come after me. You and Mr. Larzalere can leave me there while you hunt."</p>
+
+<p>"Couldn't think of it, Billy," replied Uncle John. "When Mr. Larzalere
+and I drag in the Old Timer, then you'll see him."</p>
+
+<p>"That isn't the way I want to see him," said Billy to his mother. "I
+want to see him while he is alive. I've seen hundreds of dead deer down
+to the depot. What I want to see is the 'Old Timer' holding his own
+horns high,&mdash;high and running fast,&mdash;fast as if he was happy and wasn't
+afraid of hunters."</p>
+
+<p>Early the next morning Billy was up and gazing wistfully out-of-doors.
+In spite of the rain pelting against the window, Billy wanted to go
+hunting, and wondered how his Uncle John could lie in bed and sleep
+after daylight. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>Suddenly the small boy rubbed his eyes and stared.
+Across the common, in front of Mr. Larzalere's house, he saw the "Old
+Timer." A moment later the deer lifted his wide, spreading horns, stood
+quietly gazing toward the house, then came bounding across the common,
+pausing a moment at Billy's gate before making a dash for the woods.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I saw him! I saw him!" cried Billy, rushing from window to window,
+hoping for another glimpse of the deer.</p>
+
+<p>In a little while Mr. Larzalere came, calling loudly upon Uncle John
+to get his gun and follow the deer. He was wet to the skin, and a more
+excited man Billy never saw.</p>
+
+<p>"Where&mdash;where's your gun?" asked Billy. "Uncle John isn't dressed yet;
+he says he'll hurry."</p>
+
+<p>"My gun's at home," explained Mr. Larzalere. "You see that deer was
+grazing by the big pine in front of my house, and when I raised the
+shade I must have startled him. I told my wife to get my gun quick, but
+I didn't dare wait for it, because I didn't want to lose sight of my
+deer. Tell your Uncle John to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>come quick's he can! I'm going back for
+my gun!"</p>
+
+<p>As Mr. Larzalere ran for his gun, Billy flew through the house
+shouting: "Gerald! Betty! Selma! Everybody! Get up and see where there
+was a deer! Come on quick and I'll show you his tracks out in the sand!
+You'll have to hurry if you want to see the tracks, 'cause it's raining
+pitchforks!"</p>
+
+<p>After chasing through the storm for an hour or more, Mr. Larzalere went
+home to breakfast, though broiled venison wasn't on the bill of fare.</p>
+
+<p>Whether dogs drove him out of the woods, or whether the deer overheard
+Mr. Larzalere and Uncle John planning his downfall at one of the
+meetings by the "Big Stone," and walked into the village to show how
+little fear he had of hunters, Billy never knew, and the "Old Timer"
+was never again seen in that region. Whereat rejoiced Betty, the
+superstitious.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after, Uncle John went home; but he always declared that he should
+have killed the deer had he stayed long enough.</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                              <h2>CHAPTER X.<br />
+
+                     <small>FISHING THROUGH THE ICE</small></h2>
+
+
+
+<p>It was Billy who gathered the last bunch of bluebells. He found them
+one November morning, their brave, delicate beauty all that remained of
+unforgotten blooms. The next day it was winter.</p>
+
+<p>The boy welcomed the whirling snow, but when the ice began forming
+all along the beach, his delight was unbounded. He couldn't pity the
+poor sailors as Betty advised; Billy envied them. The last trip of the
+season, like the first perilous voyage in the spring, seemed brimming
+with possibilities of adventure.</p>
+
+<p>Morning after morning, Billy ran to the window before he was dressed
+to see the waves tossing the broken ice in ridges farther and farther
+from the shore. How he longed to try the stretches of clear ice between
+the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>ridges! How he longed to go where the waves were dashing against
+the crystal wall! He wondered how much higher than his head the spray
+leaped toward the sun before it fell in sparkling showers all along the
+southern shore as far as the child could see.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime the last light-ship had gone into winter quarters,
+the last buoy had been taken away, and even Billy understood that
+navigating the straits was a perilous undertaking. Whenever a boat
+whistled to be reported, the whole family ran to the window to see it
+pass, while the fog-horn sounded a farewell, and Billy's father dipped
+the stars and stripes in parting salute, to which the boat made answer.</p>
+
+<p>One steam-barge, the <i>Wallula</i>, was long unaccounted for. She was the
+last of the season, as Billy knew. He and Betty watched almost as
+anxiously as their father for the belated boat. One afternoon there
+came a blinding snow-storm, and for the first time Billy agreed with
+Betty in pitying the poor sailors, especially those on the <i>Wallula</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Just think of being out in such a storm, with the light-ships all gone
+and the buoys all <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>taken away!" said the little girl. "I don't see how
+a boat could help going on the shoals. Don't you ever be a sailor,
+Billy, will you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," replied Billy, "of course not; I'll be the captain."</p>
+
+<p>A wonderful sight greeted Billy the following day. As usual he was
+up early, and through the east window in the sitting-room he saw the
+<i>Wallula</i> frozen fast in the ice not far from shore.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, mamma! mamma!" he called. "Here's the big red sun coming right
+out of the red, red clouds, and it's shining on the <i>Wallula</i>. And the
+icicles! Oh, mamma! Betty! Come and see the icicles shining on all the
+ropes. Oh, I must get out there quick."</p>
+
+<p>As Billy dressed, the sun was swallowed by a cloud so big, so black,
+its shadow dimmed the joy shining in his face.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, mamma!" he shouted, "what a 'normous cloud, and it's spreading
+over all the sky. I never saw anything happen so quick before. Did you
+ever see such a cloud! It was so heavy it had to go and fall down over
+all the sunshine."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No wonder!" exclaimed Betty, "I should think it would! Look there!"</p>
+
+<p>"Where? What?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Billy, don't you see? There is Antoine LeBrinn down on the beach
+with Samone in his arms, and I know the poor little thing hasn't on
+half enough clothes to keep her warm. I don't care how soon they take
+her away from him, so there!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Betty!"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't care, Billy. I'm beginning to feel just the way the rest of
+the folks do about that old Antoine. Papa says he don't stick to any
+kind of work, and his family are too poor for anything!"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm going to tell him," Billy threatened; "you see if I don't."</p>
+
+<p>Late in the morning half the village gathered to watch the tug from
+Cheboygan release the <i>Wallula</i> and tow her into safe water. Then
+Billy saw more than one man frown, as he noticed the thinly clad child
+shivering in the Frenchman's arms. From that time he determined to
+compel Betty to tell Antoine he must stop drinking. At first Betty
+refused, but finally a new idea came into her mind.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Tell you what we might do, Billy," she said, "we might get up a pledge
+for him to sign his name to."</p>
+
+<p>"What's a pledge?"</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/121.jpg">
+<img src="images/121_th.jpg" width="350"  alt="109Betty ... wrote her pledge" /></a></div>
+
+<p>"Oh, it's something you sign," and Betty, offering no further
+explanation, wrote her pledge. Having never seen a temperance pledge,
+this was not an easy thing to do. Betty tried many times, and destroyed
+nearly all her best tablet before she decided upon the correct form.
+All this scribbling she did in the presence of the impatient Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Now read it," he begged, when Betty <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>folded several sheets of paper
+instead of destroying them.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid you won't understand it, Billy," she said, doubtfully,
+"but it means, 'I won't drink any more whiskey and things.' Now listen,
+Billy; I'd like to hear how it sounds myself: 'When in the course of
+human events it becomes necessary to touch not, taste not, handle not,
+look not upon the wine when it is red, give me liberty or give me death
+before I ever touch another drop.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Betty, that's good; course I understand it. Why, it sounds just
+like the Fourth of July last year!"</p>
+
+<p>"There now, Billy, I shall have to read it all over again if I find out
+how it sounds, because that's only the short beginning."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Betty, but that's enough! If he signs that and promises that he
+won't drink another drop, why, why, that's the place to stop, Betty."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know but you're right, Billy, but lawyers put in lots of
+words they don't need when they write things, and they never stop when
+they get through. You see, I haven't read you the 'whereas' and 'now
+therefore' <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>part. I wanted this pledge to sound as if a lawyer made it.
+You see, Billy, I know, because I read everything."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't care," Billy maintained, "you might get him mixed."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so," admitted Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"And then, too, Bet, why don't you say 'before I drink another drop&mdash;of
+whiskey,' in big capital letters."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, never, Billy, that would hurt Antoine's feelings. We mustn't even
+hint about getting drunk and such things, but I will do as you say
+about having a short pledge, and we'll trim it with pictures."</p>
+
+<p>"Make pictures of bottles and things, Betty."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, stop, Billy, I should say not! Birds and flowers will be better,
+and won't hurt Antoine's feelings. Don't you understand? Then we'll tie
+a red ribbon on it."</p>
+
+<p>It so happened that Billy's mother, not sharing the children's secret,
+wouldn't allow them to visit the Frenchman's home, and it was not until
+the ice stretched from shore to shore, and Antoine began his winter
+fishing, that their opportunity came. After school one night, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>they
+visited his fish shanty on the frozen straits.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in," said Antoine, in response to Betty's knock, "come in."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my, what a tiny place!" exclaimed Betty, "and how warm it is! too
+warm! Oh, my!"</p>
+
+<p>"Smells fishy and tarry," added Billy, holding his nose.</p>
+
+<p>"Hush!" warned Betty, fearing Antoine might be offended.</p>
+
+<p>"Warm!" repeated the man, laughing heartily; "the preacher she was
+here, and I ain't want it to stay, so I make it warm, and she ain't
+stay long."</p>
+
+<p>"Why did the minister come to see you?" asked Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"Did he come out here to have you tell him fish stories?" Billy
+inquired.</p>
+
+<p>Again Antoine laughed. "No, Beely, the preacher she come out here and
+bring one temperance pledge. She say to me, 'Antoine, I'm fisherman,
+too. I'm ask you to sign your name on this one paper.' I'm tell that
+preacher she make a mistake, and I'm put one, two, three stick of wood
+on the stove, and it get <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>too warm pretty quick. The preacher she go
+home, and ole Antoine she sign no pledge so long she live, I tole you
+that right now."</p>
+
+<p>Betty looked discouraged, but Billy grinned as he knelt to peer through
+the hole in the ice. Both children knew better than to speak of their
+pledge.</p>
+
+<p>With utmost patience Antoine explained to his visitors all he knew
+about fishing through the ice.</p>
+
+<p>"What you think is on the end of that line, Beely, that go into the
+water there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Minnows?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, Beely, no minnow on the winter. On the end that line is one
+decoy fish. She's heavy and weighted with lead. We let it down on the
+deep water. Then, when we see a fish come after it, we wind the line
+with one windlass."</p>
+
+<p>"Can't you pull in the line?" asked Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Betty, no, you pull the line, you jerk the decoy fish, and that
+won't do. Beely, you turn the crank there and wind the line over the
+reel. Now, Betty, kneel on the edge of the opening on the floor and
+look down on the water. Can you see one decoy fish?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, just as plain as anything."</p>
+
+<p>"Now you, Beely, turn the crank."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, oh!" cried Betty. "Up comes the little fish, straight, straight
+up, just as natural as if it was alive."</p>
+
+<p>"Now let me see," besought the small boy. "You come, Betty, and turn
+the crank."</p>
+
+<p>"Here, Beely," said Antoine, "you and Betty can both look on the same
+time if you squeeze beside her. Fish shanty ain't big like the town
+hall?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I should say not," admitted Billy. "Why, isn't it nice, Antoine?
+You can sit right still on your box and reach all the walls, can't you?
+Oh, that's the way you do it? When you see a fish coming, you just keep
+watching him, and then you reach over and turn the crank and wind up
+the line, and then the pretend fish comes up higher and higher. But
+then, I don't see how you spear the real fish."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Betty and Beely, I will show you. You see the decoy fish she
+come quiet through the water when we bring it up with a windlass. If
+we brought it up with one jerk, our trout would be scare away. Fish no
+fool, I <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>tole you that. When my fish come to the top of the water, so
+I'm sure of my aim, I send my spear after him."</p>
+
+<p>"But I should think you would lose the spear," said Billy. "My, it's
+heavy!"</p>
+
+<p>Antoine pointed to the rope which tied the spear to a ring fastened in
+the roof.</p>
+
+<p>"Wish a fish would come along now," said Billy, still gazing into the
+depths beneath.</p>
+
+<p>"We make too much noise, Beely. Betty, you be little squaw and Beely
+be Indian, and we'll keep still like the Indian and then I'll show you
+one fish. I'm fix the spear so she's all ready, and now watch. Don't
+whisper."</p>
+
+<p>Silently the three peered through the hole in the ice. Betty wished
+that her heart wouldn't beat so loud; she feared the fish must hear
+its thumping. Several times Billy was compelled to stifle deep sighs,
+warned by a look from Antoine. Poor Billy! His knees ached and his
+back ached, and it is no wonder the active child kept thinking that he
+couldn't endure such a cramped position another moment. It seemed ages
+to Betty also before she raised her face with a pleased smile to the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>fisherman and exchanged a glance with the radiant Billy.</p>
+
+<p>There was a big fish coming straight toward the decoy. The children
+had a fine chance to see exactly how a fish swims. Billy held his
+breath, as the line was slowly wound over the reel and the decoy came
+nearer and nearer the surface. They could see the bright eyes and the
+glistening fins of the fish that came after it.</p>
+
+<p>Just as Antoine reached for his spear, Betty sneezed. Quick as a flash
+the fish darted to the bottom of the straits; but it moved no quicker
+than Antoine, who motioned for silence. Betty longed to explain that
+she couldn't help sneezing, while Billy could scarcely be restrained
+from venting his wrath. Under the circumstances, he gave Betty an angry
+glance, and ventured to wiggle the least bit before settling himself
+for another time of breathless waiting. As for Betty, she could just
+manage to keep the tears back, and, when the fish slowly rose from the
+bottom of the lake, she didn't see him so clearly as Billy and the
+fisherman did.</p>
+
+<p>That time Antoine speared the fish. Billy not only saw him do it, but
+helped pull a big <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>trout through the hole in the ice, and soon he and
+Betty were taking turns carrying the treasure home.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me," said Betty at last, "I'll never dare say 'pledge' to him
+again."</p>
+
+<p>"I should say not," echoed Billy.</p>
+
+<p>Upon reaching home, Betty was much distressed when she discovered that
+her pledge was lost. "Somebody'll find it, Billy, and tell everybody in
+town, and then won't we catch it? Everybody'll be making fun of us."</p>
+
+<p>Billy tried to be consoling. "They won't know who wrote it, Betty."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that's the worst of it, Billy. I put my name and your name and the
+date and everything on that paper, and I said it was for Mrs. LeBrinn's
+Christmas present! Oh, dear!"</p>
+
+<p>At that very moment, Antoine, alone in his shanty, was reading Betty's
+pledge. A curious smile came and went as he read the slip of paper.
+When the last gleam of sunlight faded in the west, he locked his shanty
+and walked to the village with his load of fish.</p>
+
+<p>The following morning little 'Phonse Le<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>Brinn came late to school. His
+pinched face looked sad and care-worn.</p>
+
+<p>"Old Antoine was drunk again last night," some one whispered across the
+aisle. "He sold his fish before he went home, and spent every cent at
+the saloons."</p>
+
+<p>Billy heard the whisper, and, passing 'Phonse on his way to class, he
+left a piece of candy on his desk. It was all he had to offer.</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                              <h2>CHAPTER XI.<br />
+
+                            <small>CHRISTMAS EVE</small></h2>
+
+
+
+<p>Two things puzzled Billy. One was the letter from Aunt Florence,
+in which she hinted at the possibility of visiting Santa Claus on
+Christmas Day. Neither Billy's father nor Billy's mother knew what to
+think. Mid-winter was not the time to expect company in their part of
+the world.</p>
+
+<p>"It's some kind of a joke, I guess," was Billy's suggestion.</p>
+
+<p>The second thing that puzzled Billy was the great change that suddenly
+came over the LeBrinn family. He wondered if he had anything to do with
+it. One day, having overheard a conversation not intended for his ears,
+he told 'Phonse that Samone was surely going to be sent to the home at
+Coldwater, and advised him to tell his father to "watch out." <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>The next
+time Billy met Antoine LeBrinn, Samone was with him.</p>
+
+<p>"Come here, little Beely," called the Frenchman, "ole Antoine want to
+shake hand with you. It's a pretty good little Beely. Samone like Beely
+pretty good, I tole you that."</p>
+
+<p>Antoine then explained to the boy that no one should take Samone away
+from him, because he intended keeping her with him all the time, and
+from that hour until the day soon after, when Billy saw the little
+Samone no more, she was always close beside her father. The particular
+thing that puzzled Billy, though, kept half the village guessing.
+'Phonse, Buzz, Bud, and Tony came to school just before the holidays
+dressed in fine new suits and beaming with smiles. That same afternoon
+Billy was in the dry-goods store when Antoine bought a red dress for
+his wife and wide red ribbons to trim it with.</p>
+
+<p>"I tole you the ole lady she look pretty good when he get this on,
+Beely," said Antoine, rattling a pocketful of money for Samone's
+benefit. The jingle pleased Antoine more than it did the little girl.</p>
+
+<p>Billy wondered where Antoine got his <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>money, and when he learned that
+the Frenchman's own family didn't know, he wondered more than ever.</p>
+
+<p>For many weeks Antoine had been stage-driver on the evergreen
+road,&mdash;the winding way across the ice, marked on either side by forest
+trees.</p>
+
+<p>The day before Christmas there was a blizzard. From Billy's home on the
+point nothing could be seen but whirling snow. The nearest trees on the
+evergreen road were hidden from sight, while the north shore across the
+frozen straits seemed for ever lost.</p>
+
+<p>"Antoine won't go to-day," said Billy; but scarcely were the words
+spoken when the sound of sleigh-bells was heard, and Antoine stopped
+his horses at the cottage door. He asked for an extra shawl or blanket
+for the children, and laughed at the idea of being afraid to make the
+trip. When Billy's mother knew that 'Phonse and Samone were in the
+sleigh, she begged Antoine to leave them with her.</p>
+
+<p>"Samone stay with ole Antoine long as he live in Mackinaw," declared
+the Frenchman, "and Beely she know that. I ain't leave Sa<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>mone no
+more." Antoine went on to explain that he could cross the evergreen
+road with his eyes shut, and that there wasn't a bit of danger. He had
+positively promised to meet two passengers who were coming from Duluth,
+and he was determined to be on time for the train. The children were
+comfortable as two kittens, Antoine further insisted, at the same time
+declaring that he would be back at noon to help the "old lady" get
+ready for Christmas.</p>
+
+<p>Fumbling in his pocket at the last moment, Antoine drew forth an
+envelope, in which he declared was his wife's Christmas present.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell Beely to take care of it until ole Antoine come back, and, if she
+ain't come home no more, give her to the old lady."</p>
+
+<p>Every hour the storm grew worse, and at noon the marine reporter's
+three children listened in vain for the sound of sleigh-bells.</p>
+
+<p>"Antoine must have decided to stay in St. Ignace, and drive home
+to-morrow," said their mother, and the family were of the same opinion.</p>
+
+<p>All the afternoon the children had the gayest kind of a time. No
+thought of the storm <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>outside disturbed their fun. Gerald, Betty, and
+Billy were too accustomed to blizzards to mind their fury. After the
+lamps were lighted, they gathered around the piano to sing the familiar
+carol they loved so well. That Christmas Eve they sang but one verse:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><small>"'Oh, little town of Bethlehem!</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i5"><small>How still we see thee lie!</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Above thy deep and dreamless sleep</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i5"><small>The silent stars go by;</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Yet in thy dark street shineth</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i5"><small>The everlasting light,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>The hopes and fears of all the years</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i5"><small>Are met in thee to-night!'"</small><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The door-bell rang, and Antoine LeBrinn's wife, weeping and wringing
+her hands, was ushered into the bright sitting-room. She had waited
+all the afternoon for the return of her husband and children, and at
+last, leaving Bud and Buzz and Tony with neighbours, had walked to the
+village, expecting and dreading to find Antoine at the saloons. No one
+having seen him since morning, she was sure that, unless he had reached
+the marine reporter's cottage, he was lost on the Straits of Mackinaw,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>and every one knew what that meant. That night the evergreen road was
+drifted full, the trees along the way were blown down, and the ice
+was a trackless wilderness. Even Billy thought of the air-holes and
+shuddered.</p>
+
+<p>It was the little brother who spoke first, after the sobbing
+Frenchwoman had told her story.</p>
+
+<p>"Papa," he asked, "why don't you go down and telegraph to St. Ignace?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll do it, Billy," he answered, and straightway left the cottage.
+There was a look on his father's face when he returned that Billy had
+never seen before.</p>
+
+<p>"Antoine left St. Ignace two hours ago," he said to Billy's mother.
+"Men have already gone to find him, but it is useless."</p>
+
+<p>Billy's father went away, and in that dreadful time of waiting the
+three children listened to the Frenchwoman's despairing talk. Just that
+morning her husband had told where his money came from. The old aunt in
+Canada was dead, and had left her farm and all she owned to Antoine.
+They had made such happy plans. The little Samone should be a lady, and
+the boys would no longer be ragged and half-starved. Christmas Day the
+children <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>were to be told the good news, and before the New Year they
+would be living in a home of their own in Canada.</p>
+
+<p>The mention of Christmas reminded Billy of the worn envelope left in
+his care.</p>
+
+<p>"Here," said he, giving it to Mrs. LeBrinn, "he said give you that."</p>
+
+<p>The woman tore open the envelope and stared at the slip of paper it
+contained. She couldn't understand; but the instant Betty saw it she
+knew the truth. It was the pledge, with Antoine LeBrinn's name signed
+at the bottom.</p>
+
+<p>For the first time since she entered the cottage, the Frenchwoman
+raised her head and looked hopeful. She said Antoine always kept his
+word, and, since she knew he had not been drinking that day, unless he
+perished in the blizzard, he would find his way home.</p>
+
+<p>A shout from Billy startled every one in the room. "Why, my dog!" he
+fairly screamed. "He is a St. Bernard, and, oh, Mrs. LeBrinn, you know
+what St. Bernards are for. He'll find the lost folks!"</p>
+
+<p>"Billy is right," echoed his mother, as the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>child ran for the dog.
+"Hero will find them, I know."</p>
+
+<p>Like a flash, the dog darted into the night when he knew what was
+expected of him, and there were no more tears shed in the sitting-room.
+The curtains in the bay-window were raised, while the three children,
+their mother, and Mrs. LeBrinn watched the beacon-fire blazing high at
+the beginning of the evergreen road.</p>
+
+<p>It was growing colder every minute, though the minutes were long. Men
+who gave up the search piled timbers on the fire and waited. It was all
+they could do. At last Hero bounded toward them, and the faint sound of
+sleigh-bells came on the wind.</p>
+
+<p>Safe was the little Samone,&mdash;safe, warm, and sound asleep with 'Phonse.
+Neither of the children awoke as they were carried into the cottage and
+placed upon the couch; but they opened wondering eyes when Betty and
+Gerald and little Billy welcomed their Aunt Florence and their Uncle
+John, the passengers for whom Antoine had made that trip to St. Ignace.</p>
+
+<p>For a few minutes every one, including <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>Hero, talked at the same time,
+and nobody listened to what anybody else said until Billy's mother
+suggested dinner.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/139.jpg">
+<img src="images/139_th.jpg" width="300" alt="Lifting her in his arms" /></a></div>
+
+<p>"We'll have our Christmas dinner now," she declared.</p>
+
+<p>"And another one to-morrow, mamma," <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>added Billy, in a whisper, "unless
+Uncle John would rather have venison than turkey. I know one thing,
+Antoine's so happy, he won't know what he is eating to-night, and I
+feel the same way myself. Aunt Florence looks as if she's pretty glad
+to get here, too. I guess we'll have a good time to-night that even
+Samone will remember long time after she goes to Canada. We are all
+happy, mamma; I 'tole you that.'"</p>
+
+<p>When Antoine saw the candle-light from the Christmas tree shining upon
+his little Samone, he did a queer thing,&mdash;lifting her in his arms to
+take her in to dinner, he touched her soft curls and said: "It's a good
+little Beely."</p>
+
+<p><br /></p>
+
+<p class="center">                            <small>THE END.</small><br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+             <p class="ph3">COSY CORNER SERIES</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<p>It is the intention of the publishers that this series shall contain
+only the very highest and purest literature,&mdash;stories that shall not
+only appeal to the children themselves, but be appreciated by all
+those who feel with them in their joys and sorrows.</p>
+
+<p>The numerous illustrations in each book are by well-known artists, and
+each volume has a separate attractive cover design.</p>
+
+
+<p>Each, 1 vol., 16mo, cloth $0.50<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<p><i>By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON</i></p>
+
+<p>
+<big><b>The Little Colonel.</b></big> (Trade Mark.)<br />
+The scene of this story is laid in Kentucky. Its heroine is a small
+girl, who is known as the Little Colonel, on account of her fancied
+resemblance to an old-school Southern gentleman, whose fine estate and
+old family are famous in the region. This old Colonel proves to be the
+grandfather of the child.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>The Giant Scissors.</b></big><br />
+This is the story of Joyce and of her adventures in France,&mdash;the
+wonderful house with the gate of The Giant Scissors, Jules, her little
+playmate, Sister Denisa, the cruel Brossard, and her dear Aunt Kate.
+Joyce is a great friend of the Little Colonel, and in later volumes
+shares with her the delightful experiences of the "House Party" and the
+"Holidays."<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>Two Little Knights of Kentucky.</b></big><br />
+
+<span class="smcap">Who Were the Little Colonel's Neighbors</span>.<br />
+
+In this volume the Little Colonel returns to us like an old friend, but
+with added grace and charm. She is not, however, the central figure of
+the story, that place being taken by the "two little knights."<br /></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>Cicely and Other Stories for Girls.</b></big><br />
+
+The readers of Mrs. Johnston's charming juveniles will be glad to learn
+of the issue of this volume for young people, written in the author's
+sympathetic and entertaining manner.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>Aunt 'Liza's Hero and Other Stories.</b></big><br />
+
+A collection of six bright little stories, which will appeal to all
+boys and most girls.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>Big Brother.</b></big><br />
+
+A story of two boys. The devotion and care of Steven, himself a small
+boy, for his baby brother, is the theme of the simple tale, the pathos
+and beauty of which has appealed to so many thousands.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>Ole Mammy's Torment.</b></big><br />
+
+"Ole Mammy's Torment" has been fitly called "a classic of Southern
+life." It relates the haps and mishaps of a small negro lad, and tells
+how he was led by love and kindness to a knowledge of the right.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>The Story of Dago.</b></big><br />
+
+In this story Mrs. Johnston relates the story of Dago, a pet monkey,
+owned jointly by two brothers. Dago tells his own story, and the
+account of his haps and mishaps is both interesting and amusing.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>The Quilt That Jack Built.</b></big><br />
+
+A pleasant little story of a boy's labor of love, and how it changed
+the course of his life many years after it was accomplished. Told in
+Mrs. Johnston's usual vein of quaint charm and genuine sincerity.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p><i>By EDITH ROBINSON</i></p>
+
+<p>
+<big><b>A Little Puritan's First Christmas.</b></big><br />
+
+A story of Colonial times in Boston, telling how Christmas was invented
+by Betty Sewall, a typical child of the Puritans, aided by her brother
+Sam.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>A Little Daughter of Liberty.</b></big><br />
+
+The author's motive for this story is well indicated by a quotation
+from her introduction, as follows:</p>
+
+<p>"One ride is memorable in the early history of the American Revolution,
+the well-known ride of Paul Revere. Equally deserving of commendation
+is another ride,&mdash;untold in verse or story, its records preserved only
+in family papers or shadowy legend, the ride of Anthony Severn was no
+less historic in its action or memorable in its consequences."<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>A Loyal Little Maid.</b></big><br />
+
+A delightful and interesting story of Revolutionary days, in which the
+child heroine, Betsey Schuyler, renders important services to George
+Washington.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>A Little Puritan Rebel.</b></big><br />
+
+Like Miss Robinson's successful story of "A Loyal Little Maid," this
+is another historical tale of a real girl, during the time when the
+gallant Sir Harry Vane was governor of Massachusetts.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>A Little Puritan Pioneer.</b></big><br />
+
+The scene of this story is laid in the Puritan settlement at
+Charlestown. The little girl heroine adds another to the list of
+favorites so well known to the young people.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>A Little Puritan Bound Girl.</b></big><br />
+
+A story of Boston in Puritan days, which is of great interest to
+youthful readers.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p><i>By OUIDA</i> (<i>Louise de la Ramée</i>)</p>
+
+<p>
+<big><b>A Dog of Flanders:</b></big> <span class="smcap">A Christmas Story.</span><br />
+
+Too well and favorably known to require description.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>The Nürnberg Stove.</b></big><br />
+
+This beautiful story has never before been published at a popular price.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>A Provence Rose.</b></big><br />
+
+A story perfect in sweetness and in grace.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>Findelkind.</b></big><br />
+
+A charming story about a little Swiss herdsman.<br /></p>
+
+
+
+<p><i>By MISS MULOCK</i></p>
+
+<p>
+<big><b>The Little Lame Prince.</b></big><br />
+
+A delightful story of a little boy who has many adventures by means of
+the magic gifts of his fairy godmother.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>Adventures of a Brownie.</b></big><br />
+
+The story of a household elf who torments the cook and gardener, but is
+a constant joy and delight to the children who love and trust him.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>His Little Mother.</b></big><br />
+
+Miss Mulock's short stories for children are a constant source of
+delight to them, and "His Little Mother," in this new and attractive
+dress, will be welcomed by hosts of youthful readers.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>Little Sunshine's Holiday.</b></big><br />
+
+An attractive story of a summer outing. "Little Sunshine" is another
+of those beautiful child-characters for which Miss Mulock is so justly
+famous.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44637 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #44637 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44637)
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Brother Billy, by Frances Maragret Fox,
+Illustrated by Etheldred B. Barry
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Brother Billy
+
+
+Author: Frances Maragret Fox
+
+
+
+Release Date: January 9, 2014  [eBook #44637]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BROTHER BILLY***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, haragos pál, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 44637-h.htm or 44637-h.zip:
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44637/44637-h/44637-h.htm)
+      or
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44637/44637-h.zip)
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+      Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).
+
+      Text enclosed by equal signs is in bold face (=bold=).
+
+
+
+
+
+BROTHER BILLY
+
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+                 BROTHER BILLY
+
+                    Works of
+              Frances Margaret Fox
+
+    Farmer Brown and the Birds        $ .50
+    The Little Giant's Neighbours       .50
+    Mother Nature's Little Ones         .50
+    Betty of Old Mackinaw               .50
+    Brother Billy                       .50
+    Little Lady Marjorie               1.50
+
+              L. C. PAGE & COMPANY
+              New England Building
+                  Boston, Mass.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+
+[Illustration: "'THAT'S MY AUNT FLORENCE'S LOCKET'"]
+                                     (_See page 31_)
+
+
+Cosy Corner Series
+
+BROTHER BILLY
+
+by
+
+FRANCES MARGARET FOX
+
+Author of "Farmer Brown and the Birds," "Little Lady
+Marjorie," "Betty of Old Mackinaw," etc.
+
+Illustrated by Etheldred B. Barry
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Boston
+L. C. Page & Company
+1905
+
+Copyright, 1904
+By L. C. Page & Company
+(Incorporated)
+
+All rights reserved
+
+Published October, 1904
+
+Colonial Press
+Electrotyped and Printed by C. H. Simonds & Co.
+Boston, Mass., U. S. A.
+
+
+
+
+                   TO
+             MY DEAREST ONE
+        =Lee Everett Joslyn, Jr.=
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: CONTENTS]
+
+  CHAPTER                                                    PAGE
+  I.       ENTERTAINING AUNT FLORENCE                          1
+  II.      INDIANS                                             8
+  III.     BILLY GOES SWIMMING                                24
+  IV.      THE STEAM-TUG BILLY                                35
+  V.       ANTOINE LEBRINN                                    53
+  VI.      ORANGES                                            67
+  VII.     MINNAVAVANA'S BRAVES                               72
+  VIII.    ANTOINE'S BEAR STORIES                             82
+  IX.      UNCLE JOHN'S "OLD TIMER"                           97
+  X.       FISHING THROUGH THE ICE                           105
+  XI.      CHRISTMAS EVE                                     119
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: ILLUSTRATIONS]
+
+                                                             PAGE
+
+  "'THAT'S MY AUNT FLORENCE'S LOCKET,'"
+   (_See page 31_)                                 _Frontispiece_
+  "'ISN'T IT QUEER ABOUT INDIAN TRAILS?'"                     10
+  "EVERYTHING HE WORE WAS NEW"                                34
+  "HE HELD BILLY ON HIS KNEE"                                 54
+  "WATCHING FROM BEHIND THE NORTH WALL
+     OF THE EVERGREEN FORT"                                   76
+  "THERE WAS MERRIMENT WITHIN THE EVERGREEN
+     FORT"                                                    77
+  "SAMONE"                                                    83
+  "BETTY ... WROTE HER PLEDGE"                               109
+  "LIFTING HER IN HIS ARMS"                                  127
+
+
+
+
+
+                             BROTHER BILLY
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+                       ENTERTAINING AUNT FLORENCE
+
+
+Billy was cross. The twins from Grand Rapids who were living in the
+green cottage wanted him to play Indians on the beach. The boy from
+Detroit, whose mother didn't know where he was half the time, had been
+teasing him to go swimming. 'Phonse LeBrinn, child of Mackinaw, was
+throwing stones at the boat-house, a signal Billy well understood.
+When 'Phonse had a plan that promised more fun than usual, he always
+threw stones at the boat-house. Other boys came to the door and rang
+the bell or knocked when they wanted Billy. 'Phonse knew better. Billy
+longed to find out what was on his mind, but it wouldn't do to let any
+one know that the ragged little playmate had a particular reason for
+throwing stones.
+
+Suddenly a light dawned on Billy's face. "Mamma," said he, "let me go
+down on the beach and tell Frenchy he must quit that, he'll spoil the
+paint. I won't be gone but a minute."
+
+"Now, see here," remonstrated Billy's mother, "never mind what 'Phonse
+is doing, and keep away from the window, Billy, so he won't see you.
+Come, child, Aunt Florence will soon be ready."
+
+"Oh, shoot the luck! I don't want to go with Aunt Florence. I want to
+play with the boys. What made Betty go and tell her all about old fort
+relics, I'd like to know."
+
+"Hush, hush, Billy! Aunt Florence may hear you."
+
+"Well, but, mamma, I don't want to go to the old fort and dig beads all
+the afternoon. It's too warm. I'm roasting."
+
+Billy's mother laughed. One look at the child's face was enough to make
+anybody laugh. He was so cross. "Maybe auntie won't care to stay long,
+Billy. Strangers who are not accustomed to our woods often feel pretty
+lonesome at the old fort."
+
+"She'll stay, mamma; I know all about bead-diggers; they stay and stay.
+Besides that, she won't be afraid, because there are about a million
+thousand resorter folks up there every day digging relics. I wish that
+Betty had kept something to herself. She just reads that old Pontiac's
+history all the time, and then tells all she knows to anybody that
+wants to find out. She makes me tired. I don't like to go to the old
+fort, anyway."
+
+"Why not, Billy?"
+
+"'Cause everybody up there that don't know you asks questions. They
+say, 'There's a little boy, ask him;' then 'cause you don't want to
+talk, they say, 'Lost your tongue,' and silly things like that. Aunt
+Florence is a question asker, too, mamma. Oh, shoot the luck!"
+
+"I'll tell you a good plan, Billy dear," suggested his mother. "You
+help Aunt Florence dig beads, like a good boy, and very likely she'll
+be willing to come home sooner. Then you can play with the boys the
+rest of the afternoon."
+
+"May I play with Frenchy?"
+
+"Ye-es, yes, you may this time."
+
+Billy's face brightened suddenly. "Oh, goody, goody, there comes
+Betty," he cried. "Now I won't have to go. Where's my hat? Oh, Bet, you
+came just in time," continued the boy. "Aunt Florence wants you to go
+to the old fort with her to dig beads, because the missionary meeting's
+going to be here, and mamma says to entertain Aunt Florence. You've got
+to go, that's all."
+
+"Of course she must go," echoed Aunt Florence, who came down-stairs in
+time to hear Billy's last words. "Didn't you find your little girl at
+home, Betty?"
+
+"No, auntie, she had gone to the island, but I only came home for a
+minute to ask--"
+
+"Well," interrupted Aunt Florence, "then of course you can go with
+Billy and me to the old fort."
+
+"Guess--guess I won't go, Aunt Florence; there's a boy down there wants
+me," and Billy waved his hand to 'Phonse.
+
+"Yes, Billy'll go with you," Betty hastened to say, "because--because,
+Aunt Florence, I can't. I'd love to, but I must go to see another
+girl. I'd love to walk up there with you, but--but I--"
+
+"You needn't go if you don't want to, children," Aunt Florence looked
+the least bit grieved.
+
+"Certainly they want to go," declared Billy's mother, in a tone that
+Betty and Billy understood. "Go find your little shovels, children, and
+bring Aunt Florence the fire shovel from the wood-shed."
+
+Billy was about to venture a protest, but, catching a look from Betty
+that meant a great deal to him, he followed her out of the room.
+
+"What is it, Bet?" he whispered.
+
+"Well, Billy, don't you see it won't do a bit of good to make a fuss.
+We'll have to go to the old fort; mamma'll make us. But I know one
+way to fix it so we won't have to stay long. The Robinsons are making
+pineapple sherbet, and they've invited me to it, so I can't waste
+time up to the old fort this afternoon. I told Lucille I'd come right
+straight back soon's I asked mamma."
+
+"And I want to play with Frenchy," put in the little brother.
+
+"But don't you see, Billy, we've got to be decent to company first, so
+we'll take her to the old fort all right enough, but we'll scare her
+to death when we get her there, so she'll want to come right straight
+home. Don't you see? I'll tell her true wild Indian stories, and she
+won't want to stay."
+
+"And I know another thing we can do," agreed Billy.
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"We'll take your old fort beads and then, Betty, we'll break the string
+and scatter the beads in the dirt, and then we'll call her to come and
+find them. She'll be satisfied to come home after that."
+
+"Why, of course, Billy, and your plan is so much better than mine,
+we'll try it first. We won't scare her unless we have to, though a good
+scare never hurts anybody. You get the beads while I get the shovels.
+Hurry now, we'll have some fun."
+
+Mrs. Grannis was much relieved when the children returned with pleasant
+faces. Aunt Florence, too, was pleased.
+
+"I truly wouldn't want you to go a step unless you were perfectly
+willing," she said, as they were leaving the house.
+
+"Well, auntie, we're always willing to go anywhere, Billy and I, if we
+think we can have some fun, and we're going to have a jolly time this
+afternoon, aren't we, Billy?"
+
+The little brother's round face beamed as he felt of the beads in his
+trousers' pocket.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+                                INDIANS
+
+
+"You are the dearest children," exclaimed Aunt Florence. "I wish I
+could take you back to New York with me. You can't remember your
+grandfather and grandmother at all, can you, Billy?"
+
+"No, wouldn't know 'em if I'd meet 'em."
+
+"It's a shame. Never mind, I'll tell them all about you two and Gerald,
+and some day I'm coming north on purpose to take you all home with me,
+and we'll have the best kind of a time."
+
+"Guess you wouldn't think of coming after us if we lived where we do
+now, and it was a hundred years ago," suggested Betty.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Oh, because you would have had to come from Detroit in a canoe, and
+this was all woods then, deep, deep woods full of Indians."
+
+"Dear me, Betty, don't speak of it! It seems to me there are woods
+enough here now. My! What a dreary place! the undergrowth is so thick
+you can't see the water, and yet you can hear every wave. Betty
+Grannis, do you mean to tell me that you ever come out here to the old
+fort alone?"
+
+"Oh, not very often; it is rather dreary, isn't it, auntie? You see,
+this is an old, old Indian trail, and that is why the pines meet
+overhead. Let's walk faster. I don't believe you'll want to stay long,
+auntie, after you get to the fort."
+
+"I agree with you, Betty, this is a lonesome walk. I almost wish we'd
+stayed at home."
+
+"Let's turn around and go back," suggested Billy.
+
+"Oh, I must find some beads," Aunt Florence insisted. "Do you ever see
+Indians around here nowadays?"
+
+"Oh, just tame ones," Billy was honest enough to say.
+
+"You must be brave children," the young lady remarked, as she followed
+Betty through the gloomy forest.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"We're used to it," Betty sung over her shoulder, and Billy knew she
+was laughing. "Besides that, we can run like the wind if we have to.
+Then you know, auntie, the awful things that happened here happened
+over a hundred years ago, and there isn't any real danger now, of
+course. It just makes you feel shivery, that's all. Isn't it queer
+about Indian trails, how they wind in and out so often? This trail
+is exactly as it used to be. Did you ever read 'The Conspiracy of
+Pontiac,' auntie?"
+
+"No, Betty, I never read it all; I simply know about the massacre here.
+Have you read it?"
+
+"She knows it by heart," said Billy. "She can say bushels of Indian
+speeches. Tell her one, Betty. Tell her that one where the Indian said
+to Alexander Henry, 'The rattlesnake is our grandfather.'"
+
+"Yes, do, Betty, only tell me first who Alexander Henry was."
+
+"Why, auntie, don't you know? He was the English fur-trader whose
+life was saved by the Indian chief Wawatam. I like him best of any
+fur-trader I ever knew."
+
+"Do tell me his story, Betty."
+
+"Oh, I can't tell it, it is too long. Do you want to know what happened
+to him in the spring of 1761, two years before the massacre?"
+
+"Yes, certainly."
+
+"Well, of course, you know all about the French and Indian War, auntie?"
+
+"Yes, I know something about it."
+
+"Then, auntie, you know that the French liked the Indians, and the
+Indians liked them, but the English despised the Indians, and treated
+them so badly the Indians hated all Englishmen. That was why the
+Indians helped the French in their war. They wanted to drive the
+English out of the country. Well, when the war was over, the Indians
+didn't know that the English came out ahead, and that the French
+soldiers would have to march out of every fort and that the English
+soldiers would march in. Even my Pontiac didn't know it."
+
+"He'd have known all about his own war and where he died if he'd had
+you for a sister," mocked Billy.
+
+"Don't talk quite so loud, Billy dear," cautioned Aunt Florence.
+
+"'Fraid?" questioned Billy.
+
+"Oh, not exactly; go on, Betty, we're listening. How much longer is
+this Indian trail, anyway?"
+
+"Only half a mile, auntie. Billy, you'll punch a hole through your
+pocket if you aren't careful."
+
+"Go on with your story, Bet, and don't turn around so much."
+
+"Well," continued Betty, giving Billy a look that meant "Don't you dare
+lose those beads," "well, auntie, in the spring of that year, 1761, the
+French soldiers had left this fort, and only Canadian families were
+living in it. The English soldiers hadn't come yet, but they were on
+the way. The fort was over a hundred years old then. Only think of it!
+
+"Alexander Henry, my Englishman, wasn't afraid of anything, that's why
+I like him. He came up here with canoes full of beads and things to
+trade with the Indians for furs. On the way he was warned again and
+again to go back if he didn't want to be killed. He probably would have
+been killed long before he got here if he hadn't put on the clothes of
+a Canadian voyageur."
+
+"They're the ones," interrupted Billy, "that used to paddle the canoes
+and sing 'Row, brothers, row,' and--"
+
+"She knows that," sniffed Betty; "even our baby knows that much. Well,
+auntie, when Alexander Henry got here, the Canadians were bad to him
+and tried to scare him. They wanted him to go away before anything
+happened. He hadn't been here but a short time when Minnavavana, a
+Chippewa Indian chief, came with sixty warriors to call on him. They
+marched to his house single file, auntie. Their faces were painted with
+grease and charcoal, and they had feathers through their noses and
+feathers in their hair. Their bodies were painted with white clay. That
+isn't the worst of it. Every warrior carried a tomahawk in one hand
+and a scalping-knife in the other. I suppose they came along this very
+trail.
+
+"Alexander Henry says they walked into the house without a sound. The
+chief made a sign and they all sat on the floor. Minnavavana asked one
+of the interpreters how long it was since Mr. Henry left Montreal, and
+then he said it seemed that the English were brave men and not afraid
+to die, or they wouldn't come as he had, alone, among their enemies.
+Then all the Indians smoked their pipes, and let Alexander Henry think
+about things while it was nice and quiet. Just think of it, auntie!
+
+"When the Indians were through smoking, Minnavavana made a speech. I
+don't know it by heart, but it was something like this:
+
+"'Englishman, it is to you that I speak. Englishman, you know that the
+French king promised to be our father. We promised to be his children.
+We have kept this promise. Englishman, it is you that have made war
+with our father. You are his enemy. How could you have the boldness to
+venture among us, his children? You know his enemies are ours.
+
+"'Englishman, our father, the King of France, is old and infirm. Being
+tired of war, he has fallen asleep. But his nap is almost at an end.
+I think I hear him stirring and asking for his children, the Indians,
+and, when he does awake, what must become of you? He will destroy you
+utterly.'"
+
+Betty, becoming much in earnest, was walking backward.
+
+"'Englishman, we have no father, no friend among the white men but
+the King of France,'" the child went on. "'But for you, we have
+taken into consideration that you have ventured your life among us
+in the expectation that we should not molest you. You do not come to
+make war; you come in peace to trade with us. We shall regard you,
+therefore, as a brother, and you may sleep tranquilly, without fear of
+the Chippewas. As a token of friendship, we present you this pipe to
+smoke.'"
+
+Whereupon, Betty, making a serious bow, offered her little shovel
+to Aunt Florence. For the moment, she actually believed herself
+Minnavavana, the Indian chief, though Billy's face quickly brought her
+back to the present.
+
+"I am thankful to say," resumed Betty, joining in the laugh following
+the presentation of the shovel, "that after three hundred warriors of
+another tribe came and were going to make trouble, the English soldiers
+arrived, and the red flag of England soon floated above the fort. Then,
+for two years, nothing much happened, but I'm glad I wasn't here then.
+I wouldn't have slept a wink, I know."
+
+"Neither should I, Betty," Aunt Florence agreed.
+
+"Frenchy'd have been all right, though," remarked Billy. "There's the
+fort, Aunt Florence, straight ahead; the trail ends here. Now we will
+find an old cellar-hole and hunt for beads. Let me go first, Betty."
+
+"The fort," repeated Aunt Florence, "where is it?" She saw nothing but
+a wilderness of wild-rose blooms.
+
+"Oh," laughed Betty, "there's nothing left of the fort but part of
+the old palisades. Most of the buildings were burned the day of the
+massacre."
+
+"It's unspeakably dreary, in spite of the sunshine and the roses,"
+commented Aunt Florence, "but I do want some beads."
+
+"Come on, come on," cried Billy. "Oh, hurry up, Aunt Florence, I'm
+finding beads by the bushel."
+
+"Where is the child? can you see him, Betty?"
+
+"'Way over there, auntie, in that cellar-hole near the old apple-tree.
+We think that is where one of the storehouses used to be, because all
+around it is where most of the beads have been found."
+
+For awhile Aunt Florence forgot the surrounding woods, in her eager
+search for beads. Had she known Betty and Billy as their mother knew
+them, she might have understood that there was more of mischief than
+pure joy in their smiles.
+
+"Never found so many beads in one place in my life," declared Billy.
+
+"Nor anybody else in the last hundred years," added Betty. "Fun, isn't
+it?"
+
+"Fun!" echoed Aunt Florence, "why, children, I won't want to go home
+until dark."
+
+Betty stared, and Billy made faces. This was an unexpected blow. At
+last the beads that Betty had collected, after working hours and hours
+through many a day, were all found.
+
+"Now we'll look for another place," announced Aunt Florence.
+
+"I guess we are alone out here," suggested Betty, glancing about, as
+though she felt uneasy.
+
+"Oh, no," was the cheerful reply, "down there nearer the lake I saw two
+sunbonnets not three minutes ago. We're all right, children; I'm not
+the least bit timid."
+
+Patiently Aunt Florence continued her search for beads, encouraged by
+the hope of finding another place equal to the first.
+
+"It seems strange that there should have been so many beads in one spot
+of earth, and so few everywhere else," she said, "but I'm not going to
+give up now, after such luck in the beginning."
+
+"You'll just have to scare her to death, I guess," grumbled Billy.
+"Lost your beads for nothing, too."
+
+"Trouble is," confessed Betty, moving nearer Billy and farther from her
+aunt, "this isn't a good place to tell Indian stories."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because, Billy, I get scared myself. Honest and truth, I don't even
+like to think of such horrible things right here where they happened."
+
+"Don't make any difference, you've got to," protested Billy. "Don't you
+know she said she'd stay here till dark?"
+
+"I know it, Billy; let me see, how'll I begin. Oh, I know, Alexander
+Henry was in his room in the fort writing letters home. Perhaps, Billy,
+we are standing on the very place where his house was. He was so busy
+with his letters he didn't want to take the time to go down to the
+beach to see the canoes that had just arrived from Detroit. First thing
+he knew, he heard the war-whoops. Mercy, Billy! Don't scream like that
+again!"
+
+"Billy Grannis," called Aunt Florence, "what's the matter?"
+
+"Why, that was just an Indian war-whoop, auntie. Frenchy and I have
+been practising whoops lately."
+
+"Well, please don't practise any more now; you made me jump so I lost
+three beads. I don't believe an Indian could give a worse yell."
+
+"Oh, yes, he could," exclaimed Betty, "my, that's nothing!" and, seeing
+her opportunity, she began telling stories. Even Billy grew solemn in
+his very mind as he listened, and it wasn't long before Betty succeeded
+in scaring herself, however Aunt Florence may have felt.
+
+Suddenly the air was filled with shrieks. Aunt Florence became white as
+the daisies, as she stared at Betty, while terror seized Billy.
+
+"It's the sunbonnet girls," gasped Betty; "what do you s'pose is the
+matter? What is the matter?" she demanded of the flying maidens.
+
+"Indians, Indians, run quick, run, run! I tell you they're after us!"
