The Cairo bulletin., 1904-07-05
CHAPTER V.

net, Dickofy Snartei
paddfed bravely through the darkness
She was relieved OF the terror and the
uncertainty which had fallen upon her
during the past few hours, and she
WIS grateful to the brave young fell
low who had delivered her from the
danger OF sailing out upon the sea with
a crew OF wicked scoundrels who were
about to steal her fathers ship anu
her heart should have beaten high with
gratitude and Joy, but il did not. she
was very cold, and she knew not
whittier young Dickory was taking her.
She did not believe that in all that
darkness he could possibly know where
he was going; at any moment that
dreadful ship might loom up before
them. and lights might be flashed down
upon them. But all Of a sudden the
canoe scraped, grounded and stopped.
What is that" she cried.
1T is our beach said Dickory, and
almost at that moment there came a
call from the darkness beyond.
'Dickory!" cried woman's voice,
rs that ypu?"
1T Is my mother" said the boy;
"she has heard the scraping Of my
keel"
Then he shouted back 1T is Dick
ory; please show me light mother. ;"
Jumping out, Dickory pulled the ca
noe high up the shelving shore, and
then he helped Kate to get out. It
was not an easy job. for she could
see nothing and fioundered terribly;
but he seemed to like it, and half led,
half carried her over considerable
space Of uneven ground, until he came
TO the door of a small house, where
stood an elderly woman with a Ian
tern.
"Dickory! Dickory!" shouted the
woman, what IS that you are bring
Ing home? Is it a great tish?'
1T is young woman" said the boy,
but she is as wet as a fish"
"Woman!" cried Dame Charter.
What mean you, DIckory, is she
dead?"
Not dead, Mother Charter" said
Kate, who now stood. unassisted, in
the light Of the lantern, but in woe
full case, and more like TO startle You
than II ! were the biggest fish. | am
Mistress Kate Bonnet, just out of the
river between here and the town. No,
| will not enter your house. am not
1T; | Will stand here and tell my tale
"Dlckory." shouted Dame Charter,
take the lantern and run to the
kitchen cabin, where ven make fire
quickly"
Away ran Dictory and, standing in
the darkness, Kate Bonnet told her
tale. II was not a very satisfactory
tale, for there was a great part of Ii
which Kate herself did not understand
but it sufficed at present for the good
dame. who mad known the girl when
she was small, and who was soon
busily engaged in warming her by her
fire. refreshing her with food, and in
fortifying her against the effects OF
her cold bath by a generous glass OF
rum. made, the good woman earnestly
asserted. from sugar-cane grown on
Master Bonnet's plantation.
Early the next morning came Dick
DRY from tie Kitchen. where he had
made q lre8(before that he had been
catching some fsh), and On a rude
bench by the house door he saw Kate
Bonnet. When he perceived her he
laughed; but as she also laughed, 1t
was plain she was not offended.
This pretty girl was dressed h
large blue gown. belonging 20 the
stout Dame Charter and which was
quite as much of a gown as she had
any possible need for. Her head was
bare. for she had lost her hat, and
she wore neither shoes nor stockings.
those articles Of apparel having been
SO shrunken b. immersion IS to make
It impossible for her TO get them on
Thy mother 10 q eood woman" said
Kate. and ! am 50 glad you did not
take me 10 the town. don't wonder
you gaze at me; must look like
fright"
Dickory made no answer, bat by the
way in which he regarded her she
knew that he saw nothing frightful in
her face.
You have been very good to me-"
said she, rising and making step /
towards him. but suddenly stopping on
account Of her. bare feet. 4and wish
I could tell you how thankful | am to
YOU You arc truly a brave boy. Dick
DRY; the bravest have ever known"
his brows contracted why do You
call me a boy" he interrupted. Il am
10 years old. and yo1 are not much !
nore than that
she laughed. and her white teeth
mace him ready to fall down and wor-
ship her.
You have done as much" said she. /
4as any man could DO. and more"
Then she held cut her hand, and he
came AMI took IT,
Truly you are a man." she said. /
ard. locking sieadfasily into his faes. /
she ADDED, how very. very much
owe you"
Just then Dame Charter called them /
10 breakfast When they we're al The /
table they talked Of what was 20 be /
doae next. and as. above everything
else. Miss hate desired to know where /
her father rae and rhw ha hadn't 4