Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-07-13

their pet but unable to reach him before he
hurled the bank, into the icy water.
With cries of pity and horror, they gazed help
essly At that moment Beth rushed up, breath
less. For instant she stood as though turned
to stone The poor little dog had struck his head
stunned by the blow that his feeble efforts to swim
ashore barely served to keep him aHoat. He seemed
to realize his hc!pessqess and turned to his mis-
tress with ptifuly beseeching look in his eyes,
as though imploring her to save him. 1t was too
much for Beth. Before the girls could realize her
purpose hat and coat drown aside, boots
ripped off in such mad haste that the buttons fairly
flew, and she had plunged boldly into the river.
Even in the excitement of the movement, the girls
filed with wonder as they saw her strong
swift strokes. Not girl in the school could equal
them Fortunately only short distance had to be
covered, but just she grasped the small creature,
a large piece of ice bore down upon them. Some
Of the girls hid their eyes not daring to look longer
but Beth skfully evaded the foe, and struck out
bravely for the shore.
Eager hands outstretched to help her.
Tinker was rolled in a warm wrap, while the girls
threw their coats about Beth AMI hurried to
house, where both girl and dog wrapped in hot
blankets, and hllcd with comforting drinks.
That eySning when f the girls were sathered as
faced Beth, cudding still shvering little terrier,
slipped quietly in on her way to the corner where
quick for her. She was surrounded and enthroncd
in huge fireplace, with its jolly blaze, while they
showered attentions upon hC7 Mary Livingstone
pcrched the of the chair and 'pOOred' the
aching head, saying she I'D so: oh, Beth,
unwOnted kindness much for Beth
Girls you good to me- she said. her
eyes trimming with tears. Il want to explain to
you about the boating. | can row
I told you sO! came cInphatically from Grace
But l never, want so the
again. At least | felt that way before; IT may be
different now. Shall | tell YOU about it:
DO, Beth! We don't understand it at ALL
You know my father is naturalist, and I
have travelled with him often since my mother died
Last year went from England to South America
III search OF specimen father very anxious
to obtain. We decided to home by 4 sailing
vessel, IS he breads the crowded steamers. 1t
lovely at hrst-so peaceful, with the sky blue
and cloudess-but day, almost without
suddenly in the tropics. Before real
lied our danger, the vessel driven a reef.
The sailors barely had time a few things into
the boat and pull away, before she went pieces.
Girls you can't imagine what those four
days were-sCOrChing all day, followed by chill
damp at night! | bear think OF them,
yet The captain and his wife were in O.r
boat. She 50 kind and motfcrly to That
last day, when | fevcrish. she gave her
share Of the water, the last had. Those days
seemed months! After picked up by a
passing steamer, ! very i'll, and the only thing
that quoted me, during the deliruIn, give
me big bottle OF water hold Since then |
never willingly in rowboat. 1 know I'm
coward
Coward! You!' and Ma-y's voice was in
tense in its scorn. Girls, three cheers for the
were enough to satisfy the lonccst girls heart
Even little Tinker became affected by the pervad-
ing enthusiasm, and stood up on Beth's lap to add
a Wow! vow! wow in his shrill little treble
Beth cuddled him close hide the tears OF jov
which filled her eyes, murmuring she did
We won't be lonely any more, will we, Tinker?
You are my good fairy, after ALL"