+
+One glance toward the lake was enough for Betty. She saw canoes being
+drawn up on the beach, and Indians coming straight toward them. The
+child was never more frightened in her life. Forgetting Billy, she and
+Aunt Florence fairly flew over the rough ground. Billy, poor fellow!
+never could run because he was too plump. He hadn't gone ten breathless
+steps before he fell into a cellar-hole, and, before he could scramble
+out, a big Indian overtook him.
+
+"Match," grunted the Indian, "want match."
+
+"N-n-no, I don't want any matches," answered Billy, trying to steady
+his trembling knees.
+
+"Humph! Indian want match. Give Indian match. Indian build fire," was
+the explanation.
+
+Billy shook his head, and the Indian turned away disappointed.
+
+"That Betty'd leave you to be eaten up by Indians," grumbled Billy,
+and, because he was so angry and because he had been so badly
+frightened over nothing, he began to cry.
+
+"Billy, Billy, don't cry, I came back after you, you poor child." It
+was the voice of Aunt Florence, though Billy couldn't see her.
+
+"Here I am, behind this clump of goose-berry bushes, Billy. I didn't
+dare come straight back, so I kept behind trees and bushes. Come
+quick; now let's run."
+
+"There isn't anything to run for, Aunt Florence," sobbed Billy. "Don't
+you see, they're just tame Indians, and wouldn't hurt anybody? Don't
+you see the little Indian children and the squaws, too? I s'pose
+they've come with baskets to sell. Yes, there comes a squaw, going to
+town now with a load of baskets."
+
+"Then I guess I'll sit down and rest a minute," said Aunt Florence,
+"for I'm tired out. It's dreadful to be so frightened. I'm trembling
+yet."
+
+"Me, too," confessed Billy. "Where's that Betty?"
+
+"Home by this time, I presume," was the laughing reply, "unless she
+couldn't stop running when she got there, in which case she's probably
+in the lake. Well, Billy, let's walk on now, or the whole missionary
+society will be coming to our rescue."
+
+"Oh, Billy, I've been crying my eyes out, fear something had happened
+to you," was Betty's greeting when she saw her little brother.
+
+Billy made a face, as he replied in scornful tones: "'Fore I'd run
+away from tame Indians!" For many a day thereafter, if Billy wanted
+anything that belonged to Betty, it was his if he but threatened to say
+"Tame Indians."
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER III.
+                         BILLY GOES SWIMMING
+
+
+Early the following afternoon, Billy saw 'Phonse LeBrinn throwing
+stones at the boat-house, and, as he liked to play with 'Phonse much
+better than with his nearest neighbours, the twins in the green
+cottage, he flew down the bank fast as he could go.
+
+"Oh, Frenchy," he panted, "I wish I could run like a deer, way you do.
+I can't run worth a cent."
+
+"Shouldn't think you could," grinned 'Phonse.
+
+"Let's go the other side of the boat-house," suggested Billy, "I'm
+'fraid, if my mother sees me down here, she'll think of something she
+wants me to do."
+
+'Phonse was sure of it, so he and Billy straightway sought a
+hiding-place.
+
+"What have you got that tog on for?" asked 'Phonse.
+
+"Going to be a thimble party at our house," explained Billy, "and Bet
+made such a fuss I had to be dressed up fear somebody might see me."
+
+"Where's Gerald?"
+
+"He's camping this week at the Snow Islands with some folks. Wish he
+was home. What'll we do this afternoon, 'Phonse?"
+
+"Catch minnows; don't you want to?"
+
+"I'd rather hunt for Aunt Florence's locket than anything else. See,
+'Phonse, that girl up there on the bank looking through my father's
+spy-glass, she's my Aunt Florence, and she's a brick."
+
+"Ain't she pretty!" exclaimed 'Phonse. "She's the prettiest lady I ever
+saw. She wouldn't like me, though; nobody does."
+
+"I do; all the trouble is, 'Phonse, nobody's acquainted with you. Now,
+if you could find Aunt Florence's locket that she lost yesterday, she'd
+like you for ever and ever. I know she would."
+
+"Where'd she lose it, Billy?"
+
+"She thinks she lost it at the old fort yesterday. It's a gold locket
+that her father gave her when she graduated last summer, and Aunt
+Florence and I hunted for it all the forenoon. We had to give up.
+'Phonse, you stay here, and I'll run up to the house and tell my mother
+I'm going to hunt for the locket. You be walking up the beach, and I'll
+meet you around the point."
+
+When Billy rejoined his ragged playmate, the two began a diligent
+search for the locket.
+
+"If anybody can find it, you can, 'Phonse."
+
+"Aw, somebody's picked it up 'fore this, Billy. Nobody could help
+seeing it on this black ground. Gold shines, you know."
+
+"Maybe," suggested Billy, "maybe she didn't lose it; perhaps she lost
+it where we were digging for beads. Surely, this morning we hunted over
+every inch of this trail, and you know Betty."
+
+'Phonse nodded his black head. "She'd find it if it was here. Don't you
+want to go swimmun, Billy?"
+
+"Too cold, 'Phonse; we'd freeze."
+
+"We can make a bonfire on the beach, see?" 'Phonse showed Billy a
+handful of matches. "Swiped 'em," he commented. "We'll go down on
+the sand under the bank and start a fire beside of the tramp's raft.
+Nobody'll see us there, you know, and we can go swimmun and get dressed
+where it's warm."
+
+"All right, sir," assented Billy, "only don't run, 'Phonse, whatever
+you do."
+
+Beyond the fort was an old raft of planks, upon which years before
+tramps crossed the straits in a storm. It was a favourite resort among
+the boys. Billy instantly began gathering driftwood for a bonfire.
+
+"Guess the Indians had a fire in this same place yesterday, 'Phonse,"
+he said, "because just see the new-looking ashes. Wonder if they
+started it with flint or by rubbing two sticks together. Do you know?"
+
+"No, I don't. Hustle up, Billy, and don't stop to talk."
+
+When the pile of driftwood was high enough to suit 'Phonse, he started
+the fire. Thanks to the west wind, it burned, and the boys were soon
+ready for the water. Billy walked into the lake, screaming at every
+step. 'Phonse climbed upon a rock and plunged in.
+
+"Silly," he shouted, "course you'll be cold acting that way; get down
+in the water, Billy, then you'll be warm."
+
+"It's too--too--too early to go swimming," gasped Billy, shivering in
+the wind and the icy water. "I--I'm--I'm glad we started the fire."
+
+"Come out where it's deeper; here, give me your hand," said 'Phonse,
+"I'll show you how to go swimmun."
+
+Soon Billy declared that the water was warm, and he and 'Phonse played
+in the lake for an hour. They splashed, laughed, and shouted, with only
+the gulls to hear, until 'Phonse said it was time to get dressed. The
+fire was out. 'Phonse threw some bark upon the coals, and looked for
+his clothes. There was not a thread of them left.
+
+"Oh, Billy," he wailed "we left our clothes too near the fire, and
+they're all burned up; what can we do?"
+
+"Oh, what shall we do?" cried Billy. "Oh, b-b-but m-my c-c-clothes
+are all r-right," he added in the next breath. "I'll divide with you,
+'Phonse."
+
+"Your clothes ain't either all right," insisted 'Phonse. "They're
+burning yet. Look at them."
+
+"Here's one all right s-stocking, just the same, 'Phonse."
+
+"Let me take it, then, Billy, and I'll put out the fire with it that's
+burning the rest of the things."
+
+"You may wear the stocking," offered Billy. "The other one's gone, and
+the shoes are spoiled. Why, 'Phonse, there isn't anything left of my
+clothes but my shirt and my blouse and my trousers,--and look at my
+trousers, will you, all full of holes!"
+
+"What if you didn't have anything left," grumbled 'Phonse. "I've got
+some shoes and stockings at home, Billy, but that's all. I don't know
+what dad will do, but I'll catch it, sure."
+
+"Oh, 'Phonse, my mother'll give you some clothes to wear, if we can
+ever get to my house, but, oh, dear, it is so cold! Which do you want
+to wear, 'Phonse, my shirt or my white blouse; there's one sleeve
+burned out of both of 'em, and my waist is all gone."
+
+"I'll take the shirt," 'Phonse decided. "Don't cry, Billy, I'm the one
+that ought to cry."
+
+"B-but, but I'm s-s-so c-cold, and, oh, dear, I'm going to put on the
+s-s-stocking if you--you don't want it."
+
+"I do, though," insisted 'Phonse; "give her here. You've got more on
+than I have, anyway. Come on, Billy, we'll be warmer if we run."
+
+"Only I can't run, and--and--and the s-s-stones h-hurt m-my fee-feet,"
+protested Billy, his teeth chattering.
+
+"Don't be a baby," 'Phonse advised. "Oh, Billy, what if there is a lot
+of folks at the old fort? We better keep back from the lake. It's too
+cold here, anyway. Let's sneak around where the bushes grow."
+
+"All right, go ahead, 'Phonse."
+
+Cautiously the boys made their way around the clearing. They were
+nearly past the old fort grounds when they heard voices.
+
+"Duck, Billy, duck; it's some boys from out of town," whispered
+'Phonse, "and if they see us, I don't know what'll happen! Let's crawl!"
+
+"Listen," Billy replied; "they've found a wonderful relic, I guess;
+hear them quarrel. Oh, 'Phonse, it's my Aunt Florence's locket, that's
+what it is, and they've got to give it up!"
+
+Without stopping to think further, Billy darted from the thicket,
+followed closely by 'Phonse.
+
+"That's my Aunt Florence's locket, so please give it to me," demanded
+the child, springing toward the largest boy in the group.
+
+"Listen to him, will you," replied a taunting voice. "Here's the Wild
+Man of Borneo wants his Aunt Florence's locket. Well, I guess not. Have
+you two escaped from a circus, or do you want to join one, which?"
+
+"Give me that locket," cried Billy. "I say that belongs to my Aunt
+Florence."
+
+Great fun the big boys had then, teasing poor Billy, who begged,
+threatened, and jumped for the locket held just beyond his reach.
+
+"Tell you what," suggested the roughest-looking boy, "let's tie these
+youngsters together, and leave them here until we can get out of town.
+Them's diamonds in that locket, boys."
+
+At that moment 'Phonse sprang like a wild-cat upon the boy with the
+locket, and, snatching the treasure, ran with it to the woods. Billy
+was never more astonished, and at first the boys were too surprised to
+chase the strange little figure flying across the clearing. When they
+ran after 'Phonse, Billy hid. He wasn't afraid any one could catch
+'Phonse, the swift-footed French boy, but he did fear being caught
+himself. Like an old-time Indian, Billy managed to keep out of the
+enemy's sight all the way home. 'Phonse was waiting for him in the edge
+of the woods.
+
+"Here," said 'Phonse, offering Billy the locket, "take it to her."
+
+Billy shook his head. "'Phonse, you come in the wood-shed, and sit in
+the corner where nobody'll see you, while I ask my mother for some
+clothes for us. Then you can give auntie the locket yourself."
+
+"Won't you catch it?" asked 'Phonse; "you don't look very nice, Billy."
+
+"You do what I tell you," remarked Billy. "My mother's the kind you can
+explain things to. I don't want the company to see me, though, so I
+guess I'll whistle for Betty."
+
+Betty quickly appeared in answer to the whistle.
+
+"Why, Billy Grannis!" she began, and then how she laughed.
+
+"Keep still, Bet, there is a boy in the wood-shed that's cold. He
+hasn't on very much clothes, and he wants something to wear home."
+
+That was all 'Phonse heard, as Billy was led into the house. The little
+fellow returned in a moment, dragging a cape. "Here, 'Phonse, Betty
+sent you this to wrap up in, and Betty says come in by the kitchen
+fire."
+
+"I won't do it," was the reply.
+
+"All right, then, I'll have to bring your 'freshments out here. It's a
+shivering kind, though,--ice-cream and cake; want some?"
+
+"Don't I? You bet!" was the answer.
+
+"Come, 'Phonse, come in the kitchen," urged Betty, again appearing at
+the door. "Please come. Billy has told auntie and me about the locket,
+and Aunt Florence just loves you. Quick as the company goes, mamma'll
+find you something to wear."
+
+Trailing the cape behind him, 'Phonse walked into the kitchen, where
+Betty introduced him to Aunt Florence.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+That night, when 'Phonse LeBrinn went home, his own folks didn't know
+him. In his arms he carried a bundle of Billy's old clothes; but
+everything he wore was new, from the red cap to the patent-leather
+shoes.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+                         THE STEAM-TUG BILLY
+
+
+Aunt Florence didn't forget 'Phonse, and it was evident to the marine
+reporter's family that 'Phonse didn't forget her. He scarcely said
+thank you when she gave him his new suit, but every morning while Aunt
+Florence was in Mackinaw a bunch of wild flowers was found tied to the
+front door-knob. Once only a bit of pasteboard was attached, upon which
+was written in letters hard to read, "For billies ant."
+
+At first the family wondered why 'Phonse kept away, but when they
+learned that Antoine LeBrinn had sold his little son's new clothes for
+drink, they understood.
+
+"Poor little fellow," Aunt Florence said one morning, when a cluster of
+bluebells was brought her, wound so closely not a blossom could move
+its dainty head. "How I wish he would come again."
+
+"He won't, though, 'cept when nobody knows," observed Billy, "and if
+any one says a word against his father, he'll fight."
+
+"I'm curious to see his father, too," replied Aunt Florence. "Betty has
+told me so much about the family that I'd like to talk to that man; I'd
+say some things he'd remember."
+
+"Antoine used to come often," said Betty. "We always tease him to tell
+stories. Everybody likes him; you'll see him sometime, auntie, and then
+you'll like him, too."
+
+"I shall tell him what I think of him," declared Aunt Florence; but a
+week later, when Antoine came, she didn't say a word.
+
+It was a rainy afternoon, and when Billy announced that the game
+must be circus as usual, and that the parade should be first on the
+programme, Betty objected.
+
+"Billy Grannis," she exclaimed, "you're a nuisance. Gerald and I have
+played circus with you until we are sick and tired of it. You may be a
+lion-tamer if you want to, but you and your old lion will have to have
+a show of your own. I won't stand it any longer, and you can't have my
+cat for a polar bear, either."
+
+"Why, Bet," was the remonstrance, "what makes you be so cross? I
+thought you liked to play circus. Do you want to be the lion-tamer this
+time, Bet? I'll let you take my big dog; do you want to, Betty?"
+
+"No, Billy, I don't want to be anything that's in a circus, so there!
+I'll play Grace Darling, though; you and Gerald and Hero may be the
+shipwrecked sailors, and I'll be Grace Darling."
+
+"I don't want to play shipwreck," declared Gerald. "I had enough of
+shipwrecks when the _California_ went down."
+
+"Me, too," echoed Billy. "I'd rather play Noah and the flood. Oh,
+Betty, let's play that, and then my dog Hero can be the lion,--no,
+Betty no, I didn't mean it; he can be the elephant, I mean, and your
+cat can be a--a--what other animal is white 'sides a polar bear? And,
+oh, Gerald, your bluest pigeon can be the dove."
+
+"But why don't you want to play Grace Darling?" interrupted Betty.
+"I'll let you take my dolls for the shipwrecked children, and I'll
+live in the lighthouse."
+
+"If you want to know what's fun," put in Gerald, "just listen to me.
+Let's play--"
+
+"But I want to play get the animals out of the ark," insisted Billy.
+
+"And I say," Betty argued, "that you don't know whether you like to
+play Grace Darling or not until you try it. Who's going to be captain
+of the shipwrecked boat, you, Billy, or Gerald? Now, this rug is the
+Northumberland coast."
+
+"No, sir," shouted Billy, "it's Mt. Ararat."
+
+"Why, children, what's going on?" asked Aunt Florence, who was passing
+the doorway.
+
+"We all want to play different things," explained Betty.
+
+"Why don't you make signal-flags, like the ones on the chart?"
+suggested Aunt Florence. "You know what I mean, Betty, the chart I saw
+you looking at yesterday in your father's office, the one with the
+pictures of signal-flags on it. I'll find sheets of red and blue and
+yellow and white paper, and I believe you can have a nice time making
+tiny paper flags. I'll get some paste ready for you, too."
+
+"But what are the flags for?" asked Billy, "and why do they put letters
+beside of them on the chart?"
+
+"It tells all about the signal-flags in papa's marine directory, and
+I'm going after it," announced Betty.
+
+"She can tell you about the signals, Billy," said Aunt Florence, "and
+let's see who can make the most perfect little flags. Gerald will help
+you, Billy, won't you, Gerald?"
+
+"Don't need any help," Billy hastened to say, "'less he wants to
+whittle out flag-sticks."
+
+"That's so, auntie," agreed Gerald. "I'll go after something to use for
+flagstaffs."
+
+"And I'm going after some shears and things, and then," said Billy,
+"I'm going to cut out the 'B' flag. It's all red, auntie, and cut the
+way Betty's hair-ribbons are on the ends. I guess I will make the 'Q'
+flag, 'cause it's just a square made out of yellow; and the 'S' is
+easy, too, just white with a blue square in the centre. Oh, auntie's
+gone. Don't you feel queer, Hero, when you talk to somebody that isn't
+there?"
+
+Gerald and Betty returned quickly with coloured paper and a book.
+
+"Now, Billy," remarked the little girl, in her most severe tone, "put
+down the shears and listen a minute. I'm going to read out of the
+Marine Directory."
+
+"Don't read it; tell it," besought Billy.
+
+"She wants to read it just because she can read big words without
+stopping to spell them," declared Gerald, after a glance at the open
+book.
+
+Betty could read much better than Gerald ever expected to.
+
+"It isn't that," was the reply, "but, if you will listen, you will
+know that the book tells it all better than I can. Now listen: 'The
+necessity for a uniform and comprehensive system of signalling at
+sea'--Billy Grannis, stop making faces. I've got to begin it all
+over again. 'The necessity for a uniform and comprehensive system of
+signalling at sea and to shore stations on the coast of the United
+States and other countries has long been felt and discussed by those
+interested in maritime pursuits, and by the leading maritime powers
+of the world.' Now, Gerald, stop acting like a goose. You and Billy
+both know what 'maritime' means just as well as I do. Now listen, and
+I'll go on. 'In view of this necessity, the adoption of a common code
+of signals to be observed by all nations, discarding all other codes
+and systems, appears to be in a high degree desirable and important.
+The international code of signals has been recommended and adopted by
+nearly all the principal nations of the world, and it is now the only
+code recognized or of practical use. It is the only one which, from its
+completeness, is likely to fully meet the existing need.'
+
+"Billy, what ails you? Do stop laughing. What's the matter with you,
+Gerald,--tooth-ache?"
+
+"No, Betty, worse'n that. When I think how your jaws must feel, I--"
+
+"Now, Gerald, I don't believe you know a word I've read."
+
+"Well, Betty, I should say not. Who could?"
+
+"What I want to know is, what are all these flags for?" demanded Billy.
+"So please shut that old book and tell us."
+
+"You horrid boys," exclaimed Betty, "I don't see how you ever expect to
+'mount to anything."
+
+"Wouldn't if we were girls," was Gerald's retort, which Betty didn't
+seem to hear. She often had deaf spells.
+
+"Now, Billy dear," she went on, "you see there are eighteen of the
+signal-flags. They are marked B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R,
+S, T, V, and W. Besides these are two little pointed flags that mean
+'Yes' and 'No.' The 'Yes' flag is white with a round red spot, and the
+flag that means 'No' is blue with a round white spot on it."
+
+"Oh, now I know," exclaimed Billy. "If your boat wants to tell another
+boat 'No,' then it puts up the pointed blue flag."
+
+"Yes, Billy, that's it."
+
+"How do they use the other flags?" inquired Gerald. "You can't spell
+things without _a's_ and _o's_."
+
+"Don't you see, Gerald, each flag means something. Look on the back of
+the chart and you will see how they use the flags. The first signal is
+'H--B.' When those two flags are displayed,--'display' is the right
+word to use, mister, so don't make eyes. When the 'H' flag and the
+'B' flag are displayed together, with the 'H' above the 'B,' that's a
+signal that means 'Want immediate assistance.'
+
+"Oh, boys, now I'll tell you what let's play. Every ship, you know,
+should carry a set of these signal-flags, so let's play we're all
+boats. I'll be a yacht, I guess, because yachts are beautiful."
+
+"I'm a steam-tug--choo--choo--choo!--and my name's the tug _Billy_.
+Choo--choo choo--"
+
+"Good, Bill!" exclaimed Gerald. "You're built just right for a tug. I
+guess I'll be the schooner _Gerald_ of the White Star Line. Lumber's my
+cargo."
+
+"Dear me, I can't be just a yacht, sailing around for the fun of it,"
+remarked Betty. "I must be part of the merchant marine myself."
+
+"Part of the dictionary, you mean," grumbled Gerald.
+
+Betty was deaf for a moment. "I guess I would rather not be what
+you boys are, after all, so I'll be a passenger boat, the _City of
+Elizabeth_. I'm an ocean liner."
+
+"Oh, that's just like a girl," and Gerald laughed. "An ocean liner on
+the Great Lakes. Oh, oh!"
+
+"Did you ever get left, smarty Gerald? I tell you, I'm an ocean liner.
+These signals aren't used on the Great Lakes, only on the ocean.
+Besides that, if I'm a boat, I want the ocean to sail on. I couldn't
+think of puddling around in a little bit of water. I'm the finest
+steamship afloat, and I make regular trips between--oh, I guess London
+and New York. That will give you some work to do, Billy, because I'll
+need a steam-tug to pilot me into the harbour every time. You'll make a
+dear little pilot-boat, you are so chubby."
+
+"Choo--choo--choo! toot--toot--toot!" responded the steam-tug _Billy_.
+
+"What's the use of making a full set of flags?" remonstrated Gerald.
+"If we're going to play boat, let's play boat, and pretend we have them
+all. I've made the 'N--M' flags, that mean 'I'm on fire.'"
+
+"That's what I say," agreed Billy. "I found out that 'P--N' means 'Want
+a steam-tug,' so I've made two sets of 'P--N' flags, one for you and
+one for Betty to use. For my own self, the 'Yes' and 'No' flags are
+all I want. You two better pin your 'Want a steam-tug' flags on; they
+won't stay stuck. Choo--choo--choo! toot--toot! Here I come puffing
+around--toot--toot--toot--see my black smoke! Oh, Bet, let's play there
+came up an awful fog, so we'll have to toot our horns all the time."
+
+"And keep our bells sounding all the while we are at anchor," added
+Gerald.
+
+When the three boats began making trips, there were collisions and
+noise. Hero tried in vain to keep out of the way.
+
+"He's a reef; there ought to be a lighthouse on him," suggested Betty.
+
+"Look out for the St. Bernard Shoals," assented Gerald. "Hold on,
+there's a tug ashore,--a wreck on the St. Bernard Shoals."
+
+"Toot--toot--toot! puff--puff! choo--choo--choo!" This from the
+steam-tug _Billy_.
+
+"Tug is off the shoals, no lives lost," commented Gerald. "Oh, fire!
+fire! fire! My deck is all in flames. Up goes my signal 'I'm on fire,'
+and now where's my 'Want a steam-tug' signal. Oh, right here. I shall
+be saved if the tug _Billy_ doesn't burst his boilers before he gets
+here!"
+
+It so happened that the tug fell sprawling over the St. Bernard Shoals,
+and but for the timely assistance of the steamship _City of Elizabeth_,
+the schooner _Gerald_ of the White Star Line must have been lost with
+all on board. To be sure, Gerald emptied his pockets upon the floor,
+insisting that everything that fell, from his jack-knife to marbles,
+were frantic sailors, who either perished in the sea or were devoured
+by sharks.
+
+In the meantime, the St. Bernard Shoals made trouble for the steam-tug
+_Billy_. "Can't even blow my whistle," puffed Billy. "Hero, let me get
+up. Don't keep tumbling me over and over. Don't you know I'm a boat? Go
+'way, Hero. Open the door, Gerald, so he'll go out. Call him, Betty."
+
+Outside the window, Hero tried his best to persuade the children to
+come out and play in the rain.
+
+"Oh, dear, let's rest a minute," suggested Betty.
+
+"And say over the verses we learned that day of the worst blizzard last
+winter," added Billy. "You know what I mean, Betty, the rules for
+steamers passing, and then, Betty, we'll play it is a dark night when
+we go on some more trips."
+
+"Oh, I'll tell you," put in Gerald, "we'll cut lanterns out of paper,
+red and green and white ones, and pin them on."
+
+"Begin the verses first, Betty; let's say them all together," suggested
+Billy, "and say them loud so Hero can hear."
+
+"Let me see," Betty hesitated, "the first one is this:
+
+    "'Meeting steamers do not dread
+     When you see three lights ahead.
+     Port your helm and show your red.'"
+
+"Here's a red lantern for you, Bill," interrupted Gerald, "and this
+is yours, Betty. Go on, why don't you? The next verse is about two
+steamers passing."
+
+"Oh, I remember; say it with me, boys:
+
+    "'For steamers passing you should try
+     To keep this maxim in your eye.
+     Green to green or red to red,
+     Perfect safety--go ahead.'
+
+"Then, boys, the third verse is about steamships crossing:
+
+    "'If to starboard red appear,
+     'Tis your duty to keep clear;
+     Act as judgment says is proper,
+     Port or starboard--back--or stop her.
+
+    "'But when on your port is seen
+     A steamer with a light of green,
+     There's not much for you to do,
+     The green light must keep clear of you.'"
+
+By this time three voices were singing merrily:
+
+    "'Both in safety and in doubt,
+       Always keep a good lookout.
+     Should there not be room to turn,
+       Stop your ship and go astern.'"
+
+Billy gave a shout. "Oh, look, Betty! look, Gerald! There's Antoine at
+the gate, and he's afraid of Hero. He doesn't dare pass him."
+
+"He's calling you, Billy; go get your dog." Gerald laughed as he spoke.
+
+"'Both in safety and in doubt, always keep a good lookout,'" mocked
+Billy. "He's scared to death. Look at him back up when Hero walks
+toward him. 'Should there not be room to turn, stop your ship and go
+astern.' If Antoine was a boat, he could play Hero was an iceberg. Hey,
+Bet?"
+
+At last Antoine saw the children.
+
+"If we don't stop laughing," warned Betty, "he'll go away. He may think
+we're making fun of him."
+
+"Oh, how I wish Hero would give one of his loud barks," added Gerald.
+"Oh, I believe he will, sure as anything. He doesn't know what to think
+of Antoine. I guess he never saw any one act so queer. Now just see him
+stand there in front of the gate and make crazy motions."
+
+Suddenly Hero gave three loud barks that startled the little Frenchman
+almost out of his senses.
+
+"Look at him jump," continued Gerald. "He went up in the air like a
+rubber ball."
+
+"It's too bad," protested Betty. "I'm going to the door to tell Antoine
+that Hero won't hurt him. Billy, you go and get your dog."
+
+"Oh, I say, Bill," suggested Gerald, "instead of getting Hero, why
+don't you tow Antoine into port?"
+
+"Oh, goody! Choo--choo--choo!--where's my tow-line?"
+
+"Here, you rascal!" exclaimed Betty, "how dare you take my
+hair-ribbons. Why, Billy, you'll spoil them tying them together in a
+hard knot like that."
+
+"One's too short--choo--ch--choo!--toot--toot--toot--French boat in
+distress, don't you see? Gerald, you go and pin your 'Want a steam-tug'
+flag on him."
+
+Away flew Gerald, while Betty and Billy stood laughing in the window.
+Antoine not only allowed Gerald to pin the flag upon him, but instantly
+began making an active display of his signals, calling aloud for the
+steam-tug _Billy_.
+
+"Toot--toot--toot!--choo--choo--choo!" was the immediate response, and
+the steam-tug went puffing to the rescue regardless of the falling rain.
+
+"Make fast the hawser," commanded Billy, passing Antoine the tow-line.
+"It's kind of short," he added, under his breath.
+
+Antoine obeyed.
+
+"Choo--choo--choo!--ding--ding--ding--make fast. Ding--ding--ding--let
+go." Slowly did the steam-tug venture into deep water; too slowly to
+suit Antoine, whose fear of the dog was genuine. Gerald had explained
+that Hero never harmed any one Billy befriended, merely hinting at dark
+possibilities that might befall the unwary. He also laughingly told
+Antoine that Hero was not a dog, but a dangerous reef. In a short time
+the little Frenchman had reason to believe that the reef was volcanic
+in its nature.
+
+"Choo--choo--choo"--on came the steam-tug, the French boat close
+behind. "Choo--choo--choo--choo"--slower and slower the two approached
+the reef, the steam-tug venturing nearer and nearer, to the dismay of
+the boat in tow.
+
+Four sharp whistles sounded from the tug. It was the danger-signal!
+The steam-tug _Billy_ was on the reef, and but for the parting of the
+hawser the French boat must have followed.
+
+"Don't you try to run, Antoine," called Gerald; "you can't tell what
+Hero might do. You better stand right still till Billy gets on his feet
+again." Then he and Betty laughed. Terror was pictured on Antoine's
+face as the dog barked and pranced around, thoroughly enjoying the
+game.
+
+Billy struggled to his feet. "Toot--toot--make fast," he commanded, and
+Betty's hair-ribbons were once more tied together, how loosely only
+Billy knew.
+
+"Toot--go ahead," he sung out, but again the hawser parted, and
+Antoine, watching Hero, dared not stir. "Toot--toot--toot," there
+was the sound of laughter in the whistle, and the captain's
+voice was scarcely steady as he called out, "Slow up," then
+"Toot--stop--toot--toot--back up--make fast--toot--go ahead."
+
+Safely into port came the French boat, in the midst of cheering from
+the decks of the _City of Elizabeth_ and the schooner _Gerald_ of the
+White Star Line.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+                            ANTOINE LEBRINN
+
+
+"Tell you a bear story, Beely? No, I'm too scare to tell you a bear
+story," Aunt Florence heard Antoine remark. "I tole you dog story, hey?
+How you scare you old friend Antoine with you big dog. That was a bad
+trick, Beely. You do wrong to scare ole Antoine."
+
+So earnestly did the Frenchman say this, as he held Billy on his knee,
+the small boy felt uncomfortable, though Aunt Florence laughed, and
+wondered how and when to begin her lecture.
+
+"But, Antoine," Billy explained, "that was a game."
+
+"A game, Beely, you call that game, do you, when you scare ole Antoine
+out his wit? Game, hey?"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"I knew Hero wouldn't hurt you, Antoine; he's a nice, kind dog, and he
+wouldn't bite a mosquito."
+
+Antoine shook his head and made a downward motion with his hands.
+
+"That's all right for you, Beely, but how did Antoine know the dog
+she wouldn't bite one moskeet? When I see his mouth, I say to myself,
+Antoine, he swallow you sure, and then I call my friend Beely."
+
+"But I was a steamboat then," protested Billy, "and, anyway, I came
+after you, didn't I?"
+
+"Yes, Beely, I find you out in the wood some day, big black bear after
+you. Beely call ole Antoine, and ole Antoine he play steamboat, hey,
+Beely? How you like that?"
+
+"Tell us a bear story, please do," persisted the child.
+
+"No, Beely, maybe I tole you bear story, maybe so, but that big dog he
+scare me. Now, I'm scare out of bear story."
+
+"Poor old Hero, he wants to come in," said Billy. "Shall I let him come
+in and get acquainted with you, Antoine?"
+
+"No, Beely, I'm too much acquaint with him now. You call your dog, I
+go."
+
+"But he likes you, Antoine; I could tell by the way he sniffs at you
+that he likes you."
+
+"Yes, maybe he likes me too much, I'm think. I'll bring my gun next
+time," warned Antoine; "then let him sniff at me, hey, Beely?"
+
+"You wouldn't shoot him."
+
+"I wouldn't stand still and let him eat me, I tell you that, Beely.
+When you see Antoine coming, you better call your dog and hide him."
+
+"Give it to him, Antoine," said Gerald, with a brotherly grin.
+
+Billy said nothing, but, with his back turned toward Aunt Florence, he
+made a face at Gerald.
+
+"Well, Beely," protested the Frenchman, "that's a pretty crooked face
+you make there. Let me look on that face. She's round like the pumpkin,
+and your eye she's like two little blue bead. Well, I can't see nothing
+wrong with it now. A minute ago I'm 'fraid. You must not make such face
+like that on your brother, because, Beely, I'm afraid she freeze like
+that."
+
+"But where have you been all this time?" questioned Betty, while Gerald
+motioned Aunt Florence to watch the grimaces and motions Antoine made
+as he talked.
+
+"Oh, I'm work back here on the cedar swamp, getting out some pole to
+load big vesseal when he come. Where's your papa? I want to see if he's
+hear anything of the _George Sturgis_. I'm think he's come last week,
+and I'm look for it ever since. He was going to come last week to Cecil
+Bay to get my pole to take to Chicago. I'm 'fraid we's going to get bad
+weather, and I want to get out my load of pole quick as I could."
+
+"You'll have to wait, Antoine," declared Gerald, "because papa went to
+the station with some messages, and he's going to wait for the mail,
+and the train's late."
+
+"Don't you want to see our baby?" asked Betty. "Oh, he is the dearest
+little fellow, just three months old. Mamma says he looks exactly as
+Billy did when he was a baby."
+
+"Beely ain't baby no more," commented the Frenchman. "I s'pose he ain't
+like the new baby pretty good?"
+
+"Oh, yes," Betty assured Antoine, "Billy loves the baby."
+
+"And I'm seven, going on eight," the small boy declared. "It seems a
+hundred years since you were here last," he continued; "have you been
+working in the cedar swamp all that time?"
+
+"Well," was the reply, "I'm think if you be there when the black fly
+and the moskeet eat you up, you would say it was one hundred year sure.
+You say your papa she go to the post-office, hey?"
+
+"Yes, and the train is late. If I was an engine, I'd get here on time,
+and not keep folks waiting for their mail."
+
+Antoine LeBrinn made a remarkably bad grimace, looked at Billy for
+several seconds, and then replied: "Little boy ain't got no patience
+these day. Now, when I'm a little boy and live on Cadotte's Point, we
+only got our mail two time in one week."
+
+"But that was before the railroads came," said Betty, "and I don't see
+how you got any mail at all. Did it come in canoes?"
+
+Antoine shrugged his shoulders. "No, Betty, the dog she bring our mail
+in those day."
+
+"Dogs!" exclaimed Billy. He was sure there was a story coming.
+
+"What do you mean?" inquired Gerald, seating himself in Billy's rocker,
+while Betty drew her footstool close beside him. "Antoine, what do you
+mean?"
+
+"Just what I'm say. Dog, she bring our mail in the old day. Did you
+never hear of a traineau?"
+
+"Yes," admitted Betty. "I have read of traineaus, but I never expected
+to see any one who ever saw one. Do tell me all about them."
+
+"Well," began the Frenchman, making all sorts of motions with his
+head and his hands as he went on, "well, when I'm little boy and this
+was call Old Mackinaw Point, there was no train and no steamboat, and
+in the winter-time all our mail was brought by these dog I am tell
+you about. These dog she was train with the harness and haul a long
+sleigh call a traineau. I know a little chap," and Billy had to give
+a hard kick at somebody who pinched his toes, "I know one little chap
+that hitch up one dog to her sled and take a ride on all kinds of
+weather. Well, well, what's the matter with Beely? She jump around like
+something bite him."
+
+"Go on, Antoine, go on, tell us about the dogs," teased Billy.
+"Gerald's always acting horrid."
+
+"Well," resumed the Frenchman, "a traineau was pulled by six dog; all
+had harness on, and hitch one in front the other on one long string.
+The traineau she's all pile full of mailbag, and one man go along to
+drive the dog. This driver she go three, four hundred mile on one trip,
+and she would carry enough along to eat to last him and his dog four or
+five day."
+
+At this point Billy became much excited, and broke in with a remark
+that amused Gerald so highly he stood on his head and waved his feet in
+the air until Betty reminded him of his manners.
+
+"Why, why, Antoine," Billy demanded, "how could the driver carry stones
+enough to last even one hundred miles, I'd like to know?"
+
+The Frenchman was puzzled. "Stone," he remarked, running his fingers
+through his short, black hair, "now what, Beely, would the driver do
+with stone?"
+
+Betty clapped her hands. "When Billy goes driving on the ice with
+Major," she explained, "he has to carry a pocket full of stones, or
+Major wouldn't go a step. He throws a stone and Major goes after it;
+then he throws another, and that's the way he keeps the dog flying."
+
+"Well, that's pretty good," said the smiling Antoine, "but you see,
+Beely, these dog she was train to pull the sleigh when she was a little
+bit of a pup. He was train so he was used to it. When the driver said
+'Go,' she went; and at first, no matter how much mail they have, the
+dog she would jump and run as if they like it. After they draw a bit
+load two or three day, she's begin get tired, and then they would lay
+right down on the road, so the driver would stop and let the dog rest.
+
+"Here, on Mackinaw Point, the driver she stop at the little store and
+left the mail for all the folks; for the fishermen along the shore and
+on Cadotte's Point where I'm live."
+
+"But where did the traineaus start and where did they go?" inquired
+Betty.
+
+"They come from Alpena and go way up to the Soo, and then go back
+again."
+
+"Why didn't they use big sleighs and horses?" Gerald put in.
+
+"No road," was the reply, "only narrow trail through the wood."
+
+"And was all the mail from the big world brought to Mackinaw that way
+when you were a little boy?" persisted Betty; "and did you ever get a
+letter?"
+
+"No, I can't say I ever got one letter myself. Little children ain't
+much account those day, but my aunt what live on Canada send me one
+pair mitten for a New Year present. I'm just about big like Beely then,
+but I'm walk in all alone from Cadotte's Point."
+
+"And you must have seen a bear," observed Billy.
+
+"Oh, now, you Beely, you think I'm going to tell you a bear story. Well
+I ain't feel just right for tole you a bear story this time. I'm tell
+that some other time. I'm tell you a bear story every time I'm see you,
+Beely, and I'm getting them pretty near all wear out."
+
+At this the children laughed so uproariously, the baby awoke and began
+to cry.
+
+"Mamma'll bring him out in a minute," remarked Betty, and when the
+baby, still screaming, was brought into the room, Antoine insisted
+upon taking him, to the delight of the children, who stood by, softly
+clapping their hands and laughing. Their mother laughed, too, when
+Antoine, who knew something about babies from long experience, began
+walking the floor with the little fellow and talking to him.
+
+"Well, is this the new baby? Bring it here and let me look at it. Well,
+a pretty nice looking baby, I'm think, if she ain't cry so much. Her
+face is all crooked and all wrinkle up. Come now, you ain't going to
+cry all the time. I'm going to look and see them little eye you got
+there. Well, she make quite a bit of noise for her size, but I'm going
+to sing him a little song and see if she won't go to sleep again:
+
+    "'The Frenchman he hate to die in the fall,
+     When the marsh is full of game:
+     For the muskrat he is good and fat,
+     And the bullfrog just the same.
+
+    "'High le,
+     High low,
+     Now baby don't you cry,
+     For ole Antoine is right close by.'"
+
+"Now you see, Beely, she's quit crying already. You ain't know Antoine
+can sing, eh?"
+
+It was even as Antoine said; the baby had stopped crying, and Billy,
+astonished by the music of the Frenchman's voice, begged for another
+song, insisting that anything would please him.
+
+"Oh, no, Beely," objected his friend. "I ain't going to sing no more to
+the baby, she's quiet now. I'm goin to tole you a story."
+
+"Is it a bear story?"
+
+"No, it's a cow story. My cow she's run away once, and I'm find it
+on Wheeler's farm." Thus began Antoine, accompanying his words with
+gestures far more laughable than the tale he told, and causing the
+children great amusement. Billy's round face became one broad grin as
+he listened.
+
+"When I'm take my cow home," went on the little Frenchman, still
+walking the floor with the baby in his arms, "I'm take short cut on
+the wood; I'm go by old log road. There was a lot of raspberry there,
+so now I'm to pick up some raspberry for myself. So I'm tie my cow on
+black stick of wood, and let it eat grass on the road and drag the
+wood along, and she can't get away from me."
+
+At this point Betty's mother rescued the baby from the arms of the
+prancing Frenchman, to the evident relief of Betty, who thought the
+baby too precious a bundle to be flourished so vigorously, as Antoine
+stooped to pick raspberries and to tie his cow.
+
+"Pretty soon," continued the narrator, "pretty soon she give a jerk
+with his head, and the piece of wood jump toward it and scare my cow.
+Well, she start to run down the road, and I'm run after it and holler,
+'Whoa, Bess, whoa!' but she's so scare she ain't stop.
+
+"By and by my cow stop, all play out." Antoine placed himself before
+Betty, who was sitting on a footstool near Aunt Florence, while Gerald
+and Billy were standing near their mother's chair, the refuge they
+sought when Antoine was running after his cow. "Well, as I'm say, my
+cow stop all play out. She stand right there on front that stick of
+wood." Antoine certainly mistook Betty for the stick of wood. "She's
+stand there and look straight at it, and she's go, 'Woof! woof! woof!'
+and his tail she's go round and round," and Antoine's arms made wide
+circles in the air, "but she's all right; she ain't hurt at all, so I'm
+catch my cow and take it home, and I'm pretty glad she ain't hurt at
+all. Now I ain't tie my cow to no more black stick of wood. I told you
+that right now."
+
+In the midst of the laugh that followed, and while Billy was pulling
+at the Frenchman's sleeve, beseeching him to tell another story, the
+marine reporter came home. Immediately Antoine told his errand, and
+made his escape from the presence of the clamouring children, laughing,
+shrugging his shoulders, and declaring that he would sometime tell
+them all the stories they would listen to. Thus Aunt Florence lost an
+opportunity to deliver her first temperance lecture.
+
+Scarcely had the door closed behind Antoine when it was opened by
+Billy, who followed his friend into the yard.
+
+"Here, Antoine," he called, "take this orange to 'Phonse. Mamma gave me
+one, and Betty one, and Gerald one."
+
+"It's a good little Beely," was the remark that filled the small boy's
+heart with pride, as Antoine slipped the treasure in his pocket.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+                               ORANGES
+
+
+After supper Billy thought longingly of his orange. He wondered if
+it was thick-skinned and if it was juicy. He felt pretty sure it was
+sweet, and the more he thought of it the sweeter it seemed to his
+imagination. Billy was just saying to himself that, if he had not given
+away his orange, he would eat it without asking his mother for sugar,
+when he stumbled upon Gerald leaning over the wood-box in the kitchen.
+
+"What are you doing out here all alone?" demanded Billy.
+
+"What business is it of yours, I'd like to know? Why don't you go back
+in the other room?" Gerald grumbled, making rather lively motions
+around three sides of the wood-box, as he tried to keep his back toward
+Billy.
+
+"Aw, pig!" sniffed Billy, "eating your orange out here where nobody'd
+see you, so you wouldn't have to divide. Orange juice running all down
+your arm, and I'm glad of it, pig!"
+
+"Got an orange of your own," was Gerald's retort.
+
+"Haven't either," declared Billy.
+
+"Then you've eaten it up, and now who's a pig, I'd like to know? I
+offered to divide my orange with Selma, but she was in a hustle to
+get her dishes washed and get down-town, and it isn't my fault if she
+couldn't wait for me to get it peeled. You're the pig, Billy, because
+you didn't even offer to divide with anybody."
+
+"No, I gave my whole orange to Antoine before I even stopped to smell
+of it," wailed Billy, "and I guess if I had a little brother that
+hadn't had a smell of orange, I'd give him a piece."
+
+Gerald whistled. "Who ever'd think you'd do such a thing, Billy? Here,
+little boy, is your reward of merit," and Gerald, thrusting half his
+orange into Billy's outstretched hand, walked away, whistling.
+
+Half an orange made Billy wish for more. It was a sweet one and juicy.
+He wondered if Betty's orange was anywhere near as good. Later in the
+evening Gerald went out on the beach with his father to see if there
+were any boats in sight to be reported. While he was gone, Betty
+prepared to eat her orange.
+
+"Come on, Billy," she suggested, "get your rocker, and we'll eat our
+oranges while mamma undresses the baby. I'm glad it is a chilly night,
+so we had to have a fire in the grate."
+
+A wistful expression crept into Billy's face. "I gave my orange to
+Antoine to take to 'Phonse," was his reply in sorrowful tones.
+
+"Why, you dear, good Billy, you shall have half of mine. Bring your
+rocker here beside of me, and we'll eat my orange together. See my
+saucer of sugar. I'll divide that with you, too."
+
+Billy, more than willing, was thoroughly enjoying himself when Gerald
+returned. The minute the door was opened, the boy stuffed the last
+piece of his half of Betty's orange into his mouth so quickly Betty
+couldn't imagine what ailed him.
+
+Gerald's remark upon beholding this performance was an explosion.
+"Pig!" he shouted. Explanations followed, and Billy was sent into the
+kitchen to do some quiet thinking. The cat followed him, whether from
+curiosity or because she liked Billy, it is impossible to say.
+
+When Billy climbed into a hard, uncomfortable chair, so high his
+feet couldn't touch the floor, the cat jumped upon another chair and
+settled down to watch him. At first Billy looked ashamed of himself
+and miserable. For a minute he seemed to think of pulling his loose
+tooth; but, after touching it ever so gently, he shook his head. Then,
+observing a strange expression on the cat's face, Billy half-smiled;
+that is, the smile stopped just below his eyes, whose solemn stare
+remained unchanged.
+
+That was enough for the cat. With a remark that sounded exactly like
+what she used to say to her kittens when she brought them a mouse, she
+bounded into Billy's chair, and began rubbing against him, purring
+cheerfully. By the time she had flourished her tail in his face, licked
+his hands, and clawed at his red sweater for a few seconds, Billy
+laughed merrily.
+
+Perhaps if the cat had minded her own business, Billy would not have
+forgotten his disgrace so quickly. However that may be, the small boy
+slipped down from his chair and had a good time. He played tiger in
+the jungle with the cat until she objected; then he played he was the
+northwest wind, sending everything helter-skelter before his icy breath.
+
+Suddenly Billy bethought him of a new game, and a few minutes later the
+whole family rushed into the kitchen half-fearing that the stove must
+have fallen upon the child, so unusual was the racket they heard. There
+was no cause for alarm. At the moment Billy was Antoine's cow. A big
+tin pail attached to his waist by Betty's jumping-rope was the black
+stick of wood.
+
+When the family appeared at the door, the cow was standing in front of
+the black stick of wood, stamping its feet and snorting, "Woof! woof!
+woof!" The cat was nowhere in sight.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VII.
+                        MINNAVAVANA'S BRAVES
+
+
+The north wind is no respecter of persons. He wasn't invited to Betty's
+lawn party, but he came at dawn and stayed until dark the day she chose
+to entertain her dearest friends. Billy was glad of it. He said that
+girls' parties were silly, anyway, and he hoped the whole flock would
+have to stay in the house. He declared that Betty needn't expect to see
+him at the party: he would rather hide in the cellar all day than be
+the only boy among so many girls. Aunt Florence smiled, and said she
+guessed they could get along without him if he felt that way.
+
+"Sometime before I go home, though," she promised Billy, "we'll have a
+boys' party, and then we won't care how hard the wind blows. But the
+girls, dear me, Billy, they'll be so disappointed if they have to stay
+in the house."
+
+"Who cares?" suggested Billy.
+
+"Why, I care," suggested Aunt Florence. "Young man, I am helping Betty
+with this party, and the wind is more than I know what to do with."
+
+"Oh, if it's your party, Aunt Florence, that's different, and I know
+what to do. Build a tramps' shelter and keep the wind out."
+
+"What's a tramps' shelter, Billy?"
+
+"Why, Aunt Florence, out in the woods the tramps make regular little
+rooms of trees and branches. We can coax papa and his man to get a
+wagon-load of Christmas-trees from the woods and make a room, not where
+we'd spoil the lawn, but the other side of the house, you know, down
+close to the lake."
+
+"Who would report boats, Billy, if your father and the man both go to
+the woods?"
+
+"Mamma would," was the reply; "she does lots of times. I'll get
+some boys to help make the room if you want to do it. I wish Gerald
+was here, but every time Mr. Robinson invites him to go on the
+fishing-tug, he goes. I wish I was him."
+
+When Betty heard of Billy's plan, she said she didn't know he could
+think of anything so nice, and before noon the room was made.
+
+"It's a fort!" declared Billy.
+
+"Why, so it is," added Betty. "And to-morrow, Billy, let's play fort,
+and I'll ask Lucille and that little girl that plays with her, that
+little Marion Struble from Marquette, and Cora and Gay to come and
+bring their dolls and play ladies from the settlement seeking safety in
+the fort during an Indian war. You may be an Indian chief, you know,
+and I don't care how many boys you have for braves. Oh, it will be
+loads of fun."
+
+"Let's do it to-day," suggested Jimmie Brown, the Detroit boy.
+
+"And scare the girls to death," added one of the green cottage twins.
+
+"Oh, mercy, boys, that wouldn't do at all! You see, this is to be a
+real stylish party to-day, and besides that, I don't s'pose half the
+girls that are coming ever played Indian. Why, one time, auntie, Gerald
+and Billy and I had an Indian show, and we hadn't any more than begun
+when the girls were scared and ran home crying.
+
+"I wish you boys would please go now and pick about ten bushels of wild
+flowers, so we can make the inside of this evergreen fort perfectly
+beautiful. See, Aunt Florence, papa made the north wall extra thick
+and high, so the wind can't get in. Isn't this the sweetest place for
+a party you ever heard of? Of course, we'll be crowded, and of course
+we can't stay in it all the time, but that won't hurt anything. Mamma
+says we may bring out all the cushions and put them on the board seats.
+We'll have the music-box here in the corner."
+
+Soon the boys returned with arms full of wild flowers. "Powder and shot
+for the fort," announced Billy, and the mischief shining in his eyes
+alarmed his sister.
+
+"Now, Billy Grannis," she warned, "don't you dare try any tricks."
+
+"Of course not," replied Billy, though Jimmie and the green cottage
+twins tossed their caps into the air and grinned.
+
+"They're planning something, auntie," Betty declared, but when the
+guests began to arrive she forgot her suspicions.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Alice Swayze came first, dressed in her best white gown. She was from
+Kalamazoo. Betty seated her beside the music-box. Two little girls from
+Chicago came next, wearing wide blue sashes just alike. Little Belle
+Lamond from California straightened her pink sash, felt of the bow on
+her pretty dark curls, and acted so vain and silly, four small boys,
+who were watching from behind the north wall of the evergreen fort,
+almost laughed aloud.
+
+"Won't she jump, though?" whispered Billy.
+
+"You bet," replied Jimmie Brown, "and there comes Nellie Thomas.
+She's from Detroit, and is in my sister's room at school. She'll jump
+sky-high."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+There was merriment within the evergreen fort, as little girls
+continued to enter and the tiny space became crowded. When Betty
+started the music-box, whispering behind the north wall was no longer
+necessary.
+
+"It's getting so noisy in there, I'm 'fraid they won't even hear wild
+Indians," ventured Jimmie Brown at the top of his voice.
+
+"Hush," cautioned Billy, "don't talk too loud. Music-boxes and wind and
+waves and talking girls sometimes keep still at the same time."
+
+"Oh, look," exclaimed the twins, "what's coming?"
+
+"Frenchy and Bud and Buzz and Tony and their little 'dopted sister
+Samone," Billy declared, as he began motioning for the new-comers to
+creep quietly to the fort.
+
+'Phonse took the hint, and soon he and his wondering followers were
+peering through the evergreen walls.
+
+"What's going to happen?" demanded 'Phonse, with a grin.
+
+"Well," explained Billy, "it's a game, only the girls don't know
+they're in it. That's a fort, and we're Indians. I'm Minnavavana, the
+chief, and the rest of you are my braves. You want to play, of course.
+Samone don't count, though, she's only a papoose."
+
+"But where are your tomahawks, and what's going to happen, I say?"
+persisted 'Phonse, as he and his brothers crowded around Billy.
+
+"Look," said Jimmie Brown, showing the LeBrinn children a firecracker.
+"These Indians have guns. Can't you give him a gun, Billy? My pocket's
+full of matches."
+
+"Sure," replied Billy; "you give out the matches. Now listen, you that
+don't know the game. We're all Indians, but I'm the chief. You're
+just braves. When I nod my head like this, every brave must give an
+awful war-whoop. Just screech, boys, yell for all you're worth, and I
+will, too, and that same minute fire off your firecrackers and run.
+You mustn't even stop to see what the girls do, because then we'll be
+caught."
+
+"You all cut for the woods," 'Phonse warned his brood.
+
+"Now get in a straight line," commanded Billy, "and look in. I guess
+they're all here now, and we mustn't wait long if we expect to have
+any fun, because soon's they're all here Betty's going to have them
+all go and have games on the porch, and they're coming back here for
+'freshments. Watch out there, Bud, don't lean too hard. What if the
+stockade should tumble in?"
+
+Unconscious of bright eyes watching, and of the row of grins behind the
+fort's north wall, the little girls laughed and gaily chatted.
+
+Suddenly, without the least warning, blood-curdling sounds filled
+the air, accompanied by what seemed to be cannon shots. At the same
+instant, the evergreens forming the north wall trembled, shook, fell
+in; while screaming girls, frightened almost out of their senses,
+struggled to get away.
+
+Billy tried to run but couldn't. "Wait, boys, wait for me!" he
+shouted, but the boys didn't wait, not even for the little Samone,
+who cried frantically for help. Billy never heard such an uproar,
+quickly followed by screams of terror unlike anything he ever dreamed
+of. Turning, he saw what Betty and her little friends that instant
+noticed; saw what made the grown folks, rushing across the lawn, white
+with fear. Little Samone, trying in vain to free herself from the
+evergreens, was on fire. Billy saw the flames reaching for the ragged
+sleeve of her calico slip, and knew that he must try to save her.
+Betty saw what he meant to do, and tried to stop him.
+
+"Wait, Billy, wait!" she screamed. "You're too little! Papa is coming!
+Wait, oh, Billy, Billy!"
+
+But the north wind wasn't waiting, and Samone was tiny. Quicker than
+a flash, Billy, usually so slow, leaped upon the evergreens, snatched
+Samone, and rolled her down the bank into the water.
+
+When certain braves returned, seeking a lost papoose, they found her
+playing with Betty's guests; but the great chief, Minnavavana, whose
+hands were a trifle burned, was still sobbing in his mother's arms.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII.
+                        ANTOINE'S BEAR STORIES
+
+
+Straight into all hearts walked the little Samone. Every one in the
+village loved her, and strangers, learning the child's story, had tried
+to take her away from Antoine LeBrinn, for Samone was a waif. When
+Betty, Billy, and Aunt Florence called at the Frenchman's home, Antoine
+received them with scant courtesy. He supposed that Aunt Florence was
+one more summer visitor who wanted the child; one more who had come to
+tell him that she must not be allowed to grow up in a shanty on the
+beach; and, taking Billy one side, Antoine talked angrily, as he spread
+his nets to dry.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"Why," remonstrated Billy, "of course, I wouldn't bring any one
+down here to get Samone away from you. Auntie is glad you have
+Samone. She says she's glad of it--only--only--" How could Billy
+explain the errand upon which Aunt Florence had come? He did wish
+Betty would keep things to herself. Talking to Antoine about drinking
+didn't do a bit of good, anyway. Billy was sure of it, and he did wish
+Mrs. LeBrinn and the children were home. They were away huckleberrying.
+Betty and Aunt Florence were sitting on a log in front of the shanty,
+waiting for Antoine to finish spreading his nets.
+
+"What for your face she get so red, little Beely?" asked Antoine.
+
+"I was wondering if you would tell us a bear story," replied the little
+fellow.
+
+"Beely, I tole you one bear story, you tell ole Antoine why your aunt
+come down to see him."
+
+Billy hesitated only a minute, and then told Antoine that Aunt Florence
+liked his children so well she wanted him to promise not to drink any
+more. "I wouldn't have said a word if you hadn't asked me," concluded
+Billy, "and now you'll tell us a bear story, won't you?"
+
+Antoine laughed long and loud before saying: "Beely, you think your
+aunt like one bear story?"
+
+"Why, yes, but what are you laughing at, Antoine?"
+
+"Oh, I'm think I'm tell one, two, three, four bear story until your
+aunt go home, and ole Antoine she laugh."
+
+"How are you going to begin, Aunt Florence?" asked Betty, as Antoine
+and Billy came toward them hand in hand. "They say he won't promise not
+to drink; he just will spend every cent he can get when he wants to.
+Now what are you going to say?"
+
+"Oh, Betty, I don't know how to begin a bit better than you do, but for
+the sake of those five children somebody ought to try to do something
+besides laugh at such a man, and I shall try."
+
+"But, auntie, how will you begin?"
+
+"You must wait, Betty, and see."
+
+"Excuse me," Antoine began, "but I'm think I'm tell my friend Beely
+one bear story. I guess I'm tell you about the white bear. When I'm a
+little fellow, not so old as you, Beely, my brother have a pet bear. It
+was so high and so big and his colour was brown."
+
+"Brown," repeated Billy, "I thought you said it was white."
+
+"Maybe so, maybe so, Beely. Well, we all like the little brown bear but
+my ma, and she don't like that bear so much as I like the switch she
+always keep on the corner behind the flour barrel. My brother would
+have the bear on the house, and my ma scold and scold, because that
+bear get into all kind of troubles. He steal lump of sugar and he eat
+the codfish, and he help hisself to anything she want.
+
+"Well, Beely, one day my ma hear big noise on what you call the pantry,
+and that noise, Beely, was near the flour barrel, and when she go
+over to see what was the matter out jump a little white bear. He was
+the same little brown bear, Beely, all cover over with flour. My ma
+was so mad at that bear she ain't know what to do after he spoil all
+that flour. So she grab the broom, and she chase the bear all over the
+kitchen. She hit him whack-e-ty whack, Beely, until the poor little
+bear was pretty near scare to dead, and the air was all full of flour,
+and everything was all tip over and tumble down and upset, and my ma
+she look like a crazy woman. By and by she open the door, the little
+bear scoot out and climb a tree, and then he sit and look on my mother
+while she stand there and scold him.
+
+"And do you know, Beely, that little pet bear don't want to come on
+the house no more. You can't coax him on.
+
+"And one time, Beely, I have one little coon; he was my own pet. We
+catch him when he was a little fellow, and I have to feed him with a
+spoon, and when he was big he was chuck full of trick, too. One day,
+when my ma she was milking the cow, she turn her head, and my coon she
+jump right in the milk. Then my ma gave him a taste of a stick, like
+this, Beely, whack, whack, whack. Then my ma say to my pa she won't
+have so much wild animal around, and next day I find my little coon
+asleep, and he never wake up."
+
+"He died while he was asleep, did he, Antoine?"
+
+"Look that way, look that way, Beely. Now I'm tole you about one time
+me and my brother start out to find what you call ging-seng; around
+here we call it shang."
+
+"I never heard of it, Antoine, what is it?"
+
+"It's a root, Beely, the Chinamen want. It used to grow on China, but
+now she's all gone. It grows wild on the wood here, and you can get
+four and five dollar a pound for it if you know where to send it. You
+have to know the wood pretty well, or you ain't know where to find
+it. Well, Beely, me and my brother know where there was a good patch
+of shang, so one time when we have a week to spare, we start out one
+afternoon.
+
+"Before we have go a half-mile from home, my brother think he forget
+something. He go back to get it, and I walk on alone. We intend to
+stay all night in old log shanty. It is pretty near dark when I get
+there. I wait for my brother. He don't come. I'm pretty hungry, so I
+eat my supper, and look around the house where I'm to stay all night.
+Well, Beely, there was no door on the house, but that don't scare me.
+I am used to the wood, and I don't think nothing going to hurt me. But
+before I lay down and before it get dark, I put everything we bring to
+eat up on some high place, so the mouse and the squirrel can't get it.
+Then I go to sleep."
+
+"Oh, my, weren't you afraid, Antoine?"
+
+"What I be afraid of, Beely? I have my gun close beside me. I ain't
+know what time it is when I wake up. It is dark, and I think I hear a
+noise outside the shanty. Then I hear something walk in. Oh, Beely,
+my hair stand on one end, I'm so scare when I hear something go
+'sniff--sniff.' I'm so scare I don't dare get my gun, and my teeth
+go like this, Beely." Antoine tried to make Betty, Billy, and Aunt
+Florence realize how his teeth chattered, accompanying the performance
+by gestures that were funny enough.
+
+"Well, Beely, in a moment more I hear something walk, and I know a big
+bear has come to see me."
+
+"Why, Antoine, why didn't you shoot him?"
+
+"Because, Beely, I'm too scare. I don't dare stir, and, Beely, I'm
+think good-bye, Antoine, for the big bear came and pokes me two time
+with his nose."
+
+"Oh, sakes alive, Antoine."
+
+"Well, Beely, it is the truth I tole you. After he give me two poke,
+the old bear walk around until he find my can of salmon. Then I hear
+him eating and tip over all my things. Then he walk around and around,
+and by and by he come and see me again."
+
+"Oh, Antoine!"
+
+"But, Beely, you just wait; I tole you one joke on the big bear. He
+knock my gun down; he go off biff-bang! At first I'm so scare I'm
+think I'm going to die. Then I laugh until I pretty near choke to dead,
+for I hear the big bear run off through the wood. And in the morning,
+Beely, I find his track,--great, big, black bear track."
+
+"Tell me another, Antoine, please."
+
+Antoine, giving Billy a wink, began again before Aunt Florence or Betty
+could say a word. "Now, Beely, you know the wood is full of some bear,
+and ole Antoine he like to go bear-hunting."
+
+"Yes, go on, you went hunting, and what happened?"
+
+"Hold on, Beely, I don't go hunting, I go fishing; that is, Beely, I
+start to go fishing, but before I go far I come across a bear track. I
+think I never see such a big bear track. It is big like this, Beely,
+so I say I will follow the track of the big bear, but first I will go
+and get my gun. Then I leave my fish-pole at home, and start out with
+my gun, and I am think I am kill the biggest bear you ever hear of. I'm
+follow that bear track for one, two, three, four mile. It's a fresh
+track, and I'm pretty sure I'm find the bear and shoot him. By and by
+I stand still and think what I'm going to do. The big bear she's gone
+into one thicket, and, if I went after it, I shall have to crawl in. I
+ain't like to do that. I'm a little scare."
+
+"Well, I should think so. Go on, Antoine; of course, you did crawl in."
+
+"Yes, Beely, I crawl in and I keep crawling. You see, I think after
+awhile I'm going to come out at a clearing. I don't much like to follow
+track of one big bear on a place where I can't stand, and by and by I
+hear a twig snap, and pretty soon I'm hear another. Then I'm so scare I
+keep still a minute. I think maybe I'm going straight to the big bear's
+house, and the big bear and his folks will eat me up. When I'm think
+that, I'm think I better get back to the road, I think I don't want to
+shoot that bear, after all. I'm change my mind and go back to the road
+just so quick as I can."
+
+"And when you got there, what happened, Antoine?"
+
+"Why, Beely, I go home."
+
+"And you didn't even see the bear?"
+
+"No, Beely, and when I'm in that thicket, I'm think I don't want to see
+him."
+
+"Well, Antoine, maybe that's a track story, but I don't call it a bear
+story. Now, please tell me a good one 'bout narrow 'scapes. That's the
+kind I like."
+
+"Well, Beely, one time when I'm a little boy, my ma send me after the
+cows. We have two cows then. Well, I'm just ready to start home with
+the cows, when she stand still a minute and look scare to dead. I stand
+up on a log, and I think what is the matter, and then I see a big bear
+stand up on his hind feet. I don't know how I do anything so quick, but
+in a second I jump up on one of those cow, and then they both give a
+snort and start down the road lickety-split."
+
+"And did the bear chase you, Antoine?"
+
+"I think so, Beely, I don't know. I ain't look back to see. I have all
+I can do to hang on my cow. It ain't easy riding, I tole you that."
+
+"Oh, Antoine," remonstrated Billy, "I don't call that a bear story. I
+call it a cow story. Now, please, Antoine, tell me a good one. Please
+don't laugh; tell me a good, wild bear story, one of your narrow
+'scapes. Tell me about the time you caught the little bear last summer.
+I like that story."
+
+"Well, Beely, I ain't like to tell you that story pretty good, for
+every time I'm think on it I'm scare out of my wit yet."
+
+"But, Antoine, the bears can't hurt you now; they are all dead."
+
+"I know that, but I'm think they are going to hurt me that time. Well,
+it's just like this: I'm going on the swamp to look at some cedar I'm
+going to get out that winter. When I'm come to a little birch ridge
+on the swamp, well, I'm going to go across that ridge when I see two
+big bear and one little one lay down on front of me about twenty-five
+feet away. Well, I'm scare the bear, and the bear scare me. I'm come
+up there so quiet they ain't think I'm going to come at all; and I
+ain't think I'm going to see any bear there. I'm too scare to run away
+and I'm too scare to shoot. You know I'm got my gun with me. You know,
+Beely, I'm always got my gun and one little axe when I'm go through the
+wood.
+
+"Well, I'm stand there behind one stump; I look on the bear and the
+bear look on me. The biggest one get up on his hind leg and she show
+his teeth and growl. I'm pretty scare, I'm tole you that, Beely, when
+I'm see her big teeth. But I'm make up my mind I'm got to shoot that
+bear right there, or Antoine don't see Beely no more. Well, I'm take a
+rest with my gun on the stump, and take a good aim and shoot. I'm hit
+that bear right on the head. She's fall right down on his back, and
+growl and kick little bit and die.
+
+"Well, that scare the little bear, so she's climb up the tree. They
+got one more big bear there yet, and I ain't got no more bullet on my
+gun, and I ain't got time for load, so I'm climb one little tree pretty
+quick, just like one little red squirrel. But I'm take my gun along
+with me, so I can load it up there, you know.
+
+"Well, the bear she's come for me, but I'm load my gun pretty quick.
+When the bear she get ready for climb the tree, I'm shoot it, but I
+ain't hit it pretty good, and I ain't kill it that time, because just
+the same time I'm shoot, the limb what I'm stand on break, and I'm fall
+on the ground. I fall right close by the bear. I ain't hurt me very
+much, because I ain't fall pretty far, but I'm jump up like a rabbit
+and I'm grab my little axe, what I'm got on my belt, just the same time
+the bear she jump for me.
+
+"I'm hurt the bear pretty much when I'm shoot the first time, so she
+can't jump quick like me. When the bear she's jump on me, I'm jump
+behind one stump and hit him on the head with my axe. But I ain't kill
+it first time.
+
+"I'm run around the stump, and ever time I'm get a chance I'm hit that
+bear with my axe, and by and by I'm hit it on the nose and kill the
+bear that time. You know, Beely, it's pretty easy to kill a bear when
+you hit him right on the nose.
+
+"Well, Beely, I'm pretty glad I'm kill that bear, but I'm so scare I
+sit on that stump and shake and shake and shake just like as if I have
+the ague. By and by I'm feel a little better, and I think I'm going to
+catch that little bear what's up on the tree, so I'm cut down the tree
+and catch the bear; and I'm take off my belt and tie it around his neck
+and fetch it home. Then I go back there and skin the two bear, because
+the bear she's nice and fat and pretty good to eat that time.
+
+"I have that little bear yet, and he do lots of trick. Pretty smart
+little fellow, pretty ugly, I tole you that. I'm call him Beely after
+my little friend."
+
+"Oh, let's show him to Aunt Florence," suggested Billy, but Aunt
+Florence, for some reason, insisted upon going home.
+
+"No use for me to try to say anything to him," she remarked to Betty,
+as they walked along the bay shore. "I'll give up. I should think that
+man would be ashamed when he remembers that little suit I gave 'Phonse."
+
+"But that's the queer thing about him, auntie," Betty explained; "he
+never remembers anything he wants to forget. I like him, though."
+
+"So do I, far as that goes," agreed Aunt Florence, "but I more than
+like that poor little Samone."
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER IX.
+                      UNCLE JOHN'S "OLD TIMER"
+
+
+Betty cried at the station when Aunt Florence went home. Billy felt
+like crying, but he wouldn't. Aunt Florence was sorry to leave the
+children, and even Gerald felt sad enough as her train disappeared
+among the pines, and the whistle sounded at the crossing down the bay
+shore.
+
+"Well, she's gone," was his cheerful remark.
+
+"But she said she'd come again next summer," Betty sobbed, "and just as
+soon as she gets to the city she's going to send me a beautiful doll to
+dress for Samone."
+
+"Perhaps Samone won't be here then," said Gerald.
+
+"Won't be here! Why not?" asked Betty, wiping her eyes and staring at
+the boys.
+
+"Well, you know Antoine's been drinking again, and I heard some men
+saying if he keeps on they are going to take Samone away from him.
+They're going to send her to the House of Correction,--no, I don't
+believe that's the name of the place, either, but it is some home for
+children that don't belong to anybody."
+
+"Oh, what will Antoine do?" exclaimed Betty.
+
+"He'll fight," suggested Billy, "and so I will, too."
+
+"I'll tell you, boys, what we can do," advised Betty. "You know, it
+won't be long now before Uncle John comes to go hunting. Of course,
+Aunt Florence will tell him all about Antoine and Samone, and how she
+couldn't make him stop drinking, because she didn't know how to begin
+talking to him about it. Now, everybody says that if Antoine would make
+up his mind to be a different kind of a man, he could, and everybody
+likes him, even now, so I'm just going to ask Uncle John to go down to
+his house and make him stop. That's a fine plan. Folks always listen to
+Uncle John because he's so good-looking."
+
+When Uncle John came, he laughed at Betty. "Why, child, I'm not a
+temperance lecturer," he protested. "I came up here to hunt deer, not
+Frenchmen. Besides that, what's the use of my trying to do what you and
+Aunt Florence couldn't?"
+
+"Aunt Florence didn't half try," answered Betty, "and, of course, I've
+never tried at all. I wouldn't dare."
+
+Again Uncle John laughed. "If you don't dare venture, Betty, let's give
+up. What do you say, Billy?"
+
+"I say, let me go hunting with you," replied the boy.
+
+"Hunting the Frenchman?"
+
+"No, hunting deer and bears. Will you take me sometime?"
+
+Betty turned away much troubled. There was no use of talking to Uncle
+John, she could see that plainly. Betty liked Antoine so well she
+couldn't understand why every one laughed when anything was said about
+trying to make him do right. She knew, too, how dearly the Frenchman
+and his family loved the little Samone, and how kind they were to
+the child. She also knew what Antoine was beginning to suspect: a
+number of men in the village who were interested in Samone, and whose
+decisions were always carried out, were talking of sending the little
+one to the State School at Coldwater.
+
+Betty said no more about Antoine to Uncle John, but, while the frost
+fairies painted the maple leaves crimson and brightened the borders
+of the evergreen woods with many a dash of colour, she listened as
+eagerly as Billy and Gerald to all he had to say of forest wonders.
+At the same time, down in her heart, Betty was hoping that Uncle John
+wouldn't get a deer that season. "If he don't kill a deer," she told
+herself, "then the Coldwater school don't get Samone. That's my new
+superstition, though I'll never tell even Billy. Some things you must
+keep to yourself."
+
+Those were the days when Billy hated bedtime with all his might. It
+always came in the middle of some tale of adventure, often at the point
+where Uncle John almost shot a bear.
+
+Evening after evening, Mr. Larzalere, a neighbour, called to see Uncle
+John, and many a tale of the woods he told that made Gerald stare.
+Billy often wondered why such great hunters as Mr. Larzalere and his
+Uncle John could go forth each day, knowing exactly where to find deer,
+and yet return without one.
+
+"Should think you'd begin to get discouraged," he said at last.
+
+Uncle John and Mr. Larzalere only smiled at the idea, and advised
+Billy to wait. In the meantime, they talked with great enthusiasm
+of salt-licks, runways, bucks, does, and fawns, and a certain "Old
+Timer" that interested Billy more than anything else that lived in the
+woods. The little boy dreamed of the "Old Timer," and one never to be
+forgotten morning he saw him.
+
+Mr. Larzalere had promised to meet Uncle John at the "Big Stone," and
+Billy had begged to be taken along. He hadn't the least idea where the
+"Big Stone" was, but, from listening to the daily talk of the hunters,
+he believed that all the animals in the woods trooped by that enchanted
+spot ever day; possibly they formed a procession and marched past.
+Mr. Larzalere and Uncle John seemed always to reach the place either
+too late or too early to see all that happened. Uncle John told Billy
+that, when he was bigger, he would gladly take him hunting, but little
+boys seven years old were too small to think of shooting "Old Timers."
+
+"But, Uncle John, of course, I don't want to shoot the 'Old Timer,'"
+persisted Billy. "I just want to see his big horns, and if you'll let
+me go, I'll climb up on the 'Big Stone' and sit right still until you
+come after me. You and Mr. Larzalere can leave me there while you hunt."
+
+"Couldn't think of it, Billy," replied Uncle John. "When Mr. Larzalere
+and I drag in the Old Timer, then you'll see him."
+
+"That isn't the way I want to see him," said Billy to his mother. "I
+want to see him while he is alive. I've seen hundreds of dead deer down
+to the depot. What I want to see is the 'Old Timer' holding his own
+horns high,--high and running fast,--fast as if he was happy and wasn't
+afraid of hunters."
+
+Early the next morning Billy was up and gazing wistfully out-of-doors.
+In spite of the rain pelting against the window, Billy wanted to go
+hunting, and wondered how his Uncle John could lie in bed and sleep
+after daylight. Suddenly the small boy rubbed his eyes and stared.
+Across the common, in front of Mr. Larzalere's house, he saw the "Old
+Timer." A moment later the deer lifted his wide, spreading horns, stood
+quietly gazing toward the house, then came bounding across the common,
+pausing a moment at Billy's gate before making a dash for the woods.
+
+"Oh, I saw him! I saw him!" cried Billy, rushing from window to window,
+hoping for another glimpse of the deer.
+
+In a little while Mr. Larzalere came, calling loudly upon Uncle John
+to get his gun and follow the deer. He was wet to the skin, and a more
+excited man Billy never saw.
+
+"Where--where's your gun?" asked Billy. "Uncle John isn't dressed yet;
+he says he'll hurry."
+
+"My gun's at home," explained Mr. Larzalere. "You see that deer was
+grazing by the big pine in front of my house, and when I raised the
+shade I must have startled him. I told my wife to get my gun quick, but
+I didn't dare wait for it, because I didn't want to lose sight of my
+deer. Tell your Uncle John to come quick's he can! I'm going back for
+my gun!"
+
+As Mr. Larzalere ran for his gun, Billy flew through the house
+shouting: "Gerald! Betty! Selma! Everybody! Get up and see where there
+was a deer! Come on quick and I'll show you his tracks out in the sand!
+You'll have to hurry if you want to see the tracks, 'cause it's raining
+pitchforks!"
+
+After chasing through the storm for an hour or more, Mr. Larzalere went
+home to breakfast, though broiled venison wasn't on the bill of fare.
+
+Whether dogs drove him out of the woods, or whether the deer overheard
+Mr. Larzalere and Uncle John planning his downfall at one of the
+meetings by the "Big Stone," and walked into the village to show how
+little fear he had of hunters, Billy never knew, and the "Old Timer"
+was never again seen in that region. Whereat rejoiced Betty, the
+superstitious.
+
+Soon after, Uncle John went home; but he always declared that he should
+have killed the deer had he stayed long enough.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER X.
+                      FISHING THROUGH THE ICE
+
+
+It was Billy who gathered the last bunch of bluebells. He found them
+one November morning, their brave, delicate beauty all that remained of
+unforgotten blooms. The next day it was winter.
+
+The boy welcomed the whirling snow, but when the ice began forming
+all along the beach, his delight was unbounded. He couldn't pity the
+poor sailors as Betty advised; Billy envied them. The last trip of the
+season, like the first perilous voyage in the spring, seemed brimming
+with possibilities of adventure.
+
+Morning after morning, Billy ran to the window before he was dressed
+to see the waves tossing the broken ice in ridges farther and farther
+from the shore. How he longed to try the stretches of clear ice between
+the ridges! How he longed to go where the waves were dashing against
+the crystal wall! He wondered how much higher than his head the spray
+leaped toward the sun before it fell in sparkling showers all along the
+southern shore as far as the child could see.
+
+In the meantime the last light-ship had gone into winter quarters,
+the last buoy had been taken away, and even Billy understood that
+navigating the straits was a perilous undertaking. Whenever a boat
+whistled to be reported, the whole family ran to the window to see it
+pass, while the fog-horn sounded a farewell, and Billy's father dipped
+the stars and stripes in parting salute, to which the boat made answer.
+
+One steam-barge, the _Wallula_, was long unaccounted for. She was the
+last of the season, as Billy knew. He and Betty watched almost as
+anxiously as their father for the belated boat. One afternoon there
+came a blinding snow-storm, and for the first time Billy agreed with
+Betty in pitying the poor sailors, especially those on the _Wallula_.
+
+"Just think of being out in such a storm, with the light-ships all gone
+and the buoys all taken away!" said the little girl. "I don't see how
+a boat could help going on the shoals. Don't you ever be a sailor,
+Billy, will you?"
+
+"No," replied Billy, "of course not; I'll be the captain."
+
+A wonderful sight greeted Billy the following day. As usual he was
+up early, and through the east window in the sitting-room he saw the
+_Wallula_ frozen fast in the ice not far from shore.
+
+"Oh, mamma! mamma!" he called. "Here's the big red sun coming right
+out of the red, red clouds, and it's shining on the _Wallula_. And the
+icicles! Oh, mamma! Betty! Come and see the icicles shining on all the
+ropes. Oh, I must get out there quick."
+
+As Billy dressed, the sun was swallowed by a cloud so big, so black,
+its shadow dimmed the joy shining in his face.
+
+"Why, mamma!" he shouted, "what a 'normous cloud, and it's spreading
+over all the sky. I never saw anything happen so quick before. Did you
+ever see such a cloud! It was so heavy it had to go and fall down over
+all the sunshine."
+
+"No wonder!" exclaimed Betty, "I should think it would! Look there!"
+
+"Where? What?"
+
+"Why, Billy, don't you see? There is Antoine LeBrinn down on the beach
+with Samone in his arms, and I know the poor little thing hasn't on
+half enough clothes to keep her warm. I don't care how soon they take
+her away from him, so there!"
+
+"Why, Betty!"
+
+"I don't care, Billy. I'm beginning to feel just the way the rest of
+the folks do about that old Antoine. Papa says he don't stick to any
+kind of work, and his family are too poor for anything!"
+
+"I'm going to tell him," Billy threatened; "you see if I don't."
+
+Late in the morning half the village gathered to watch the tug from
+Cheboygan release the _Wallula_ and tow her into safe water. Then
+Billy saw more than one man frown, as he noticed the thinly clad child
+shivering in the Frenchman's arms. From that time he determined to
+compel Betty to tell Antoine he must stop drinking. At first Betty
+refused, but finally a new idea came into her mind.
+
+"Tell you what we might do, Billy," she said, "we might get up a pledge
+for him to sign his name to."
+
+"What's a pledge?"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"Oh, it's something you sign," and Betty, offering no further
+explanation, wrote her pledge. Having never seen a temperance pledge,
+this was not an easy thing to do. Betty tried many times, and destroyed
+nearly all her best tablet before she decided upon the correct form.
+All this scribbling she did in the presence of the impatient Billy.
+
+"Now read it," he begged, when Betty folded several sheets of paper
+instead of destroying them.
+
+"I am afraid you won't understand it, Billy," she said, doubtfully,
+"but it means, 'I won't drink any more whiskey and things.' Now listen,
+Billy; I'd like to hear how it sounds myself: 'When in the course of
+human events it becomes necessary to touch not, taste not, handle not,
+look not upon the wine when it is red, give me liberty or give me death
+before I ever touch another drop.'"
+
+"Oh, Betty, that's good; course I understand it. Why, it sounds just
+like the Fourth of July last year!"
+
+"There now, Billy, I shall have to read it all over again if I find out
+how it sounds, because that's only the short beginning."
+
+"Why, Betty, but that's enough! If he signs that and promises that he
+won't drink another drop, why, why, that's the place to stop, Betty."
+
+"I don't know but you're right, Billy, but lawyers put in lots of
+words they don't need when they write things, and they never stop when
+they get through. You see, I haven't read you the 'whereas' and 'now
+therefore' part. I wanted this pledge to sound as if a lawyer made it.
+You see, Billy, I know, because I read everything."
+
+"I don't care," Billy maintained, "you might get him mixed."
+
+"That's so," admitted Betty.
+
+"And then, too, Bet, why don't you say 'before I drink another drop--of
+whiskey,' in big capital letters."
+
+"Oh, never, Billy, that would hurt Antoine's feelings. We mustn't even
+hint about getting drunk and such things, but I will do as you say
+about having a short pledge, and we'll trim it with pictures."
+
+"Make pictures of bottles and things, Betty."
+
+"Oh, stop, Billy, I should say not! Birds and flowers will be better,
+and won't hurt Antoine's feelings. Don't you understand? Then we'll tie
+a red ribbon on it."
+
+It so happened that Billy's mother, not sharing the children's secret,
+wouldn't allow them to visit the Frenchman's home, and it was not until
+the ice stretched from shore to shore, and Antoine began his winter
+fishing, that their opportunity came. After school one night, they
+visited his fish shanty on the frozen straits.
+
+"Come in," said Antoine, in response to Betty's knock, "come in."
+
+"Oh, my, what a tiny place!" exclaimed Betty, "and how warm it is! too
+warm! Oh, my!"
+
+"Smells fishy and tarry," added Billy, holding his nose.
+
+"Hush!" warned Betty, fearing Antoine might be offended.
+
+"Warm!" repeated the man, laughing heartily; "the preacher she was
+here, and I ain't want it to stay, so I make it warm, and she ain't
+stay long."
+
+"Why did the minister come to see you?" asked Betty.
+
+"Did he come out here to have you tell him fish stories?" Billy
+inquired.
+
+Again Antoine laughed. "No, Beely, the preacher she come out here and
+bring one temperance pledge. She say to me, 'Antoine, I'm fisherman,
+too. I'm ask you to sign your name on this one paper.' I'm tell that
+preacher she make a mistake, and I'm put one, two, three stick of wood
+on the stove, and it get too warm pretty quick. The preacher she go
+home, and ole Antoine she sign no pledge so long she live, I tole you
+that right now."
+
+Betty looked discouraged, but Billy grinned as he knelt to peer through
+the hole in the ice. Both children knew better than to speak of their
+pledge.
+
+With utmost patience Antoine explained to his visitors all he knew
+about fishing through the ice.
+
+"What you think is on the end of that line, Beely, that go into the
+water there?"
+
+"Minnows?"
+
+"Oh, no, Beely, no minnow on the winter. On the end that line is one
+decoy fish. She's heavy and weighted with lead. We let it down on the
+deep water. Then, when we see a fish come after it, we wind the line
+with one windlass."
+
+"Can't you pull in the line?" asked Betty.
+
+"No, Betty, no, you pull the line, you jerk the decoy fish, and that
+won't do. Beely, you turn the crank there and wind the line over the
+reel. Now, Betty, kneel on the edge of the opening on the floor and
+look down on the water. Can you see one decoy fish?"
+
+"Yes, just as plain as anything."
+
+"Now you, Beely, turn the crank."
+
+"Oh, oh!" cried Betty. "Up comes the little fish, straight, straight
+up, just as natural as if it was alive."
+
+"Now let me see," besought the small boy. "You come, Betty, and turn
+the crank."
+
+"Here, Beely," said Antoine, "you and Betty can both look on the same
+time if you squeeze beside her. Fish shanty ain't big like the town
+hall?"
+
+"Well, I should say not," admitted Billy. "Why, isn't it nice, Antoine?
+You can sit right still on your box and reach all the walls, can't you?
+Oh, that's the way you do it? When you see a fish coming, you just keep
+watching him, and then you reach over and turn the crank and wind up
+the line, and then the pretend fish comes up higher and higher. But
+then, I don't see how you spear the real fish."
+
+"Well, Betty and Beely, I will show you. You see the decoy fish she
+come quiet through the water when we bring it up with a windlass. If
+we brought it up with one jerk, our trout would be scare away. Fish no
+fool, I tole you that. When my fish come to the top of the water, so
+I'm sure of my aim, I send my spear after him."
+
+"But I should think you would lose the spear," said Billy. "My, it's
+heavy!"
+
+Antoine pointed to the rope which tied the spear to a ring fastened in
+the roof.
+
+"Wish a fish would come along now," said Billy, still gazing into the
+depths beneath.
+
+"We make too much noise, Beely. Betty, you be little squaw and Beely
+be Indian, and we'll keep still like the Indian and then I'll show you
+one fish. I'm fix the spear so she's all ready, and now watch. Don't
+whisper."
+
+Silently the three peered through the hole in the ice. Betty wished
+that her heart wouldn't beat so loud; she feared the fish must hear
+its thumping. Several times Billy was compelled to stifle deep sighs,
+warned by a look from Antoine. Poor Billy! His knees ached and his
+back ached, and it is no wonder the active child kept thinking that he
+couldn't endure such a cramped position another moment. It seemed ages
+to Betty also before she raised her face with a pleased smile to the
+fisherman and exchanged a glance with the radiant Billy.
+
+There was a big fish coming straight toward the decoy. The children
+had a fine chance to see exactly how a fish swims. Billy held his
+breath, as the line was slowly wound over the reel and the decoy came
+nearer and nearer the surface. They could see the bright eyes and the
+glistening fins of the fish that came after it.
+
+Just as Antoine reached for his spear, Betty sneezed. Quick as a flash
+the fish darted to the bottom of the straits; but it moved no quicker
+than Antoine, who motioned for silence. Betty longed to explain that
+she couldn't help sneezing, while Billy could scarcely be restrained
+from venting his wrath. Under the circumstances, he gave Betty an angry
+glance, and ventured to wiggle the least bit before settling himself
+for another time of breathless waiting. As for Betty, she could just
+manage to keep the tears back, and, when the fish slowly rose from the
+bottom of the lake, she didn't see him so clearly as Billy and the
+fisherman did.
+
+That time Antoine speared the fish. Billy not only saw him do it, but
+helped pull a big trout through the hole in the ice, and soon he and
+Betty were taking turns carrying the treasure home.
+
+"Dear me," said Betty at last, "I'll never dare say 'pledge' to him
+again."
+
+"I should say not," echoed Billy.
+
+Upon reaching home, Betty was much distressed when she discovered that
+her pledge was lost. "Somebody'll find it, Billy, and tell everybody in
+town, and then won't we catch it? Everybody'll be making fun of us."
+
+Billy tried to be consoling. "They won't know who wrote it, Betty."
+
+"Oh, that's the worst of it, Billy. I put my name and your name and the
+date and everything on that paper, and I said it was for Mrs. LeBrinn's
+Christmas present! Oh, dear!"
+
+At that very moment, Antoine, alone in his shanty, was reading Betty's
+pledge. A curious smile came and went as he read the slip of paper.
+When the last gleam of sunlight faded in the west, he locked his shanty
+and walked to the village with his load of fish.
+
+The following morning little 'Phonse LeBrinn came late to school. His
+pinched face looked sad and care-worn.
+
+"Old Antoine was drunk again last night," some one whispered across the
+aisle. "He sold his fish before he went home, and spent every cent at
+the saloons."
+
+Billy heard the whisper, and, passing 'Phonse on his way to class, he
+left a piece of candy on his desk. It was all he had to offer.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+                            CHRISTMAS EVE
+
+
+Two things puzzled Billy. One was the letter from Aunt Florence,
+in which she hinted at the possibility of visiting Santa Claus on
+Christmas Day. Neither Billy's father nor Billy's mother knew what to
+think. Mid-winter was not the time to expect company in their part of
+the world.
+
+"It's some kind of a joke, I guess," was Billy's suggestion.
+
+The second thing that puzzled Billy was the great change that suddenly
+came over the LeBrinn family. He wondered if he had anything to do with
+it. One day, having overheard a conversation not intended for his ears,
+he told 'Phonse that Samone was surely going to be sent to the home at
+Coldwater, and advised him to tell his father to "watch out." The next
+time Billy met Antoine LeBrinn, Samone was with him.
+
+"Come here, little Beely," called the Frenchman, "ole Antoine want to
+shake hand with you. It's a pretty good little Beely. Samone like Beely
+pretty good, I tole you that."
+
+Antoine then explained to the boy that no one should take Samone away
+from him, because he intended keeping her with him all the time, and
+from that hour until the day soon after, when Billy saw the little
+Samone no more, she was always close beside her father. The particular
+thing that puzzled Billy, though, kept half the village guessing.
+'Phonse, Buzz, Bud, and Tony came to school just before the holidays
+dressed in fine new suits and beaming with smiles. That same afternoon
+Billy was in the dry-goods store when Antoine bought a red dress for
+his wife and wide red ribbons to trim it with.
+
+"I tole you the ole lady she look pretty good when he get this on,
+Beely," said Antoine, rattling a pocketful of money for Samone's
+benefit. The jingle pleased Antoine more than it did the little girl.
+
+Billy wondered where Antoine got his money, and when he learned that
+the Frenchman's own family didn't know, he wondered more than ever.
+
+For many weeks Antoine had been stage-driver on the evergreen
+road,--the winding way across the ice, marked on either side by forest
+trees.
+
+The day before Christmas there was a blizzard. From Billy's home on the
+point nothing could be seen but whirling snow. The nearest trees on the
+evergreen road were hidden from sight, while the north shore across the
+frozen straits seemed for ever lost.
+
+"Antoine won't go to-day," said Billy; but scarcely were the words
+spoken when the sound of sleigh-bells was heard, and Antoine stopped
+his horses at the cottage door. He asked for an extra shawl or blanket
+for the children, and laughed at the idea of being afraid to make the
+trip. When Billy's mother knew that 'Phonse and Samone were in the
+sleigh, she begged Antoine to leave them with her.
+
+"Samone stay with ole Antoine long as he live in Mackinaw," declared
+the Frenchman, "and Beely she know that. I ain't leave Samone no
+more." Antoine went on to explain that he could cross the evergreen
+road with his eyes shut, and that there wasn't a bit of danger. He had
+positively promised to meet two passengers who were coming from Duluth,
+and he was determined to be on time for the train. The children were
+comfortable as two kittens, Antoine further insisted, at the same time
+declaring that he would be back at noon to help the "old lady" get
+ready for Christmas.
+
+Fumbling in his pocket at the last moment, Antoine drew forth an
+envelope, in which he declared was his wife's Christmas present.
+
+"Tell Beely to take care of it until ole Antoine come back, and, if she
+ain't come home no more, give her to the old lady."
+
+Every hour the storm grew worse, and at noon the marine reporter's
+three children listened in vain for the sound of sleigh-bells.
+
+"Antoine must have decided to stay in St. Ignace, and drive home
+to-morrow," said their mother, and the family were of the same opinion.
+
+All the afternoon the children had the gayest kind of a time. No
+thought of the storm outside disturbed their fun. Gerald, Betty, and
+Billy were too accustomed to blizzards to mind their fury. After the
+lamps were lighted, they gathered around the piano to sing the familiar
+carol they loved so well. That Christmas Eve they sang but one verse:
+
+    "'Oh, little town of Bethlehem!
+         How still we see thee lie!
+     Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
+         The silent stars go by;
+     Yet in thy dark street shineth
+         The everlasting light,
+     The hopes and fears of all the years
+         Are met in thee to-night!'"
+
+The door-bell rang, and Antoine LeBrinn's wife, weeping and wringing
+her hands, was ushered into the bright sitting-room. She had waited
+all the afternoon for the return of her husband and children, and at
+last, leaving Bud and Buzz and Tony with neighbours, had walked to the
+village, expecting and dreading to find Antoine at the saloons. No one
+having seen him since morning, she was sure that, unless he had reached
+the marine reporter's cottage, he was lost on the Straits of Mackinaw,
+and every one knew what that meant. That night the evergreen road was
+drifted full, the trees along the way were blown down, and the ice
+was a trackless wilderness. Even Billy thought of the air-holes and
+shuddered.
+
+It was the little brother who spoke first, after the sobbing
+Frenchwoman had told her story.
+
+"Papa," he asked, "why don't you go down and telegraph to St. Ignace?"
+
+"I'll do it, Billy," he answered, and straightway left the cottage.
+There was a look on his father's face when he returned that Billy had
+never seen before.
+
+"Antoine left St. Ignace two hours ago," he said to Billy's mother.
+"Men have already gone to find him, but it is useless."
+
+Billy's father went away, and in that dreadful time of waiting the
+three children listened to the Frenchwoman's despairing talk. Just that
+morning her husband had told where his money came from. The old aunt in
+Canada was dead, and had left her farm and all she owned to Antoine.
+They had made such happy plans. The little Samone should be a lady, and
+the boys would no longer be ragged and half-starved. Christmas Day the
+children were to be told the good news, and before the New Year they
+would be living in a home of their own in Canada.
+
+The mention of Christmas reminded Billy of the worn envelope left in
+his care.
+
+"Here," said he, giving it to Mrs. LeBrinn, "he said give you that."
+
+The woman tore open the envelope and stared at the slip of paper it
+contained. She couldn't understand; but the instant Betty saw it she
+knew the truth. It was the pledge, with Antoine LeBrinn's name signed
+at the bottom.
+
+For the first time since she entered the cottage, the Frenchwoman
+raised her head and looked hopeful. She said Antoine always kept his
+word, and, since she knew he had not been drinking that day, unless he
+perished in the blizzard, he would find his way home.
+
+A shout from Billy startled every one in the room. "Why, my dog!" he
+fairly screamed. "He is a St. Bernard, and, oh, Mrs. LeBrinn, you know
+what St. Bernards are for. He'll find the lost folks!"
+
+"Billy is right," echoed his mother, as the child ran for the dog.
+"Hero will find them, I know."
+
+Like a flash, the dog darted into the night when he knew what was
+expected of him, and there were no more tears shed in the sitting-room.
+The curtains in the bay-window were raised, while the three children,
+their mother, and Mrs. LeBrinn watched the beacon-fire blazing high at
+the beginning of the evergreen road.
+
+It was growing colder every minute, though the minutes were long. Men
+who gave up the search piled timbers on the fire and waited. It was all
+they could do. At last Hero bounded toward them, and the faint sound of
+sleigh-bells came on the wind.
+
+Safe was the little Samone,--safe, warm, and sound asleep with 'Phonse.
+Neither of the children awoke as they were carried into the cottage and
+placed upon the couch; but they opened wondering eyes when Betty and
+Gerald and little Billy welcomed their Aunt Florence and their Uncle
+John, the passengers for whom Antoine had made that trip to St. Ignace.
+
+For a few minutes every one, including Hero, talked at the same time,
+and nobody listened to what anybody else said until Billy's mother
+suggested dinner.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"We'll have our Christmas dinner now," she declared.
+
+"And another one to-morrow, mamma," added Billy, in a whisper, "unless
+Uncle John would rather have venison than turkey. I know one thing,
+Antoine's so happy, he won't know what he is eating to-night, and I
+feel the same way myself. Aunt Florence looks as if she's pretty glad
+to get here, too. I guess we'll have a good time to-night that even
+Samone will remember long time after she goes to Canada. We are all
+happy, mamma; I 'tole you that.'"
+
+When Antoine saw the candle-light from the Christmas tree shining upon
+his little Samone, he did a queer thing,--lifting her in his arms to
+take her in to dinner, he touched her soft curls and said: "It's a good
+little Beely."
+
+                               THE END.
+
+
+
+
+                        =COSY CORNER SERIES=
+
+
+It is the intention of the publishers that this series shall contain
+only the very highest and purest literature,--stories that shall not
+only appeal to the children themselves, but be appreciated by all
+those who feel with them in their joys and sorrows.
+
+The numerous illustrations in each book are by well-known artists, and
+each volume has a separate attractive cover design.
+
+  Each, 1 vol., 16mo, cloth                                      $0.50
+
+
+_By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON_
+
+
+  =The Little Colonel.= (Trade Mark.)
+
+The scene of this story is laid in Kentucky. Its heroine is a small
+girl, who is known as the Little Colonel, on account of her fancied
+resemblance to an old-school Southern gentleman, whose fine estate and
+old family are famous in the region. This old Colonel proves to be the
+grandfather of the child.
+
+
+  =The Giant Scissors.=
+
+This is the story of Joyce and of her adventures in France,--the
+wonderful house with the gate of The Giant Scissors, Jules, her little
+playmate, Sister Denisa, the cruel Brossard, and her dear Aunt Kate.
+Joyce is a great friend of the Little Colonel, and in later volumes
+shares with her the delightful experiences of the "House Party" and the
+"Holidays."
+
+
+  =Two Little Knights of Kentucky.=
+
+WHO WERE THE LITTLE COLONEL'S NEIGHBORS.
+
+In this volume the Little Colonel returns to us like an old friend, but
+with added grace and charm. She is not, however, the central figure of
+the story, that place being taken by the "two little knights."
+
+
+_By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON (Continued)_
+
+
+  =Cicely and Other Stories for Girls.=
+
+The readers of Mrs. Johnston's charming juveniles will be glad to learn
+of the issue of this volume for young people, written in the author's
+sympathetic and entertaining manner.
+
+
+  =Aunt 'Liza's Hero and Other Stories.=
+
+A collection of six bright little stories, which will appeal to all
+boys and most girls.
+
+
+  =Big Brother.=
+
+A story of two boys. The devotion and care of Steven, himself a small
+boy, for his baby brother, is the theme of the simple tale, the pathos
+and beauty of which has appealed to so many thousands.
+
+
+  =Ole Mammy's Torment.=
+
+"Ole Mammy's Torment" has been fitly called "a classic of Southern
+life." It relates the haps and mishaps of a small negro lad, and tells
+how he was led by love and kindness to a knowledge of the right.
+
+
+  =The Story of Dago.=
+
+In this story Mrs. Johnston relates the story of Dago, a pet monkey,
+owned jointly by two brothers. Dago tells his own story, and the
+account of his haps and mishaps is both interesting and amusing.
+
+
+  =The Quilt That Jack Built.=
+
+A pleasant little story of a boy's labor of love, and how it changed
+the course of his life many years after it was accomplished. Told in
+Mrs. Johnston's usual vein of quaint charm and genuine sincerity.
+
+
+_By EDITH ROBINSON_
+
+
+  =A Little Puritan's First Christmas.=
+
+A story of Colonial times in Boston, telling how Christmas was invented
+by Betty Sewall, a typical child of the Puritans, aided by her brother
+Sam.
+
+
+  =A Little Daughter of Liberty.=
+
+The author's motive for this story is well indicated by a quotation
+from her introduction, as follows:
+
+"One ride is memorable in the early history of the American Revolution,
+the well-known ride of Paul Revere. Equally deserving of commendation
+is another ride,--untold in verse or story, its records preserved only
+in family papers or shadowy legend, the ride of Anthony Severn was no
+less historic in its action or memorable in its consequences."
+
+
+  =A Loyal Little Maid.=
+
+A delightful and interesting story of Revolutionary days, in which the
+child heroine, Betsey Schuyler, renders important services to George
+Washington.
+
+
+  =A Little Puritan Rebel.=
+
+Like Miss Robinson's successful story of "A Loyal Little Maid," this
+is another historical tale of a real girl, during the time when the
+gallant Sir Harry Vane was governor of Massachusetts.
+
+
+  =A Little Puritan Pioneer.=
+
+The scene of this story is laid in the Puritan settlement at
+Charlestown. The little girl heroine adds another to the list of
+favorites so well known to the young people.
+
+
+  =A Little Puritan Bound Girl.=
+
+A story of Boston in Puritan days, which is of great interest to
+youthful readers.
+
+
+_By OUIDA_ (_Louise de la Ramée_)
+
+
+  =A Dog of Flanders=: A CHRISTMAS STORY.
+
+Too well and favorably known to require description.
+
+
+  =The Nürnberg Stove.=
+
+This beautiful story has never before been published at a popular price.
+
+
+  =A Provence Rose.=
+
+A story perfect in sweetness and in grace.
+
+
+  =Findelkind.=
+
+A charming story about a little Swiss herdsman.
+
+
+_By MISS MULOCK_
+
+
+  =The Little Lame Prince.=
+
+A delightful story of a little boy who has many adventures by means of
+the magic gifts of his fairy godmother.
+
+
+  =Adventures of a Brownie.=
+
+The story of a household elf who torments the cook and gardener, but is
+a constant joy and delight to the children who love and trust him.
+
+
+  =His Little Mother.=
+
+Miss Mulock's short stories for children are a constant source of
+delight to them, and "His Little Mother," in this new and attractive
+dress, will be welcomed by hosts of youthful readers.
+
+
+  =Little Sunshine's Holiday.=
+
+An attractive story of a summer outing. "Little Sunshine" is another
+of those beautiful child-characters for which Miss Mulock is so justly
+famous.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BROTHER BILLY***
+
+
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+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Brother Billy, by Frances Maragret Fox,
+Illustrated by Etheldred B. Barry</h1>
+<p>This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a
+href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></p>
+<p>Title: Brother Billy</p>
+<p>Author: Frances Maragret Fox</p>
+<p>Release Date: January 9, 2014  [eBook #44637]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BROTHER BILLY***</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<h3>E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, haragos pál,<br />
+    and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br />
+    (http://www.pgdp.net)</h3>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="pg" />
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/cover.jpg">
+<img src="images/cover_th.jpg" alt="cover" /></a>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h1>                             BROTHER BILLY</h1>
+
+
+
+
+<p class="center">
+                               Works of<br />
+
+                        Frances Margaret Fox<br />
+<br />
+
+                Farmer Brown and the Birds &nbsp;&nbsp;       $ .50<br />
+                The Little Giant's Neighbours &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;      .50<br />
+                Mother Nature's Little Ones   &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;      .50<br />
+                Betty of Old Mackinaw &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;    .50<br />
+                Brother Billy        &nbsp;  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;       .50<br />
+                Little Lady Marjorie      &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;  &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;      1.50
+
+<br /></p>
+
+
+<p class="center">                          L. C. PAGE &amp; COMPANY<br />
+                          New England Building<br />
+                              Boston, Mass.
+<br /></p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+
+
+<p><a id="front"></a></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/004.jpg">
+<img src="images/004_th.jpg" alt="'THAT'S MY AUNT FLORENCE'S LOCKET'" /></a></div>
+
+<p class="center">"'THAT'S MY AUNT FLORENCE'S LOCKET'"</p>
+<p class="right">(<i><a href="#Page_31">See page 31</a></i>)</p>
+<p>
+<br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                        <p class="ph3">Cosy Corner Series</p>
+
+                          <p class="ph1">BROTHER BILLY</p>
+
+                                <p class="ph3">By<br />
+                                         Frances Margaret Fox</p>
+
+<p class="center">        Author of "Farmer Brown and the Birds," "Little Lady<br />
+              Marjorie," "Betty of Old Mackinaw," etc.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br /></p>
+
+<p class="center">      <i>Illustrated by</i><br />
+                           Etheldred B. Barry</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/005.jpg">
+<img src="images/005_th.jpg" width="120" alt="" /></a></div>
+
+
+
+<p class="center">                       <i>Boston  <br />
+                          L. C. Page &amp; Company<br />
+                                      1905</i>
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p class="center">                         <i>Copyright, 1904</i></p>
+
+<p class="center">                   <span class="smcap">By L. C. Page &amp; Company</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">                            <small>(INCORPORATED)</small></p>
+
+<p class="center">                      <i>All rights reserved</i></p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+<p class="center">                       Published October, 1904</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+<p class="center">                         <i>COLONIAL PRESS<br />
+           Electrotyped and Printed by C. H. Simonds &amp; Co.<br />
+                        Boston, Mass., U. S. A.</i>
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+                              <p class="ph4">TO<br />
+                          MY DEAREST ONE</p>
+
+                     <p class="ph4">Lee Everett Joslyn, Jr.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/009.jpg">
+<img src="images/009_th.jpg" width="200" alt="CONTENTS" /></a></div>
+
+
+<table class="toc" summary="Contents">
+<tr>
+  <th class="tocnum">CHAPTER</th>
+  <th class="toctit"></th>
+  <th class="tocpag">PAGE</th>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">I.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_1">Entertaining Aunt Florence</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">1</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">II.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_8">Indians</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">8</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">III.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_24">Billy Goes Swimming</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">24</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">IV.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_35">The Steam-tug Billy</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">35</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">V.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_53">Antoine LeBrinn</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">53</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">VI.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_67">Oranges</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">67</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">VII.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_72">Minnavavana's Braves</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">72</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">VIII.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_82">Antoine's Bear Stories</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">82</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">IX.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_97">Uncle John's "Old Timer"</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">97</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">X.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_105">Fishing through the Ice</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">105</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="tocnum">XI.</td>
+  <td class="toctit"><span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_119">Christmas Eve</a></span></td>
+  <td class="tocpag">119</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/011.jpg">
+<img src="images/011_th.jpg" width="250" alt="ILLUSTRATIONS" /></a></div>
+
+
+<table class="toc" summary="Illustrations">
+<tr>
+  <th class="toctit"></th>
+  <th class="tocpag">PAGE</th>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"'<span class="smcap"><a href="#front">That's my Aunt Florence's locket</a></span>,'"<br />
+    (<i><a href="#Page_31">See page 31</a></i>)</td>
+  <td class="tocpag"><i>Frontispiece</i></td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"'<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_10">Isn't it queer about Indian trails?</a></span>'"</td>
+  <td class="tocpag">10</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_34">Everything he wore was new</a></span>"</td>
+  <td class="tocpag">34</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_54">He held Billy on his knee</a></span>"</td>
+  <td class="tocpag">54</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_76">Watching from behind the north wall of the evergreen fort</a></span>"</td>
+  <td class="tocpag">76</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_77">There was merriment within the evergreen fort</a></span>"</td>
+  <td class="tocpag">77</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_82">Samone</a></span>"</td>
+  <td class="tocpag">82</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_109">Betty ... wrote her pledge</a></span>"</td>
+  <td class="tocpag">109</td>
+</tr><tr>
+  <td class="toctit">"<span class="smcap"><a href="#Page_127">Lifting her in his arms</a></span>"</td>
+  <td class="tocpag">127</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[Pg 1]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ <p class="ph1">BROTHER BILLY</p>
+
+
+
+
+                              <h2> CHAPTER I.<br />
+
+                      <small> ENTERTAINING AUNT FLORENCE</small></h2>
+
+
+
+
+
+<p>Billy was cross. The twins from Grand Rapids who were living in the
+green cottage wanted him to play Indians on the beach. The boy from
+Detroit, whose mother didn't know where he was half the time, had been
+teasing him to go swimming. 'Phonse LeBrinn, child of Mackinaw, was
+throwing stones at the boat-house, a signal Billy well understood.
+When 'Phonse had a plan that promised more fun than usual, he always
+threw stones at the boat-house. Other boys came to the door and rang
+the bell or knocked when they wanted Billy. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[Pg 2]</a></span>'Phonse knew better. Billy
+longed to find out what was on his mind, but it wouldn't do to let any
+one know that the ragged little playmate had a particular reason for
+throwing stones.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly a light dawned on Billy's face. "Mamma," said he, "let me go
+down on the beach and tell Frenchy he must quit that, he'll spoil the
+paint. I won't be gone but a minute."</p>
+
+<p>"Now, see here," remonstrated Billy's mother, "never mind what 'Phonse
+is doing, and keep away from the window, Billy, so he won't see you.
+Come, child, Aunt Florence will soon be ready."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, shoot the luck! I don't want to go with Aunt Florence. I want to
+play with the boys. What made Betty go and tell her all about old fort
+relics, I'd like to know."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, hush, Billy! Aunt Florence may hear you."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, but, mamma, I don't want to go to the old fort and dig beads all
+the afternoon. It's too warm. I'm roasting."</p>
+
+<p>Billy's mother laughed. One look at the child's face was enough to make
+anybody laugh. He was so cross. "Maybe auntie won't care to stay long,
+Billy. Strangers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span> who are not accustomed to our woods often feel pretty
+lonesome at the old fort."</p>
+
+<p>"She'll stay, mamma; I know all about bead-diggers; they stay and stay.
+Besides that, she won't be afraid, because there are about a million
+thousand resorter folks up there every day digging relics. I wish that
+Betty had kept something to herself. She just reads that old Pontiac's
+history all the time, and then tells all she knows to anybody that
+wants to find out. She makes me tired. I don't like to go to the old
+fort, anyway."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not, Billy?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Cause everybody up there that don't know you asks questions. They
+say, 'There's a little boy, ask him;' then 'cause you don't want to
+talk, they say, 'Lost your tongue,' and silly things like that. Aunt
+Florence is a question asker, too, mamma. Oh, shoot the luck!"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll tell you a good plan, Billy dear," suggested his mother. "You
+help Aunt Florence dig beads, like a good boy, and very likely she'll
+be willing to come home sooner. Then you can play with the boys the
+rest of the afternoon."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"May I play with Frenchy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ye-es, yes, you may this time."</p>
+
+<p>Billy's face brightened suddenly. "Oh, goody, goody, there comes
+Betty," he cried. "Now I won't have to go. Where's my hat? Oh, Bet, you
+came just in time," continued the boy. "Aunt Florence wants you to go
+to the old fort with her to dig beads, because the missionary meeting's
+going to be here, and mamma says to entertain Aunt Florence. You've got
+to go, that's all."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course she must go," echoed Aunt Florence, who came down-stairs in
+time to hear Billy's last words. "Didn't you find your little girl at
+home, Betty?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, auntie, she had gone to the island, but I only came home for a
+minute to ask&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well," interrupted Aunt Florence, "then of course you can go with
+Billy and me to the old fort."</p>
+
+<p>"Guess&mdash;guess I won't go, Aunt Florence; there's a boy down there wants
+me," and Billy waved his hand to 'Phonse.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Billy'll go with you," Betty hastened to say, "because&mdash;because,
+Aunt Florence, I can't. I'd love to, but I must go to see an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>other
+girl. I'd love to walk up there with you, but&mdash;but I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You needn't go if you don't want to, children," Aunt Florence looked
+the least bit grieved.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly they want to go," declared Billy's mother, in a tone that
+Betty and Billy understood. "Go find your little shovels, children, and
+bring Aunt Florence the fire shovel from the wood-shed."</p>
+
+<p>Billy was about to venture a protest, but, catching a look from Betty
+that meant a great deal to him, he followed her out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, Bet?" he whispered.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Billy, don't you see it won't do a bit of good to make a fuss.
+We'll have to go to the old fort; mamma'll make us. But I know one
+way to fix it so we won't have to stay long. The Robinsons are making
+pineapple sherbet, and they've invited me to it, so I can't waste
+time up to the old fort this afternoon. I told Lucille I'd come right
+straight back soon's I asked mamma."</p>
+
+<p>"And I want to play with Frenchy," put in the little brother.</p>
+
+<p>"But don't you see, Billy, we've got to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span> decent to company first, so
+we'll take her to the old fort all right enough, but we'll scare her
+to death when we get her there, so she'll want to come right straight
+home. Don't you see? I'll tell her true wild Indian stories, and she
+won't want to stay."</p>
+
+<p>"And I know another thing we can do," agreed Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"We'll take your old fort beads and then, Betty, we'll break the string
+and scatter the beads in the dirt, and then we'll call her to come and
+find them. She'll be satisfied to come home after that."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, of course, Billy, and your plan is so much better than mine,
+we'll try it first. We won't scare her unless we have to, though a good
+scare never hurts anybody. You get the beads while I get the shovels.
+Hurry now, we'll have some fun."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Grannis was much relieved when the children returned with pleasant
+faces. Aunt Florence, too, was pleased.</p>
+
+<p>"I truly wouldn't want you to go a step unless you were perfectly
+willing," she said, as they were leaving the house.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Well, auntie, we're always willing to go anywhere, Billy and I, if we
+think we can have some fun, and we're going to have a jolly time this
+afternoon, aren't we, Billy?"</p>
+
+<p>The little brother's round face beamed as he felt of the beads in his
+trousers' pocket.</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                             <h2>CHAPTER II.<br />
+
+                                <small>INDIANS</small></h2>
+
+
+
+<p>"You are the dearest children," exclaimed Aunt Florence. "I wish I
+could take you back to New York with me. You can't remember your
+grandfather and grandmother at all, can you, Billy?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, wouldn't know 'em if I'd meet 'em."</p>
+
+<p>"It's a shame. Never mind, I'll tell them all about you two and Gerald,
+and some day I'm coming north on purpose to take you all home with me,
+and we'll have the best kind of a time."</p>
+
+<p>"Guess you wouldn't think of coming after us if we lived where we do
+now, and it was a hundred years ago," suggested Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, because you would have had to come <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>from Detroit in a canoe, and
+this was all woods then, deep, deep woods full of Indians."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me, Betty, don't speak of it! It seems to me there are woods
+enough here now. My! What a dreary place! the undergrowth is so thick
+you can't see the water, and yet you can hear every wave. Betty
+Grannis, do you mean to tell me that you ever come out here to the old
+fort alone?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, not very often; it is rather dreary, isn't it, auntie? You see,
+this is an old, old Indian trail, and that is why the pines meet
+overhead. Let's walk faster. I don't believe you'll want to stay long,
+auntie, after you get to the fort."</p>
+
+<p>"I agree with you, Betty, this is a lonesome walk. I almost wish we'd
+stayed at home."</p>
+
+<p>"Let's turn around and go back," suggested Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I must find some beads," Aunt Florence insisted. "Do you ever see
+Indians around here nowadays?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, just tame ones," Billy was honest enough to say.</p>
+
+<p>"You must be brave children," the young <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>lady remarked, as she followed
+Betty through the gloomy forest.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/022.jpg">
+<img src="images/022_th.jpg" width="350" alt="Isn't it queer about Indian trails?" /></a></div>
+
+<p>"We're used to it," Betty sung over her shoulder, and Billy knew she
+was laughing. "Besides that, we can run like the wind if we have to.
+Then you know, auntie, the awful things that happened here happened
+over a hundred years ago, and there isn't any real danger now, of
+course. It just makes you feel shivery, that's all. Isn't it queer
+about Indian trails, how they wind in and out so often? This trail
+is exactly as it used to be. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>Did you ever read 'The Conspiracy of
+Pontiac,' auntie?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Betty, I never read it all; I simply know about the massacre here.
+Have you read it?"</p>
+
+<p>"She knows it by heart," said Billy. "She can say bushels of Indian
+speeches. Tell her one, Betty. Tell her that one where the Indian said
+to Alexander Henry, 'The rattlesnake is our grandfather.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, do, Betty, only tell me first who Alexander Henry was."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, auntie, don't you know? He was the English fur-trader whose
+life was saved by the Indian chief Wawatam. I like him best of any
+fur-trader I ever knew."</p>
+
+<p>"Do tell me his story, Betty."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I can't tell it, it is too long. Do you want to know what happened
+to him in the spring of 1761, two years before the massacre?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, certainly."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, of course, you know all about the French and Indian War, auntie?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I know something about it."</p>
+
+<p>"Then, auntie, you know that the French <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>liked the Indians, and the
+Indians liked them, but the English despised the Indians, and treated
+them so badly the Indians hated all Englishmen. That was why the
+Indians helped the French in their war. They wanted to drive the
+English out of the country. Well, when the war was over, the Indians
+didn't know that the English came out ahead, and that the French
+soldiers would have to march out of every fort and that the English
+soldiers would march in. Even my Pontiac didn't know it."</p>
+
+<p>"He'd have known all about his own war and where he died if he'd had
+you for a sister," mocked Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't talk quite so loud, Billy dear," cautioned Aunt Florence.</p>
+
+<p>"'Fraid?" questioned Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, not exactly; go on, Betty, we're listening. How much longer is
+this Indian trail, anyway?"</p>
+
+<p>"Only half a mile, auntie. Billy, you'll punch a hole through your
+pocket if you aren't careful."</p>
+
+<p>"Go on with your story, Bet, and don't turn around so much."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Well," continued Betty, giving Billy a look that meant "Don't you dare
+lose those beads," "well, auntie, in the spring of that year, 1761, the
+French soldiers had left this fort, and only Canadian families were
+living in it. The English soldiers hadn't come yet, but they were on
+the way. The fort was over a hundred years old then. Only think of it!</p>
+
+<p>"Alexander Henry, my Englishman, wasn't afraid of anything, that's why
+I like him. He came up here with canoes full of beads and things to
+trade with the Indians for furs. On the way he was warned again and
+again to go back if he didn't want to be killed. He probably would have
+been killed long before he got here if he hadn't put on the clothes of
+a Canadian voyageur."</p>
+
+<p>"They're the ones," interrupted Billy, "that used to paddle the canoes
+and sing 'Row, brothers, row,' and&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"She knows that," sniffed Betty; "even our baby knows that much. Well,
+auntie, when Alexander Henry got here, the Canadians were bad to him
+and tried to scare him. They wanted him to go away before anything
+happened. He hadn't been here but a short time <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>when Minnavavana, a
+Chippewa Indian chief, came with sixty warriors to call on him. They
+marched to his house single file, auntie. Their faces were painted with
+grease and charcoal, and they had feathers through their noses and
+feathers in their hair. Their bodies were painted with white clay. That
+isn't the worst of it. Every warrior carried a tomahawk in one hand
+and a scalping-knife in the other. I suppose they came along this very
+trail.</p>
+
+<p>"Alexander Henry says they walked into the house without a sound. The
+chief made a sign and they all sat on the floor. Minnavavana asked one
+of the interpreters how long it was since Mr. Henry left Montreal, and
+then he said it seemed that the English were brave men and not afraid
+to die, or they wouldn't come as he had, alone, among their enemies.
+Then all the Indians smoked their pipes, and let Alexander Henry think
+about things while it was nice and quiet. Just think of it, auntie!</p>
+
+<p>"When the Indians were through smoking, Minnavavana made a speech. I
+don't know it by heart, but it was something like this:</p>
+
+<p>"'Englishman, it is to you that I speak. Englishman, you know that the
+French king <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>promised to be our father. We promised to be his children.
+We have kept this promise. Englishman, it is you that have made war
+with our father. You are his enemy. How could you have the boldness to
+venture among us, his children? You know his enemies are ours.</p>
+
+<p>"'Englishman, our father, the King of France, is old and infirm. Being
+tired of war, he has fallen asleep. But his nap is almost at an end.
+I think I hear him stirring and asking for his children, the Indians,
+and, when he does awake, what must become of you? He will destroy you
+utterly.'"</p>
+
+<p>Betty, becoming much in earnest, was walking backward.</p>
+
+<p>"'Englishman, we have no father, no friend among the white men but
+the King of France,'" the child went on. "'But for you, we have
+taken into consideration that you have ventured your life among us
+in the expectation that we should not molest you. You do not come to
+make war; you come in peace to trade with us. We shall regard you,
+therefore, as a brother, and you may sleep tranquilly, without <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>fear of
+the Chippewas. As a token of friendship, we present you this pipe to
+smoke.'"</p>
+
+<p>Whereupon, Betty, making a serious bow, offered her little shovel
+to Aunt Florence. For the moment, she actually believed herself
+Minnavavana, the Indian chief, though Billy's face quickly brought her
+back to the present.</p>
+
+<p>"I am thankful to say," resumed Betty, joining in the laugh following
+the presentation of the shovel, "that after three hundred warriors of
+another tribe came and were going to make trouble, the English soldiers
+arrived, and the red flag of England soon floated above the fort. Then,
+for two years, nothing much happened, but I'm glad I wasn't here then.
+I wouldn't have slept a wink, I know."</p>
+
+<p>"Neither should I, Betty," Aunt Florence agreed.</p>
+
+<p>"Frenchy'd have been all right, though," remarked Billy. "There's the
+fort, Aunt Florence, straight ahead; the trail ends here. Now we will
+find an old cellar-hole and hunt for beads. Let me go first, Betty."</p>
+
+<p>"The fort," repeated Aunt Florence, "where is it?" She saw nothing but
+a wilderness of wild-rose blooms.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh," laughed Betty, "there's nothing left of the fort but part of
+the old palisades. Most of the buildings were burned the day of the
+massacre."</p>
+
+<p>"It's unspeakably dreary, in spite of the sunshine and the roses,"
+commented Aunt Florence, "but I do want some beads."</p>
+
+<p>"Come on, come on," cried Billy. "Oh, hurry up, Aunt Florence, I'm
+finding beads by the bushel."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is the child? can you see him, Betty?"</p>
+
+<p>"'Way over there, auntie, in that cellar-hole near the old apple-tree.
+We think that is where one of the storehouses used to be, because all
+around it is where most of the beads have been found."</p>
+
+<p>For awhile Aunt Florence forgot the surrounding woods, in her eager
+search for beads. Had she known Betty and Billy as their mother knew
+them, she might have understood that there was more of mischief than
+pure joy in their smiles.</p>
+
+<p>"Never found so many beads in one place in my life," declared Billy.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Nor anybody else in the last hundred years," added Betty. "Fun, isn't
+it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Fun!" echoed Aunt Florence, "why, children, I won't want to go home
+until dark."</p>
+
+<p>Betty stared, and Billy made faces. This was an unexpected blow. At
+last the beads that Betty had collected, after working hours and hours
+through many a day, were all found.</p>
+
+<p>"Now we'll look for another place," announced Aunt Florence.</p>
+
+<p>"I guess we are alone out here," suggested Betty, glancing about, as
+though she felt uneasy.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no," was the cheerful reply, "down there nearer the lake I saw two
+sunbonnets not three minutes ago. We're all right, children; I'm not
+the least bit timid."</p>
+
+<p>Patiently Aunt Florence continued her search for beads, encouraged by
+the hope of finding another place equal to the first.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems strange that there should have been so many beads in one spot
+of earth, and so few everywhere else," she said, "but I'm not going to
+give up now, after such luck in the beginning."</p>
+
+<p>"You'll just have to scare her to death, I <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>guess," grumbled Billy.
+"Lost your beads for nothing, too."</p>
+
+<p>"Trouble is," confessed Betty, moving nearer Billy and farther from her
+aunt, "this isn't a good place to tell Indian stories."</p>
+
+<p>"Why not?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because, Billy, I get scared myself. Honest and truth, I don't even
+like to think of such horrible things right here where they happened."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't make any difference, you've got to," protested Billy. "Don't you
+know she said she'd stay here till dark?"</p>
+
+<p>"I know it, Billy; let me see, how'll I begin. Oh, I know, Alexander
+Henry was in his room in the fort writing letters home. Perhaps, Billy,
+we are standing on the very place where his house was. He was so busy
+with his letters he didn't want to take the time to go down to the
+beach to see the canoes that had just arrived from Detroit. First thing
+he knew, he heard the war-whoops. Mercy, Billy! Don't scream like that
+again!"</p>
+
+<p>"Billy Grannis," called Aunt Florence, "what's the matter?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, that was just an Indian war-whoop, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>auntie. Frenchy and I have
+been practising whoops lately."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, please don't practise any more now; you made me jump so I lost
+three beads. I don't believe an Indian could give a worse yell."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, he could," exclaimed Betty, "my, that's nothing!" and, seeing
+her opportunity, she began telling stories. Even Billy grew solemn in
+his very mind as he listened, and it wasn't long before Betty succeeded
+in scaring herself, however Aunt Florence may have felt.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the air was filled with shrieks. Aunt Florence became white as
+the daisies, as she stared at Betty, while terror seized Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"It's the sunbonnet girls," gasped Betty; "what do you s'pose is the
+matter? What is the matter?" she demanded of the flying maidens.</p>
+
+<p>"Indians, Indians, run quick, run, run! I tell you they're after us!"</p>
+
+<p>One glance toward the lake was enough for Betty. She saw canoes being
+drawn up on the beach, and Indians coming straight toward them. The
+child was never more frightened <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>in her life. Forgetting Billy, she and
+Aunt Florence fairly flew over the rough ground. Billy, poor fellow!
+never could run because he was too plump. He hadn't gone ten breathless
+steps before he fell into a cellar-hole, and, before he could scramble
+out, a big Indian overtook him.</p>
+
+<p>"Match," grunted the Indian, "want match."</p>
+
+<p>"N-n-no, I don't want any matches," answered Billy, trying to steady
+his trembling knees.</p>
+
+<p>"Humph! Indian want match. Give Indian match. Indian build fire," was
+the explanation.</p>
+
+<p>Billy shook his head, and the Indian turned away disappointed.</p>
+
+<p>"That Betty'd leave you to be eaten up by Indians," grumbled Billy,
+and, because he was so angry and because he had been so badly
+frightened over nothing, he began to cry.</p>
+
+<p>"Billy, Billy, don't cry, I came back after you, you poor child." It
+was the voice of Aunt Florence, though Billy couldn't see her.</p>
+
+<p>"Here I am, behind this clump of goose-berry bushes, Billy. I didn't
+dare come <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>straight back, so I kept behind trees and bushes. Come
+quick; now let's run."</p>
+
+<p>"There isn't anything to run for, Aunt Florence," sobbed Billy. "Don't
+you see, they're just tame Indians, and wouldn't hurt anybody? Don't
+you see the little Indian children and the squaws, too? I s'pose
+they've come with baskets to sell. Yes, there comes a squaw, going to
+town now with a load of baskets."</p>
+
+<p>"Then I guess I'll sit down and rest a minute," said Aunt Florence,
+"for I'm tired out. It's dreadful to be so frightened. I'm trembling
+yet."</p>
+
+<p>"Me, too," confessed Billy. "Where's that Betty?"</p>
+
+<p>"Home by this time, I presume," was the laughing reply, "unless she
+couldn't stop running when she got there, in which case she's probably
+in the lake. Well, Billy, let's walk on now, or the whole missionary
+society will be coming to our rescue."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Billy, I've been crying my eyes out, fear something had happened
+to you," was Betty's greeting when she saw her little brother.</p>
+
+<p>Billy made a face, as he replied in scornful <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>tones: "'Fore I'd run
+away from tame Indians!" For many a day thereafter, if Billy wanted
+anything that belonged to Betty, it was his if he but threatened to say
+"Tame Indians."</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                             <h2>CHAPTER III.<br />
+
+                         <small>BILLY GOES SWIMMING</small></h2>
+
+
+
+<p>Early the following afternoon, Billy saw 'Phonse LeBrinn throwing
+stones at the boat-house, and, as he liked to play with 'Phonse much
+better than with his nearest neighbours, the twins in the green
+cottage, he flew down the bank fast as he could go.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Frenchy," he panted, "I wish I could run like a deer, way you do.
+I can't run worth a cent."</p>
+
+<p>"Shouldn't think you could," grinned 'Phonse.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's go the other side of the boat-house," suggested Billy, "I'm
+'fraid, if my mother sees me down here, she'll think of something she
+wants me to do."</p>
+
+<p>'Phonse was sure of it, so he and Billy straightway sought a
+hiding-place.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What have you got that tog on for?" asked 'Phonse.</p>
+
+<p>"Going to be a thimble party at our house," explained Billy, "and Bet
+made such a fuss I had to be dressed up fear somebody might see me."</p>
+
+<p>"Where's Gerald?"</p>
+
+<p>"He's camping this week at the Snow Islands with some folks. Wish he
+was home. What'll we do this afternoon, 'Phonse?"</p>
+
+<p>"Catch minnows; don't you want to?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'd rather hunt for Aunt Florence's locket than anything else. See,
+'Phonse, that girl up there on the bank looking through my father's
+spy-glass, she's my Aunt Florence, and she's a brick."</p>
+
+<p>"Ain't she pretty!" exclaimed 'Phonse. "She's the prettiest lady I ever
+saw. She wouldn't like me, though; nobody does."</p>
+
+<p>"I do; all the trouble is, 'Phonse, nobody's acquainted with you. Now,
+if you could find Aunt Florence's locket that she lost yesterday, she'd
+like you for ever and ever. I know she would."</p>
+
+<p>"Where'd she lose it, Billy?"</p>
+
+<p>"She thinks she lost it at the old fort yes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>terday. It's a gold locket
+that her father gave her when she graduated last summer, and Aunt
+Florence and I hunted for it all the forenoon. We had to give up.
+'Phonse, you stay here, and I'll run up to the house and tell my mother
+I'm going to hunt for the locket. You be walking up the beach, and I'll
+meet you around the point."</p>
+
+<p>When Billy rejoined his ragged playmate, the two began a diligent
+search for the locket.</p>
+
+<p>"If anybody can find it, you can, 'Phonse."</p>
+
+<p>"Aw, somebody's picked it up 'fore this, Billy. Nobody could help
+seeing it on this black ground. Gold shines, you know."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe," suggested Billy, "maybe she didn't lose it; perhaps she lost
+it where we were digging for beads. Surely, this morning we hunted over
+every inch of this trail, and you know Betty."</p>
+
+<p>'Phonse nodded his black head. "She'd find it if it was here. Don't you
+want to go swimmun, Billy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Too cold, 'Phonse; we'd freeze."</p>
+
+<p>"We can make a bonfire on the beach, see?" 'Phonse showed Billy a
+handful of matches. "Swiped 'em," he commented. "We'll go <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>down on
+the sand under the bank and start a fire beside of the tramp's raft.
+Nobody'll see us there, you know, and we can go swimmun and get dressed
+where it's warm."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, sir," assented Billy, "only don't run, 'Phonse, whatever
+you do."</p>
+
+<p>Beyond the fort was an old raft of planks, upon which years before
+tramps crossed the straits in a storm. It was a favourite resort among
+the boys. Billy instantly began gathering driftwood for a bonfire.</p>
+
+<p>"Guess the Indians had a fire in this same place yesterday, 'Phonse,"
+he said, "because just see the new-looking ashes. Wonder if they
+started it with flint or by rubbing two sticks together. Do you know?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I don't. Hustle up, Billy, and don't stop to talk."</p>
+
+<p>When the pile of driftwood was high enough to suit 'Phonse, he started
+the fire. Thanks to the west wind, it burned, and the boys were soon
+ready for the water. Billy walked into the lake, screaming at every
+step. 'Phonse climbed upon a rock and plunged in.</p>
+
+<p>"Silly," he shouted, "course you'll be cold <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>acting that way; get down
+in the water, Billy, then you'll be warm."</p>
+
+<p>"It's too&mdash;too&mdash;too early to go swimming," gasped Billy, shivering in
+the wind and the icy water. "I&mdash;I'm&mdash;I'm glad we started the fire."</p>
+
+<p>"Come out where it's deeper; here, give me your hand," said 'Phonse,
+"I'll show you how to go swimmun."</p>
+
+<p>Soon Billy declared that the water was warm, and he and 'Phonse played
+in the lake for an hour. They splashed, laughed, and shouted, with only
+the gulls to hear, until 'Phonse said it was time to get dressed. The
+fire was out. 'Phonse threw some bark upon the coals, and looked for
+his clothes. There was not a thread of them left.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Billy," he wailed "we left our clothes too near the fire, and
+they're all burned up; what can we do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what shall we do?" cried Billy. "Oh, b-b-but m-my c-c-clothes
+are all r-right," he added in the next breath. "I'll divide with you,
+'Phonse."</p>
+
+<p>"Your clothes ain't either all right," in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>sisted 'Phonse. "They're
+burning yet. Look at them."</p>
+
+<p>"Here's one all right s-stocking, just the same, 'Phonse."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me take it, then, Billy, and I'll put out the fire with it that's
+burning the rest of the things."</p>
+
+<p>"You may wear the stocking," offered Billy. "The other one's gone, and
+the shoes are spoiled. Why, 'Phonse, there isn't anything left of my
+clothes but my shirt and my blouse and my trousers,&mdash;and look at my
+trousers, will you, all full of holes!"</p>
+
+<p>"What if you didn't have anything left," grumbled 'Phonse. "I've got
+some shoes and stockings at home, Billy, but that's all. I don't know
+what dad will do, but I'll catch it, sure."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, 'Phonse, my mother'll give you some clothes to wear, if we can
+ever get to my house, but, oh, dear, it is so cold! Which do you want
+to wear, 'Phonse, my shirt or my white blouse; there's one sleeve
+burned out of both of 'em, and my waist is all gone."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll take the shirt," 'Phonse decided. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>"Don't cry, Billy, I'm the one
+that ought to cry."</p>
+
+<p>"B-but, but I'm s-s-so c-cold, and, oh, dear, I'm going to put on the
+s-s-stocking if you&mdash;you don't want it."</p>
+
+<p>"I do, though," insisted 'Phonse; "give her here. You've got more on
+than I have, anyway. Come on, Billy, we'll be warmer if we run."</p>
+
+<p>"Only I can't run, and&mdash;and&mdash;and the s-s-stones h-hurt m-my fee-feet,"
+protested Billy, his teeth chattering.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be a baby," 'Phonse advised. "Oh, Billy, what if there is a lot
+of folks at the old fort? We better keep back from the lake. It's too
+cold here, anyway. Let's sneak around where the bushes grow."</p>
+
+<p>"All right, go ahead, 'Phonse."</p>
+
+<p>Cautiously the boys made their way around the clearing. They were
+nearly past the old fort grounds when they heard voices.</p>
+
+<p>"Duck, Billy, duck; it's some boys from out of town," whispered
+'Phonse, "and if they see us, I don't know what'll happen! Let's crawl!"</p>
+
+<p>"Listen," Billy replied; "they've found a <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>wonderful relic, I guess;
+hear them quarrel. Oh, 'Phonse, it's my Aunt Florence's locket, that's
+what it is, and they've got to give it up!"</p>
+
+<p>Without stopping to think further, Billy darted from the thicket,
+followed closely by 'Phonse.</p>
+
+<p>"That's my Aunt Florence's locket, so please give it to me," demanded
+the child, springing toward the largest boy in the group.</p>
+
+<p>"Listen to him, will you," replied a taunting voice. "Here's the Wild
+Man of Borneo wants his Aunt Florence's locket. Well, I guess not. Have
+you two escaped from a circus, or do you want to join one, which?"</p>
+
+<p>"Give me that locket," cried Billy. "I say that belongs to my Aunt
+Florence."</p>
+
+<p>Great fun the big boys had then, teasing poor Billy, who begged,
+threatened, and jumped for the locket held just beyond his reach.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell you what," suggested the roughest-looking boy, "let's tie these
+youngsters together, and leave them here until we can get out of town.
+Them's diamonds in that locket, boys."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>At that moment 'Phonse sprang like a wild-cat upon the boy with the
+locket, and, snatching the treasure, ran with it to the woods. Billy
+was never more astonished, and at first the boys were too surprised to
+chase the strange little figure flying across the clearing. When they
+ran after 'Phonse, Billy hid. He wasn't afraid any one could catch
+'Phonse, the swift-footed French boy, but he did fear being caught
+himself. Like an old-time Indian, Billy managed to keep out of the
+enemy's sight all the way home. 'Phonse was waiting for him in the edge
+of the woods.</p>
+
+<p>"Here," said 'Phonse, offering Billy the locket, "take it to her."</p>
+
+<p>Billy shook his head. "'Phonse, you come in the wood-shed, and sit in
+the corner where nobody'll see you, while I ask my mother for some
+clothes for us. Then you can give auntie the locket yourself."</p>
+
+<p>"Won't you catch it?" asked 'Phonse; "you don't look very nice, Billy."</p>
+
+<p>"You do what I tell you," remarked Billy. "My mother's the kind you can
+explain things to. I don't want the company to see me, though, so I
+guess I'll whistle for Betty."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Betty quickly appeared in answer to the whistle.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Billy Grannis!" she began, and then how she laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Keep still, Bet, there is a boy in the wood-shed that's cold. He
+hasn't on very much clothes, and he wants something to wear home."</p>
+
+<p>That was all 'Phonse heard, as Billy was led into the house. The little
+fellow returned in a moment, dragging a cape. "Here, 'Phonse, Betty
+sent you this to wrap up in, and Betty says come in by the kitchen
+fire."</p>
+
+<p>"I won't do it," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>"All right, then, I'll have to bring your 'freshments out here. It's a
+shivering kind, though,&mdash;ice-cream and cake; want some?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't I? You bet!" was the answer.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, 'Phonse, come in the kitchen," urged Betty, again appearing at
+the door. "Please come. Billy has told auntie and me about the locket,
+and Aunt Florence just loves you. Quick as the company goes, mamma'll
+find you something to wear."</p>
+
+<p>Trailing the cape behind him, 'Phonse <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>walked into the kitchen, where
+Betty introduced him to Aunt Florence.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/046.jpg">
+<img src="images/046_th.jpg" width="350" alt="Everything he wore was new" /></a></div>
+
+<p>That night, when 'Phonse LeBrinn went home, his own folks didn't know
+him. In his arms he carried a bundle of Billy's old clothes; but
+everything he wore was new, from the red cap to the patent-leather
+shoes.</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                              <h2>CHAPTER IV.<br />
+
+                         <small>THE STEAM-TUG BILLY</small></h2>
+
+
+<p>Aunt Florence didn't forget 'Phonse, and it was evident to the marine
+reporter's family that 'Phonse didn't forget her. He scarcely said
+thank you when she gave him his new suit, but every morning while Aunt
+Florence was in Mackinaw a bunch of wild flowers was found tied to the
+front door-knob. Once only a bit of pasteboard was attached, upon which
+was written in letters hard to read, "For billies ant."</p>
+
+<p>At first the family wondered why 'Phonse kept away, but when they
+learned that Antoine LeBrinn had sold his little son's new clothes for
+drink, they understood.</p>
+
+<p>"Poor little fellow," Aunt Florence said one morning, when a cluster of
+bluebells was <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>brought her, wound so closely not a blossom could move
+its dainty head. "How I wish he would come again."</p>
+
+<p>"He won't, though, 'cept when nobody knows," observed Billy, "and if
+any one says a word against his father, he'll fight."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm curious to see his father, too," replied Aunt Florence. "Betty has
+told me so much about the family that I'd like to talk to that man; I'd
+say some things he'd remember."</p>
+
+<p>"Antoine used to come often," said Betty. "We always tease him to tell
+stories. Everybody likes him; you'll see him sometime, auntie, and then
+you'll like him, too."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall tell him what I think of him," declared Aunt Florence; but a
+week later, when Antoine came, she didn't say a word.</p>
+
+<p>It was a rainy afternoon, and when Billy announced that the game
+must be circus as usual, and that the parade should be first on the
+programme, Betty objected.</p>
+
+<p>"Billy Grannis," she exclaimed, "you're a nuisance. Gerald and I have
+played circus with you until we are sick and tired of it. You may be a
+lion-tamer if you want to, but you and your old lion will have to have
+a show <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>of your own. I won't stand it any longer, and you can't have my
+cat for a polar bear, either."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Bet," was the remonstrance, "what makes you be so cross? I
+thought you liked to play circus. Do you want to be the lion-tamer this
+time, Bet? I'll let you take my big dog; do you want to, Betty?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Billy, I don't want to be anything that's in a circus, so there!
+I'll play Grace Darling, though; you and Gerald and Hero may be the
+shipwrecked sailors, and I'll be Grace Darling."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't want to play shipwreck," declared Gerald. "I had enough of
+shipwrecks when the <i>California</i> went down."</p>
+
+<p>"Me, too," echoed Billy. "I'd rather play Noah and the flood. Oh,
+Betty, let's play that, and then my dog Hero can be the lion,&mdash;no,
+Betty no, I didn't mean it; he can be the elephant, I mean, and your
+cat can be a&mdash;a&mdash;what other animal is white 'sides a polar bear? And,
+oh, Gerald, your bluest pigeon can be the dove."</p>
+
+<p>"But why don't you want to play Grace Darling?" interrupted Betty.
+"I'll let you <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>take my dolls for the shipwrecked children, and I'll
+live in the lighthouse."</p>
+
+<p>"If you want to know what's fun," put in Gerald, "just listen to me.
+Let's play&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But I want to play get the animals out of the ark," insisted Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"And I say," Betty argued, "that you don't know whether you like to
+play Grace Darling or not until you try it. Who's going to be captain
+of the shipwrecked boat, you, Billy, or Gerald? Now, this rug is the
+Northumberland coast."</p>
+
+<p>"No, sir," shouted Billy, "it's Mt. Ararat."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, children, what's going on?" asked Aunt Florence, who was passing
+the doorway.</p>
+
+<p>"We all want to play different things," explained Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't you make signal-flags, like the ones on the chart?"
+suggested Aunt Florence. "You know what I mean, Betty, the chart I saw
+you looking at yesterday in your father's office, the one with the
+pictures of signal-flags on it. I'll find sheets of red and blue and
+yellow and white paper, and I believe you can have a nice time making
+tiny paper flags. I'll get some paste ready for you, too."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But what are the flags for?" asked Billy, "and why do they put letters
+beside of them on the chart?"</p>
+
+<p>"It tells all about the signal-flags in papa's marine directory, and
+I'm going after it," announced Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"She can tell you about the signals, Billy," said Aunt Florence, "and
+let's see who can make the most perfect little flags. Gerald will help
+you, Billy, won't you, Gerald?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't need any help," Billy hastened to say, "'less he wants to
+whittle out flag-sticks."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so, auntie," agreed Gerald. "I'll go after something to use for
+flagstaffs."</p>
+
+<p>"And I'm going after some shears and things, and then," said Billy,
+"I'm going to cut out the 'B' flag. It's all red, auntie, and cut the
+way Betty's hair-ribbons are on the ends. I guess I will make the 'Q'
+flag, 'cause it's just a square made out of yellow; and the 'S' is
+easy, too, just white with a blue square in the centre. Oh, auntie's
+gone. Don't you feel queer, Hero, when you talk to somebody that isn't
+there?"</p>
+
+<p>Gerald and Betty returned quickly with coloured paper and a book.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Now, Billy," remarked the little girl, in her most severe tone, "put
+down the shears and listen a minute. I'm going to read out of the
+Marine Directory."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't read it; tell it," besought Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"She wants to read it just because she can read big words without
+stopping to spell them," declared Gerald, after a glance at the open
+book.</p>
+
+<p>Betty could read much better than Gerald ever expected to.</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't that," was the reply, "but, if you will listen, you will
+know that the book tells it all better than I can. Now listen: 'The
+necessity for a uniform and comprehensive system of signalling at
+sea'&mdash;Billy Grannis, stop making faces. I've got to begin it all
+over again. 'The necessity for a uniform and comprehensive system of
+signalling at sea and to shore stations on the coast of the United
+States and other countries has long been felt and discussed by those
+interested in maritime pursuits, and by the leading maritime powers
+of the world.' Now, Gerald, stop acting like a goose. You and Billy
+both know what 'maritime' means just as well as I do. Now <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>listen, and
+I'll go on. 'In view of this necessity, the adoption of a common code
+of signals to be observed by all nations, discarding all other codes
+and systems, appears to be in a high degree desirable and important.
+The international code of signals has been recommended and adopted by
+nearly all the principal nations of the world, and it is now the only
+code recognized or of practical use. It is the only one which, from its
+completeness, is likely to fully meet the existing need.'</p>
+
+<p>"Billy, what ails you? Do stop laughing. What's the matter with you,
+Gerald,&mdash;tooth-ache?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Betty, worse'n that. When I think how your jaws must feel, I&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Gerald, I don't believe you know a word I've read."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Betty, I should say not. Who could?"</p>
+
+<p>"What I want to know is, what are all these flags for?" demanded Billy.
+"So please shut that old book and tell us."</p>
+
+<p>"You horrid boys," exclaimed Betty, "I don't see how you ever expect to
+'mount to anything."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Wouldn't if we were girls," was Gerald's retort, which Betty didn't
+seem to hear. She often had deaf spells.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Billy dear," she went on, "you see there are eighteen of the
+signal-flags. They are marked B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R,
+S, T, V, and W. Besides these are two little pointed flags that mean
+'Yes' and 'No.' The 'Yes' flag is white with a round red spot, and the
+flag that means 'No' is blue with a round white spot on it."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, now I know," exclaimed Billy. "If your boat wants to tell another
+boat 'No,' then it puts up the pointed blue flag."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Billy, that's it."</p>
+
+<p>"How do they use the other flags?" inquired Gerald. "You can't spell
+things without <i>a's</i> and <i>o's</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you see, Gerald, each flag means something. Look on the back of
+the chart and you will see how they use the flags. The first signal is
+'H&mdash;B.' When those two flags are displayed,&mdash;'display' is the right
+word to use, mister, so don't make eyes. When the 'H' flag and the
+'B' flag are displayed together, with the 'H' above the 'B,' that's a
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>signal that means 'Want immediate assistance.'</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, boys, now I'll tell you what let's play. Every ship, you know,
+should carry a set of these signal-flags, so let's play we're all
+boats. I'll be a yacht, I guess, because yachts are beautiful."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm a steam-tug&mdash;choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo!&mdash;and my name's the tug <i>Billy</i>.
+Choo&mdash;choo choo&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Good, Bill!" exclaimed Gerald. "You're built just right for a tug. I
+guess I'll be the schooner <i>Gerald</i> of the White Star Line. Lumber's my
+cargo."</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me, I can't be just a yacht, sailing around for the fun of it,"
+remarked Betty. "I must be part of the merchant marine myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Part of the dictionary, you mean," grumbled Gerald.</p>
+
+<p>Betty was deaf for a moment. "I guess I would rather not be what
+you boys are, after all, so I'll be a passenger boat, the <i>City of
+Elizabeth</i>. I'm an ocean liner."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that's just like a girl," and Gerald <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>laughed. "An ocean liner on
+the Great Lakes. Oh, oh!"</p>
+
+<p>"Did you ever get left, smarty Gerald? I tell you, I'm an ocean liner.
+These signals aren't used on the Great Lakes, only on the ocean.
+Besides that, if I'm a boat, I want the ocean to sail on. I couldn't
+think of puddling around in a little bit of water. I'm the finest
+steamship afloat, and I make regular trips between&mdash;oh, I guess London
+and New York. That will give you some work to do, Billy, because I'll
+need a steam-tug to pilot me into the harbour every time. You'll make a
+dear little pilot-boat, you are so chubby."</p>
+
+<p>"Choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo! toot&mdash;toot&mdash;toot!" responded the steam-tug <i>Billy</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"What's the use of making a full set of flags?" remonstrated Gerald.
+"If we're going to play boat, let's play boat, and pretend we have them
+all. I've made the 'N&mdash;M' flags, that mean 'I'm on fire.'"</p>
+
+<p>"That's what I say," agreed Billy. "I found out that 'P&mdash;N' means 'Want
+a steam-tug,' so I've made two sets of 'P&mdash;N' flags, one for you and
+one for Betty to use. For my own self, the 'Yes' and 'No' flags are
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>all I want. You two better pin your 'Want a steam-tug' flags on; they
+won't stay stuck. Choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo! toot&mdash;toot! Here I come puffing
+around&mdash;toot&mdash;toot&mdash;toot&mdash;see my black smoke! Oh, Bet, let's play there
+came up an awful fog, so we'll have to toot our horns all the time."</p>
+
+<p>"And keep our bells sounding all the while we are at anchor," added
+Gerald.</p>
+
+<p>When the three boats began making trips, there were collisions and
+noise. Hero tried in vain to keep out of the way.</p>
+
+<p>"He's a reef; there ought to be a lighthouse on him," suggested Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"Look out for the St. Bernard Shoals," assented Gerald. "Hold on,
+there's a tug ashore,&mdash;a wreck on the St. Bernard Shoals."</p>
+
+<p>"Toot&mdash;toot&mdash;toot! puff&mdash;puff! choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo!" This from the
+steam-tug <i>Billy</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Tug is off the shoals, no lives lost," commented Gerald. "Oh, fire!
+fire! fire! My deck is all in flames. Up goes my signal 'I'm on fire,'
+and now where's my 'Want a steam-tug' signal. Oh, right here. I shall
+be <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>saved if the tug <i>Billy</i> doesn't burst his boilers before he gets
+here!"</p>
+
+<p>It so happened that the tug fell sprawling over the St. Bernard Shoals,
+and but for the timely assistance of the steamship <i>City of Elizabeth</i>,
+the schooner <i>Gerald</i> of the White Star Line must have been lost with
+all on board. To be sure, Gerald emptied his pockets upon the floor,
+insisting that everything that fell, from his jack-knife to marbles,
+were frantic sailors, who either perished in the sea or were devoured
+by sharks.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, the St. Bernard Shoals made trouble for the steam-tug
+<i>Billy</i>. "Can't even blow my whistle," puffed Billy. "Hero, let me get
+up. Don't keep tumbling me over and over. Don't you know I'm a boat? Go
+'way, Hero. Open the door, Gerald, so he'll go out. Call him, Betty."</p>
+
+<p>Outside the window, Hero tried his best to persuade the children to
+come out and play in the rain.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, dear, let's rest a minute," suggested Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"And say over the verses we learned that day of the worst blizzard last
+winter," added <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>Billy. "You know what I mean, Betty, the rules for
+steamers passing, and then, Betty, we'll play it is a dark night when
+we go on some more trips."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I'll tell you," put in Gerald, "we'll cut lanterns out of paper,
+red and green and white ones, and pin them on."</p>
+
+<p>"Begin the verses first, Betty; let's say them all together," suggested
+Billy, "and say them loud so Hero can hear."</p>
+
+<p>"Let me see," Betty hesitated, "the first one is this:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><small>"'Meeting steamers do not dread</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>When you see three lights ahead.</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Port your helm and show your red.'"</small><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"Here's a red lantern for you, Bill," interrupted Gerald, "and this
+is yours, Betty. Go on, why don't you? The next verse is about two
+steamers passing."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I remember; say it with me, boys:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><small>"'For steamers passing you should try</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>To keep this maxim in your eye.</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Green to green or red to red,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Perfect safety&mdash;go ahead.'</small><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p>
+<p>"Then, boys, the third verse is about steamships crossing:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><small>"'If to starboard red appear,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>'Tis your duty to keep clear;</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Act as judgment says is proper,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Port or starboard&mdash;back&mdash;or stop her.</small><br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><small>"'But when on your port is seen</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>A steamer with a light of green,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>There's not much for you to do,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>The green light must keep clear of you.'"</small><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>By this time three voices were singing merrily:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><small>"'Both in safety and in doubt,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i3"><small>Always keep a good lookout.</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Should there not be room to turn,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i3"><small>Stop your ship and go astern.'"</small><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Billy gave a shout. "Oh, look, Betty! look, Gerald! There's Antoine at
+the gate, and he's afraid of Hero. He doesn't dare pass him."</p>
+
+<p>"He's calling you, Billy; go get your dog." Gerald laughed as he spoke.</p>
+
+<p>"'Both in safety and in doubt, always keep a good lookout,'" mocked
+Billy. "He's scared to death. Look at him back up when <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>Hero walks
+toward him. 'Should there not be room to turn, stop your ship and go
+astern.' If Antoine was a boat, he could play Hero was an iceberg. Hey,
+Bet?"</p>
+
+<p>At last Antoine saw the children.</p>
+
+<p>"If we don't stop laughing," warned Betty, "he'll go away. He may think
+we're making fun of him."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, how I wish Hero would give one of his loud barks," added Gerald.
+"Oh, I believe he will, sure as anything. He doesn't know what to think
+of Antoine. I guess he never saw any one act so queer. Now just see him
+stand there in front of the gate and make crazy motions."</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Hero gave three loud barks that startled the little Frenchman
+almost out of his senses.</p>
+
+<p>"Look at him jump," continued Gerald. "He went up in the air like a
+rubber ball."</p>
+
+<p>"It's too bad," protested Betty. "I'm going to the door to tell Antoine
+that Hero won't hurt him. Billy, you go and get your dog."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I say, Bill," suggested Gerald, "instead of getting Hero, why
+don't you tow Antoine into port?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, goody! Choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo!&mdash;where's my tow-line?"</p>
+
+<p>"Here, you rascal!" exclaimed Betty, "how dare you take my
+hair-ribbons. Why, Billy, you'll spoil them tying them together in a
+hard knot like that."</p>
+
+<p>"One's too short&mdash;choo&mdash;ch&mdash;choo!&mdash;toot&mdash;toot&mdash;toot&mdash;French boat in
+distress, don't you see? Gerald, you go and pin your 'Want a steam-tug'
+flag on him."</p>
+
+<p>Away flew Gerald, while Betty and Billy stood laughing in the window.
+Antoine not only allowed Gerald to pin the flag upon him, but instantly
+began making an active display of his signals, calling aloud for the
+steam-tug <i>Billy</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Toot&mdash;toot&mdash;toot!&mdash;choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo!" was the immediate response, and
+the steam-tug went puffing to the rescue regardless of the falling rain.</p>
+
+<p>"Make fast the hawser," commanded Billy, passing Antoine the tow-line.
+"It's kind of short," he added, under his breath.</p>
+
+<p>Antoine obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>"Choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo!&mdash;ding&mdash;ding&mdash;ding&mdash;make fast. Ding&mdash;ding&mdash;ding&mdash;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>let
+go." Slowly did the steam-tug venture into deep water; too slowly to
+suit Antoine, whose fear of the dog was genuine. Gerald had explained
+that Hero never harmed any one Billy befriended, merely hinting at dark
+possibilities that might befall the unwary. He also laughingly told
+Antoine that Hero was not a dog, but a dangerous reef. In a short time
+the little Frenchman had reason to believe that the reef was volcanic
+in its nature.</p>
+
+<p>"Choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo"&mdash;on came the steam-tug, the French boat close
+behind. "Choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo&mdash;choo"&mdash;slower and slower the two approached
+the reef, the steam-tug venturing nearer and nearer, to the dismay of
+the boat in tow.</p>
+
+<p>Four sharp whistles sounded from the tug. It was the danger-signal!
+The steam-tug <i>Billy</i> was on the reef, and but for the parting of the
+hawser the French boat must have followed.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you try to run, Antoine," called Gerald; "you can't tell what
+Hero might do. You better stand right still till Billy gets on his feet
+again." Then he and Betty laughed. Terror was pictured on Antoine's
+face as the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>dog barked and pranced around, thoroughly enjoying the
+game.</p>
+
+<p>Billy struggled to his feet. "Toot&mdash;toot&mdash;make fast," he commanded, and
+Betty's hair-ribbons were once more tied together, how loosely only
+Billy knew.</p>
+
+<p>"Toot&mdash;go ahead," he sung out, but again the hawser parted, and
+Antoine, watching Hero, dared not stir. "Toot&mdash;toot&mdash;toot," there
+was the sound of laughter in the whistle, and the captain's
+voice was scarcely steady as he called out, "Slow up," then
+"Toot&mdash;stop&mdash;toot&mdash;toot&mdash;back up&mdash;make fast&mdash;toot&mdash;go ahead."</p>
+
+<p>Safely into port came the French boat, in the midst of cheering from
+the decks of the <i>City of Elizabeth</i> and the schooner <i>Gerald</i> of the
+White Star Line.</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                              <h2> CHAPTER V.<br />
+
+                            <small>ANTOINE LEBRINN</small></h2>
+
+<p>"Tell you a bear story, Beely? No, I'm too scare to tell you a bear
+story," Aunt Florence heard Antoine remark. "I tole you dog story, hey?
+How you scare you old friend Antoine with you big dog. That was a bad
+trick, Beely. You do wrong to scare ole Antoine."</p>
+
+<p>So earnestly did the Frenchman say this, as he held Billy on his knee,
+the small boy felt uncomfortable, though Aunt Florence laughed, and
+wondered how and when to begin her lecture.</p>
+
+<p>"But, Antoine," Billy explained, "that was a game."</p>
+
+<p>"A game, Beely, you call that game, do you, when you scare ole Antoine
+out his wit? Game, hey?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/066.jpg">
+<img src="images/066_th.jpg" width="300" alt="He held Billy on his knee" /></a></div>
+
+<p>"I knew Hero wouldn't hurt you, Antoine; he's a nice, kind dog, and he
+wouldn't bite a mosquito."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Antoine shook his head and made a downward motion with his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"That's all right for you, Beely, but how did Antoine know the dog
+she wouldn't bite one moskeet? When I see his mouth, I say to myself,
+Antoine, he swallow you sure, and then I call my friend Beely."</p>
+
+<p>"But I was a steamboat then," protested Billy, "and, anyway, I came
+after you, didn't I?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Beely, I find you out in the wood some day, big black bear after
+you. Beely call ole Antoine, and ole Antoine he play steamboat, hey,
+Beely? How you like that?"</p>
+
+<p>"Tell us a bear story, please do," persisted the child.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Beely, maybe I tole you bear story, maybe so, but that big dog he
+scare me. Now, I'm scare out of bear story."</p>
+
+<p>"Poor old Hero, he wants to come in," said Billy. "Shall I let him come
+in and get acquainted with you, Antoine?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Beely, I'm too much acquaint with him now. You call your dog, I
+go."</p>
+
+<p>"But he likes you, Antoine; I could tell by the way he sniffs at you
+that he likes you."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, maybe he likes me too much, I'm think. I'll bring my gun next
+time," warned Antoine; "then let him sniff at me, hey, Beely?"</p>
+
+<p>"You wouldn't shoot him."</p>
+
+<p>"I wouldn't stand still and let him eat me, I tell you that, Beely.
+When you see Antoine coming, you better call your dog and hide him."</p>
+
+<p>"Give it to him, Antoine," said Gerald, with a brotherly grin.</p>
+
+<p>Billy said nothing, but, with his back turned toward Aunt Florence, he
+made a face at Gerald.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Beely," protested the Frenchman, "that's a pretty crooked face
+you make there. Let me look on that face. She's round like the pumpkin,
+and your eye she's like two little blue bead. Well, I can't see nothing
+wrong with it now. A minute ago I'm 'fraid. You must not make such face
+like that on your brother, because, Beely, I'm afraid she freeze like
+that."</p>
+
+<p>"But where have you been all this time?" questioned Betty, while Gerald
+motioned Aunt <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>Florence to watch the grimaces and motions Antoine made
+as he talked.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I'm work back here on the cedar swamp, getting out some pole to
+load big vesseal when he come. Where's your papa? I want to see if he's
+hear anything of the <i>George Sturgis</i>. I'm think he's come last week,
+and I'm look for it ever since. He was going to come last week to Cecil
+Bay to get my pole to take to Chicago. I'm 'fraid we's going to get bad
+weather, and I want to get out my load of pole quick as I could."</p>
+
+<p>"You'll have to wait, Antoine," declared Gerald, "because papa went to
+the station with some messages, and he's going to wait for the mail,
+and the train's late."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you want to see our baby?" asked Betty. "Oh, he is the dearest
+little fellow, just three months old. Mamma says he looks exactly as
+Billy did when he was a baby."</p>
+
+<p>"Beely ain't baby no more," commented the Frenchman. "I s'pose he ain't
+like the new baby pretty good?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes," Betty assured Antoine, "Billy loves the baby."</p>
+
+<p>"And I'm seven, going on eight," the small <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>boy declared. "It seems a
+hundred years since you were here last," he continued; "have you been
+working in the cedar swamp all that time?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well," was the reply, "I'm think if you be there when the black fly
+and the moskeet eat you up, you would say it was one hundred year sure.
+You say your papa she go to the post-office, hey?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and the train is late. If I was an engine, I'd get here on time,
+and not keep folks waiting for their mail."</p>
+
+<p>Antoine LeBrinn made a remarkably bad grimace, looked at Billy for
+several seconds, and then replied: "Little boy ain't got no patience
+these day. Now, when I'm a little boy and live on Cadotte's Point, we
+only got our mail two time in one week."</p>
+
+<p>"But that was before the railroads came," said Betty, "and I don't see
+how you got any mail at all. Did it come in canoes?"</p>
+
+<p>Antoine shrugged his shoulders. "No, Betty, the dog she bring our mail
+in those day."</p>
+
+<p>"Dogs!" exclaimed Billy. He was sure there was a story coming.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean?" inquired Gerald, seating himself in Billy's rocker,
+while Betty drew her footstool close beside him. "Antoine, what do you
+mean?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just what I'm say. Dog, she bring our mail in the old day. Did you
+never hear of a traineau?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," admitted Betty. "I have read of traineaus, but I never expected
+to see any one who ever saw one. Do tell me all about them."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," began the Frenchman, making all sorts of motions with his
+head and his hands as he went on, "well, when I'm little boy and this
+was call Old Mackinaw Point, there was no train and no steamboat, and
+in the winter-time all our mail was brought by these dog I am tell
+you about. These dog she was train with the harness and haul a long
+sleigh call a traineau. I know a little chap," and Billy had to give
+a hard kick at somebody who pinched his toes, "I know one little chap
+that hitch up one dog to her sled and take a ride on all kinds of
+weather. Well, well, what's the matter with Beely? She jump around like
+something bite him."</p>
+
+<p>"Go on, Antoine, go on, tell us about the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>dogs," teased Billy.
+"Gerald's always acting horrid."</p>
+
+<p>"Well," resumed the Frenchman, "a traineau was pulled by six dog; all
+had harness on, and hitch one in front the other on one long string.
+The traineau she's all pile full of mailbag, and one man go along to
+drive the dog. This driver she go three, four hundred mile on one trip,
+and she would carry enough along to eat to last him and his dog four or
+five day."</p>
+
+<p>At this point Billy became much excited, and broke in with a remark
+that amused Gerald so highly he stood on his head and waved his feet in
+the air until Betty reminded him of his manners.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, why, Antoine," Billy demanded, "how could the driver carry stones
+enough to last even one hundred miles, I'd like to know?"</p>
+
+<p>The Frenchman was puzzled. "Stone," he remarked, running his fingers
+through his short, black hair, "now what, Beely, would the driver do
+with stone?"</p>
+
+<p>Betty clapped her hands. "When Billy goes driving on the ice with
+Major," she ex<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>plained, "he has to carry a pocket full of stones, or
+Major wouldn't go a step. He throws a stone and Major goes after it;
+then he throws another, and that's the way he keeps the dog flying."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that's pretty good," said the smiling Antoine, "but you see,
+Beely, these dog she was train to pull the sleigh when she was a little
+bit of a pup. He was train so he was used to it. When the driver said
+'Go,' she went; and at first, no matter how much mail they have, the
+dog she would jump and run as if they like it. After they draw a bit
+load two or three day, she's begin get tired, and then they would lay
+right down on the road, so the driver would stop and let the dog rest.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, on Mackinaw Point, the driver she stop at the little store and
+left the mail for all the folks; for the fishermen along the shore and
+on Cadotte's Point where I'm live."</p>
+
+<p>"But where did the traineaus start and where did they go?" inquired
+Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"They come from Alpena and go way up to the Soo, and then go back
+again."</p>
+
+<p>"Why didn't they use big sleighs and horses?" Gerald put in.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No road," was the reply, "only narrow trail through the wood."</p>
+
+<p>"And was all the mail from the big world brought to Mackinaw that way
+when you were a little boy?" persisted Betty; "and did you ever get a
+letter?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I can't say I ever got one letter myself. Little children ain't
+much account those day, but my aunt what live on Canada send me one
+pair mitten for a New Year present. I'm just about big like Beely then,
+but I'm walk in all alone from Cadotte's Point."</p>
+
+<p>"And you must have seen a bear," observed Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, now, you Beely, you think I'm going to tell you a bear story. Well
+I ain't feel just right for tole you a bear story this time. I'm tell
+that some other time. I'm tell you a bear story every time I'm see you,
+Beely, and I'm getting them pretty near all wear out."</p>
+
+<p>At this the children laughed so uproariously, the baby awoke and began
+to cry.</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma'll bring him out in a minute," remarked Betty, and when the
+baby, still screaming, was brought into the room, Antoine in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>sisted
+upon taking him, to the delight of the children, who stood by, softly
+clapping their hands and laughing. Their mother laughed, too, when
+Antoine, who knew something about babies from long experience, began
+walking the floor with the little fellow and talking to him.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, is this the new baby? Bring it here and let me look at it. Well,
+a pretty nice looking baby, I'm think, if she ain't cry so much. Her
+face is all crooked and all wrinkle up. Come now, you ain't going to
+cry all the time. I'm going to look and see them little eye you got
+there. Well, she make quite a bit of noise for her size, but I'm going
+to sing him a little song and see if she won't go to sleep again:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><small>"'The Frenchman he hate to die in the fall,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>When the marsh is full of game:</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>For the muskrat he is good and fat,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>And the bullfrog just the same.</small><br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><small>"'High le,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>High low,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Now baby don't you cry,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>For ole Antoine is right close by.'"</small><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p>
+<p>"Now you see, Beely, she's quit crying already. You ain't know Antoine
+can sing, eh?"</p>
+
+<p>It was even as Antoine said; the baby had stopped crying, and Billy,
+astonished by the music of the Frenchman's voice, begged for another
+song, insisting that anything would please him.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, Beely," objected his friend. "I ain't going to sing no more to
+the baby, she's quiet now. I'm goin to tole you a story."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it a bear story?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, it's a cow story. My cow she's run away once, and I'm find it
+on Wheeler's farm." Thus began Antoine, accompanying his words with
+gestures far more laughable than the tale he told, and causing the
+children great amusement. Billy's round face became one broad grin as
+he listened.</p>
+
+<p>"When I'm take my cow home," went on the little Frenchman, still
+walking the floor with the baby in his arms, "I'm take short cut on
+the wood; I'm go by old log road. There was a lot of raspberry there,
+so now I'm to pick up some raspberry for myself. So I'm tie my cow on
+black stick of wood, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>let it eat grass on the road and drag the
+wood along, and she can't get away from me."</p>
+
+<p>At this point Betty's mother rescued the baby from the arms of the
+prancing Frenchman, to the evident relief of Betty, who thought the
+baby too precious a bundle to be flourished so vigorously, as Antoine
+stooped to pick raspberries and to tie his cow.</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty soon," continued the narrator, "pretty soon she give a jerk
+with his head, and the piece of wood jump toward it and scare my cow.
+Well, she start to run down the road, and I'm run after it and holler,
+'Whoa, Bess, whoa!' but she's so scare she ain't stop.</p>
+
+<p>"By and by my cow stop, all play out." Antoine placed himself before
+Betty, who was sitting on a footstool near Aunt Florence, while Gerald
+and Billy were standing near their mother's chair, the refuge they
+sought when Antoine was running after his cow. "Well, as I'm say, my
+cow stop all play out. She stand right there on front that stick of
+wood." Antoine certainly mistook Betty for the stick of wood. "She's
+stand there and look straight at it, and she's go, 'Woof! woof! woof!'
+and his tail she's go round and round," <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>and Antoine's arms made wide
+circles in the air, "but she's all right; she ain't hurt at all, so I'm
+catch my cow and take it home, and I'm pretty glad she ain't hurt at
+all. Now I ain't tie my cow to no more black stick of wood. I told you
+that right now."</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of the laugh that followed, and while Billy was pulling
+at the Frenchman's sleeve, beseeching him to tell another story, the
+marine reporter came home. Immediately Antoine told his errand, and
+made his escape from the presence of the clamouring children, laughing,
+shrugging his shoulders, and declaring that he would sometime tell
+them all the stories they would listen to. Thus Aunt Florence lost an
+opportunity to deliver her first temperance lecture.</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had the door closed behind Antoine when it was opened by
+Billy, who followed his friend into the yard.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, Antoine," he called, "take this orange to 'Phonse. Mamma gave me
+one, and Betty one, and Gerald one."</p>
+
+<p>"It's a good little Beely," was the remark that filled the small boy's
+heart with pride, as Antoine slipped the treasure in his pocket.</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                             <h2> CHAPTER VI.<br />
+
+                               <small>ORANGES</small></h2>
+
+
+
+<p>After supper Billy thought longingly of his orange. He wondered if
+it was thick-skinned and if it was juicy. He felt pretty sure it was
+sweet, and the more he thought of it the sweeter it seemed to his
+imagination. Billy was just saying to himself that, if he had not given
+away his orange, he would eat it without asking his mother for sugar,
+when he stumbled upon Gerald leaning over the wood-box in the kitchen.</p>
+
+<p>"What are you doing out here all alone?" demanded Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"What business is it of yours, I'd like to know? Why don't you go back
+in the other room?" Gerald grumbled, making rather lively motions
+around three sides of the wood-box, as he tried to keep his back toward
+Billy.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Aw, pig!" sniffed Billy, "eating your orange out here where nobody'd
+see you, so you wouldn't have to divide. Orange juice running all down
+your arm, and I'm glad of it, pig!"</p>
+
+<p>"Got an orange of your own," was Gerald's retort.</p>
+
+<p>"Haven't either," declared Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Then you've eaten it up, and now who's a pig, I'd like to know? I
+offered to divide my orange with Selma, but she was in a hustle to
+get her dishes washed and get down-town, and it isn't my fault if she
+couldn't wait for me to get it peeled. You're the pig, Billy, because
+you didn't even offer to divide with anybody."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I gave my whole orange to Antoine before I even stopped to smell
+of it," wailed Billy, "and I guess if I had a little brother that
+hadn't had a smell of orange, I'd give him a piece."</p>
+
+<p>Gerald whistled. "Who ever'd think you'd do such a thing, Billy? Here,
+little boy, is your reward of merit," and Gerald, thrusting half his
+orange into Billy's outstretched hand, walked away, whistling.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Half an orange made Billy wish for more. It was a sweet one and juicy.
+He wondered if Betty's orange was anywhere near as good. Later in the
+evening Gerald went out on the beach with his father to see if there
+were any boats in sight to be reported. While he was gone, Betty
+prepared to eat her orange.</p>
+
+<p>"Come on, Billy," she suggested, "get your rocker, and we'll eat our
+oranges while mamma undresses the baby. I'm glad it is a chilly night,
+so we had to have a fire in the grate."</p>
+
+<p>A wistful expression crept into Billy's face. "I gave my orange to
+Antoine to take to 'Phonse," was his reply in sorrowful tones.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, you dear, good Billy, you shall have half of mine. Bring your
+rocker here beside of me, and we'll eat my orange together. See my
+saucer of sugar. I'll divide that with you, too."</p>
+
+<p>Billy, more than willing, was thoroughly enjoying himself when Gerald
+returned. The minute the door was opened, the boy stuffed the last
+piece of his half of Betty's orange into his mouth so quickly Betty
+couldn't imagine what ailed him.</p>
+
+<p>Gerald's remark upon beholding this per<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>formance was an explosion.
+"Pig!" he shouted. Explanations followed, and Billy was sent into the
+kitchen to do some quiet thinking. The cat followed him, whether from
+curiosity or because she liked Billy, it is impossible to say.</p>
+
+<p>When Billy climbed into a hard, uncomfortable chair, so high his
+feet couldn't touch the floor, the cat jumped upon another chair and
+settled down to watch him. At first Billy looked ashamed of himself
+and miserable. For a minute he seemed to think of pulling his loose
+tooth; but, after touching it ever so gently, he shook his head. Then,
+observing a strange expression on the cat's face, Billy half-smiled;
+that is, the smile stopped just below his eyes, whose solemn stare
+remained unchanged.</p>
+
+<p>That was enough for the cat. With a remark that sounded exactly like
+what she used to say to her kittens when she brought them a mouse, she
+bounded into Billy's chair, and began rubbing against him, purring
+cheerfully. By the time she had flourished her tail in his face, licked
+his hands, and clawed at his red <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>sweater for a few seconds, Billy
+laughed merrily.</p>
+
+<p>Perhaps if the cat had minded her own business, Billy would not have
+forgotten his disgrace so quickly. However that may be, the small boy
+slipped down from his chair and had a good time. He played tiger in
+the jungle with the cat until she objected; then he played he was the
+northwest wind, sending everything helter-skelter before his icy breath.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Billy bethought him of a new game, and a few minutes later the
+whole family rushed into the kitchen half-fearing that the stove must
+have fallen upon the child, so unusual was the racket they heard. There
+was no cause for alarm. At the moment Billy was Antoine's cow. A big
+tin pail attached to his waist by Betty's jumping-rope was the black
+stick of wood.</p>
+
+<p>When the family appeared at the door, the cow was standing in front of
+the black stick of wood, stamping its feet and snorting, "Woof! woof!
+woof!" The cat was nowhere in sight.</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                            <h2> CHAPTER VII.<br />
+
+                        <small>MINNAVAVANA'S BRAVES</small></h2>
+
+
+
+<p>The north wind is no respecter of persons. He wasn't invited to Betty's
+lawn party, but he came at dawn and stayed until dark the day she chose
+to entertain her dearest friends. Billy was glad of it. He said that
+girls' parties were silly, anyway, and he hoped the whole flock would
+have to stay in the house. He declared that Betty needn't expect to see
+him at the party: he would rather hide in the cellar all day than be
+the only boy among so many girls. Aunt Florence smiled, and said she
+guessed they could get along without him if he felt that way.</p>
+
+<p>"Sometime before I go home, though," she promised Billy, "we'll have a
+boys' party, and then we won't care how hard the wind blows. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>But the
+girls, dear me, Billy, they'll be so disappointed if they have to stay
+in the house."</p>
+
+<p>"Who cares?" suggested Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, I care," suggested Aunt Florence. "Young man, I am helping Betty
+with this party, and the wind is more than I know what to do with."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, if it's your party, Aunt Florence, that's different, and I know
+what to do. Build a tramps' shelter and keep the wind out."</p>
+
+<p>"What's a tramps' shelter, Billy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Aunt Florence, out in the woods the tramps make regular little
+rooms of trees and branches. We can coax papa and his man to get a
+wagon-load of Christmas-trees from the woods and make a room, not where
+we'd spoil the lawn, but the other side of the house, you know, down
+close to the lake."</p>
+
+<p>"Who would report boats, Billy, if your father and the man both go to
+the woods?"</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma would," was the reply; "she does lots of times. I'll get
+some boys to help make the room if you want to do it. I wish Gerald
+was here, but every time Mr. Robinson <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>invites him to go on the
+fishing-tug, he goes. I wish I was him."</p>
+
+<p>When Betty heard of Billy's plan, she said she didn't know he could
+think of anything so nice, and before noon the room was made.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a fort!" declared Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, so it is," added Betty. "And to-morrow, Billy, let's play fort,
+and I'll ask Lucille and that little girl that plays with her, that
+little Marion Struble from Marquette, and Cora and Gay to come and
+bring their dolls and play ladies from the settlement seeking safety in
+the fort during an Indian war. You may be an Indian chief, you know,
+and I don't care how many boys you have for braves. Oh, it will be
+loads of fun."</p>
+
+<p>"Let's do it to-day," suggested Jimmie Brown, the Detroit boy.</p>
+
+<p>"And scare the girls to death," added one of the green cottage twins.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, mercy, boys, that wouldn't do at all! You see, this is to be a
+real stylish party to-day, and besides that, I don't s'pose half the
+girls that are coming ever played Indian. Why, one time, auntie, Gerald
+and Billy and I had an Indian show, and we hadn't any more <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>than begun
+when the girls were scared and ran home crying.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you boys would please go now and pick about ten bushels of wild
+flowers, so we can make the inside of this evergreen fort perfectly
+beautiful. See, Aunt Florence, papa made the north wall extra thick
+and high, so the wind can't get in. Isn't this the sweetest place for
+a party you ever heard of? Of course, we'll be crowded, and of course
+we can't stay in it all the time, but that won't hurt anything. Mamma
+says we may bring out all the cushions and put them on the board seats.
+We'll have the music-box here in the corner."</p>
+
+<p>Soon the boys returned with arms full of wild flowers. "Powder and shot
+for the fort," announced Billy, and the mischief shining in his eyes
+alarmed his sister.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Billy Grannis," she warned, "don't you dare try any tricks."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course not," replied Billy, though Jimmie and the green cottage
+twins tossed their caps into the air and grinned.</p>
+
+<p>"They're planning something, auntie," Betty declared, but when the
+guests began to arrive she forgot her suspicions.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/088.jpg">
+<img src="images/088_th.jpg" width="350" alt="Watching from behind the north wall of the evergreen fort" /></a></div>
+
+<p>Alice Swayze came first, dressed in her best white gown. She was from
+Kalamazoo. Betty seated her beside the music-box. Two little girls from
+Chicago came next, wearing wide blue sashes just alike. Little Belle
+Lamond from California straightened her pink sash, felt of the bow on
+her pretty dark curls, and acted so vain and silly, four small boys,
+who were watching from behind the north wall of the evergreen fort,
+almost laughed aloud.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Won't she jump, though?" whispered Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"You bet," replied Jimmie Brown, "and there comes Nellie Thomas.
+She's from Detroit, and is in my sister's room at school. She'll jump
+sky-high."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/089.jpg">
+<img src="images/089_th.jpg" width="350" alt="There was merriment within the evergreen fort" /></a></div>
+
+
+<p>There was merriment within the evergreen fort, as little girls
+continued to enter and the tiny space became crowded. When Betty
+started the music-box, whispering behind the north wall was no longer
+necessary.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"It's getting so noisy in there, I'm 'fraid they won't even hear wild
+Indians," ventured Jimmie Brown at the top of his voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Hush," cautioned Billy, "don't talk too loud. Music-boxes and wind and
+waves and talking girls sometimes keep still at the same time."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, look," exclaimed the twins, "what's coming?"</p>
+
+<p>"Frenchy and Bud and Buzz and Tony and their little 'dopted sister
+Samone," Billy declared, as he began motioning for the new-comers to
+creep quietly to the fort.</p>
+
+<p>'Phonse took the hint, and soon he and his wondering followers were
+peering through the evergreen walls.</p>
+
+<p>"What's going to happen?" demanded 'Phonse, with a grin.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," explained Billy, "it's a game, only the girls don't know
+they're in it. That's a fort, and we're Indians. I'm Minnavavana, the
+chief, and the rest of you are my braves. You want to play, of course.
+Samone don't count, though, she's only a papoose."</p>
+
+<p>"But where are your tomahawks, and what's <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>going to happen, I say?"
+persisted 'Phonse, as he and his brothers crowded around Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Look," said Jimmie Brown, showing the LeBrinn children a firecracker.
+"These Indians have guns. Can't you give him a gun, Billy? My pocket's
+full of matches."</p>
+
+<p>"Sure," replied Billy; "you give out the matches. Now listen, you that
+don't know the game. We're all Indians, but I'm the chief. You're
+just braves. When I nod my head like this, every brave must give an
+awful war-whoop. Just screech, boys, yell for all you're worth, and I
+will, too, and that same minute fire off your firecrackers and run.
+You mustn't even stop to see what the girls do, because then we'll be
+caught."</p>
+
+<p>"You all cut for the woods," 'Phonse warned his brood.</p>
+
+<p>"Now get in a straight line," commanded Billy, "and look in. I guess
+they're all here now, and we mustn't wait long if we expect to have
+any fun, because soon's they're all here Betty's going to have them
+all go and have games on the porch, and they're coming back here for
+'freshments. Watch out there, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>Bud, don't lean too hard. What if the
+stockade should tumble in?"</p>
+
+<p>Unconscious of bright eyes watching, and of the row of grins behind the
+fort's north wall, the little girls laughed and gaily chatted.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, without the least warning, blood-curdling sounds filled
+the air, accompanied by what seemed to be cannon shots. At the same
+instant, the evergreens forming the north wall trembled, shook, fell
+in; while screaming girls, frightened almost out of their senses,
+struggled to get away.</p>
+
+<p>Billy tried to run but couldn't. "Wait, boys, wait for me!" he
+shouted, but the boys didn't wait, not even for the little Samone,
+who cried frantically for help. Billy never heard such an uproar,
+quickly followed by screams of terror unlike anything he ever dreamed
+of. Turning, he saw what Betty and her little friends that instant
+noticed; saw what made the grown folks, rushing across the lawn, white
+with fear. Little Samone, trying in vain to free herself from the
+evergreens, was on fire. Billy saw the flames reaching for the ragged
+sleeve of her calico slip, and knew <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>that he must try to save her.
+Betty saw what he meant to do, and tried to stop him.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait, Billy, wait!" she screamed. "You're too little! Papa is coming!
+Wait, oh, Billy, Billy!"</p>
+
+<p>But the north wind wasn't waiting, and Samone was tiny. Quicker than
+a flash, Billy, usually so slow, leaped upon the evergreens, snatched
+Samone, and rolled her down the bank into the water.</p>
+
+<p>When certain braves returned, seeking a lost papoose, they found her
+playing with Betty's guests; but the great chief, Minnavavana, whose
+hands were a trifle burned, was still sobbing in his mother's arms.</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+                            <h2> CHAPTER VIII.<br />
+
+                        <small>ANTOINE'S BEAR STORIES</small></h2>
+
+
+
+<p>Straight into all hearts walked the little Samone. Every one in the
+village loved her, and strangers, learning the child's story, had tried
+to take her away from Antoine LeBrinn, for Samone was a waif. When
+Betty, Billy, and Aunt Florence called at the Frenchman's home, Antoine
+received them with scant courtesy. He supposed that Aunt Florence was
+one more summer visitor who wanted the child; one more who had come to
+tell him that she must not be allowed to grow up in a shanty on the
+beach; and, taking Billy one side, Antoine talked angrily, as he spread
+his nets to dry.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/095.jpg">
+<img src="images/095_th.jpg"  width="103" alt="Samone" /></a></div>
+
+<p>"Why," remonstrated Billy, "of course, I wouldn't bring any one down
+here to get Samone away from you. Auntie is glad you have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span> Samone.
+She says she's glad of it&mdash;only&mdash;only&mdash;" How could Billy
+explain the errand upon which Aunt Florence had come? He did <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>wish
+Betty would keep things to herself. Talking to Antoine about drinking
+didn't do a bit of good, anyway. Billy was sure of it, and he did wish
+Mrs. LeBrinn and the children were home. They were away huckleberrying.
+Betty and Aunt Florence were sitting on a log in front of the shanty,
+waiting for Antoine to finish spreading his nets.</p>
+
+<p>"What for your face she get so red, little Beely?" asked Antoine.</p>
+
+<p>"I was wondering if you would tell us a bear story," replied the little
+fellow.</p>
+
+<p>"Beely, I tole you one bear story, you tell ole Antoine why your aunt
+come down to see him."</p>
+
+<p>Billy hesitated only a minute, and then told Antoine that Aunt Florence
+liked his children so well she wanted him to promise not to drink any
+more. "I wouldn't have said a word if you hadn't asked me," concluded
+Billy, "and now you'll tell us a bear story, won't you?"</p>
+
+<p>Antoine laughed long and loud before saying: "Beely, you think your
+aunt like one bear story?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, yes, but what are you laughing at, Antoine?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I'm think I'm tell one, two, three, four bear story until your
+aunt go home, and ole Antoine she laugh."</p>
+
+<p>"How are you going to begin, Aunt Florence?" asked Betty, as Antoine
+and Billy came toward them hand in hand. "They say he won't promise not
+to drink; he just will spend every cent he can get when he wants to.
+Now what are you going to say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Betty, I don't know how to begin a bit better than you do, but for
+the sake of those five children somebody ought to try to do something
+besides laugh at such a man, and I shall try."</p>
+
+<p>"But, auntie, how will you begin?"</p>
+
+<p>"You must wait, Betty, and see."</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me," Antoine began, "but I'm think I'm tell my friend Beely
+one bear story. I guess I'm tell you about the white bear. When I'm a
+little fellow, not so old as you, Beely, my brother have a pet bear. It
+was so high and so big and his colour was brown."</p>
+
+<p>"Brown," repeated Billy, "I thought you said it was white."</p>
+
+<p>"Maybe so, maybe so, Beely. Well, we all like the little brown bear but
+my ma, and she <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>don't like that bear so much as I like the switch she
+always keep on the corner behind the flour barrel. My brother would
+have the bear on the house, and my ma scold and scold, because that
+bear get into all kind of troubles. He steal lump of sugar and he eat
+the codfish, and he help hisself to anything she want.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Beely, one day my ma hear big noise on what you call the pantry,
+and that noise, Beely, was near the flour barrel, and when she go
+over to see what was the matter out jump a little white bear. He was
+the same little brown bear, Beely, all cover over with flour. My ma
+was so mad at that bear she ain't know what to do after he spoil all
+that flour. So she grab the broom, and she chase the bear all over the
+kitchen. She hit him whack-e-ty whack, Beely, until the poor little
+bear was pretty near scare to dead, and the air was all full of flour,
+and everything was all tip over and tumble down and upset, and my ma
+she look like a crazy woman. By and by she open the door, the little
+bear scoot out and climb a tree, and then he sit and look on my mother
+while she stand there and scold him.</p>
+
+<p>"And do you know, Beely, that little pet <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>bear don't want to come on
+the house no more. You can't coax him on.</p>
+
+<p>"And one time, Beely, I have one little coon; he was my own pet. We
+catch him when he was a little fellow, and I have to feed him with a
+spoon, and when he was big he was chuck full of trick, too. One day,
+when my ma she was milking the cow, she turn her head, and my coon she
+jump right in the milk. Then my ma gave him a taste of a stick, like
+this, Beely, whack, whack, whack. Then my ma say to my pa she won't
+have so much wild animal around, and next day I find my little coon
+asleep, and he never wake up."</p>
+
+<p>"He died while he was asleep, did he, Antoine?"</p>
+
+<p>"Look that way, look that way, Beely. Now I'm tole you about one time
+me and my brother start out to find what you call ging-seng; around
+here we call it shang."</p>
+
+<p>"I never heard of it, Antoine, what is it?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's a root, Beely, the Chinamen want. It used to grow on China, but
+now she's all gone. It grows wild on the wood here, and you can get
+four and five dollar a pound for it if you know where to send it. You
+have <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>to know the wood pretty well, or you ain't know where to find
+it. Well, Beely, me and my brother know where there was a good patch
+of shang, so one time when we have a week to spare, we start out one
+afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>"Before we have go a half-mile from home, my brother think he forget
+something. He go back to get it, and I walk on alone. We intend to
+stay all night in old log shanty. It is pretty near dark when I get
+there. I wait for my brother. He don't come. I'm pretty hungry, so I
+eat my supper, and look around the house where I'm to stay all night.
+Well, Beely, there was no door on the house, but that don't scare me.
+I am used to the wood, and I don't think nothing going to hurt me. But
+before I lay down and before it get dark, I put everything we bring to
+eat up on some high place, so the mouse and the squirrel can't get it.
+Then I go to sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my, weren't you afraid, Antoine?"</p>
+
+<p>"What I be afraid of, Beely? I have my gun close beside me. I ain't
+know what time it is when I wake up. It is dark, and I think I hear a
+noise outside the shanty. Then I hear something walk in. Oh, Beely,
+my hair stand <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>on one end, I'm so scare when I hear something go
+'sniff&mdash;sniff.' I'm so scare I don't dare get my gun, and my teeth
+go like this, Beely." Antoine tried to make Betty, Billy, and Aunt
+Florence realize how his teeth chattered, accompanying the performance
+by gestures that were funny enough.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Beely, in a moment more I hear something walk, and I know a big
+bear has come to see me."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Antoine, why didn't you shoot him?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because, Beely, I'm too scare. I don't dare stir, and, Beely, I'm
+think good-bye, Antoine, for the big bear came and pokes me two time
+with his nose."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, sakes alive, Antoine."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Beely, it is the truth I tole you. After he give me two poke,
+the old bear walk around until he find my can of salmon. Then I hear
+him eating and tip over all my things. Then he walk around and around,
+and by and by he come and see me again."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Antoine!"</p>
+
+<p>"But, Beely, you just wait; I tole you one joke on the big bear. He
+knock my gun down; <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>he go off biff-bang! At first I'm so scare I'm
+think I'm going to die. Then I laugh until I pretty near choke to dead,
+for I hear the big bear run off through the wood. And in the morning,
+Beely, I find his track,&mdash;great, big, black bear track."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell me another, Antoine, please."</p>
+
+<p>Antoine, giving Billy a wink, began again before Aunt Florence or Betty
+could say a word. "Now, Beely, you know the wood is full of some bear,
+and ole Antoine he like to go bear-hunting."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, go on, you went hunting, and what happened?"</p>
+
+<p>"Hold on, Beely, I don't go hunting, I go fishing; that is, Beely, I
+start to go fishing, but before I go far I come across a bear track. I
+think I never see such a big bear track. It is big like this, Beely,
+so I say I will follow the track of the big bear, but first I will go
+and get my gun. Then I leave my fish-pole at home, and start out with
+my gun, and I am think I am kill the biggest bear you ever hear of. I'm
+follow that bear track for one, two, three, four mile. It's a fresh
+track, and I'm pretty sure I'm find the bear and shoot <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>him. By and by
+I stand still and think what I'm going to do. The big bear she's gone
+into one thicket, and, if I went after it, I shall have to crawl in. I
+ain't like to do that. I'm a little scare."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I should think so. Go on, Antoine; of course, you did crawl in."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Beely, I crawl in and I keep crawling. You see, I think after
+awhile I'm going to come out at a clearing. I don't much like to follow
+track of one big bear on a place where I can't stand, and by and by I
+hear a twig snap, and pretty soon I'm hear another. Then I'm so scare I
+keep still a minute. I think maybe I'm going straight to the big bear's
+house, and the big bear and his folks will eat me up. When I'm think
+that, I'm think I better get back to the road, I think I don't want to
+shoot that bear, after all. I'm change my mind and go back to the road
+just so quick as I can."</p>
+
+<p>"And when you got there, what happened, Antoine?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Beely, I go home."</p>
+
+<p>"And you didn't even see the bear?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No, Beely, and when I'm in that thicket, I'm think I don't want to see
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Antoine, maybe that's a track story, but I don't call it a bear
+story. Now, please tell me a good one 'bout narrow 'scapes. That's the
+kind I like."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Beely, one time when I'm a little boy, my ma send me after the
+cows. We have two cows then. Well, I'm just ready to start home with
+the cows, when she stand still a minute and look scare to dead. I stand
+up on a log, and I think what is the matter, and then I see a big bear
+stand up on his hind feet. I don't know how I do anything so quick, but
+in a second I jump up on one of those cow, and then they both give a
+snort and start down the road lickety-split."</p>
+
+<p>"And did the bear chase you, Antoine?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think so, Beely, I don't know. I ain't look back to see. I have all
+I can do to hang on my cow. It ain't easy riding, I tole you that."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Antoine," remonstrated Billy, "I don't call that a bear story. I
+call it a cow story. Now, please, Antoine, tell me a good one. Please
+don't laugh; tell me a good, wild <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>bear story, one of your narrow
+'scapes. Tell me about the time you caught the little bear last summer.
+I like that story."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Beely, I ain't like to tell you that story pretty good, for
+every time I'm think on it I'm scare out of my wit yet."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Antoine, the bears can't hurt you now; they are all dead."</p>
+
+<p>"I know that, but I'm think they are going to hurt me that time. Well,
+it's just like this: I'm going on the swamp to look at some cedar I'm
+going to get out that winter. When I'm come to a little birch ridge
+on the swamp, well, I'm going to go across that ridge when I see two
+big bear and one little one lay down on front of me about twenty-five
+feet away. Well, I'm scare the bear, and the bear scare me. I'm come
+up there so quiet they ain't think I'm going to come at all; and I
+ain't think I'm going to see any bear there. I'm too scare to run away
+and I'm too scare to shoot. You know I'm got my gun with me. You know,
+Beely, I'm always got my gun and one little axe when I'm go through the
+wood.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I'm stand there behind one stump; I look on the bear and the
+bear look on me. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>The biggest one get up on his hind leg and she show
+his teeth and growl. I'm pretty scare, I'm tole you that, Beely, when
+I'm see her big teeth. But I'm make up my mind I'm got to shoot that
+bear right there, or Antoine don't see Beely no more. Well, I'm take a
+rest with my gun on the stump, and take a good aim and shoot. I'm hit
+that bear right on the head. She's fall right down on his back, and
+growl and kick little bit and die.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, that scare the little bear, so she's climb up the tree. They
+got one more big bear there yet, and I ain't got no more bullet on my
+gun, and I ain't got time for load, so I'm climb one little tree pretty
+quick, just like one little red squirrel. But I'm take my gun along
+with me, so I can load it up there, you know.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, the bear she's come for me, but I'm load my gun pretty quick.
+When the bear she get ready for climb the tree, I'm shoot it, but I
+ain't hit it pretty good, and I ain't kill it that time, because just
+the same time I'm shoot, the limb what I'm stand on break, and I'm fall
+on the ground. I fall right close by the bear. I ain't hurt me very
+much, because I ain't fall <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>pretty far, but I'm jump up like a rabbit
+and I'm grab my little axe, what I'm got on my belt, just the same time
+the bear she jump for me.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm hurt the bear pretty much when I'm shoot the first time, so she
+can't jump quick like me. When the bear she's jump on me, I'm jump
+behind one stump and hit him on the head with my axe. But I ain't kill
+it first time.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm run around the stump, and ever time I'm get a chance I'm hit that
+bear with my axe, and by and by I'm hit it on the nose and kill the
+bear that time. You know, Beely, it's pretty easy to kill a bear when
+you hit him right on the nose.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Beely, I'm pretty glad I'm kill that bear, but I'm so scare I
+sit on that stump and shake and shake and shake just like as if I have
+the ague. By and by I'm feel a little better, and I think I'm going to
+catch that little bear what's up on the tree, so I'm cut down the tree
+and catch the bear; and I'm take off my belt and tie it around his neck
+and fetch it home. Then I go back there and skin the two bear, because
+the bear she's nice and fat and pretty good to eat that time.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I have that little bear yet, and he do lots of trick. Pretty smart
+little fellow, pretty ugly, I tole you that. I'm call him Beely after
+my little friend."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, let's show him to Aunt Florence," suggested Billy, but Aunt
+Florence, for some reason, insisted upon going home.</p>
+
+<p>"No use for me to try to say anything to him," she remarked to Betty,
+as they walked along the bay shore. "I'll give up. I should think that
+man would be ashamed when he remembers that little suit I gave 'Phonse."</p>
+
+<p>"But that's the queer thing about him, auntie," Betty explained; "he
+never remembers anything he wants to forget. I like him, though."</p>
+
+<p>"So do I, far as that goes," agreed Aunt Florence, "but I more than
+like that poor little Samone."</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                             <h2>CHAPTER IX.<br />
+
+                      <small>UNCLE JOHN'S "OLD TIMER"</small></h2>
+
+
+
+<p>Betty cried at the station when Aunt Florence went home. Billy felt
+like crying, but he wouldn't. Aunt Florence was sorry to leave the
+children, and even Gerald felt sad enough as her train disappeared
+among the pines, and the whistle sounded at the crossing down the bay
+shore.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, she's gone," was his cheerful remark.</p>
+
+<p>"But she said she'd come again next summer," Betty sobbed, "and just as
+soon as she gets to the city she's going to send me a beautiful doll to
+dress for Samone."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps Samone won't be here then," said Gerald.</p>
+
+<p>"Won't be here! Why not?" asked Betty, wiping her eyes and staring at
+the boys.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Well, you know Antoine's been drinking again, and I heard some men
+saying if he keeps on they are going to take Samone away from him.
+They're going to send her to the House of Correction,&mdash;no, I don't
+believe that's the name of the place, either, but it is some home for
+children that don't belong to anybody."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what will Antoine do?" exclaimed Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"He'll fight," suggested Billy, "and so I will, too."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll tell you, boys, what we can do," advised Betty. "You know, it
+won't be long now before Uncle John comes to go hunting. Of course,
+Aunt Florence will tell him all about Antoine and Samone, and how she
+couldn't make him stop drinking, because she didn't know how to begin
+talking to him about it. Now, everybody says that if Antoine would make
+up his mind to be a different kind of a man, he could, and everybody
+likes him, even now, so I'm just going to ask Uncle John to go down to
+his house and make him stop. That's a fine plan. Folks always listen to
+Uncle John because he's so good-looking."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When Uncle John came, he laughed at Betty. "Why, child, I'm not a
+temperance lecturer," he protested. "I came up here to hunt deer, not
+Frenchmen. Besides that, what's the use of my trying to do what you and
+Aunt Florence couldn't?"</p>
+
+<p>"Aunt Florence didn't half try," answered Betty, "and, of course, I've
+never tried at all. I wouldn't dare."</p>
+
+<p>Again Uncle John laughed. "If you don't dare venture, Betty, let's give
+up. What do you say, Billy?"</p>
+
+<p>"I say, let me go hunting with you," replied the boy.</p>
+
+<p>"Hunting the Frenchman?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, hunting deer and bears. Will you take me sometime?"</p>
+
+<p>Betty turned away much troubled. There was no use of talking to Uncle
+John, she could see that plainly. Betty liked Antoine so well she
+couldn't understand why every one laughed when anything was said about
+trying to make him do right. She knew, too, how dearly the Frenchman
+and his family loved the little Samone, and how kind they were to
+the child. She also knew what Antoine was beginning <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>to suspect: a
+number of men in the village who were interested in Samone, and whose
+decisions were always carried out, were talking of sending the little
+one to the State School at Coldwater.</p>
+
+<p>Betty said no more about Antoine to Uncle John, but, while the frost
+fairies painted the maple leaves crimson and brightened the borders
+of the evergreen woods with many a dash of colour, she listened as
+eagerly as Billy and Gerald to all he had to say of forest wonders.
+At the same time, down in her heart, Betty was hoping that Uncle John
+wouldn't get a deer that season. "If he don't kill a deer," she told
+herself, "then the Coldwater school don't get Samone. That's my new
+superstition, though I'll never tell even Billy. Some things you must
+keep to yourself."</p>
+
+<p>Those were the days when Billy hated bedtime with all his might. It
+always came in the middle of some tale of adventure, often at the point
+where Uncle John almost shot a bear.</p>
+
+<p>Evening after evening, Mr. Larzalere, a neighbour, called to see Uncle
+John, and many a tale of the woods he told that made Gerald <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>stare.
+Billy often wondered why such great hunters as Mr. Larzalere and his
+Uncle John could go forth each day, knowing exactly where to find deer,
+and yet return without one.</p>
+
+<p>"Should think you'd begin to get discouraged," he said at last.</p>
+
+<p>Uncle John and Mr. Larzalere only smiled at the idea, and advised
+Billy to wait. In the meantime, they talked with great enthusiasm
+of salt-licks, runways, bucks, does, and fawns, and a certain "Old
+Timer" that interested Billy more than anything else that lived in the
+woods. The little boy dreamed of the "Old Timer," and one never to be
+forgotten morning he saw him.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Larzalere had promised to meet Uncle John at the "Big Stone," and
+Billy had begged to be taken along. He hadn't the least idea where the
+"Big Stone" was, but, from listening to the daily talk of the hunters,
+he believed that all the animals in the woods trooped by that enchanted
+spot ever day; possibly they formed a procession and marched past.
+Mr. Larzalere and Uncle John seemed always to reach the place either
+too late or too early to see all that happened. Uncle John told Billy
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>that, when he was bigger, he would gladly take him hunting, but little
+boys seven years old were too small to think of shooting "Old Timers."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Uncle John, of course, I don't want to shoot the 'Old Timer,'"
+persisted Billy. "I just want to see his big horns, and if you'll let
+me go, I'll climb up on the 'Big Stone' and sit right still until you
+come after me. You and Mr. Larzalere can leave me there while you hunt."</p>
+
+<p>"Couldn't think of it, Billy," replied Uncle John. "When Mr. Larzalere
+and I drag in the Old Timer, then you'll see him."</p>
+
+<p>"That isn't the way I want to see him," said Billy to his mother. "I
+want to see him while he is alive. I've seen hundreds of dead deer down
+to the depot. What I want to see is the 'Old Timer' holding his own
+horns high,&mdash;high and running fast,&mdash;fast as if he was happy and wasn't
+afraid of hunters."</p>
+
+<p>Early the next morning Billy was up and gazing wistfully out-of-doors.
+In spite of the rain pelting against the window, Billy wanted to go
+hunting, and wondered how his Uncle John could lie in bed and sleep
+after daylight. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>Suddenly the small boy rubbed his eyes and stared.
+Across the common, in front of Mr. Larzalere's house, he saw the "Old
+Timer." A moment later the deer lifted his wide, spreading horns, stood
+quietly gazing toward the house, then came bounding across the common,
+pausing a moment at Billy's gate before making a dash for the woods.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I saw him! I saw him!" cried Billy, rushing from window to window,
+hoping for another glimpse of the deer.</p>
+
+<p>In a little while Mr. Larzalere came, calling loudly upon Uncle John
+to get his gun and follow the deer. He was wet to the skin, and a more
+excited man Billy never saw.</p>
+
+<p>"Where&mdash;where's your gun?" asked Billy. "Uncle John isn't dressed yet;
+he says he'll hurry."</p>
+
+<p>"My gun's at home," explained Mr. Larzalere. "You see that deer was
+grazing by the big pine in front of my house, and when I raised the
+shade I must have startled him. I told my wife to get my gun quick, but
+I didn't dare wait for it, because I didn't want to lose sight of my
+deer. Tell your Uncle John to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>come quick's he can! I'm going back for
+my gun!"</p>
+
+<p>As Mr. Larzalere ran for his gun, Billy flew through the house
+shouting: "Gerald! Betty! Selma! Everybody! Get up and see where there
+was a deer! Come on quick and I'll show you his tracks out in the sand!
+You'll have to hurry if you want to see the tracks, 'cause it's raining
+pitchforks!"</p>
+
+<p>After chasing through the storm for an hour or more, Mr. Larzalere went
+home to breakfast, though broiled venison wasn't on the bill of fare.</p>
+
+<p>Whether dogs drove him out of the woods, or whether the deer overheard
+Mr. Larzalere and Uncle John planning his downfall at one of the
+meetings by the "Big Stone," and walked into the village to show how
+little fear he had of hunters, Billy never knew, and the "Old Timer"
+was never again seen in that region. Whereat rejoiced Betty, the
+superstitious.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after, Uncle John went home; but he always declared that he should
+have killed the deer had he stayed long enough.</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                              <h2>CHAPTER X.<br />
+
+                     <small>FISHING THROUGH THE ICE</small></h2>
+
+
+
+<p>It was Billy who gathered the last bunch of bluebells. He found them
+one November morning, their brave, delicate beauty all that remained of
+unforgotten blooms. The next day it was winter.</p>
+
+<p>The boy welcomed the whirling snow, but when the ice began forming
+all along the beach, his delight was unbounded. He couldn't pity the
+poor sailors as Betty advised; Billy envied them. The last trip of the
+season, like the first perilous voyage in the spring, seemed brimming
+with possibilities of adventure.</p>
+
+<p>Morning after morning, Billy ran to the window before he was dressed
+to see the waves tossing the broken ice in ridges farther and farther
+from the shore. How he longed to try the stretches of clear ice between
+the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>ridges! How he longed to go where the waves were dashing against
+the crystal wall! He wondered how much higher than his head the spray
+leaped toward the sun before it fell in sparkling showers all along the
+southern shore as far as the child could see.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime the last light-ship had gone into winter quarters,
+the last buoy had been taken away, and even Billy understood that
+navigating the straits was a perilous undertaking. Whenever a boat
+whistled to be reported, the whole family ran to the window to see it
+pass, while the fog-horn sounded a farewell, and Billy's father dipped
+the stars and stripes in parting salute, to which the boat made answer.</p>
+
+<p>One steam-barge, the <i>Wallula</i>, was long unaccounted for. She was the
+last of the season, as Billy knew. He and Betty watched almost as
+anxiously as their father for the belated boat. One afternoon there
+came a blinding snow-storm, and for the first time Billy agreed with
+Betty in pitying the poor sailors, especially those on the <i>Wallula</i>.</p>
+
+<p>"Just think of being out in such a storm, with the light-ships all gone
+and the buoys all <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>taken away!" said the little girl. "I don't see how
+a boat could help going on the shoals. Don't you ever be a sailor,
+Billy, will you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," replied Billy, "of course not; I'll be the captain."</p>
+
+<p>A wonderful sight greeted Billy the following day. As usual he was
+up early, and through the east window in the sitting-room he saw the
+<i>Wallula</i> frozen fast in the ice not far from shore.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, mamma! mamma!" he called. "Here's the big red sun coming right
+out of the red, red clouds, and it's shining on the <i>Wallula</i>. And the
+icicles! Oh, mamma! Betty! Come and see the icicles shining on all the
+ropes. Oh, I must get out there quick."</p>
+
+<p>As Billy dressed, the sun was swallowed by a cloud so big, so black,
+its shadow dimmed the joy shining in his face.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, mamma!" he shouted, "what a 'normous cloud, and it's spreading
+over all the sky. I never saw anything happen so quick before. Did you
+ever see such a cloud! It was so heavy it had to go and fall down over
+all the sunshine."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"No wonder!" exclaimed Betty, "I should think it would! Look there!"</p>
+
+<p>"Where? What?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Billy, don't you see? There is Antoine LeBrinn down on the beach
+with Samone in his arms, and I know the poor little thing hasn't on
+half enough clothes to keep her warm. I don't care how soon they take
+her away from him, so there!"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Betty!"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't care, Billy. I'm beginning to feel just the way the rest of
+the folks do about that old Antoine. Papa says he don't stick to any
+kind of work, and his family are too poor for anything!"</p>
+
+<p>"I'm going to tell him," Billy threatened; "you see if I don't."</p>
+
+<p>Late in the morning half the village gathered to watch the tug from
+Cheboygan release the <i>Wallula</i> and tow her into safe water. Then
+Billy saw more than one man frown, as he noticed the thinly clad child
+shivering in the Frenchman's arms. From that time he determined to
+compel Betty to tell Antoine he must stop drinking. At first Betty
+refused, but finally a new idea came into her mind.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Tell you what we might do, Billy," she said, "we might get up a pledge
+for him to sign his name to."</p>
+
+<p>"What's a pledge?"</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/121.jpg">
+<img src="images/121_th.jpg" width="350"  alt="109Betty ... wrote her pledge" /></a></div>
+
+<p>"Oh, it's something you sign," and Betty, offering no further
+explanation, wrote her pledge. Having never seen a temperance pledge,
+this was not an easy thing to do. Betty tried many times, and destroyed
+nearly all her best tablet before she decided upon the correct form.
+All this scribbling she did in the presence of the impatient Billy.</p>
+
+<p>"Now read it," he begged, when Betty <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>folded several sheets of paper
+instead of destroying them.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid you won't understand it, Billy," she said, doubtfully,
+"but it means, 'I won't drink any more whiskey and things.' Now listen,
+Billy; I'd like to hear how it sounds myself: 'When in the course of
+human events it becomes necessary to touch not, taste not, handle not,
+look not upon the wine when it is red, give me liberty or give me death
+before I ever touch another drop.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Betty, that's good; course I understand it. Why, it sounds just
+like the Fourth of July last year!"</p>
+
+<p>"There now, Billy, I shall have to read it all over again if I find out
+how it sounds, because that's only the short beginning."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, Betty, but that's enough! If he signs that and promises that he
+won't drink another drop, why, why, that's the place to stop, Betty."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know but you're right, Billy, but lawyers put in lots of
+words they don't need when they write things, and they never stop when
+they get through. You see, I haven't read you the 'whereas' and 'now
+therefore' <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>part. I wanted this pledge to sound as if a lawyer made it.
+You see, Billy, I know, because I read everything."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't care," Billy maintained, "you might get him mixed."</p>
+
+<p>"That's so," admitted Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"And then, too, Bet, why don't you say 'before I drink another drop&mdash;of
+whiskey,' in big capital letters."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, never, Billy, that would hurt Antoine's feelings. We mustn't even
+hint about getting drunk and such things, but I will do as you say
+about having a short pledge, and we'll trim it with pictures."</p>
+
+<p>"Make pictures of bottles and things, Betty."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, stop, Billy, I should say not! Birds and flowers will be better,
+and won't hurt Antoine's feelings. Don't you understand? Then we'll tie
+a red ribbon on it."</p>
+
+<p>It so happened that Billy's mother, not sharing the children's secret,
+wouldn't allow them to visit the Frenchman's home, and it was not until
+the ice stretched from shore to shore, and Antoine began his winter
+fishing, that their opportunity came. After school one night, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>they
+visited his fish shanty on the frozen straits.</p>
+
+<p>"Come in," said Antoine, in response to Betty's knock, "come in."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my, what a tiny place!" exclaimed Betty, "and how warm it is! too
+warm! Oh, my!"</p>
+
+<p>"Smells fishy and tarry," added Billy, holding his nose.</p>
+
+<p>"Hush!" warned Betty, fearing Antoine might be offended.</p>
+
+<p>"Warm!" repeated the man, laughing heartily; "the preacher she was
+here, and I ain't want it to stay, so I make it warm, and she ain't
+stay long."</p>
+
+<p>"Why did the minister come to see you?" asked Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"Did he come out here to have you tell him fish stories?" Billy
+inquired.</p>
+
+<p>Again Antoine laughed. "No, Beely, the preacher she come out here and
+bring one temperance pledge. She say to me, 'Antoine, I'm fisherman,
+too. I'm ask you to sign your name on this one paper.' I'm tell that
+preacher she make a mistake, and I'm put one, two, three stick of wood
+on the stove, and it get <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>too warm pretty quick. The preacher she go
+home, and ole Antoine she sign no pledge so long she live, I tole you
+that right now."</p>
+
+<p>Betty looked discouraged, but Billy grinned as he knelt to peer through
+the hole in the ice. Both children knew better than to speak of their
+pledge.</p>
+
+<p>With utmost patience Antoine explained to his visitors all he knew
+about fishing through the ice.</p>
+
+<p>"What you think is on the end of that line, Beely, that go into the
+water there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Minnows?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no, Beely, no minnow on the winter. On the end that line is one
+decoy fish. She's heavy and weighted with lead. We let it down on the
+deep water. Then, when we see a fish come after it, we wind the line
+with one windlass."</p>
+
+<p>"Can't you pull in the line?" asked Betty.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Betty, no, you pull the line, you jerk the decoy fish, and that
+won't do. Beely, you turn the crank there and wind the line over the
+reel. Now, Betty, kneel on the edge of the opening on the floor and
+look down on the water. Can you see one decoy fish?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, just as plain as anything."</p>
+
+<p>"Now you, Beely, turn the crank."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, oh!" cried Betty. "Up comes the little fish, straight, straight
+up, just as natural as if it was alive."</p>
+
+<p>"Now let me see," besought the small boy. "You come, Betty, and turn
+the crank."</p>
+
+<p>"Here, Beely," said Antoine, "you and Betty can both look on the same
+time if you squeeze beside her. Fish shanty ain't big like the town
+hall?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I should say not," admitted Billy. "Why, isn't it nice, Antoine?
+You can sit right still on your box and reach all the walls, can't you?
+Oh, that's the way you do it? When you see a fish coming, you just keep
+watching him, and then you reach over and turn the crank and wind up
+the line, and then the pretend fish comes up higher and higher. But
+then, I don't see how you spear the real fish."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Betty and Beely, I will show you. You see the decoy fish she
+come quiet through the water when we bring it up with a windlass. If
+we brought it up with one jerk, our trout would be scare away. Fish no
+fool, I <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>tole you that. When my fish come to the top of the water, so
+I'm sure of my aim, I send my spear after him."</p>
+
+<p>"But I should think you would lose the spear," said Billy. "My, it's
+heavy!"</p>
+
+<p>Antoine pointed to the rope which tied the spear to a ring fastened in
+the roof.</p>
+
+<p>"Wish a fish would come along now," said Billy, still gazing into the
+depths beneath.</p>
+
+<p>"We make too much noise, Beely. Betty, you be little squaw and Beely
+be Indian, and we'll keep still like the Indian and then I'll show you
+one fish. I'm fix the spear so she's all ready, and now watch. Don't
+whisper."</p>
+
+<p>Silently the three peered through the hole in the ice. Betty wished
+that her heart wouldn't beat so loud; she feared the fish must hear
+its thumping. Several times Billy was compelled to stifle deep sighs,
+warned by a look from Antoine. Poor Billy! His knees ached and his
+back ached, and it is no wonder the active child kept thinking that he
+couldn't endure such a cramped position another moment. It seemed ages
+to Betty also before she raised her face with a pleased smile to the
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>fisherman and exchanged a glance with the radiant Billy.</p>
+
+<p>There was a big fish coming straight toward the decoy. The children
+had a fine chance to see exactly how a fish swims. Billy held his
+breath, as the line was slowly wound over the reel and the decoy came
+nearer and nearer the surface. They could see the bright eyes and the
+glistening fins of the fish that came after it.</p>
+
+<p>Just as Antoine reached for his spear, Betty sneezed. Quick as a flash
+the fish darted to the bottom of the straits; but it moved no quicker
+than Antoine, who motioned for silence. Betty longed to explain that
+she couldn't help sneezing, while Billy could scarcely be restrained
+from venting his wrath. Under the circumstances, he gave Betty an angry
+glance, and ventured to wiggle the least bit before settling himself
+for another time of breathless waiting. As for Betty, she could just
+manage to keep the tears back, and, when the fish slowly rose from the
+bottom of the lake, she didn't see him so clearly as Billy and the
+fisherman did.</p>
+
+<p>That time Antoine speared the fish. Billy not only saw him do it, but
+helped pull a big <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>trout through the hole in the ice, and soon he and
+Betty were taking turns carrying the treasure home.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear me," said Betty at last, "I'll never dare say 'pledge' to him
+again."</p>
+
+<p>"I should say not," echoed Billy.</p>
+
+<p>Upon reaching home, Betty was much distressed when she discovered that
+her pledge was lost. "Somebody'll find it, Billy, and tell everybody in
+town, and then won't we catch it? Everybody'll be making fun of us."</p>
+
+<p>Billy tried to be consoling. "They won't know who wrote it, Betty."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that's the worst of it, Billy. I put my name and your name and the
+date and everything on that paper, and I said it was for Mrs. LeBrinn's
+Christmas present! Oh, dear!"</p>
+
+<p>At that very moment, Antoine, alone in his shanty, was reading Betty's
+pledge. A curious smile came and went as he read the slip of paper.
+When the last gleam of sunlight faded in the west, he locked his shanty
+and walked to the village with his load of fish.</p>
+
+<p>The following morning little 'Phonse Le<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>Brinn came late to school. His
+pinched face looked sad and care-worn.</p>
+
+<p>"Old Antoine was drunk again last night," some one whispered across the
+aisle. "He sold his fish before he went home, and spent every cent at
+the saloons."</p>
+
+<p>Billy heard the whisper, and, passing 'Phonse on his way to class, he
+left a piece of candy on his desk. It was all he had to offer.</p>
+
+
+<p><br /><br /></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+
+                              <h2>CHAPTER XI.<br />
+
+                            <small>CHRISTMAS EVE</small></h2>
+
+
+
+<p>Two things puzzled Billy. One was the letter from Aunt Florence,
+in which she hinted at the possibility of visiting Santa Claus on
+Christmas Day. Neither Billy's father nor Billy's mother knew what to
+think. Mid-winter was not the time to expect company in their part of
+the world.</p>
+
+<p>"It's some kind of a joke, I guess," was Billy's suggestion.</p>
+
+<p>The second thing that puzzled Billy was the great change that suddenly
+came over the LeBrinn family. He wondered if he had anything to do with
+it. One day, having overheard a conversation not intended for his ears,
+he told 'Phonse that Samone was surely going to be sent to the home at
+Coldwater, and advised him to tell his father to "watch out." <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>The next
+time Billy met Antoine LeBrinn, Samone was with him.</p>
+
+<p>"Come here, little Beely," called the Frenchman, "ole Antoine want to
+shake hand with you. It's a pretty good little Beely. Samone like Beely
+pretty good, I tole you that."</p>
+
+<p>Antoine then explained to the boy that no one should take Samone away
+from him, because he intended keeping her with him all the time, and
+from that hour until the day soon after, when Billy saw the little
+Samone no more, she was always close beside her father. The particular
+thing that puzzled Billy, though, kept half the village guessing.
+'Phonse, Buzz, Bud, and Tony came to school just before the holidays
+dressed in fine new suits and beaming with smiles. That same afternoon
+Billy was in the dry-goods store when Antoine bought a red dress for
+his wife and wide red ribbons to trim it with.</p>
+
+<p>"I tole you the ole lady she look pretty good when he get this on,
+Beely," said Antoine, rattling a pocketful of money for Samone's
+benefit. The jingle pleased Antoine more than it did the little girl.</p>
+
+<p>Billy wondered where Antoine got his <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>money, and when he learned that
+the Frenchman's own family didn't know, he wondered more than ever.</p>
+
+<p>For many weeks Antoine had been stage-driver on the evergreen
+road,&mdash;the winding way across the ice, marked on either side by forest
+trees.</p>
+
+<p>The day before Christmas there was a blizzard. From Billy's home on the
+point nothing could be seen but whirling snow. The nearest trees on the
+evergreen road were hidden from sight, while the north shore across the
+frozen straits seemed for ever lost.</p>
+
+<p>"Antoine won't go to-day," said Billy; but scarcely were the words
+spoken when the sound of sleigh-bells was heard, and Antoine stopped
+his horses at the cottage door. He asked for an extra shawl or blanket
+for the children, and laughed at the idea of being afraid to make the
+trip. When Billy's mother knew that 'Phonse and Samone were in the
+sleigh, she begged Antoine to leave them with her.</p>
+
+<p>"Samone stay with ole Antoine long as he live in Mackinaw," declared
+the Frenchman, "and Beely she know that. I ain't leave Sa<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>mone no
+more." Antoine went on to explain that he could cross the evergreen
+road with his eyes shut, and that there wasn't a bit of danger. He had
+positively promised to meet two passengers who were coming from Duluth,
+and he was determined to be on time for the train. The children were
+comfortable as two kittens, Antoine further insisted, at the same time
+declaring that he would be back at noon to help the "old lady" get
+ready for Christmas.</p>
+
+<p>Fumbling in his pocket at the last moment, Antoine drew forth an
+envelope, in which he declared was his wife's Christmas present.</p>
+
+<p>"Tell Beely to take care of it until ole Antoine come back, and, if she
+ain't come home no more, give her to the old lady."</p>
+
+<p>Every hour the storm grew worse, and at noon the marine reporter's
+three children listened in vain for the sound of sleigh-bells.</p>
+
+<p>"Antoine must have decided to stay in St. Ignace, and drive home
+to-morrow," said their mother, and the family were of the same opinion.</p>
+
+<p>All the afternoon the children had the gayest kind of a time. No
+thought of the storm <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>outside disturbed their fun. Gerald, Betty, and
+Billy were too accustomed to blizzards to mind their fury. After the
+lamps were lighted, they gathered around the piano to sing the familiar
+carol they loved so well. That Christmas Eve they sang but one verse:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0"><small>"'Oh, little town of Bethlehem!</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i5"><small>How still we see thee lie!</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Above thy deep and dreamless sleep</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i5"><small>The silent stars go by;</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>Yet in thy dark street shineth</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i5"><small>The everlasting light,</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i1"><small>The hopes and fears of all the years</small><br /></span>
+<span class="i5"><small>Are met in thee to-night!'"</small><br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>The door-bell rang, and Antoine LeBrinn's wife, weeping and wringing
+her hands, was ushered into the bright sitting-room. She had waited
+all the afternoon for the return of her husband and children, and at
+last, leaving Bud and Buzz and Tony with neighbours, had walked to the
+village, expecting and dreading to find Antoine at the saloons. No one
+having seen him since morning, she was sure that, unless he had reached
+the marine reporter's cottage, he was lost on the Straits of Mackinaw,
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>and every one knew what that meant. That night the evergreen road was
+drifted full, the trees along the way were blown down, and the ice
+was a trackless wilderness. Even Billy thought of the air-holes and
+shuddered.</p>
+
+<p>It was the little brother who spoke first, after the sobbing
+Frenchwoman had told her story.</p>
+
+<p>"Papa," he asked, "why don't you go down and telegraph to St. Ignace?"</p>
+
+<p>"I'll do it, Billy," he answered, and straightway left the cottage.
+There was a look on his father's face when he returned that Billy had
+never seen before.</p>
+
+<p>"Antoine left St. Ignace two hours ago," he said to Billy's mother.
+"Men have already gone to find him, but it is useless."</p>
+
+<p>Billy's father went away, and in that dreadful time of waiting the
+three children listened to the Frenchwoman's despairing talk. Just that
+morning her husband had told where his money came from. The old aunt in
+Canada was dead, and had left her farm and all she owned to Antoine.
+They had made such happy plans. The little Samone should be a lady, and
+the boys would no longer be ragged and half-starved. Christmas Day the
+children <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>were to be told the good news, and before the New Year they
+would be living in a home of their own in Canada.</p>
+
+<p>The mention of Christmas reminded Billy of the worn envelope left in
+his care.</p>
+
+<p>"Here," said he, giving it to Mrs. LeBrinn, "he said give you that."</p>
+
+<p>The woman tore open the envelope and stared at the slip of paper it
+contained. She couldn't understand; but the instant Betty saw it she
+knew the truth. It was the pledge, with Antoine LeBrinn's name signed
+at the bottom.</p>
+
+<p>For the first time since she entered the cottage, the Frenchwoman
+raised her head and looked hopeful. She said Antoine always kept his
+word, and, since she knew he had not been drinking that day, unless he
+perished in the blizzard, he would find his way home.</p>
+
+<p>A shout from Billy startled every one in the room. "Why, my dog!" he
+fairly screamed. "He is a St. Bernard, and, oh, Mrs. LeBrinn, you know
+what St. Bernards are for. He'll find the lost folks!"</p>
+
+<p>"Billy is right," echoed his mother, as the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span>child ran for the dog.
+"Hero will find them, I know."</p>
+
+<p>Like a flash, the dog darted into the night when he knew what was
+expected of him, and there were no more tears shed in the sitting-room.
+The curtains in the bay-window were raised, while the three children,
+their mother, and Mrs. LeBrinn watched the beacon-fire blazing high at
+the beginning of the evergreen road.</p>
+
+<p>It was growing colder every minute, though the minutes were long. Men
+who gave up the search piled timbers on the fire and waited. It was all
+they could do. At last Hero bounded toward them, and the faint sound of
+sleigh-bells came on the wind.</p>
+
+<p>Safe was the little Samone,&mdash;safe, warm, and sound asleep with 'Phonse.
+Neither of the children awoke as they were carried into the cottage and
+placed upon the couch; but they opened wondering eyes when Betty and
+Gerald and little Billy welcomed their Aunt Florence and their Uncle
+John, the passengers for whom Antoine had made that trip to St. Ignace.</p>
+
+<p>For a few minutes every one, including <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>Hero, talked at the same time,
+and nobody listened to what anybody else said until Billy's mother
+suggested dinner.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><a href="images/139.jpg">
+<img src="images/139_th.jpg" width="300" alt="Lifting her in his arms" /></a></div>
+
+<p>"We'll have our Christmas dinner now," she declared.</p>
+
+<p>"And another one to-morrow, mamma," <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>added Billy, in a whisper, "unless
+Uncle John would rather have venison than turkey. I know one thing,
+Antoine's so happy, he won't know what he is eating to-night, and I
+feel the same way myself. Aunt Florence looks as if she's pretty glad
+to get here, too. I guess we'll have a good time to-night that even
+Samone will remember long time after she goes to Canada. We are all
+happy, mamma; I 'tole you that.'"</p>
+
+<p>When Antoine saw the candle-light from the Christmas tree shining upon
+his little Samone, he did a queer thing,&mdash;lifting her in his arms to
+take her in to dinner, he touched her soft curls and said: "It's a good
+little Beely."</p>
+
+<p><br /></p>
+
+<p class="center">                            <small>THE END.</small><br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+             <p class="ph3">COSY CORNER SERIES</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+<p>It is the intention of the publishers that this series shall contain
+only the very highest and purest literature,&mdash;stories that shall not
+only appeal to the children themselves, but be appreciated by all
+those who feel with them in their joys and sorrows.</p>
+
+<p>The numerous illustrations in each book are by well-known artists, and
+each volume has a separate attractive cover design.</p>
+
+
+<p>Each, 1 vol., 16mo, cloth $0.50<br /><br /></p>
+
+
+<p><i>By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON</i></p>
+
+<p>
+<big><b>The Little Colonel.</b></big> (Trade Mark.)<br />
+The scene of this story is laid in Kentucky. Its heroine is a small
+girl, who is known as the Little Colonel, on account of her fancied
+resemblance to an old-school Southern gentleman, whose fine estate and
+old family are famous in the region. This old Colonel proves to be the
+grandfather of the child.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>The Giant Scissors.</b></big><br />
+This is the story of Joyce and of her adventures in France,&mdash;the
+wonderful house with the gate of The Giant Scissors, Jules, her little
+playmate, Sister Denisa, the cruel Brossard, and her dear Aunt Kate.
+Joyce is a great friend of the Little Colonel, and in later volumes
+shares with her the delightful experiences of the "House Party" and the
+"Holidays."<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>Two Little Knights of Kentucky.</b></big><br />
+
+<span class="smcap">Who Were the Little Colonel's Neighbors</span>.<br />
+
+In this volume the Little Colonel returns to us like an old friend, but
+with added grace and charm. She is not, however, the central figure of
+the story, that place being taken by the "two little knights."<br /></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>Cicely and Other Stories for Girls.</b></big><br />
+
+The readers of Mrs. Johnston's charming juveniles will be glad to learn
+of the issue of this volume for young people, written in the author's
+sympathetic and entertaining manner.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>Aunt 'Liza's Hero and Other Stories.</b></big><br />
+
+A collection of six bright little stories, which will appeal to all
+boys and most girls.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>Big Brother.</b></big><br />
+
+A story of two boys. The devotion and care of Steven, himself a small
+boy, for his baby brother, is the theme of the simple tale, the pathos
+and beauty of which has appealed to so many thousands.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>Ole Mammy's Torment.</b></big><br />
+
+"Ole Mammy's Torment" has been fitly called "a classic of Southern
+life." It relates the haps and mishaps of a small negro lad, and tells
+how he was led by love and kindness to a knowledge of the right.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>The Story of Dago.</b></big><br />
+
+In this story Mrs. Johnston relates the story of Dago, a pet monkey,
+owned jointly by two brothers. Dago tells his own story, and the
+account of his haps and mishaps is both interesting and amusing.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>The Quilt That Jack Built.</b></big><br />
+
+A pleasant little story of a boy's labor of love, and how it changed
+the course of his life many years after it was accomplished. Told in
+Mrs. Johnston's usual vein of quaint charm and genuine sincerity.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p><i>By EDITH ROBINSON</i></p>
+
+<p>
+<big><b>A Little Puritan's First Christmas.</b></big><br />
+
+A story of Colonial times in Boston, telling how Christmas was invented
+by Betty Sewall, a typical child of the Puritans, aided by her brother
+Sam.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>A Little Daughter of Liberty.</b></big><br />
+
+The author's motive for this story is well indicated by a quotation
+from her introduction, as follows:</p>
+
+<p>"One ride is memorable in the early history of the American Revolution,
+the well-known ride of Paul Revere. Equally deserving of commendation
+is another ride,&mdash;untold in verse or story, its records preserved only
+in family papers or shadowy legend, the ride of Anthony Severn was no
+less historic in its action or memorable in its consequences."<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>A Loyal Little Maid.</b></big><br />
+
+A delightful and interesting story of Revolutionary days, in which the
+child heroine, Betsey Schuyler, renders important services to George
+Washington.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>A Little Puritan Rebel.</b></big><br />
+
+Like Miss Robinson's successful story of "A Loyal Little Maid," this
+is another historical tale of a real girl, during the time when the
+gallant Sir Harry Vane was governor of Massachusetts.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>A Little Puritan Pioneer.</b></big><br />
+
+The scene of this story is laid in the Puritan settlement at
+Charlestown. The little girl heroine adds another to the list of
+favorites so well known to the young people.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>A Little Puritan Bound Girl.</b></big><br />
+
+A story of Boston in Puritan days, which is of great interest to
+youthful readers.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p>
+
+
+<p><i>By OUIDA</i> (<i>Louise de la Ramée</i>)</p>
+
+<p>
+<big><b>A Dog of Flanders:</b></big> <span class="smcap">A Christmas Story.</span><br />
+
+Too well and favorably known to require description.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>The Nürnberg Stove.</b></big><br />
+
+This beautiful story has never before been published at a popular price.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>A Provence Rose.</b></big><br />
+
+A story perfect in sweetness and in grace.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>Findelkind.</b></big><br />
+
+A charming story about a little Swiss herdsman.<br /></p>
+
+
+
+<p><i>By MISS MULOCK</i></p>
+
+<p>
+<big><b>The Little Lame Prince.</b></big><br />
+
+A delightful story of a little boy who has many adventures by means of
+the magic gifts of his fairy godmother.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>Adventures of a Brownie.</b></big><br />
+
+The story of a household elf who torments the cook and gardener, but is
+a constant joy and delight to the children who love and trust him.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>His Little Mother.</b></big><br />
+
+Miss Mulock's short stories for children are a constant source of
+delight to them, and "His Little Mother," in this new and attractive
+dress, will be welcomed by hosts of youthful readers.<br /></p>
+
+
+<p>
+<big><b>Little Sunshine's Holiday.</b></big><br />
+
+An attractive story of a summer outing. "Little Sunshine" is another
+of those beautiful child-characters for which Miss Mulock is so justly
+famous.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<hr class="pg" />
+<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BROTHER BILLY***</p>
+<p>******* This file should be named 44637-h.txt or 44637-h.zip *******</p>
+<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br />
+<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/4/6/3/44637">http://www.gutenberg.org/4/4/6/3/44637</a></p>
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@@ -0,0 +1,3407 @@
+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Brother Billy, by Frances Maragret Fox,
+Illustrated by Etheldred B. Barry
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Brother Billy
+
+
+Author: Frances Maragret Fox
+
+
+
+Release Date: January 9, 2014  [eBook #44637]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BROTHER BILLY***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, haragos pál, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net)
+
+
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 44637-h.htm or 44637-h.zip:
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44637/44637-h/44637-h.htm)
+      or
+      (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44637/44637-h.zip)
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+      Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).
+
+      Text enclosed by equal signs is in bold face (=bold=).
+
+
+
+
+
+BROTHER BILLY
+
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+                 BROTHER BILLY
+
+                    Works of
+              Frances Margaret Fox
+
+    Farmer Brown and the Birds        $ .50
+    The Little Giant's Neighbours       .50
+    Mother Nature's Little Ones         .50
+    Betty of Old Mackinaw               .50
+    Brother Billy                       .50
+    Little Lady Marjorie               1.50
+
+              L. C. PAGE & COMPANY
+              New England Building
+                  Boston, Mass.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+
+[Illustration: "'THAT'S MY AUNT FLORENCE'S LOCKET'"]
+                                     (_See page 31_)
+
+
+Cosy Corner Series
+
+BROTHER BILLY
+
+by
+
+FRANCES MARGARET FOX
+
+Author of "Farmer Brown and the Birds," "Little Lady
+Marjorie," "Betty of Old Mackinaw," etc.
+
+Illustrated by Etheldred B. Barry
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Boston
+L. C. Page & Company
+1905
+
+Copyright, 1904
+By L. C. Page & Company
+(Incorporated)
+
+All rights reserved
+
+Published October, 1904
+
+Colonial Press
+Electrotyped and Printed by C. H. Simonds & Co.
+Boston, Mass., U. S. A.
+
+
+
+
+                   TO
+             MY DEAREST ONE
+        =Lee Everett Joslyn, Jr.=
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: CONTENTS]
+
+  CHAPTER                                                    PAGE
+  I.       ENTERTAINING AUNT FLORENCE                          1
+  II.      INDIANS                                             8
+  III.     BILLY GOES SWIMMING                                24
+  IV.      THE STEAM-TUG BILLY                                35
+  V.       ANTOINE LEBRINN                                    53
+  VI.      ORANGES                                            67
+  VII.     MINNAVAVANA'S BRAVES                               72
+  VIII.    ANTOINE'S BEAR STORIES                             82
+  IX.      UNCLE JOHN'S "OLD TIMER"                           97
+  X.       FISHING THROUGH THE ICE                           105
+  XI.      CHRISTMAS EVE                                     119
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: ILLUSTRATIONS]
+
+                                                             PAGE
+
+  "'THAT'S MY AUNT FLORENCE'S LOCKET,'"
+   (_See page 31_)                                 _Frontispiece_
+  "'ISN'T IT QUEER ABOUT INDIAN TRAILS?'"                     10
+  "EVERYTHING HE WORE WAS NEW"                                34
+  "HE HELD BILLY ON HIS KNEE"                                 54
+  "WATCHING FROM BEHIND THE NORTH WALL
+     OF THE EVERGREEN FORT"                                   76
+  "THERE WAS MERRIMENT WITHIN THE EVERGREEN
+     FORT"                                                    77
+  "SAMONE"                                                    83
+  "BETTY ... WROTE HER PLEDGE"                               109
+  "LIFTING HER IN HIS ARMS"                                  127
+
+
+
+
+
+                             BROTHER BILLY
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER I.
+                       ENTERTAINING AUNT FLORENCE
+
+
+Billy was cross. The twins from Grand Rapids who were living in the
+green cottage wanted him to play Indians on the beach. The boy from
+Detroit, whose mother didn't know where he was half the time, had been
+teasing him to go swimming. 'Phonse LeBrinn, child of Mackinaw, was
+throwing stones at the boat-house, a signal Billy well understood.
+When 'Phonse had a plan that promised more fun than usual, he always
+threw stones at the boat-house. Other boys came to the door and rang
+the bell or knocked when they wanted Billy. 'Phonse knew better. Billy
+longed to find out what was on his mind, but it wouldn't do to let any
+one know that the ragged little playmate had a particular reason for
+throwing stones.
+
+Suddenly a light dawned on Billy's face. "Mamma," said he, "let me go
+down on the beach and tell Frenchy he must quit that, he'll spoil the
+paint. I won't be gone but a minute."
+
+"Now, see here," remonstrated Billy's mother, "never mind what 'Phonse
+is doing, and keep away from the window, Billy, so he won't see you.
+Come, child, Aunt Florence will soon be ready."
+
+"Oh, shoot the luck! I don't want to go with Aunt Florence. I want to
+play with the boys. What made Betty go and tell her all about old fort
+relics, I'd like to know."
+
+"Hush, hush, Billy! Aunt Florence may hear you."
+
+"Well, but, mamma, I don't want to go to the old fort and dig beads all
+the afternoon. It's too warm. I'm roasting."
+
+Billy's mother laughed. One look at the child's face was enough to make
+anybody laugh. He was so cross. "Maybe auntie won't care to stay long,
+Billy. Strangers who are not accustomed to our woods often feel pretty
+lonesome at the old fort."
+
+"She'll stay, mamma; I know all about bead-diggers; they stay and stay.
+Besides that, she won't be afraid, because there are about a million
+thousand resorter folks up there every day digging relics. I wish that
+Betty had kept something to herself. She just reads that old Pontiac's
+history all the time, and then tells all she knows to anybody that
+wants to find out. She makes me tired. I don't like to go to the old
+fort, anyway."
+
+"Why not, Billy?"
+
+"'Cause everybody up there that don't know you asks questions. They
+say, 'There's a little boy, ask him;' then 'cause you don't want to
+talk, they say, 'Lost your tongue,' and silly things like that. Aunt
+Florence is a question asker, too, mamma. Oh, shoot the luck!"
+
+"I'll tell you a good plan, Billy dear," suggested his mother. "You
+help Aunt Florence dig beads, like a good boy, and very likely she'll
+be willing to come home sooner. Then you can play with the boys the
+rest of the afternoon."
+
+"May I play with Frenchy?"
+
+"Ye-es, yes, you may this time."
+
+Billy's face brightened suddenly. "Oh, goody, goody, there comes
+Betty," he cried. "Now I won't have to go. Where's my hat? Oh, Bet, you
+came just in time," continued the boy. "Aunt Florence wants you to go
+to the old fort with her to dig beads, because the missionary meeting's
+going to be here, and mamma says to entertain Aunt Florence. You've got
+to go, that's all."
+
+"Of course she must go," echoed Aunt Florence, who came down-stairs in
+time to hear Billy's last words. "Didn't you find your little girl at
+home, Betty?"
+
+"No, auntie, she had gone to the island, but I only came home for a
+minute to ask--"
+
+"Well," interrupted Aunt Florence, "then of course you can go with
+Billy and me to the old fort."
+
+"Guess--guess I won't go, Aunt Florence; there's a boy down there wants
+me," and Billy waved his hand to 'Phonse.
+
+"Yes, Billy'll go with you," Betty hastened to say, "because--because,
+Aunt Florence, I can't. I'd love to, but I must go to see another
+girl. I'd love to walk up there with you, but--but I--"
+
+"You needn't go if you don't want to, children," Aunt Florence looked
+the least bit grieved.
+
+"Certainly they want to go," declared Billy's mother, in a tone that
+Betty and Billy understood. "Go find your little shovels, children, and
+bring Aunt Florence the fire shovel from the wood-shed."
+
+Billy was about to venture a protest, but, catching a look from Betty
+that meant a great deal to him, he followed her out of the room.
+
+"What is it, Bet?" he whispered.
+
+"Well, Billy, don't you see it won't do a bit of good to make a fuss.
+We'll have to go to the old fort; mamma'll make us. But I know one
+way to fix it so we won't have to stay long. The Robinsons are making
+pineapple sherbet, and they've invited me to it, so I can't waste
+time up to the old fort this afternoon. I told Lucille I'd come right
+straight back soon's I asked mamma."
+
+"And I want to play with Frenchy," put in the little brother.
+
+"But don't you see, Billy, we've got to be decent to company first, so
+we'll take her to the old fort all right enough, but we'll scare her
+to death when we get her there, so she'll want to come right straight
+home. Don't you see? I'll tell her true wild Indian stories, and she
+won't want to stay."
+
+"And I know another thing we can do," agreed Billy.
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"We'll take your old fort beads and then, Betty, we'll break the string
+and scatter the beads in the dirt, and then we'll call her to come and
+find them. She'll be satisfied to come home after that."
+
+"Why, of course, Billy, and your plan is so much better than mine,
+we'll try it first. We won't scare her unless we have to, though a good
+scare never hurts anybody. You get the beads while I get the shovels.
+Hurry now, we'll have some fun."
+
+Mrs. Grannis was much relieved when the children returned with pleasant
+faces. Aunt Florence, too, was pleased.
+
+"I truly wouldn't want you to go a step unless you were perfectly
+willing," she said, as they were leaving the house.
+
+"Well, auntie, we're always willing to go anywhere, Billy and I, if we
+think we can have some fun, and we're going to have a jolly time this
+afternoon, aren't we, Billy?"
+
+The little brother's round face beamed as he felt of the beads in his
+trousers' pocket.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER II.
+                                INDIANS
+
+
+"You are the dearest children," exclaimed Aunt Florence. "I wish I
+could take you back to New York with me. You can't remember your
+grandfather and grandmother at all, can you, Billy?"
+
+"No, wouldn't know 'em if I'd meet 'em."
+
+"It's a shame. Never mind, I'll tell them all about you two and Gerald,
+and some day I'm coming north on purpose to take you all home with me,
+and we'll have the best kind of a time."
+
+"Guess you wouldn't think of coming after us if we lived where we do
+now, and it was a hundred years ago," suggested Betty.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Oh, because you would have had to come from Detroit in a canoe, and
+this was all woods then, deep, deep woods full of Indians."
+
+"Dear me, Betty, don't speak of it! It seems to me there are woods
+enough here now. My! What a dreary place! the undergrowth is so thick
+you can't see the water, and yet you can hear every wave. Betty
+Grannis, do you mean to tell me that you ever come out here to the old
+fort alone?"
+
+"Oh, not very often; it is rather dreary, isn't it, auntie? You see,
+this is an old, old Indian trail, and that is why the pines meet
+overhead. Let's walk faster. I don't believe you'll want to stay long,
+auntie, after you get to the fort."
+
+"I agree with you, Betty, this is a lonesome walk. I almost wish we'd
+stayed at home."
+
+"Let's turn around and go back," suggested Billy.
+
+"Oh, I must find some beads," Aunt Florence insisted. "Do you ever see
+Indians around here nowadays?"
+
+"Oh, just tame ones," Billy was honest enough to say.
+
+"You must be brave children," the young lady remarked, as she followed
+Betty through the gloomy forest.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"We're used to it," Betty sung over her shoulder, and Billy knew she
+was laughing. "Besides that, we can run like the wind if we have to.
+Then you know, auntie, the awful things that happened here happened
+over a hundred years ago, and there isn't any real danger now, of
+course. It just makes you feel shivery, that's all. Isn't it queer
+about Indian trails, how they wind in and out so often? This trail
+is exactly as it used to be. Did you ever read 'The Conspiracy of
+Pontiac,' auntie?"
+
+"No, Betty, I never read it all; I simply know about the massacre here.
+Have you read it?"
+
+"She knows it by heart," said Billy. "She can say bushels of Indian
+speeches. Tell her one, Betty. Tell her that one where the Indian said
+to Alexander Henry, 'The rattlesnake is our grandfather.'"
+
+"Yes, do, Betty, only tell me first who Alexander Henry was."
+
+"Why, auntie, don't you know? He was the English fur-trader whose
+life was saved by the Indian chief Wawatam. I like him best of any
+fur-trader I ever knew."
+
+"Do tell me his story, Betty."
+
+"Oh, I can't tell it, it is too long. Do you want to know what happened
+to him in the spring of 1761, two years before the massacre?"
+
+"Yes, certainly."
+
+"Well, of course, you know all about the French and Indian War, auntie?"
+
+"Yes, I know something about it."
+
+"Then, auntie, you know that the French liked the Indians, and the
+Indians liked them, but the English despised the Indians, and treated
+them so badly the Indians hated all Englishmen. That was why the
+Indians helped the French in their war. They wanted to drive the
+English out of the country. Well, when the war was over, the Indians
+didn't know that the English came out ahead, and that the French
+soldiers would have to march out of every fort and that the English
+soldiers would march in. Even my Pontiac didn't know it."
+
+"He'd have known all about his own war and where he died if he'd had
+you for a sister," mocked Billy.
+
+"Don't talk quite so loud, Billy dear," cautioned Aunt Florence.
+
+"'Fraid?" questioned Billy.
+
+"Oh, not exactly; go on, Betty, we're listening. How much longer is
+this Indian trail, anyway?"
+
+"Only half a mile, auntie. Billy, you'll punch a hole through your
+pocket if you aren't careful."
+
+"Go on with your story, Bet, and don't turn around so much."
+
+"Well," continued Betty, giving Billy a look that meant "Don't you dare
+lose those beads," "well, auntie, in the spring of that year, 1761, the
+French soldiers had left this fort, and only Canadian families were
+living in it. The English soldiers hadn't come yet, but they were on
+the way. The fort was over a hundred years old then. Only think of it!
+
+"Alexander Henry, my Englishman, wasn't afraid of anything, that's why
+I like him. He came up here with canoes full of beads and things to
+trade with the Indians for furs. On the way he was warned again and
+again to go back if he didn't want to be killed. He probably would have
+been killed long before he got here if he hadn't put on the clothes of
+a Canadian voyageur."
+
+"They're the ones," interrupted Billy, "that used to paddle the canoes
+and sing 'Row, brothers, row,' and--"
+
+"She knows that," sniffed Betty; "even our baby knows that much. Well,
+auntie, when Alexander Henry got here, the Canadians were bad to him
+and tried to scare him. They wanted him to go away before anything
+happened. He hadn't been here but a short time when Minnavavana, a
+Chippewa Indian chief, came with sixty warriors to call on him. They
+marched to his house single file, auntie. Their faces were painted with
+grease and charcoal, and they had feathers through their noses and
+feathers in their hair. Their bodies were painted with white clay. That
+isn't the worst of it. Every warrior carried a tomahawk in one hand
+and a scalping-knife in the other. I suppose they came along this very
+trail.
+
+"Alexander Henry says they walked into the house without a sound. The
+chief made a sign and they all sat on the floor. Minnavavana asked one
+of the interpreters how long it was since Mr. Henry left Montreal, and
+then he said it seemed that the English were brave men and not afraid
+to die, or they wouldn't come as he had, alone, among their enemies.
+Then all the Indians smoked their pipes, and let Alexander Henry think
+about things while it was nice and quiet. Just think of it, auntie!
+
+"When the Indians were through smoking, Minnavavana made a speech. I
+don't know it by heart, but it was something like this:
+
+"'Englishman, it is to you that I speak. Englishman, you know that the
+French king promised to be our father. We promised to be his children.
+We have kept this promise. Englishman, it is you that have made war
+with our father. You are his enemy. How could you have the boldness to
+venture among us, his children? You know his enemies are ours.
+
+"'Englishman, our father, the King of France, is old and infirm. Being
+tired of war, he has fallen asleep. But his nap is almost at an end.
+I think I hear him stirring and asking for his children, the Indians,
+and, when he does awake, what must become of you? He will destroy you
+utterly.'"
+
+Betty, becoming much in earnest, was walking backward.
+
+"'Englishman, we have no father, no friend among the white men but
+the King of France,'" the child went on. "'But for you, we have
+taken into consideration that you have ventured your life among us
+in the expectation that we should not molest you. You do not come to
+make war; you come in peace to trade with us. We shall regard you,
+therefore, as a brother, and you may sleep tranquilly, without fear of
+the Chippewas. As a token of friendship, we present you this pipe to
+smoke.'"
+
+Whereupon, Betty, making a serious bow, offered her little shovel
+to Aunt Florence. For the moment, she actually believed herself
+Minnavavana, the Indian chief, though Billy's face quickly brought her
+back to the present.
+
+"I am thankful to say," resumed Betty, joining in the laugh following
+the presentation of the shovel, "that after three hundred warriors of
+another tribe came and were going to make trouble, the English soldiers
+arrived, and the red flag of England soon floated above the fort. Then,
+for two years, nothing much happened, but I'm glad I wasn't here then.
+I wouldn't have slept a wink, I know."
+
+"Neither should I, Betty," Aunt Florence agreed.
+
+"Frenchy'd have been all right, though," remarked Billy. "There's the
+fort, Aunt Florence, straight ahead; the trail ends here. Now we will
+find an old cellar-hole and hunt for beads. Let me go first, Betty."
+
+"The fort," repeated Aunt Florence, "where is it?" She saw nothing but
+a wilderness of wild-rose blooms.
+
+"Oh," laughed Betty, "there's nothing left of the fort but part of
+the old palisades. Most of the buildings were burned the day of the
+massacre."
+
+"It's unspeakably dreary, in spite of the sunshine and the roses,"
+commented Aunt Florence, "but I do want some beads."
+
+"Come on, come on," cried Billy. "Oh, hurry up, Aunt Florence, I'm
+finding beads by the bushel."
+
+"Where is the child? can you see him, Betty?"
+
+"'Way over there, auntie, in that cellar-hole near the old apple-tree.
+We think that is where one of the storehouses used to be, because all
+around it is where most of the beads have been found."
+
+For awhile Aunt Florence forgot the surrounding woods, in her eager
+search for beads. Had she known Betty and Billy as their mother knew
+them, she might have understood that there was more of mischief than
+pure joy in their smiles.
+
+"Never found so many beads in one place in my life," declared Billy.
+
+"Nor anybody else in the last hundred years," added Betty. "Fun, isn't
+it?"
+
+"Fun!" echoed Aunt Florence, "why, children, I won't want to go home
+until dark."
+
+Betty stared, and Billy made faces. This was an unexpected blow. At
+last the beads that Betty had collected, after working hours and hours
+through many a day, were all found.
+
+"Now we'll look for another place," announced Aunt Florence.
+
+"I guess we are alone out here," suggested Betty, glancing about, as
+though she felt uneasy.
+
+"Oh, no," was the cheerful reply, "down there nearer the lake I saw two
+sunbonnets not three minutes ago. We're all right, children; I'm not
+the least bit timid."
+
+Patiently Aunt Florence continued her search for beads, encouraged by
+the hope of finding another place equal to the first.
+
+"It seems strange that there should have been so many beads in one spot
+of earth, and so few everywhere else," she said, "but I'm not going to
+give up now, after such luck in the beginning."
+
+"You'll just have to scare her to death, I guess," grumbled Billy.
+"Lost your beads for nothing, too."
+
+"Trouble is," confessed Betty, moving nearer Billy and farther from her
+aunt, "this isn't a good place to tell Indian stories."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because, Billy, I get scared myself. Honest and truth, I don't even
+like to think of such horrible things right here where they happened."
+
+"Don't make any difference, you've got to," protested Billy. "Don't you
+know she said she'd stay here till dark?"
+
+"I know it, Billy; let me see, how'll I begin. Oh, I know, Alexander
+Henry was in his room in the fort writing letters home. Perhaps, Billy,
+we are standing on the very place where his house was. He was so busy
+with his letters he didn't want to take the time to go down to the
+beach to see the canoes that had just arrived from Detroit. First thing
+he knew, he heard the war-whoops. Mercy, Billy! Don't scream like that
+again!"
+
+"Billy Grannis," called Aunt Florence, "what's the matter?"
+
+"Why, that was just an Indian war-whoop, auntie. Frenchy and I have
+been practising whoops lately."
+
+"Well, please don't practise any more now; you made me jump so I lost
+three beads. I don't believe an Indian could give a worse yell."
+
+"Oh, yes, he could," exclaimed Betty, "my, that's nothing!" and, seeing
+her opportunity, she began telling stories. Even Billy grew solemn in
+his very mind as he listened, and it wasn't long before Betty succeeded
+in scaring herself, however Aunt Florence may have felt.
+
+Suddenly the air was filled with shrieks. Aunt Florence became white as
+the daisies, as she stared at Betty, while terror seized Billy.
+
+"It's the sunbonnet girls," gasped Betty; "what do you s'pose is the
+matter? What is the matter?" she demanded of the flying maidens.
+
+"Indians, Indians, run quick, run, run! I tell you they're after us!"
+
+One glance toward the lake was enough for Betty. She saw canoes being
+drawn up on the beach, and Indians coming straight toward them. The
+child was never more frightened in her life. Forgetting Billy, she and
+Aunt Florence fairly flew over the rough ground. Billy, poor fellow!
+never could run because he was too plump. He hadn't gone ten breathless
+steps before he fell into a cellar-hole, and, before he could scramble
+out, a big Indian overtook him.
+
+"Match," grunted the Indian, "want match."
+
+"N-n-no, I don't want any matches," answered Billy, trying to steady
+his trembling knees.
+
+"Humph! Indian want match. Give Indian match. Indian build fire," was
+the explanation.
+
+Billy shook his head, and the Indian turned away disappointed.
+
+"That Betty'd leave you to be eaten up by Indians," grumbled Billy,
+and, because he was so angry and because he had been so badly
+frightened over nothing, he began to cry.
+
+"Billy, Billy, don't cry, I came back after you, you poor child." It
+was the voice of Aunt Florence, though Billy couldn't see her.
+
+"Here I am, behind this clump of goose-berry bushes, Billy. I didn't
+dare come straight back, so I kept behind trees and bushes. Come
+quick; now let's run."
+
+"There isn't anything to run for, Aunt Florence," sobbed Billy. "Don't
+you see, they're just tame Indians, and wouldn't hurt anybody? Don't
+you see the little Indian children and the squaws, too? I s'pose
+they've come with baskets to sell. Yes, there comes a squaw, going to
+town now with a load of baskets."
+
+"Then I guess I'll sit down and rest a minute," said Aunt Florence,
+"for I'm tired out. It's dreadful to be so frightened. I'm trembling
+yet."
+
+"Me, too," confessed Billy. "Where's that Betty?"
+
+"Home by this time, I presume," was the laughing reply, "unless she
+couldn't stop running when she got there, in which case she's probably
+in the lake. Well, Billy, let's walk on now, or the whole missionary
+society will be coming to our rescue."
+
+"Oh, Billy, I've been crying my eyes out, fear something had happened
+to you," was Betty's greeting when she saw her little brother.
+
+Billy made a face, as he replied in scornful tones: "'Fore I'd run
+away from tame Indians!" For many a day thereafter, if Billy wanted
+anything that belonged to Betty, it was his if he but threatened to say
+"Tame Indians."
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER III.
+                         BILLY GOES SWIMMING
+
+
+Early the following afternoon, Billy saw 'Phonse LeBrinn throwing
+stones at the boat-house, and, as he liked to play with 'Phonse much
+better than with his nearest neighbours, the twins in the green
+cottage, he flew down the bank fast as he could go.
+
+"Oh, Frenchy," he panted, "I wish I could run like a deer, way you do.
+I can't run worth a cent."
+
+"Shouldn't think you could," grinned 'Phonse.
+
+"Let's go the other side of the boat-house," suggested Billy, "I'm
+'fraid, if my mother sees me down here, she'll think of something she
+wants me to do."
+
+'Phonse was sure of it, so he and Billy straightway sought a
+hiding-place.
+
+"What have you got that tog on for?" asked 'Phonse.
+
+"Going to be a thimble party at our house," explained Billy, "and Bet
+made such a fuss I had to be dressed up fear somebody might see me."
+
+"Where's Gerald?"
+
+"He's camping this week at the Snow Islands with some folks. Wish he
+was home. What'll we do this afternoon, 'Phonse?"
+
+"Catch minnows; don't you want to?"
+
+"I'd rather hunt for Aunt Florence's locket than anything else. See,
+'Phonse, that girl up there on the bank looking through my father's
+spy-glass, she's my Aunt Florence, and she's a brick."
+
+"Ain't she pretty!" exclaimed 'Phonse. "She's the prettiest lady I ever
+saw. She wouldn't like me, though; nobody does."
+
+"I do; all the trouble is, 'Phonse, nobody's acquainted with you. Now,
+if you could find Aunt Florence's locket that she lost yesterday, she'd
+like you for ever and ever. I know she would."
+
+"Where'd she lose it, Billy?"
+
+"She thinks she lost it at the old fort yesterday. It's a gold locket
+that her father gave her when she graduated last summer, and Aunt
+Florence and I hunted for it all the forenoon. We had to give up.
+'Phonse, you stay here, and I'll run up to the house and tell my mother
+I'm going to hunt for the locket. You be walking up the beach, and I'll
+meet you around the point."
+
+When Billy rejoined his ragged playmate, the two began a diligent
+search for the locket.
+
+"If anybody can find it, you can, 'Phonse."
+
+"Aw, somebody's picked it up 'fore this, Billy. Nobody could help
+seeing it on this black ground. Gold shines, you know."
+
+"Maybe," suggested Billy, "maybe she didn't lose it; perhaps she lost
+it where we were digging for beads. Surely, this morning we hunted over
+every inch of this trail, and you know Betty."
+
+'Phonse nodded his black head. "She'd find it if it was here. Don't you
+want to go swimmun, Billy?"
+
+"Too cold, 'Phonse; we'd freeze."
+
+"We can make a bonfire on the beach, see?" 'Phonse showed Billy a
+handful of matches. "Swiped 'em," he commented. "We'll go down on
+the sand under the bank and start a fire beside of the tramp's raft.
+Nobody'll see us there, you know, and we can go swimmun and get dressed
+where it's warm."
+
+"All right, sir," assented Billy, "only don't run, 'Phonse, whatever
+you do."
+
+Beyond the fort was an old raft of planks, upon which years before
+tramps crossed the straits in a storm. It was a favourite resort among
+the boys. Billy instantly began gathering driftwood for a bonfire.
+
+"Guess the Indians had a fire in this same place yesterday, 'Phonse,"
+he said, "because just see the new-looking ashes. Wonder if they
+started it with flint or by rubbing two sticks together. Do you know?"
+
+"No, I don't. Hustle up, Billy, and don't stop to talk."
+
+When the pile of driftwood was high enough to suit 'Phonse, he started
+the fire. Thanks to the west wind, it burned, and the boys were soon
+ready for the water. Billy walked into the lake, screaming at every
+step. 'Phonse climbed upon a rock and plunged in.
+
+"Silly," he shouted, "course you'll be cold acting that way; get down
+in the water, Billy, then you'll be warm."
+
+"It's too--too--too early to go swimming," gasped Billy, shivering in
+the wind and the icy water. "I--I'm--I'm glad we started the fire."
+
+"Come out where it's deeper; here, give me your hand," said 'Phonse,
+"I'll show you how to go swimmun."
+
+Soon Billy declared that the water was warm, and he and 'Phonse played
+in the lake for an hour. They splashed, laughed, and shouted, with only
+the gulls to hear, until 'Phonse said it was time to get dressed. The
+fire was out. 'Phonse threw some bark upon the coals, and looked for
+his clothes. There was not a thread of them left.
+
+"Oh, Billy," he wailed "we left our clothes too near the fire, and
+they're all burned up; what can we do?"
+
+"Oh, what shall we do?" cried Billy. "Oh, b-b-but m-my c-c-clothes
+are all r-right," he added in the next breath. "I'll divide with you,
+'Phonse."
+
+"Your clothes ain't either all right," insisted 'Phonse. "They're
+burning yet. Look at them."
+
+"Here's one all right s-stocking, just the same, 'Phonse."
+
+"Let me take it, then, Billy, and I'll put out the fire with it that's
+burning the rest of the things."
+
+"You may wear the stocking," offered Billy. "The other one's gone, and
+the shoes are spoiled. Why, 'Phonse, there isn't anything left of my
+clothes but my shirt and my blouse and my trousers,--and look at my
+trousers, will you, all full of holes!"
+
+"What if you didn't have anything left," grumbled 'Phonse. "I've got
+some shoes and stockings at home, Billy, but that's all. I don't know
+what dad will do, but I'll catch it, sure."
+
+"Oh, 'Phonse, my mother'll give you some clothes to wear, if we can
+ever get to my house, but, oh, dear, it is so cold! Which do you want
+to wear, 'Phonse, my shirt or my white blouse; there's one sleeve
+burned out of both of 'em, and my waist is all gone."
+
+"I'll take the shirt," 'Phonse decided. "Don't cry, Billy, I'm the one
+that ought to cry."
+
+"B-but, but I'm s-s-so c-cold, and, oh, dear, I'm going to put on the
+s-s-stocking if you--you don't want it."
+
+"I do, though," insisted 'Phonse; "give her here. You've got more on
+than I have, anyway. Come on, Billy, we'll be warmer if we run."
+
+"Only I can't run, and--and--and the s-s-stones h-hurt m-my fee-feet,"
+protested Billy, his teeth chattering.
+
+"Don't be a baby," 'Phonse advised. "Oh, Billy, what if there is a lot
+of folks at the old fort? We better keep back from the lake. It's too
+cold here, anyway. Let's sneak around where the bushes grow."
+
+"All right, go ahead, 'Phonse."
+
+Cautiously the boys made their way around the clearing. They were
+nearly past the old fort grounds when they heard voices.
+
+"Duck, Billy, duck; it's some boys from out of town," whispered
+'Phonse, "and if they see us, I don't know what'll happen! Let's crawl!"
+
+"Listen," Billy replied; "they've found a wonderful relic, I guess;
+hear them quarrel. Oh, 'Phonse, it's my Aunt Florence's locket, that's
+what it is, and they've got to give it up!"
+
+Without stopping to think further, Billy darted from the thicket,
+followed closely by 'Phonse.
+
+"That's my Aunt Florence's locket, so please give it to me," demanded
+the child, springing toward the largest boy in the group.
+
+"Listen to him, will you," replied a taunting voice. "Here's the Wild
+Man of Borneo wants his Aunt Florence's locket. Well, I guess not. Have
+you two escaped from a circus, or do you want to join one, which?"
+
+"Give me that locket," cried Billy. "I say that belongs to my Aunt
+Florence."
+
+Great fun the big boys had then, teasing poor Billy, who begged,
+threatened, and jumped for the locket held just beyond his reach.
+
+"Tell you what," suggested the roughest-looking boy, "let's tie these
+youngsters together, and leave them here until we can get out of town.
+Them's diamonds in that locket, boys."
+
+At that moment 'Phonse sprang like a wild-cat upon the boy with the
+locket, and, snatching the treasure, ran with it to the woods. Billy
+was never more astonished, and at first the boys were too surprised to
+chase the strange little figure flying across the clearing. When they
+ran after 'Phonse, Billy hid. He wasn't afraid any one could catch
+'Phonse, the swift-footed French boy, but he did fear being caught
+himself. Like an old-time Indian, Billy managed to keep out of the
+enemy's sight all the way home. 'Phonse was waiting for him in the edge
+of the woods.
+
+"Here," said 'Phonse, offering Billy the locket, "take it to her."
+
+Billy shook his head. "'Phonse, you come in the wood-shed, and sit in
+the corner where nobody'll see you, while I ask my mother for some
+clothes for us. Then you can give auntie the locket yourself."
+
+"Won't you catch it?" asked 'Phonse; "you don't look very nice, Billy."
+
+"You do what I tell you," remarked Billy. "My mother's the kind you can
+explain things to. I don't want the company to see me, though, so I
+guess I'll whistle for Betty."
+
+Betty quickly appeared in answer to the whistle.
+
+"Why, Billy Grannis!" she began, and then how she laughed.
+
+"Keep still, Bet, there is a boy in the wood-shed that's cold. He
+hasn't on very much clothes, and he wants something to wear home."
+
+That was all 'Phonse heard, as Billy was led into the house. The little
+fellow returned in a moment, dragging a cape. "Here, 'Phonse, Betty
+sent you this to wrap up in, and Betty says come in by the kitchen
+fire."
+
+"I won't do it," was the reply.
+
+"All right, then, I'll have to bring your 'freshments out here. It's a
+shivering kind, though,--ice-cream and cake; want some?"
+
+"Don't I? You bet!" was the answer.
+
+"Come, 'Phonse, come in the kitchen," urged Betty, again appearing at
+the door. "Please come. Billy has told auntie and me about the locket,
+and Aunt Florence just loves you. Quick as the company goes, mamma'll
+find you something to wear."
+
+Trailing the cape behind him, 'Phonse walked into the kitchen, where
+Betty introduced him to Aunt Florence.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+That night, when 'Phonse LeBrinn went home, his own folks didn't know
+him. In his arms he carried a bundle of Billy's old clothes; but
+everything he wore was new, from the red cap to the patent-leather
+shoes.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER IV.
+                         THE STEAM-TUG BILLY
+
+
+Aunt Florence didn't forget 'Phonse, and it was evident to the marine
+reporter's family that 'Phonse didn't forget her. He scarcely said
+thank you when she gave him his new suit, but every morning while Aunt
+Florence was in Mackinaw a bunch of wild flowers was found tied to the
+front door-knob. Once only a bit of pasteboard was attached, upon which
+was written in letters hard to read, "For billies ant."
+
+At first the family wondered why 'Phonse kept away, but when they
+learned that Antoine LeBrinn had sold his little son's new clothes for
+drink, they understood.
+
+"Poor little fellow," Aunt Florence said one morning, when a cluster of
+bluebells was brought her, wound so closely not a blossom could move
+its dainty head. "How I wish he would come again."
+
+"He won't, though, 'cept when nobody knows," observed Billy, "and if
+any one says a word against his father, he'll fight."
+
+"I'm curious to see his father, too," replied Aunt Florence. "Betty has
+told me so much about the family that I'd like to talk to that man; I'd
+say some things he'd remember."
+
+"Antoine used to come often," said Betty. "We always tease him to tell
+stories. Everybody likes him; you'll see him sometime, auntie, and then
+you'll like him, too."
+
+"I shall tell him what I think of him," declared Aunt Florence; but a
+week later, when Antoine came, she didn't say a word.
+
+It was a rainy afternoon, and when Billy announced that the game
+must be circus as usual, and that the parade should be first on the
+programme, Betty objected.
+
+"Billy Grannis," she exclaimed, "you're a nuisance. Gerald and I have
+played circus with you until we are sick and tired of it. You may be a
+lion-tamer if you want to, but you and your old lion will have to have
+a show of your own. I won't stand it any longer, and you can't have my
+cat for a polar bear, either."
+
+"Why, Bet," was the remonstrance, "what makes you be so cross? I
+thought you liked to play circus. Do you want to be the lion-tamer this
+time, Bet? I'll let you take my big dog; do you want to, Betty?"
+
+"No, Billy, I don't want to be anything that's in a circus, so there!
+I'll play Grace Darling, though; you and Gerald and Hero may be the
+shipwrecked sailors, and I'll be Grace Darling."
+
+"I don't want to play shipwreck," declared Gerald. "I had enough of
+shipwrecks when the _California_ went down."
+
+"Me, too," echoed Billy. "I'd rather play Noah and the flood. Oh,
+Betty, let's play that, and then my dog Hero can be the lion,--no,
+Betty no, I didn't mean it; he can be the elephant, I mean, and your
+cat can be a--a--what other animal is white 'sides a polar bear? And,
+oh, Gerald, your bluest pigeon can be the dove."
+
+"But why don't you want to play Grace Darling?" interrupted Betty.
+"I'll let you take my dolls for the shipwrecked children, and I'll
+live in the lighthouse."
+
+"If you want to know what's fun," put in Gerald, "just listen to me.
+Let's play--"
+
+"But I want to play get the animals out of the ark," insisted Billy.
+
+"And I say," Betty argued, "that you don't know whether you like to
+play Grace Darling or not until you try it. Who's going to be captain
+of the shipwrecked boat, you, Billy, or Gerald? Now, this rug is the
+Northumberland coast."
+
+"No, sir," shouted Billy, "it's Mt. Ararat."
+
+"Why, children, what's going on?" asked Aunt Florence, who was passing
+the doorway.
+
+"We all want to play different things," explained Betty.
+
+"Why don't you make signal-flags, like the ones on the chart?"
+suggested Aunt Florence. "You know what I mean, Betty, the chart I saw
+you looking at yesterday in your father's office, the one with the
+pictures of signal-flags on it. I'll find sheets of red and blue and
+yellow and white paper, and I believe you can have a nice time making
+tiny paper flags. I'll get some paste ready for you, too."
+
+"But what are the flags for?" asked Billy, "and why do they put letters
+beside of them on the chart?"
+
+"It tells all about the signal-flags in papa's marine directory, and
+I'm going after it," announced Betty.
+
+"She can tell you about the signals, Billy," said Aunt Florence, "and
+let's see who can make the most perfect little flags. Gerald will help
+you, Billy, won't you, Gerald?"
+
+"Don't need any help," Billy hastened to say, "'less he wants to
+whittle out flag-sticks."
+
+"That's so, auntie," agreed Gerald. "I'll go after something to use for
+flagstaffs."
+
+"And I'm going after some shears and things, and then," said Billy,
+"I'm going to cut out the 'B' flag. It's all red, auntie, and cut the
+way Betty's hair-ribbons are on the ends. I guess I will make the 'Q'
+flag, 'cause it's just a square made out of yellow; and the 'S' is
+easy, too, just white with a blue square in the centre. Oh, auntie's
+gone. Don't you feel queer, Hero, when you talk to somebody that isn't
+there?"
+
+Gerald and Betty returned quickly with coloured paper and a book.
+
+"Now, Billy," remarked the little girl, in her most severe tone, "put
+down the shears and listen a minute. I'm going to read out of the
+Marine Directory."
+
+"Don't read it; tell it," besought Billy.
+
+"She wants to read it just because she can read big words without
+stopping to spell them," declared Gerald, after a glance at the open
+book.
+
+Betty could read much better than Gerald ever expected to.
+
+"It isn't that," was the reply, "but, if you will listen, you will
+know that the book tells it all better than I can. Now listen: 'The
+necessity for a uniform and comprehensive system of signalling at
+sea'--Billy Grannis, stop making faces. I've got to begin it all
+over again. 'The necessity for a uniform and comprehensive system of
+signalling at sea and to shore stations on the coast of the United
+States and other countries has long been felt and discussed by those
+interested in maritime pursuits, and by the leading maritime powers
+of the world.' Now, Gerald, stop acting like a goose. You and Billy
+both know what 'maritime' means just as well as I do. Now listen, and
+I'll go on. 'In view of this necessity, the adoption of a common code
+of signals to be observed by all nations, discarding all other codes
+and systems, appears to be in a high degree desirable and important.
+The international code of signals has been recommended and adopted by
+nearly all the principal nations of the world, and it is now the only
+code recognized or of practical use. It is the only one which, from its
+completeness, is likely to fully meet the existing need.'
+
+"Billy, what ails you? Do stop laughing. What's the matter with you,
+Gerald,--tooth-ache?"
+
+"No, Betty, worse'n that. When I think how your jaws must feel, I--"
+
+"Now, Gerald, I don't believe you know a word I've read."
+
+"Well, Betty, I should say not. Who could?"
+
+"What I want to know is, what are all these flags for?" demanded Billy.
+"So please shut that old book and tell us."
+
+"You horrid boys," exclaimed Betty, "I don't see how you ever expect to
+'mount to anything."
+
+"Wouldn't if we were girls," was Gerald's retort, which Betty didn't
+seem to hear. She often had deaf spells.
+
+"Now, Billy dear," she went on, "you see there are eighteen of the
+signal-flags. They are marked B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R,
+S, T, V, and W. Besides these are two little pointed flags that mean
+'Yes' and 'No.' The 'Yes' flag is white with a round red spot, and the
+flag that means 'No' is blue with a round white spot on it."
+
+"Oh, now I know," exclaimed Billy. "If your boat wants to tell another
+boat 'No,' then it puts up the pointed blue flag."
+
+"Yes, Billy, that's it."
+
+"How do they use the other flags?" inquired Gerald. "You can't spell
+things without _a's_ and _o's_."
+
+"Don't you see, Gerald, each flag means something. Look on the back of
+the chart and you will see how they use the flags. The first signal is
+'H--B.' When those two flags are displayed,--'display' is the right
+word to use, mister, so don't make eyes. When the 'H' flag and the
+'B' flag are displayed together, with the 'H' above the 'B,' that's a
+signal that means 'Want immediate assistance.'
+
+"Oh, boys, now I'll tell you what let's play. Every ship, you know,
+should carry a set of these signal-flags, so let's play we're all
+boats. I'll be a yacht, I guess, because yachts are beautiful."
+
+"I'm a steam-tug--choo--choo--choo!--and my name's the tug _Billy_.
+Choo--choo choo--"
+
+"Good, Bill!" exclaimed Gerald. "You're built just right for a tug. I
+guess I'll be the schooner _Gerald_ of the White Star Line. Lumber's my
+cargo."
+
+"Dear me, I can't be just a yacht, sailing around for the fun of it,"
+remarked Betty. "I must be part of the merchant marine myself."
+
+"Part of the dictionary, you mean," grumbled Gerald.
+
+Betty was deaf for a moment. "I guess I would rather not be what
+you boys are, after all, so I'll be a passenger boat, the _City of
+Elizabeth_. I'm an ocean liner."
+
+"Oh, that's just like a girl," and Gerald laughed. "An ocean liner on
+the Great Lakes. Oh, oh!"
+
+"Did you ever get left, smarty Gerald? I tell you, I'm an ocean liner.
+These signals aren't used on the Great Lakes, only on the ocean.
+Besides that, if I'm a boat, I want the ocean to sail on. I couldn't
+think of puddling around in a little bit of water. I'm the finest
+steamship afloat, and I make regular trips between--oh, I guess London
+and New York. That will give you some work to do, Billy, because I'll
+need a steam-tug to pilot me into the harbour every time. You'll make a
+dear little pilot-boat, you are so chubby."
+
+"Choo--choo--choo! toot--toot--toot!" responded the steam-tug _Billy_.
+
+"What's the use of making a full set of flags?" remonstrated Gerald.
+"If we're going to play boat, let's play boat, and pretend we have them
+all. I've made the 'N--M' flags, that mean 'I'm on fire.'"
+
+"That's what I say," agreed Billy. "I found out that 'P--N' means 'Want
+a steam-tug,' so I've made two sets of 'P--N' flags, one for you and
+one for Betty to use. For my own self, the 'Yes' and 'No' flags are
+all I want. You two better pin your 'Want a steam-tug' flags on; they
+won't stay stuck. Choo--choo--choo! toot--toot! Here I come puffing
+around--toot--toot--toot--see my black smoke! Oh, Bet, let's play there
+came up an awful fog, so we'll have to toot our horns all the time."
+
+"And keep our bells sounding all the while we are at anchor," added
+Gerald.
+
+When the three boats began making trips, there were collisions and
+noise. Hero tried in vain to keep out of the way.
+
+"He's a reef; there ought to be a lighthouse on him," suggested Betty.
+
+"Look out for the St. Bernard Shoals," assented Gerald. "Hold on,
+there's a tug ashore,--a wreck on the St. Bernard Shoals."
+
+"Toot--toot--toot! puff--puff! choo--choo--choo!" This from the
+steam-tug _Billy_.
+
+"Tug is off the shoals, no lives lost," commented Gerald. "Oh, fire!
+fire! fire! My deck is all in flames. Up goes my signal 'I'm on fire,'
+and now where's my 'Want a steam-tug' signal. Oh, right here. I shall
+be saved if the tug _Billy_ doesn't burst his boilers before he gets
+here!"
+
+It so happened that the tug fell sprawling over the St. Bernard Shoals,
+and but for the timely assistance of the steamship _City of Elizabeth_,
+the schooner _Gerald_ of the White Star Line must have been lost with
+all on board. To be sure, Gerald emptied his pockets upon the floor,
+insisting that everything that fell, from his jack-knife to marbles,
+were frantic sailors, who either perished in the sea or were devoured
+by sharks.
+
+In the meantime, the St. Bernard Shoals made trouble for the steam-tug
+_Billy_. "Can't even blow my whistle," puffed Billy. "Hero, let me get
+up. Don't keep tumbling me over and over. Don't you know I'm a boat? Go
+'way, Hero. Open the door, Gerald, so he'll go out. Call him, Betty."
+
+Outside the window, Hero tried his best to persuade the children to
+come out and play in the rain.
+
+"Oh, dear, let's rest a minute," suggested Betty.
+
+"And say over the verses we learned that day of the worst blizzard last
+winter," added Billy. "You know what I mean, Betty, the rules for
+steamers passing, and then, Betty, we'll play it is a dark night when
+we go on some more trips."
+
+"Oh, I'll tell you," put in Gerald, "we'll cut lanterns out of paper,
+red and green and white ones, and pin them on."
+
+"Begin the verses first, Betty; let's say them all together," suggested
+Billy, "and say them loud so Hero can hear."
+
+"Let me see," Betty hesitated, "the first one is this:
+
+    "'Meeting steamers do not dread
+     When you see three lights ahead.
+     Port your helm and show your red.'"
+
+"Here's a red lantern for you, Bill," interrupted Gerald, "and this
+is yours, Betty. Go on, why don't you? The next verse is about two
+steamers passing."
+
+"Oh, I remember; say it with me, boys:
+
+    "'For steamers passing you should try
+     To keep this maxim in your eye.
+     Green to green or red to red,
+     Perfect safety--go ahead.'
+
+"Then, boys, the third verse is about steamships crossing:
+
+    "'If to starboard red appear,
+     'Tis your duty to keep clear;
+     Act as judgment says is proper,
+     Port or starboard--back--or stop her.
+
+    "'But when on your port is seen
+     A steamer with a light of green,
+     There's not much for you to do,
+     The green light must keep clear of you.'"
+
+By this time three voices were singing merrily:
+
+    "'Both in safety and in doubt,
+       Always keep a good lookout.
+     Should there not be room to turn,
+       Stop your ship and go astern.'"
+
+Billy gave a shout. "Oh, look, Betty! look, Gerald! There's Antoine at
+the gate, and he's afraid of Hero. He doesn't dare pass him."
+
+"He's calling you, Billy; go get your dog." Gerald laughed as he spoke.
+
+"'Both in safety and in doubt, always keep a good lookout,'" mocked
+Billy. "He's scared to death. Look at him back up when Hero walks
+toward him. 'Should there not be room to turn, stop your ship and go
+astern.' If Antoine was a boat, he could play Hero was an iceberg. Hey,
+Bet?"
+
+At last Antoine saw the children.
+
+"If we don't stop laughing," warned Betty, "he'll go away. He may think
+we're making fun of him."
+
+"Oh, how I wish Hero would give one of his loud barks," added Gerald.
+"Oh, I believe he will, sure as anything. He doesn't know what to think
+of Antoine. I guess he never saw any one act so queer. Now just see him
+stand there in front of the gate and make crazy motions."
+
+Suddenly Hero gave three loud barks that startled the little Frenchman
+almost out of his senses.
+
+"Look at him jump," continued Gerald. "He went up in the air like a
+rubber ball."
+
+"It's too bad," protested Betty. "I'm going to the door to tell Antoine
+that Hero won't hurt him. Billy, you go and get your dog."
+
+"Oh, I say, Bill," suggested Gerald, "instead of getting Hero, why
+don't you tow Antoine into port?"
+
+"Oh, goody! Choo--choo--choo!--where's my tow-line?"
+
+"Here, you rascal!" exclaimed Betty, "how dare you take my
+hair-ribbons. Why, Billy, you'll spoil them tying them together in a
+hard knot like that."
+
+"One's too short--choo--ch--choo!--toot--toot--toot--French boat in
+distress, don't you see? Gerald, you go and pin your 'Want a steam-tug'
+flag on him."
+
+Away flew Gerald, while Betty and Billy stood laughing in the window.
+Antoine not only allowed Gerald to pin the flag upon him, but instantly
+began making an active display of his signals, calling aloud for the
+steam-tug _Billy_.
+
+"Toot--toot--toot!--choo--choo--choo!" was the immediate response, and
+the steam-tug went puffing to the rescue regardless of the falling rain.
+
+"Make fast the hawser," commanded Billy, passing Antoine the tow-line.
+"It's kind of short," he added, under his breath.
+
+Antoine obeyed.
+
+"Choo--choo--choo!--ding--ding--ding--make fast. Ding--ding--ding--let
+go." Slowly did the steam-tug venture into deep water; too slowly to
+suit Antoine, whose fear of the dog was genuine. Gerald had explained
+that Hero never harmed any one Billy befriended, merely hinting at dark
+possibilities that might befall the unwary. He also laughingly told
+Antoine that Hero was not a dog, but a dangerous reef. In a short time
+the little Frenchman had reason to believe that the reef was volcanic
+in its nature.
+
+"Choo--choo--choo"--on came the steam-tug, the French boat close
+behind. "Choo--choo--choo--choo"--slower and slower the two approached
+the reef, the steam-tug venturing nearer and nearer, to the dismay of
+the boat in tow.
+
+Four sharp whistles sounded from the tug. It was the danger-signal!
+The steam-tug _Billy_ was on the reef, and but for the parting of the
+hawser the French boat must have followed.
+
+"Don't you try to run, Antoine," called Gerald; "you can't tell what
+Hero might do. You better stand right still till Billy gets on his feet
+again." Then he and Betty laughed. Terror was pictured on Antoine's
+face as the dog barked and pranced around, thoroughly enjoying the
+game.
+
+Billy struggled to his feet. "Toot--toot--make fast," he commanded, and
+Betty's hair-ribbons were once more tied together, how loosely only
+Billy knew.
+
+"Toot--go ahead," he sung out, but again the hawser parted, and
+Antoine, watching Hero, dared not stir. "Toot--toot--toot," there
+was the sound of laughter in the whistle, and the captain's
+voice was scarcely steady as he called out, "Slow up," then
+"Toot--stop--toot--toot--back up--make fast--toot--go ahead."
+
+Safely into port came the French boat, in the midst of cheering from
+the decks of the _City of Elizabeth_ and the schooner _Gerald_ of the
+White Star Line.
+
+
+
+
+                               CHAPTER V.
+                            ANTOINE LEBRINN
+
+
+"Tell you a bear story, Beely? No, I'm too scare to tell you a bear
+story," Aunt Florence heard Antoine remark. "I tole you dog story, hey?
+How you scare you old friend Antoine with you big dog. That was a bad
+trick, Beely. You do wrong to scare ole Antoine."
+
+So earnestly did the Frenchman say this, as he held Billy on his knee,
+the small boy felt uncomfortable, though Aunt Florence laughed, and
+wondered how and when to begin her lecture.
+
+"But, Antoine," Billy explained, "that was a game."
+
+"A game, Beely, you call that game, do you, when you scare ole Antoine
+out his wit? Game, hey?"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"I knew Hero wouldn't hurt you, Antoine; he's a nice, kind dog, and he
+wouldn't bite a mosquito."
+
+Antoine shook his head and made a downward motion with his hands.
+
+"That's all right for you, Beely, but how did Antoine know the dog
+she wouldn't bite one moskeet? When I see his mouth, I say to myself,
+Antoine, he swallow you sure, and then I call my friend Beely."
+
+"But I was a steamboat then," protested Billy, "and, anyway, I came
+after you, didn't I?"
+
+"Yes, Beely, I find you out in the wood some day, big black bear after
+you. Beely call ole Antoine, and ole Antoine he play steamboat, hey,
+Beely? How you like that?"
+
+"Tell us a bear story, please do," persisted the child.
+
+"No, Beely, maybe I tole you bear story, maybe so, but that big dog he
+scare me. Now, I'm scare out of bear story."
+
+"Poor old Hero, he wants to come in," said Billy. "Shall I let him come
+in and get acquainted with you, Antoine?"
+
+"No, Beely, I'm too much acquaint with him now. You call your dog, I
+go."
+
+"But he likes you, Antoine; I could tell by the way he sniffs at you
+that he likes you."
+
+"Yes, maybe he likes me too much, I'm think. I'll bring my gun next
+time," warned Antoine; "then let him sniff at me, hey, Beely?"
+
+"You wouldn't shoot him."
+
+"I wouldn't stand still and let him eat me, I tell you that, Beely.
+When you see Antoine coming, you better call your dog and hide him."
+
+"Give it to him, Antoine," said Gerald, with a brotherly grin.
+
+Billy said nothing, but, with his back turned toward Aunt Florence, he
+made a face at Gerald.
+
+"Well, Beely," protested the Frenchman, "that's a pretty crooked face
+you make there. Let me look on that face. She's round like the pumpkin,
+and your eye she's like two little blue bead. Well, I can't see nothing
+wrong with it now. A minute ago I'm 'fraid. You must not make such face
+like that on your brother, because, Beely, I'm afraid she freeze like
+that."
+
+"But where have you been all this time?" questioned Betty, while Gerald
+motioned Aunt Florence to watch the grimaces and motions Antoine made
+as he talked.
+
+"Oh, I'm work back here on the cedar swamp, getting out some pole to
+load big vesseal when he come. Where's your papa? I want to see if he's
+hear anything of the _George Sturgis_. I'm think he's come last week,
+and I'm look for it ever since. He was going to come last week to Cecil
+Bay to get my pole to take to Chicago. I'm 'fraid we's going to get bad
+weather, and I want to get out my load of pole quick as I could."
+
+"You'll have to wait, Antoine," declared Gerald, "because papa went to
+the station with some messages, and he's going to wait for the mail,
+and the train's late."
+
+"Don't you want to see our baby?" asked Betty. "Oh, he is the dearest
+little fellow, just three months old. Mamma says he looks exactly as
+Billy did when he was a baby."
+
+"Beely ain't baby no more," commented the Frenchman. "I s'pose he ain't
+like the new baby pretty good?"
+
+"Oh, yes," Betty assured Antoine, "Billy loves the baby."
+
+"And I'm seven, going on eight," the small boy declared. "It seems a
+hundred years since you were here last," he continued; "have you been
+working in the cedar swamp all that time?"
+
+"Well," was the reply, "I'm think if you be there when the black fly
+and the moskeet eat you up, you would say it was one hundred year sure.
+You say your papa she go to the post-office, hey?"
+
+"Yes, and the train is late. If I was an engine, I'd get here on time,
+and not keep folks waiting for their mail."
+
+Antoine LeBrinn made a remarkably bad grimace, looked at Billy for
+several seconds, and then replied: "Little boy ain't got no patience
+these day. Now, when I'm a little boy and live on Cadotte's Point, we
+only got our mail two time in one week."
+
+"But that was before the railroads came," said Betty, "and I don't see
+how you got any mail at all. Did it come in canoes?"
+
+Antoine shrugged his shoulders. "No, Betty, the dog she bring our mail
+in those day."
+
+"Dogs!" exclaimed Billy. He was sure there was a story coming.
+
+"What do you mean?" inquired Gerald, seating himself in Billy's rocker,
+while Betty drew her footstool close beside him. "Antoine, what do you
+mean?"
+
+"Just what I'm say. Dog, she bring our mail in the old day. Did you
+never hear of a traineau?"
+
+"Yes," admitted Betty. "I have read of traineaus, but I never expected
+to see any one who ever saw one. Do tell me all about them."
+
+"Well," began the Frenchman, making all sorts of motions with his
+head and his hands as he went on, "well, when I'm little boy and this
+was call Old Mackinaw Point, there was no train and no steamboat, and
+in the winter-time all our mail was brought by these dog I am tell
+you about. These dog she was train with the harness and haul a long
+sleigh call a traineau. I know a little chap," and Billy had to give
+a hard kick at somebody who pinched his toes, "I know one little chap
+that hitch up one dog to her sled and take a ride on all kinds of
+weather. Well, well, what's the matter with Beely? She jump around like
+something bite him."
+
+"Go on, Antoine, go on, tell us about the dogs," teased Billy.
+"Gerald's always acting horrid."
+
+"Well," resumed the Frenchman, "a traineau was pulled by six dog; all
+had harness on, and hitch one in front the other on one long string.
+The traineau she's all pile full of mailbag, and one man go along to
+drive the dog. This driver she go three, four hundred mile on one trip,
+and she would carry enough along to eat to last him and his dog four or
+five day."
+
+At this point Billy became much excited, and broke in with a remark
+that amused Gerald so highly he stood on his head and waved his feet in
+the air until Betty reminded him of his manners.
+
+"Why, why, Antoine," Billy demanded, "how could the driver carry stones
+enough to last even one hundred miles, I'd like to know?"
+
+The Frenchman was puzzled. "Stone," he remarked, running his fingers
+through his short, black hair, "now what, Beely, would the driver do
+with stone?"
+
+Betty clapped her hands. "When Billy goes driving on the ice with
+Major," she explained, "he has to carry a pocket full of stones, or
+Major wouldn't go a step. He throws a stone and Major goes after it;
+then he throws another, and that's the way he keeps the dog flying."
+
+"Well, that's pretty good," said the smiling Antoine, "but you see,
+Beely, these dog she was train to pull the sleigh when she was a little
+bit of a pup. He was train so he was used to it. When the driver said
+'Go,' she went; and at first, no matter how much mail they have, the
+dog she would jump and run as if they like it. After they draw a bit
+load two or three day, she's begin get tired, and then they would lay
+right down on the road, so the driver would stop and let the dog rest.
+
+"Here, on Mackinaw Point, the driver she stop at the little store and
+left the mail for all the folks; for the fishermen along the shore and
+on Cadotte's Point where I'm live."
+
+"But where did the traineaus start and where did they go?" inquired
+Betty.
+
+"They come from Alpena and go way up to the Soo, and then go back
+again."
+
+"Why didn't they use big sleighs and horses?" Gerald put in.
+
+"No road," was the reply, "only narrow trail through the wood."
+
+"And was all the mail from the big world brought to Mackinaw that way
+when you were a little boy?" persisted Betty; "and did you ever get a
+letter?"
+
+"No, I can't say I ever got one letter myself. Little children ain't
+much account those day, but my aunt what live on Canada send me one
+pair mitten for a New Year present. I'm just about big like Beely then,
+but I'm walk in all alone from Cadotte's Point."
+
+"And you must have seen a bear," observed Billy.
+
+"Oh, now, you Beely, you think I'm going to tell you a bear story. Well
+I ain't feel just right for tole you a bear story this time. I'm tell
+that some other time. I'm tell you a bear story every time I'm see you,
+Beely, and I'm getting them pretty near all wear out."
+
+At this the children laughed so uproariously, the baby awoke and began
+to cry.
+
+"Mamma'll bring him out in a minute," remarked Betty, and when the
+baby, still screaming, was brought into the room, Antoine insisted
+upon taking him, to the delight of the children, who stood by, softly
+clapping their hands and laughing. Their mother laughed, too, when
+Antoine, who knew something about babies from long experience, began
+walking the floor with the little fellow and talking to him.
+
+"Well, is this the new baby? Bring it here and let me look at it. Well,
+a pretty nice looking baby, I'm think, if she ain't cry so much. Her
+face is all crooked and all wrinkle up. Come now, you ain't going to
+cry all the time. I'm going to look and see them little eye you got
+there. Well, she make quite a bit of noise for her size, but I'm going
+to sing him a little song and see if she won't go to sleep again:
+
+    "'The Frenchman he hate to die in the fall,
+     When the marsh is full of game:
+     For the muskrat he is good and fat,
+     And the bullfrog just the same.
+
+    "'High le,
+     High low,
+     Now baby don't you cry,
+     For ole Antoine is right close by.'"
+
+"Now you see, Beely, she's quit crying already. You ain't know Antoine
+can sing, eh?"
+
+It was even as Antoine said; the baby had stopped crying, and Billy,
+astonished by the music of the Frenchman's voice, begged for another
+song, insisting that anything would please him.
+
+"Oh, no, Beely," objected his friend. "I ain't going to sing no more to
+the baby, she's quiet now. I'm goin to tole you a story."
+
+"Is it a bear story?"
+
+"No, it's a cow story. My cow she's run away once, and I'm find it
+on Wheeler's farm." Thus began Antoine, accompanying his words with
+gestures far more laughable than the tale he told, and causing the
+children great amusement. Billy's round face became one broad grin as
+he listened.
+
+"When I'm take my cow home," went on the little Frenchman, still
+walking the floor with the baby in his arms, "I'm take short cut on
+the wood; I'm go by old log road. There was a lot of raspberry there,
+so now I'm to pick up some raspberry for myself. So I'm tie my cow on
+black stick of wood, and let it eat grass on the road and drag the
+wood along, and she can't get away from me."
+
+At this point Betty's mother rescued the baby from the arms of the
+prancing Frenchman, to the evident relief of Betty, who thought the
+baby too precious a bundle to be flourished so vigorously, as Antoine
+stooped to pick raspberries and to tie his cow.
+
+"Pretty soon," continued the narrator, "pretty soon she give a jerk
+with his head, and the piece of wood jump toward it and scare my cow.
+Well, she start to run down the road, and I'm run after it and holler,
+'Whoa, Bess, whoa!' but she's so scare she ain't stop.
+
+"By and by my cow stop, all play out." Antoine placed himself before
+Betty, who was sitting on a footstool near Aunt Florence, while Gerald
+and Billy were standing near their mother's chair, the refuge they
+sought when Antoine was running after his cow. "Well, as I'm say, my
+cow stop all play out. She stand right there on front that stick of
+wood." Antoine certainly mistook Betty for the stick of wood. "She's
+stand there and look straight at it, and she's go, 'Woof! woof! woof!'
+and his tail she's go round and round," and Antoine's arms made wide
+circles in the air, "but she's all right; she ain't hurt at all, so I'm
+catch my cow and take it home, and I'm pretty glad she ain't hurt at
+all. Now I ain't tie my cow to no more black stick of wood. I told you
+that right now."
+
+In the midst of the laugh that followed, and while Billy was pulling
+at the Frenchman's sleeve, beseeching him to tell another story, the
+marine reporter came home. Immediately Antoine told his errand, and
+made his escape from the presence of the clamouring children, laughing,
+shrugging his shoulders, and declaring that he would sometime tell
+them all the stories they would listen to. Thus Aunt Florence lost an
+opportunity to deliver her first temperance lecture.
+
+Scarcely had the door closed behind Antoine when it was opened by
+Billy, who followed his friend into the yard.
+
+"Here, Antoine," he called, "take this orange to 'Phonse. Mamma gave me
+one, and Betty one, and Gerald one."
+
+"It's a good little Beely," was the remark that filled the small boy's
+heart with pride, as Antoine slipped the treasure in his pocket.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER VI.
+                               ORANGES
+
+
+After supper Billy thought longingly of his orange. He wondered if
+it was thick-skinned and if it was juicy. He felt pretty sure it was
+sweet, and the more he thought of it the sweeter it seemed to his
+imagination. Billy was just saying to himself that, if he had not given
+away his orange, he would eat it without asking his mother for sugar,
+when he stumbled upon Gerald leaning over the wood-box in the kitchen.
+
+"What are you doing out here all alone?" demanded Billy.
+
+"What business is it of yours, I'd like to know? Why don't you go back
+in the other room?" Gerald grumbled, making rather lively motions
+around three sides of the wood-box, as he tried to keep his back toward
+Billy.
+
+"Aw, pig!" sniffed Billy, "eating your orange out here where nobody'd
+see you, so you wouldn't have to divide. Orange juice running all down
+your arm, and I'm glad of it, pig!"
+
+"Got an orange of your own," was Gerald's retort.
+
+"Haven't either," declared Billy.
+
+"Then you've eaten it up, and now who's a pig, I'd like to know? I
+offered to divide my orange with Selma, but she was in a hustle to
+get her dishes washed and get down-town, and it isn't my fault if she
+couldn't wait for me to get it peeled. You're the pig, Billy, because
+you didn't even offer to divide with anybody."
+
+"No, I gave my whole orange to Antoine before I even stopped to smell
+of it," wailed Billy, "and I guess if I had a little brother that
+hadn't had a smell of orange, I'd give him a piece."
+
+Gerald whistled. "Who ever'd think you'd do such a thing, Billy? Here,
+little boy, is your reward of merit," and Gerald, thrusting half his
+orange into Billy's outstretched hand, walked away, whistling.
+
+Half an orange made Billy wish for more. It was a sweet one and juicy.
+He wondered if Betty's orange was anywhere near as good. Later in the
+evening Gerald went out on the beach with his father to see if there
+were any boats in sight to be reported. While he was gone, Betty
+prepared to eat her orange.
+
+"Come on, Billy," she suggested, "get your rocker, and we'll eat our
+oranges while mamma undresses the baby. I'm glad it is a chilly night,
+so we had to have a fire in the grate."
+
+A wistful expression crept into Billy's face. "I gave my orange to
+Antoine to take to 'Phonse," was his reply in sorrowful tones.
+
+"Why, you dear, good Billy, you shall have half of mine. Bring your
+rocker here beside of me, and we'll eat my orange together. See my
+saucer of sugar. I'll divide that with you, too."
+
+Billy, more than willing, was thoroughly enjoying himself when Gerald
+returned. The minute the door was opened, the boy stuffed the last
+piece of his half of Betty's orange into his mouth so quickly Betty
+couldn't imagine what ailed him.
+
+Gerald's remark upon beholding this performance was an explosion.
+"Pig!" he shouted. Explanations followed, and Billy was sent into the
+kitchen to do some quiet thinking. The cat followed him, whether from
+curiosity or because she liked Billy, it is impossible to say.
+
+When Billy climbed into a hard, uncomfortable chair, so high his
+feet couldn't touch the floor, the cat jumped upon another chair and
+settled down to watch him. At first Billy looked ashamed of himself
+and miserable. For a minute he seemed to think of pulling his loose
+tooth; but, after touching it ever so gently, he shook his head. Then,
+observing a strange expression on the cat's face, Billy half-smiled;
+that is, the smile stopped just below his eyes, whose solemn stare
+remained unchanged.
+
+That was enough for the cat. With a remark that sounded exactly like
+what she used to say to her kittens when she brought them a mouse, she
+bounded into Billy's chair, and began rubbing against him, purring
+cheerfully. By the time she had flourished her tail in his face, licked
+his hands, and clawed at his red sweater for a few seconds, Billy
+laughed merrily.
+
+Perhaps if the cat had minded her own business, Billy would not have
+forgotten his disgrace so quickly. However that may be, the small boy
+slipped down from his chair and had a good time. He played tiger in
+the jungle with the cat until she objected; then he played he was the
+northwest wind, sending everything helter-skelter before his icy breath.
+
+Suddenly Billy bethought him of a new game, and a few minutes later the
+whole family rushed into the kitchen half-fearing that the stove must
+have fallen upon the child, so unusual was the racket they heard. There
+was no cause for alarm. At the moment Billy was Antoine's cow. A big
+tin pail attached to his waist by Betty's jumping-rope was the black
+stick of wood.
+
+When the family appeared at the door, the cow was standing in front of
+the black stick of wood, stamping its feet and snorting, "Woof! woof!
+woof!" The cat was nowhere in sight.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VII.
+                        MINNAVAVANA'S BRAVES
+
+
+The north wind is no respecter of persons. He wasn't invited to Betty's
+lawn party, but he came at dawn and stayed until dark the day she chose
+to entertain her dearest friends. Billy was glad of it. He said that
+girls' parties were silly, anyway, and he hoped the whole flock would
+have to stay in the house. He declared that Betty needn't expect to see
+him at the party: he would rather hide in the cellar all day than be
+the only boy among so many girls. Aunt Florence smiled, and said she
+guessed they could get along without him if he felt that way.
+
+"Sometime before I go home, though," she promised Billy, "we'll have a
+boys' party, and then we won't care how hard the wind blows. But the
+girls, dear me, Billy, they'll be so disappointed if they have to stay
+in the house."
+
+"Who cares?" suggested Billy.
+
+"Why, I care," suggested Aunt Florence. "Young man, I am helping Betty
+with this party, and the wind is more than I know what to do with."
+
+"Oh, if it's your party, Aunt Florence, that's different, and I know
+what to do. Build a tramps' shelter and keep the wind out."
+
+"What's a tramps' shelter, Billy?"
+
+"Why, Aunt Florence, out in the woods the tramps make regular little
+rooms of trees and branches. We can coax papa and his man to get a
+wagon-load of Christmas-trees from the woods and make a room, not where
+we'd spoil the lawn, but the other side of the house, you know, down
+close to the lake."
+
+"Who would report boats, Billy, if your father and the man both go to
+the woods?"
+
+"Mamma would," was the reply; "she does lots of times. I'll get
+some boys to help make the room if you want to do it. I wish Gerald
+was here, but every time Mr. Robinson invites him to go on the
+fishing-tug, he goes. I wish I was him."
+
+When Betty heard of Billy's plan, she said she didn't know he could
+think of anything so nice, and before noon the room was made.
+
+"It's a fort!" declared Billy.
+
+"Why, so it is," added Betty. "And to-morrow, Billy, let's play fort,
+and I'll ask Lucille and that little girl that plays with her, that
+little Marion Struble from Marquette, and Cora and Gay to come and
+bring their dolls and play ladies from the settlement seeking safety in
+the fort during an Indian war. You may be an Indian chief, you know,
+and I don't care how many boys you have for braves. Oh, it will be
+loads of fun."
+
+"Let's do it to-day," suggested Jimmie Brown, the Detroit boy.
+
+"And scare the girls to death," added one of the green cottage twins.
+
+"Oh, mercy, boys, that wouldn't do at all! You see, this is to be a
+real stylish party to-day, and besides that, I don't s'pose half the
+girls that are coming ever played Indian. Why, one time, auntie, Gerald
+and Billy and I had an Indian show, and we hadn't any more than begun
+when the girls were scared and ran home crying.
+
+"I wish you boys would please go now and pick about ten bushels of wild
+flowers, so we can make the inside of this evergreen fort perfectly
+beautiful. See, Aunt Florence, papa made the north wall extra thick
+and high, so the wind can't get in. Isn't this the sweetest place for
+a party you ever heard of? Of course, we'll be crowded, and of course
+we can't stay in it all the time, but that won't hurt anything. Mamma
+says we may bring out all the cushions and put them on the board seats.
+We'll have the music-box here in the corner."
+
+Soon the boys returned with arms full of wild flowers. "Powder and shot
+for the fort," announced Billy, and the mischief shining in his eyes
+alarmed his sister.
+
+"Now, Billy Grannis," she warned, "don't you dare try any tricks."
+
+"Of course not," replied Billy, though Jimmie and the green cottage
+twins tossed their caps into the air and grinned.
+
+"They're planning something, auntie," Betty declared, but when the
+guests began to arrive she forgot her suspicions.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Alice Swayze came first, dressed in her best white gown. She was from
+Kalamazoo. Betty seated her beside the music-box. Two little girls from
+Chicago came next, wearing wide blue sashes just alike. Little Belle
+Lamond from California straightened her pink sash, felt of the bow on
+her pretty dark curls, and acted so vain and silly, four small boys,
+who were watching from behind the north wall of the evergreen fort,
+almost laughed aloud.
+
+"Won't she jump, though?" whispered Billy.
+
+"You bet," replied Jimmie Brown, "and there comes Nellie Thomas.
+She's from Detroit, and is in my sister's room at school. She'll jump
+sky-high."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+There was merriment within the evergreen fort, as little girls
+continued to enter and the tiny space became crowded. When Betty
+started the music-box, whispering behind the north wall was no longer
+necessary.
+
+"It's getting so noisy in there, I'm 'fraid they won't even hear wild
+Indians," ventured Jimmie Brown at the top of his voice.
+
+"Hush," cautioned Billy, "don't talk too loud. Music-boxes and wind and
+waves and talking girls sometimes keep still at the same time."
+
+"Oh, look," exclaimed the twins, "what's coming?"
+
+"Frenchy and Bud and Buzz and Tony and their little 'dopted sister
+Samone," Billy declared, as he began motioning for the new-comers to
+creep quietly to the fort.
+
+'Phonse took the hint, and soon he and his wondering followers were
+peering through the evergreen walls.
+
+"What's going to happen?" demanded 'Phonse, with a grin.
+
+"Well," explained Billy, "it's a game, only the girls don't know
+they're in it. That's a fort, and we're Indians. I'm Minnavavana, the
+chief, and the rest of you are my braves. You want to play, of course.
+Samone don't count, though, she's only a papoose."
+
+"But where are your tomahawks, and what's going to happen, I say?"
+persisted 'Phonse, as he and his brothers crowded around Billy.
+
+"Look," said Jimmie Brown, showing the LeBrinn children a firecracker.
+"These Indians have guns. Can't you give him a gun, Billy? My pocket's
+full of matches."
+
+"Sure," replied Billy; "you give out the matches. Now listen, you that
+don't know the game. We're all Indians, but I'm the chief. You're
+just braves. When I nod my head like this, every brave must give an
+awful war-whoop. Just screech, boys, yell for all you're worth, and I
+will, too, and that same minute fire off your firecrackers and run.
+You mustn't even stop to see what the girls do, because then we'll be
+caught."
+
+"You all cut for the woods," 'Phonse warned his brood.
+
+"Now get in a straight line," commanded Billy, "and look in. I guess
+they're all here now, and we mustn't wait long if we expect to have
+any fun, because soon's they're all here Betty's going to have them
+all go and have games on the porch, and they're coming back here for
+'freshments. Watch out there, Bud, don't lean too hard. What if the
+stockade should tumble in?"
+
+Unconscious of bright eyes watching, and of the row of grins behind the
+fort's north wall, the little girls laughed and gaily chatted.
+
+Suddenly, without the least warning, blood-curdling sounds filled
+the air, accompanied by what seemed to be cannon shots. At the same
+instant, the evergreens forming the north wall trembled, shook, fell
+in; while screaming girls, frightened almost out of their senses,
+struggled to get away.
+
+Billy tried to run but couldn't. "Wait, boys, wait for me!" he
+shouted, but the boys didn't wait, not even for the little Samone,
+who cried frantically for help. Billy never heard such an uproar,
+quickly followed by screams of terror unlike anything he ever dreamed
+of. Turning, he saw what Betty and her little friends that instant
+noticed; saw what made the grown folks, rushing across the lawn, white
+with fear. Little Samone, trying in vain to free herself from the
+evergreens, was on fire. Billy saw the flames reaching for the ragged
+sleeve of her calico slip, and knew that he must try to save her.
+Betty saw what he meant to do, and tried to stop him.
+
+"Wait, Billy, wait!" she screamed. "You're too little! Papa is coming!
+Wait, oh, Billy, Billy!"
+
+But the north wind wasn't waiting, and Samone was tiny. Quicker than
+a flash, Billy, usually so slow, leaped upon the evergreens, snatched
+Samone, and rolled her down the bank into the water.
+
+When certain braves returned, seeking a lost papoose, they found her
+playing with Betty's guests; but the great chief, Minnavavana, whose
+hands were a trifle burned, was still sobbing in his mother's arms.
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER VIII.
+                        ANTOINE'S BEAR STORIES
+
+
+Straight into all hearts walked the little Samone. Every one in the
+village loved her, and strangers, learning the child's story, had tried
+to take her away from Antoine LeBrinn, for Samone was a waif. When
+Betty, Billy, and Aunt Florence called at the Frenchman's home, Antoine
+received them with scant courtesy. He supposed that Aunt Florence was
+one more summer visitor who wanted the child; one more who had come to
+tell him that she must not be allowed to grow up in a shanty on the
+beach; and, taking Billy one side, Antoine talked angrily, as he spread
+his nets to dry.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"Why," remonstrated Billy, "of course, I wouldn't bring any one
+down here to get Samone away from you. Auntie is glad you have
+Samone. She says she's glad of it--only--only--" How could Billy
+explain the errand upon which Aunt Florence had come? He did wish
+Betty would keep things to herself. Talking to Antoine about drinking
+didn't do a bit of good, anyway. Billy was sure of it, and he did wish
+Mrs. LeBrinn and the children were home. They were away huckleberrying.
+Betty and Aunt Florence were sitting on a log in front of the shanty,
+waiting for Antoine to finish spreading his nets.
+
+"What for your face she get so red, little Beely?" asked Antoine.
+
+"I was wondering if you would tell us a bear story," replied the little
+fellow.
+
+"Beely, I tole you one bear story, you tell ole Antoine why your aunt
+come down to see him."
+
+Billy hesitated only a minute, and then told Antoine that Aunt Florence
+liked his children so well she wanted him to promise not to drink any
+more. "I wouldn't have said a word if you hadn't asked me," concluded
+Billy, "and now you'll tell us a bear story, won't you?"
+
+Antoine laughed long and loud before saying: "Beely, you think your
+aunt like one bear story?"
+
+"Why, yes, but what are you laughing at, Antoine?"
+
+"Oh, I'm think I'm tell one, two, three, four bear story until your
+aunt go home, and ole Antoine she laugh."
+
+"How are you going to begin, Aunt Florence?" asked Betty, as Antoine
+and Billy came toward them hand in hand. "They say he won't promise not
+to drink; he just will spend every cent he can get when he wants to.
+Now what are you going to say?"
+
+"Oh, Betty, I don't know how to begin a bit better than you do, but for
+the sake of those five children somebody ought to try to do something
+besides laugh at such a man, and I shall try."
+
+"But, auntie, how will you begin?"
+
+"You must wait, Betty, and see."
+
+"Excuse me," Antoine began, "but I'm think I'm tell my friend Beely
+one bear story. I guess I'm tell you about the white bear. When I'm a
+little fellow, not so old as you, Beely, my brother have a pet bear. It
+was so high and so big and his colour was brown."
+
+"Brown," repeated Billy, "I thought you said it was white."
+
+"Maybe so, maybe so, Beely. Well, we all like the little brown bear but
+my ma, and she don't like that bear so much as I like the switch she
+always keep on the corner behind the flour barrel. My brother would
+have the bear on the house, and my ma scold and scold, because that
+bear get into all kind of troubles. He steal lump of sugar and he eat
+the codfish, and he help hisself to anything she want.
+
+"Well, Beely, one day my ma hear big noise on what you call the pantry,
+and that noise, Beely, was near the flour barrel, and when she go
+over to see what was the matter out jump a little white bear. He was
+the same little brown bear, Beely, all cover over with flour. My ma
+was so mad at that bear she ain't know what to do after he spoil all
+that flour. So she grab the broom, and she chase the bear all over the
+kitchen. She hit him whack-e-ty whack, Beely, until the poor little
+bear was pretty near scare to dead, and the air was all full of flour,
+and everything was all tip over and tumble down and upset, and my ma
+she look like a crazy woman. By and by she open the door, the little
+bear scoot out and climb a tree, and then he sit and look on my mother
+while she stand there and scold him.
+
+"And do you know, Beely, that little pet bear don't want to come on
+the house no more. You can't coax him on.
+
+"And one time, Beely, I have one little coon; he was my own pet. We
+catch him when he was a little fellow, and I have to feed him with a
+spoon, and when he was big he was chuck full of trick, too. One day,
+when my ma she was milking the cow, she turn her head, and my coon she
+jump right in the milk. Then my ma gave him a taste of a stick, like
+this, Beely, whack, whack, whack. Then my ma say to my pa she won't
+have so much wild animal around, and next day I find my little coon
+asleep, and he never wake up."
+
+"He died while he was asleep, did he, Antoine?"
+
+"Look that way, look that way, Beely. Now I'm tole you about one time
+me and my brother start out to find what you call ging-seng; around
+here we call it shang."
+
+"I never heard of it, Antoine, what is it?"
+
+"It's a root, Beely, the Chinamen want. It used to grow on China, but
+now she's all gone. It grows wild on the wood here, and you can get
+four and five dollar a pound for it if you know where to send it. You
+have to know the wood pretty well, or you ain't know where to find
+it. Well, Beely, me and my brother know where there was a good patch
+of shang, so one time when we have a week to spare, we start out one
+afternoon.
+
+"Before we have go a half-mile from home, my brother think he forget
+something. He go back to get it, and I walk on alone. We intend to
+stay all night in old log shanty. It is pretty near dark when I get
+there. I wait for my brother. He don't come. I'm pretty hungry, so I
+eat my supper, and look around the house where I'm to stay all night.
+Well, Beely, there was no door on the house, but that don't scare me.
+I am used to the wood, and I don't think nothing going to hurt me. But
+before I lay down and before it get dark, I put everything we bring to
+eat up on some high place, so the mouse and the squirrel can't get it.
+Then I go to sleep."
+
+"Oh, my, weren't you afraid, Antoine?"
+
+"What I be afraid of, Beely? I have my gun close beside me. I ain't
+know what time it is when I wake up. It is dark, and I think I hear a
+noise outside the shanty. Then I hear something walk in. Oh, Beely,
+my hair stand on one end, I'm so scare when I hear something go
+'sniff--sniff.' I'm so scare I don't dare get my gun, and my teeth
+go like this, Beely." Antoine tried to make Betty, Billy, and Aunt
+Florence realize how his teeth chattered, accompanying the performance
+by gestures that were funny enough.
+
+"Well, Beely, in a moment more I hear something walk, and I know a big
+bear has come to see me."
+
+"Why, Antoine, why didn't you shoot him?"
+
+"Because, Beely, I'm too scare. I don't dare stir, and, Beely, I'm
+think good-bye, Antoine, for the big bear came and pokes me two time
+with his nose."
+
+"Oh, sakes alive, Antoine."
+
+"Well, Beely, it is the truth I tole you. After he give me two poke,
+the old bear walk around until he find my can of salmon. Then I hear
+him eating and tip over all my things. Then he walk around and around,
+and by and by he come and see me again."
+
+"Oh, Antoine!"
+
+"But, Beely, you just wait; I tole you one joke on the big bear. He
+knock my gun down; he go off biff-bang! At first I'm so scare I'm
+think I'm going to die. Then I laugh until I pretty near choke to dead,
+for I hear the big bear run off through the wood. And in the morning,
+Beely, I find his track,--great, big, black bear track."
+
+"Tell me another, Antoine, please."
+
+Antoine, giving Billy a wink, began again before Aunt Florence or Betty
+could say a word. "Now, Beely, you know the wood is full of some bear,
+and ole Antoine he like to go bear-hunting."
+
+"Yes, go on, you went hunting, and what happened?"
+
+"Hold on, Beely, I don't go hunting, I go fishing; that is, Beely, I
+start to go fishing, but before I go far I come across a bear track. I
+think I never see such a big bear track. It is big like this, Beely,
+so I say I will follow the track of the big bear, but first I will go
+and get my gun. Then I leave my fish-pole at home, and start out with
+my gun, and I am think I am kill the biggest bear you ever hear of. I'm
+follow that bear track for one, two, three, four mile. It's a fresh
+track, and I'm pretty sure I'm find the bear and shoot him. By and by
+I stand still and think what I'm going to do. The big bear she's gone
+into one thicket, and, if I went after it, I shall have to crawl in. I
+ain't like to do that. I'm a little scare."
+
+"Well, I should think so. Go on, Antoine; of course, you did crawl in."
+
+"Yes, Beely, I crawl in and I keep crawling. You see, I think after
+awhile I'm going to come out at a clearing. I don't much like to follow
+track of one big bear on a place where I can't stand, and by and by I
+hear a twig snap, and pretty soon I'm hear another. Then I'm so scare I
+keep still a minute. I think maybe I'm going straight to the big bear's
+house, and the big bear and his folks will eat me up. When I'm think
+that, I'm think I better get back to the road, I think I don't want to
+shoot that bear, after all. I'm change my mind and go back to the road
+just so quick as I can."
+
+"And when you got there, what happened, Antoine?"
+
+"Why, Beely, I go home."
+
+"And you didn't even see the bear?"
+
+"No, Beely, and when I'm in that thicket, I'm think I don't want to see
+him."
+
+"Well, Antoine, maybe that's a track story, but I don't call it a bear
+story. Now, please tell me a good one 'bout narrow 'scapes. That's the
+kind I like."
+
+"Well, Beely, one time when I'm a little boy, my ma send me after the
+cows. We have two cows then. Well, I'm just ready to start home with
+the cows, when she stand still a minute and look scare to dead. I stand
+up on a log, and I think what is the matter, and then I see a big bear
+stand up on his hind feet. I don't know how I do anything so quick, but
+in a second I jump up on one of those cow, and then they both give a
+snort and start down the road lickety-split."
+
+"And did the bear chase you, Antoine?"
+
+"I think so, Beely, I don't know. I ain't look back to see. I have all
+I can do to hang on my cow. It ain't easy riding, I tole you that."
+
+"Oh, Antoine," remonstrated Billy, "I don't call that a bear story. I
+call it a cow story. Now, please, Antoine, tell me a good one. Please
+don't laugh; tell me a good, wild bear story, one of your narrow
+'scapes. Tell me about the time you caught the little bear last summer.
+I like that story."
+
+"Well, Beely, I ain't like to tell you that story pretty good, for
+every time I'm think on it I'm scare out of my wit yet."
+
+"But, Antoine, the bears can't hurt you now; they are all dead."
+
+"I know that, but I'm think they are going to hurt me that time. Well,
+it's just like this: I'm going on the swamp to look at some cedar I'm
+going to get out that winter. When I'm come to a little birch ridge
+on the swamp, well, I'm going to go across that ridge when I see two
+big bear and one little one lay down on front of me about twenty-five
+feet away. Well, I'm scare the bear, and the bear scare me. I'm come
+up there so quiet they ain't think I'm going to come at all; and I
+ain't think I'm going to see any bear there. I'm too scare to run away
+and I'm too scare to shoot. You know I'm got my gun with me. You know,
+Beely, I'm always got my gun and one little axe when I'm go through the
+wood.
+
+"Well, I'm stand there behind one stump; I look on the bear and the
+bear look on me. The biggest one get up on his hind leg and she show
+his teeth and growl. I'm pretty scare, I'm tole you that, Beely, when
+I'm see her big teeth. But I'm make up my mind I'm got to shoot that
+bear right there, or Antoine don't see Beely no more. Well, I'm take a
+rest with my gun on the stump, and take a good aim and shoot. I'm hit
+that bear right on the head. She's fall right down on his back, and
+growl and kick little bit and die.
+
+"Well, that scare the little bear, so she's climb up the tree. They
+got one more big bear there yet, and I ain't got no more bullet on my
+gun, and I ain't got time for load, so I'm climb one little tree pretty
+quick, just like one little red squirrel. But I'm take my gun along
+with me, so I can load it up there, you know.
+
+"Well, the bear she's come for me, but I'm load my gun pretty quick.
+When the bear she get ready for climb the tree, I'm shoot it, but I
+ain't hit it pretty good, and I ain't kill it that time, because just
+the same time I'm shoot, the limb what I'm stand on break, and I'm fall
+on the ground. I fall right close by the bear. I ain't hurt me very
+much, because I ain't fall pretty far, but I'm jump up like a rabbit
+and I'm grab my little axe, what I'm got on my belt, just the same time
+the bear she jump for me.
+
+"I'm hurt the bear pretty much when I'm shoot the first time, so she
+can't jump quick like me. When the bear she's jump on me, I'm jump
+behind one stump and hit him on the head with my axe. But I ain't kill
+it first time.
+
+"I'm run around the stump, and ever time I'm get a chance I'm hit that
+bear with my axe, and by and by I'm hit it on the nose and kill the
+bear that time. You know, Beely, it's pretty easy to kill a bear when
+you hit him right on the nose.
+
+"Well, Beely, I'm pretty glad I'm kill that bear, but I'm so scare I
+sit on that stump and shake and shake and shake just like as if I have
+the ague. By and by I'm feel a little better, and I think I'm going to
+catch that little bear what's up on the tree, so I'm cut down the tree
+and catch the bear; and I'm take off my belt and tie it around his neck
+and fetch it home. Then I go back there and skin the two bear, because
+the bear she's nice and fat and pretty good to eat that time.
+
+"I have that little bear yet, and he do lots of trick. Pretty smart
+little fellow, pretty ugly, I tole you that. I'm call him Beely after
+my little friend."
+
+"Oh, let's show him to Aunt Florence," suggested Billy, but Aunt
+Florence, for some reason, insisted upon going home.
+
+"No use for me to try to say anything to him," she remarked to Betty,
+as they walked along the bay shore. "I'll give up. I should think that
+man would be ashamed when he remembers that little suit I gave 'Phonse."
+
+"But that's the queer thing about him, auntie," Betty explained; "he
+never remembers anything he wants to forget. I like him, though."
+
+"So do I, far as that goes," agreed Aunt Florence, "but I more than
+like that poor little Samone."
+
+
+
+
+                             CHAPTER IX.
+                      UNCLE JOHN'S "OLD TIMER"
+
+
+Betty cried at the station when Aunt Florence went home. Billy felt
+like crying, but he wouldn't. Aunt Florence was sorry to leave the
+children, and even Gerald felt sad enough as her train disappeared
+among the pines, and the whistle sounded at the crossing down the bay
+shore.
+
+"Well, she's gone," was his cheerful remark.
+
+"But she said she'd come again next summer," Betty sobbed, "and just as
+soon as she gets to the city she's going to send me a beautiful doll to
+dress for Samone."
+
+"Perhaps Samone won't be here then," said Gerald.
+
+"Won't be here! Why not?" asked Betty, wiping her eyes and staring at
+the boys.
+
+"Well, you know Antoine's been drinking again, and I heard some men
+saying if he keeps on they are going to take Samone away from him.
+They're going to send her to the House of Correction,--no, I don't
+believe that's the name of the place, either, but it is some home for
+children that don't belong to anybody."
+
+"Oh, what will Antoine do?" exclaimed Betty.
+
+"He'll fight," suggested Billy, "and so I will, too."
+
+"I'll tell you, boys, what we can do," advised Betty. "You know, it
+won't be long now before Uncle John comes to go hunting. Of course,
+Aunt Florence will tell him all about Antoine and Samone, and how she
+couldn't make him stop drinking, because she didn't know how to begin
+talking to him about it. Now, everybody says that if Antoine would make
+up his mind to be a different kind of a man, he could, and everybody
+likes him, even now, so I'm just going to ask Uncle John to go down to
+his house and make him stop. That's a fine plan. Folks always listen to
+Uncle John because he's so good-looking."
+
+When Uncle John came, he laughed at Betty. "Why, child, I'm not a
+temperance lecturer," he protested. "I came up here to hunt deer, not
+Frenchmen. Besides that, what's the use of my trying to do what you and
+Aunt Florence couldn't?"
+
+"Aunt Florence didn't half try," answered Betty, "and, of course, I've
+never tried at all. I wouldn't dare."
+
+Again Uncle John laughed. "If you don't dare venture, Betty, let's give
+up. What do you say, Billy?"
+
+"I say, let me go hunting with you," replied the boy.
+
+"Hunting the Frenchman?"
+
+"No, hunting deer and bears. Will you take me sometime?"
+
+Betty turned away much troubled. There was no use of talking to Uncle
+John, she could see that plainly. Betty liked Antoine so well she
+couldn't understand why every one laughed when anything was said about
+trying to make him do right. She knew, too, how dearly the Frenchman
+and his family loved the little Samone, and how kind they were to
+the child. She also knew what Antoine was beginning to suspect: a
+number of men in the village who were interested in Samone, and whose
+decisions were always carried out, were talking of sending the little
+one to the State School at Coldwater.
+
+Betty said no more about Antoine to Uncle John, but, while the frost
+fairies painted the maple leaves crimson and brightened the borders
+of the evergreen woods with many a dash of colour, she listened as
+eagerly as Billy and Gerald to all he had to say of forest wonders.
+At the same time, down in her heart, Betty was hoping that Uncle John
+wouldn't get a deer that season. "If he don't kill a deer," she told
+herself, "then the Coldwater school don't get Samone. That's my new
+superstition, though I'll never tell even Billy. Some things you must
+keep to yourself."
+
+Those were the days when Billy hated bedtime with all his might. It
+always came in the middle of some tale of adventure, often at the point
+where Uncle John almost shot a bear.
+
+Evening after evening, Mr. Larzalere, a neighbour, called to see Uncle
+John, and many a tale of the woods he told that made Gerald stare.
+Billy often wondered why such great hunters as Mr. Larzalere and his
+Uncle John could go forth each day, knowing exactly where to find deer,
+and yet return without one.
+
+"Should think you'd begin to get discouraged," he said at last.
+
+Uncle John and Mr. Larzalere only smiled at the idea, and advised
+Billy to wait. In the meantime, they talked with great enthusiasm
+of salt-licks, runways, bucks, does, and fawns, and a certain "Old
+Timer" that interested Billy more than anything else that lived in the
+woods. The little boy dreamed of the "Old Timer," and one never to be
+forgotten morning he saw him.
+
+Mr. Larzalere had promised to meet Uncle John at the "Big Stone," and
+Billy had begged to be taken along. He hadn't the least idea where the
+"Big Stone" was, but, from listening to the daily talk of the hunters,
+he believed that all the animals in the woods trooped by that enchanted
+spot ever day; possibly they formed a procession and marched past.
+Mr. Larzalere and Uncle John seemed always to reach the place either
+too late or too early to see all that happened. Uncle John told Billy
+that, when he was bigger, he would gladly take him hunting, but little
+boys seven years old were too small to think of shooting "Old Timers."
+
+"But, Uncle John, of course, I don't want to shoot the 'Old Timer,'"
+persisted Billy. "I just want to see his big horns, and if you'll let
+me go, I'll climb up on the 'Big Stone' and sit right still until you
+come after me. You and Mr. Larzalere can leave me there while you hunt."
+
+"Couldn't think of it, Billy," replied Uncle John. "When Mr. Larzalere
+and I drag in the Old Timer, then you'll see him."
+
+"That isn't the way I want to see him," said Billy to his mother. "I
+want to see him while he is alive. I've seen hundreds of dead deer down
+to the depot. What I want to see is the 'Old Timer' holding his own
+horns high,--high and running fast,--fast as if he was happy and wasn't
+afraid of hunters."
+
+Early the next morning Billy was up and gazing wistfully out-of-doors.
+In spite of the rain pelting against the window, Billy wanted to go
+hunting, and wondered how his Uncle John could lie in bed and sleep
+after daylight. Suddenly the small boy rubbed his eyes and stared.
+Across the common, in front of Mr. Larzalere's house, he saw the "Old
+Timer." A moment later the deer lifted his wide, spreading horns, stood
+quietly gazing toward the house, then came bounding across the common,
+pausing a moment at Billy's gate before making a dash for the woods.
+
+"Oh, I saw him! I saw him!" cried Billy, rushing from window to window,
+hoping for another glimpse of the deer.
+
+In a little while Mr. Larzalere came, calling loudly upon Uncle John
+to get his gun and follow the deer. He was wet to the skin, and a more
+excited man Billy never saw.
+
+"Where--where's your gun?" asked Billy. "Uncle John isn't dressed yet;
+he says he'll hurry."
+
+"My gun's at home," explained Mr. Larzalere. "You see that deer was
+grazing by the big pine in front of my house, and when I raised the
+shade I must have startled him. I told my wife to get my gun quick, but
+I didn't dare wait for it, because I didn't want to lose sight of my
+deer. Tell your Uncle John to come quick's he can! I'm going back for
+my gun!"
+
+As Mr. Larzalere ran for his gun, Billy flew through the house
+shouting: "Gerald! Betty! Selma! Everybody! Get up and see where there
+was a deer! Come on quick and I'll show you his tracks out in the sand!
+You'll have to hurry if you want to see the tracks, 'cause it's raining
+pitchforks!"
+
+After chasing through the storm for an hour or more, Mr. Larzalere went
+home to breakfast, though broiled venison wasn't on the bill of fare.
+
+Whether dogs drove him out of the woods, or whether the deer overheard
+Mr. Larzalere and Uncle John planning his downfall at one of the
+meetings by the "Big Stone," and walked into the village to show how
+little fear he had of hunters, Billy never knew, and the "Old Timer"
+was never again seen in that region. Whereat rejoiced Betty, the
+superstitious.
+
+Soon after, Uncle John went home; but he always declared that he should
+have killed the deer had he stayed long enough.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER X.
+                      FISHING THROUGH THE ICE
+
+
+It was Billy who gathered the last bunch of bluebells. He found them
+one November morning, their brave, delicate beauty all that remained of
+unforgotten blooms. The next day it was winter.
+
+The boy welcomed the whirling snow, but when the ice began forming
+all along the beach, his delight was unbounded. He couldn't pity the
+poor sailors as Betty advised; Billy envied them. The last trip of the
+season, like the first perilous voyage in the spring, seemed brimming
+with possibilities of adventure.
+
+Morning after morning, Billy ran to the window before he was dressed
+to see the waves tossing the broken ice in ridges farther and farther
+from the shore. How he longed to try the stretches of clear ice between
+the ridges! How he longed to go where the waves were dashing against
+the crystal wall! He wondered how much higher than his head the spray
+leaped toward the sun before it fell in sparkling showers all along the
+southern shore as far as the child could see.
+
+In the meantime the last light-ship had gone into winter quarters,
+the last buoy had been taken away, and even Billy understood that
+navigating the straits was a perilous undertaking. Whenever a boat
+whistled to be reported, the whole family ran to the window to see it
+pass, while the fog-horn sounded a farewell, and Billy's father dipped
+the stars and stripes in parting salute, to which the boat made answer.
+
+One steam-barge, the _Wallula_, was long unaccounted for. She was the
+last of the season, as Billy knew. He and Betty watched almost as
+anxiously as their father for the belated boat. One afternoon there
+came a blinding snow-storm, and for the first time Billy agreed with
+Betty in pitying the poor sailors, especially those on the _Wallula_.
+
+"Just think of being out in such a storm, with the light-ships all gone
+and the buoys all taken away!" said the little girl. "I don't see how
+a boat could help going on the shoals. Don't you ever be a sailor,
+Billy, will you?"
+
+"No," replied Billy, "of course not; I'll be the captain."
+
+A wonderful sight greeted Billy the following day. As usual he was
+up early, and through the east window in the sitting-room he saw the
+_Wallula_ frozen fast in the ice not far from shore.
+
+"Oh, mamma! mamma!" he called. "Here's the big red sun coming right
+out of the red, red clouds, and it's shining on the _Wallula_. And the
+icicles! Oh, mamma! Betty! Come and see the icicles shining on all the
+ropes. Oh, I must get out there quick."
+
+As Billy dressed, the sun was swallowed by a cloud so big, so black,
+its shadow dimmed the joy shining in his face.
+
+"Why, mamma!" he shouted, "what a 'normous cloud, and it's spreading
+over all the sky. I never saw anything happen so quick before. Did you
+ever see such a cloud! It was so heavy it had to go and fall down over
+all the sunshine."
+
+"No wonder!" exclaimed Betty, "I should think it would! Look there!"
+
+"Where? What?"
+
+"Why, Billy, don't you see? There is Antoine LeBrinn down on the beach
+with Samone in his arms, and I know the poor little thing hasn't on
+half enough clothes to keep her warm. I don't care how soon they take
+her away from him, so there!"
+
+"Why, Betty!"
+
+"I don't care, Billy. I'm beginning to feel just the way the rest of
+the folks do about that old Antoine. Papa says he don't stick to any
+kind of work, and his family are too poor for anything!"
+
+"I'm going to tell him," Billy threatened; "you see if I don't."
+
+Late in the morning half the village gathered to watch the tug from
+Cheboygan release the _Wallula_ and tow her into safe water. Then
+Billy saw more than one man frown, as he noticed the thinly clad child
+shivering in the Frenchman's arms. From that time he determined to
+compel Betty to tell Antoine he must stop drinking. At first Betty
+refused, but finally a new idea came into her mind.
+
+"Tell you what we might do, Billy," she said, "we might get up a pledge
+for him to sign his name to."
+
+"What's a pledge?"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"Oh, it's something you sign," and Betty, offering no further
+explanation, wrote her pledge. Having never seen a temperance pledge,
+this was not an easy thing to do. Betty tried many times, and destroyed
+nearly all her best tablet before she decided upon the correct form.
+All this scribbling she did in the presence of the impatient Billy.
+
+"Now read it," he begged, when Betty folded several sheets of paper
+instead of destroying them.
+
+"I am afraid you won't understand it, Billy," she said, doubtfully,
+"but it means, 'I won't drink any more whiskey and things.' Now listen,
+Billy; I'd like to hear how it sounds myself: 'When in the course of
+human events it becomes necessary to touch not, taste not, handle not,
+look not upon the wine when it is red, give me liberty or give me death
+before I ever touch another drop.'"
+
+"Oh, Betty, that's good; course I understand it. Why, it sounds just
+like the Fourth of July last year!"
+
+"There now, Billy, I shall have to read it all over again if I find out
+how it sounds, because that's only the short beginning."
+
+"Why, Betty, but that's enough! If he signs that and promises that he
+won't drink another drop, why, why, that's the place to stop, Betty."
+
+"I don't know but you're right, Billy, but lawyers put in lots of
+words they don't need when they write things, and they never stop when
+they get through. You see, I haven't read you the 'whereas' and 'now
+therefore' part. I wanted this pledge to sound as if a lawyer made it.
+You see, Billy, I know, because I read everything."
+
+"I don't care," Billy maintained, "you might get him mixed."
+
+"That's so," admitted Betty.
+
+"And then, too, Bet, why don't you say 'before I drink another drop--of
+whiskey,' in big capital letters."
+
+"Oh, never, Billy, that would hurt Antoine's feelings. We mustn't even
+hint about getting drunk and such things, but I will do as you say
+about having a short pledge, and we'll trim it with pictures."
+
+"Make pictures of bottles and things, Betty."
+
+"Oh, stop, Billy, I should say not! Birds and flowers will be better,
+and won't hurt Antoine's feelings. Don't you understand? Then we'll tie
+a red ribbon on it."
+
+It so happened that Billy's mother, not sharing the children's secret,
+wouldn't allow them to visit the Frenchman's home, and it was not until
+the ice stretched from shore to shore, and Antoine began his winter
+fishing, that their opportunity came. After school one night, they
+visited his fish shanty on the frozen straits.
+
+"Come in," said Antoine, in response to Betty's knock, "come in."
+
+"Oh, my, what a tiny place!" exclaimed Betty, "and how warm it is! too
+warm! Oh, my!"
+
+"Smells fishy and tarry," added Billy, holding his nose.
+
+"Hush!" warned Betty, fearing Antoine might be offended.
+
+"Warm!" repeated the man, laughing heartily; "the preacher she was
+here, and I ain't want it to stay, so I make it warm, and she ain't
+stay long."
+
+"Why did the minister come to see you?" asked Betty.
+
+"Did he come out here to have you tell him fish stories?" Billy
+inquired.
+
+Again Antoine laughed. "No, Beely, the preacher she come out here and
+bring one temperance pledge. She say to me, 'Antoine, I'm fisherman,
+too. I'm ask you to sign your name on this one paper.' I'm tell that
+preacher she make a mistake, and I'm put one, two, three stick of wood
+on the stove, and it get too warm pretty quick. The preacher she go
+home, and ole Antoine she sign no pledge so long she live, I tole you
+that right now."
+
+Betty looked discouraged, but Billy grinned as he knelt to peer through
+the hole in the ice. Both children knew better than to speak of their
+pledge.
+
+With utmost patience Antoine explained to his visitors all he knew
+about fishing through the ice.
+
+"What you think is on the end of that line, Beely, that go into the
+water there?"
+
+"Minnows?"
+
+"Oh, no, Beely, no minnow on the winter. On the end that line is one
+decoy fish. She's heavy and weighted with lead. We let it down on the
+deep water. Then, when we see a fish come after it, we wind the line
+with one windlass."
+
+"Can't you pull in the line?" asked Betty.
+
+"No, Betty, no, you pull the line, you jerk the decoy fish, and that
+won't do. Beely, you turn the crank there and wind the line over the
+reel. Now, Betty, kneel on the edge of the opening on the floor and
+look down on the water. Can you see one decoy fish?"
+
+"Yes, just as plain as anything."
+
+"Now you, Beely, turn the crank."
+
+"Oh, oh!" cried Betty. "Up comes the little fish, straight, straight
+up, just as natural as if it was alive."
+
+"Now let me see," besought the small boy. "You come, Betty, and turn
+the crank."
+
+"Here, Beely," said Antoine, "you and Betty can both look on the same
+time if you squeeze beside her. Fish shanty ain't big like the town
+hall?"
+
+"Well, I should say not," admitted Billy. "Why, isn't it nice, Antoine?
+You can sit right still on your box and reach all the walls, can't you?
+Oh, that's the way you do it? When you see a fish coming, you just keep
+watching him, and then you reach over and turn the crank and wind up
+the line, and then the pretend fish comes up higher and higher. But
+then, I don't see how you spear the real fish."
+
+"Well, Betty and Beely, I will show you. You see the decoy fish she
+come quiet through the water when we bring it up with a windlass. If
+we brought it up with one jerk, our trout would be scare away. Fish no
+fool, I tole you that. When my fish come to the top of the water, so
+I'm sure of my aim, I send my spear after him."
+
+"But I should think you would lose the spear," said Billy. "My, it's
+heavy!"
+
+Antoine pointed to the rope which tied the spear to a ring fastened in
+the roof.
+
+"Wish a fish would come along now," said Billy, still gazing into the
+depths beneath.
+
+"We make too much noise, Beely. Betty, you be little squaw and Beely
+be Indian, and we'll keep still like the Indian and then I'll show you
+one fish. I'm fix the spear so she's all ready, and now watch. Don't
+whisper."
+
+Silently the three peered through the hole in the ice. Betty wished
+that her heart wouldn't beat so loud; she feared the fish must hear
+its thumping. Several times Billy was compelled to stifle deep sighs,
+warned by a look from Antoine. Poor Billy! His knees ached and his
+back ached, and it is no wonder the active child kept thinking that he
+couldn't endure such a cramped position another moment. It seemed ages
+to Betty also before she raised her face with a pleased smile to the
+fisherman and exchanged a glance with the radiant Billy.
+
+There was a big fish coming straight toward the decoy. The children
+had a fine chance to see exactly how a fish swims. Billy held his
+breath, as the line was slowly wound over the reel and the decoy came
+nearer and nearer the surface. They could see the bright eyes and the
+glistening fins of the fish that came after it.
+
+Just as Antoine reached for his spear, Betty sneezed. Quick as a flash
+the fish darted to the bottom of the straits; but it moved no quicker
+than Antoine, who motioned for silence. Betty longed to explain that
+she couldn't help sneezing, while Billy could scarcely be restrained
+from venting his wrath. Under the circumstances, he gave Betty an angry
+glance, and ventured to wiggle the least bit before settling himself
+for another time of breathless waiting. As for Betty, she could just
+manage to keep the tears back, and, when the fish slowly rose from the
+bottom of the lake, she didn't see him so clearly as Billy and the
+fisherman did.
+
+That time Antoine speared the fish. Billy not only saw him do it, but
+helped pull a big trout through the hole in the ice, and soon he and
+Betty were taking turns carrying the treasure home.
+
+"Dear me," said Betty at last, "I'll never dare say 'pledge' to him
+again."
+
+"I should say not," echoed Billy.
+
+Upon reaching home, Betty was much distressed when she discovered that
+her pledge was lost. "Somebody'll find it, Billy, and tell everybody in
+town, and then won't we catch it? Everybody'll be making fun of us."
+
+Billy tried to be consoling. "They won't know who wrote it, Betty."
+
+"Oh, that's the worst of it, Billy. I put my name and your name and the
+date and everything on that paper, and I said it was for Mrs. LeBrinn's
+Christmas present! Oh, dear!"
+
+At that very moment, Antoine, alone in his shanty, was reading Betty's
+pledge. A curious smile came and went as he read the slip of paper.
+When the last gleam of sunlight faded in the west, he locked his shanty
+and walked to the village with his load of fish.
+
+The following morning little 'Phonse LeBrinn came late to school. His
+pinched face looked sad and care-worn.
+
+"Old Antoine was drunk again last night," some one whispered across the
+aisle. "He sold his fish before he went home, and spent every cent at
+the saloons."
+
+Billy heard the whisper, and, passing 'Phonse on his way to class, he
+left a piece of candy on his desk. It was all he had to offer.
+
+
+
+
+                              CHAPTER XI.
+                            CHRISTMAS EVE
+
+
+Two things puzzled Billy. One was the letter from Aunt Florence,
+in which she hinted at the possibility of visiting Santa Claus on
+Christmas Day. Neither Billy's father nor Billy's mother knew what to
+think. Mid-winter was not the time to expect company in their part of
+the world.
+
+"It's some kind of a joke, I guess," was Billy's suggestion.
+
+The second thing that puzzled Billy was the great change that suddenly
+came over the LeBrinn family. He wondered if he had anything to do with
+it. One day, having overheard a conversation not intended for his ears,
+he told 'Phonse that Samone was surely going to be sent to the home at
+Coldwater, and advised him to tell his father to "watch out." The next
+time Billy met Antoine LeBrinn, Samone was with him.
+
+"Come here, little Beely," called the Frenchman, "ole Antoine want to
+shake hand with you. It's a pretty good little Beely. Samone like Beely
+pretty good, I tole you that."
+
+Antoine then explained to the boy that no one should take Samone away
+from him, because he intended keeping her with him all the time, and
+from that hour until the day soon after, when Billy saw the little
+Samone no more, she was always close beside her father. The particular
+thing that puzzled Billy, though, kept half the village guessing.
+'Phonse, Buzz, Bud, and Tony came to school just before the holidays
+dressed in fine new suits and beaming with smiles. That same afternoon
+Billy was in the dry-goods store when Antoine bought a red dress for
+his wife and wide red ribbons to trim it with.
+
+"I tole you the ole lady she look pretty good when he get this on,
+Beely," said Antoine, rattling a pocketful of money for Samone's
+benefit. The jingle pleased Antoine more than it did the little girl.
+
+Billy wondered where Antoine got his money, and when he learned that
+the Frenchman's own family didn't know, he wondered more than ever.
+
+For many weeks Antoine had been stage-driver on the evergreen
+road,--the winding way across the ice, marked on either side by forest
+trees.
+
+The day before Christmas there was a blizzard. From Billy's home on the
+point nothing could be seen but whirling snow. The nearest trees on the
+evergreen road were hidden from sight, while the north shore across the
+frozen straits seemed for ever lost.
+
+"Antoine won't go to-day," said Billy; but scarcely were the words
+spoken when the sound of sleigh-bells was heard, and Antoine stopped
+his horses at the cottage door. He asked for an extra shawl or blanket
+for the children, and laughed at the idea of being afraid to make the
+trip. When Billy's mother knew that 'Phonse and Samone were in the
+sleigh, she begged Antoine to leave them with her.
+
+"Samone stay with ole Antoine long as he live in Mackinaw," declared
+the Frenchman, "and Beely she know that. I ain't leave Samone no
+more." Antoine went on to explain that he could cross the evergreen
+road with his eyes shut, and that there wasn't a bit of danger. He had
+positively promised to meet two passengers who were coming from Duluth,
+and he was determined to be on time for the train. The children were
+comfortable as two kittens, Antoine further insisted, at the same time
+declaring that he would be back at noon to help the "old lady" get
+ready for Christmas.
+
+Fumbling in his pocket at the last moment, Antoine drew forth an
+envelope, in which he declared was his wife's Christmas present.
+
+"Tell Beely to take care of it until ole Antoine come back, and, if she
+ain't come home no more, give her to the old lady."
+
+Every hour the storm grew worse, and at noon the marine reporter's
+three children listened in vain for the sound of sleigh-bells.
+
+"Antoine must have decided to stay in St. Ignace, and drive home
+to-morrow," said their mother, and the family were of the same opinion.
+
+All the afternoon the children had the gayest kind of a time. No
+thought of the storm outside disturbed their fun. Gerald, Betty, and
+Billy were too accustomed to blizzards to mind their fury. After the
+lamps were lighted, they gathered around the piano to sing the familiar
+carol they loved so well. That Christmas Eve they sang but one verse:
+
+    "'Oh, little town of Bethlehem!
+         How still we see thee lie!
+     Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
+         The silent stars go by;
+     Yet in thy dark street shineth
+         The everlasting light,
+     The hopes and fears of all the years
+         Are met in thee to-night!'"
+
+The door-bell rang, and Antoine LeBrinn's wife, weeping and wringing
+her hands, was ushered into the bright sitting-room. She had waited
+all the afternoon for the return of her husband and children, and at
+last, leaving Bud and Buzz and Tony with neighbours, had walked to the
+village, expecting and dreading to find Antoine at the saloons. No one
+having seen him since morning, she was sure that, unless he had reached
+the marine reporter's cottage, he was lost on the Straits of Mackinaw,
+and every one knew what that meant. That night the evergreen road was
+drifted full, the trees along the way were blown down, and the ice
+was a trackless wilderness. Even Billy thought of the air-holes and
+shuddered.
+
+It was the little brother who spoke first, after the sobbing
+Frenchwoman had told her story.
+
+"Papa," he asked, "why don't you go down and telegraph to St. Ignace?"
+
+"I'll do it, Billy," he answered, and straightway left the cottage.
+There was a look on his father's face when he returned that Billy had
+never seen before.
+
+"Antoine left St. Ignace two hours ago," he said to Billy's mother.
+"Men have already gone to find him, but it is useless."
+
+Billy's father went away, and in that dreadful time of waiting the
+three children listened to the Frenchwoman's despairing talk. Just that
+morning her husband had told where his money came from. The old aunt in
+Canada was dead, and had left her farm and all she owned to Antoine.
+They had made such happy plans. The little Samone should be a lady, and
+the boys would no longer be ragged and half-starved. Christmas Day the
+children were to be told the good news, and before the New Year they
+would be living in a home of their own in Canada.
+
+The mention of Christmas reminded Billy of the worn envelope left in
+his care.
+
+"Here," said he, giving it to Mrs. LeBrinn, "he said give you that."
+
+The woman tore open the envelope and stared at the slip of paper it
+contained. She couldn't understand; but the instant Betty saw it she
+knew the truth. It was the pledge, with Antoine LeBrinn's name signed
+at the bottom.
+
+For the first time since she entered the cottage, the Frenchwoman
+raised her head and looked hopeful. She said Antoine always kept his
+word, and, since she knew he had not been drinking that day, unless he
+perished in the blizzard, he would find his way home.
+
+A shout from Billy startled every one in the room. "Why, my dog!" he
+fairly screamed. "He is a St. Bernard, and, oh, Mrs. LeBrinn, you know
+what St. Bernards are for. He'll find the lost folks!"
+
+"Billy is right," echoed his mother, as the child ran for the dog.
+"Hero will find them, I know."
+
+Like a flash, the dog darted into the night when he knew what was
+expected of him, and there were no more tears shed in the sitting-room.
+The curtains in the bay-window were raised, while the three children,
+their mother, and Mrs. LeBrinn watched the beacon-fire blazing high at
+the beginning of the evergreen road.
+
+It was growing colder every minute, though the minutes were long. Men
+who gave up the search piled timbers on the fire and waited. It was all
+they could do. At last Hero bounded toward them, and the faint sound of
+sleigh-bells came on the wind.
+
+Safe was the little Samone,--safe, warm, and sound asleep with 'Phonse.
+Neither of the children awoke as they were carried into the cottage and
+placed upon the couch; but they opened wondering eyes when Betty and
+Gerald and little Billy welcomed their Aunt Florence and their Uncle
+John, the passengers for whom Antoine had made that trip to St. Ignace.
+
+For a few minutes every one, including Hero, talked at the same time,
+and nobody listened to what anybody else said until Billy's mother
+suggested dinner.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"We'll have our Christmas dinner now," she declared.
+
+"And another one to-morrow, mamma," added Billy, in a whisper, "unless
+Uncle John would rather have venison than turkey. I know one thing,
+Antoine's so happy, he won't know what he is eating to-night, and I
+feel the same way myself. Aunt Florence looks as if she's pretty glad
+to get here, too. I guess we'll have a good time to-night that even
+Samone will remember long time after she goes to Canada. We are all
+happy, mamma; I 'tole you that.'"
+
+When Antoine saw the candle-light from the Christmas tree shining upon
+his little Samone, he did a queer thing,--lifting her in his arms to
+take her in to dinner, he touched her soft curls and said: "It's a good
+little Beely."
+
+                               THE END.
+
+
+
+
+                        =COSY CORNER SERIES=
+
+
+It is the intention of the publishers that this series shall contain
+only the very highest and purest literature,--stories that shall not
+only appeal to the children themselves, but be appreciated by all
+those who feel with them in their joys and sorrows.
+
+The numerous illustrations in each book are by well-known artists, and
+each volume has a separate attractive cover design.
+
+  Each, 1 vol., 16mo, cloth                                      $0.50
+
+
+_By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON_
+
+
+  =The Little Colonel.= (Trade Mark.)
+
+The scene of this story is laid in Kentucky. Its heroine is a small
+girl, who is known as the Little Colonel, on account of her fancied
+resemblance to an old-school Southern gentleman, whose fine estate and
+old family are famous in the region. This old Colonel proves to be the
+grandfather of the child.
+
+
+  =The Giant Scissors.=
+
+This is the story of Joyce and of her adventures in France,--the
+wonderful house with the gate of The Giant Scissors, Jules, her little
+playmate, Sister Denisa, the cruel Brossard, and her dear Aunt Kate.
+Joyce is a great friend of the Little Colonel, and in later volumes
+shares with her the delightful experiences of the "House Party" and the
+"Holidays."
+
+
+  =Two Little Knights of Kentucky.=
+
+WHO WERE THE LITTLE COLONEL'S NEIGHBORS.
+
+In this volume the Little Colonel returns to us like an old friend, but
+with added grace and charm. She is not, however, the central figure of
+the story, that place being taken by the "two little knights."
+
+
+_By ANNIE FELLOWS JOHNSTON (Continued)_
+
+
+  =Cicely and Other Stories for Girls.=
+
+The readers of Mrs. Johnston's charming juveniles will be glad to learn
+of the issue of this volume for young people, written in the author's
+sympathetic and entertaining manner.
+
+
+  =Aunt 'Liza's Hero and Other Stories.=
+
+A collection of six bright little stories, which will appeal to all
+boys and most girls.
+
+
+  =Big Brother.=
+
+A story of two boys. The devotion and care of Steven, himself a small
+boy, for his baby brother, is the theme of the simple tale, the pathos
+and beauty of which has appealed to so many thousands.
+
+
+  =Ole Mammy's Torment.=
+
+"Ole Mammy's Torment" has been fitly called "a classic of Southern
+life." It relates the haps and mishaps of a small negro lad, and tells
+how he was led by love and kindness to a knowledge of the right.
+
+
+  =The Story of Dago.=
+
+In this story Mrs. Johnston relates the story of Dago, a pet monkey,
+owned jointly by two brothers. Dago tells his own story, and the
+account of his haps and mishaps is both interesting and amusing.
+
+
+  =The Quilt That Jack Built.=
+
+A pleasant little story of a boy's labor of love, and how it changed
+the course of his life many years after it was accomplished. Told in
+Mrs. Johnston's usual vein of quaint charm and genuine sincerity.
+
+
+_By EDITH ROBINSON_
+
+
+  =A Little Puritan's First Christmas.=
+
+A story of Colonial times in Boston, telling how Christmas was invented
+by Betty Sewall, a typical child of the Puritans, aided by her brother
+Sam.
+
+
+  =A Little Daughter of Liberty.=
+
+The author's motive for this story is well indicated by a quotation
+from her introduction, as follows:
+
+"One ride is memorable in the early history of the American Revolution,
+the well-known ride of Paul Revere. Equally deserving of commendation
+is another ride,--untold in verse or story, its records preserved only
+in family papers or shadowy legend, the ride of Anthony Severn was no
+less historic in its action or memorable in its consequences."
+
+
+  =A Loyal Little Maid.=
+
+A delightful and interesting story of Revolutionary days, in which the
+child heroine, Betsey Schuyler, renders important services to George
+Washington.
+
+
+  =A Little Puritan Rebel.=
+
+Like Miss Robinson's successful story of "A Loyal Little Maid," this
+is another historical tale of a real girl, during the time when the
+gallant Sir Harry Vane was governor of Massachusetts.
+
+
+  =A Little Puritan Pioneer.=
+
+The scene of this story is laid in the Puritan settlement at
+Charlestown. The little girl heroine adds another to the list of
+favorites so well known to the young people.
+
+
+  =A Little Puritan Bound Girl.=
+
+A story of Boston in Puritan days, which is of great interest to
+youthful readers.
+
+
+_By OUIDA_ (_Louise de la Ramee_)
+
+
+  =A Dog of Flanders=: A CHRISTMAS STORY.
+
+Too well and favorably known to require description.
+
+
+  =The Nuernberg Stove.=
+
+This beautiful story has never before been published at a popular price.
+
+
+  =A Provence Rose.=
+
+A story perfect in sweetness and in grace.
+
+
+  =Findelkind.=
+
+A charming story about a little Swiss herdsman.
+
+
+_By MISS MULOCK_
+
+
+  =The Little Lame Prince.=
+
+A delightful story of a little boy who has many adventures by means of
+the magic gifts of his fairy godmother.
+
+
+  =Adventures of a Brownie.=
+
+The story of a household elf who torments the cook and gardener, but is
+a constant joy and delight to the children who love and trust him.
+
+
+  =His Little Mother.=
+
+Miss Mulock's short stories for children are a constant source of
+delight to them, and "His Little Mother," in this new and attractive
+dress, will be welcomed by hosts of youthful readers.
+
+
+  =Little Sunshine's Holiday.=
+
+An attractive story of a summer outing. "Little Sunshine" is another
+of those beautiful child-characters for which Miss Mulock is so justly
+famous.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BROTHER BILLY***
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