ream. She felt rested
and refreshed, as with the tin cup filled with water, and covered with a
broad leaf of a water-lily, she made her careful way back to where she
had left her sister.

Rebby had taken off her hat and moccasins. She drank the water eagerly
before saying a word.

"I feel better already," she said, "and by the time we have eaten our
lunch I know we can start. We _must_," she added soberly, "for if we do
not get home before dark Father will surely start after us."

Danna was opening the package of food and made no response, but she was
wondering if Rebby could really hold out until they reached the
settlement. "I couldn't leave her alone," the little girl thought a
little fearfully, wondering if their long journey was, after all, to end
in failure. For she knew that if they did not reach Machias by the early
evening their attempt to aid the settlement would have been in vain.

"Look, Rebby! White bread, spread with butter," she said, as she
unfastened the package, "and here are slices of chicken, and big squares
of molasses cake," and Rebby smiled at her little sister's evident
delight. The two girls thoroughly enjoyed the excellent food, and when
the last crumb had been eaten Rebecca declared herself rested, and ready
to start on.

As she picked up her moccasins she exclaimed: "Oh, Danna!" in so tragic
a tone that her sister looked at her with frightened eyes.

"What is it, Rebby?" she whispered.

"A hole in my moccasin. Look!" and Rebby held up the moccasin, showing a
long narrow slit on the sole. "These awful rocks! I can never walk
without cutting my foot, and then I can't walk at all."

"I can fix it," Danna declared instantly. "Give it to me, Rebby; quick!"
and the elder sister obeyed.

Danna reached into the pocket of her doeskin skirt and drew out her
sharp clasp-knife; very carefully she cut a broad strip from the top of
Rebby's moccasin, and skilfully fitted it inside over the sole.

"I saw Father do this very thing once," she said. "It will surely last
until we reach home."

"I knew I could never make this trip without you, Danna," Rebby said
gratefully. "You are as wise as a real little Indian girl."

They went on now at a slower pace, for both girls realized that if Rebby
was again overcome by heat and fatigue that it might be impossible for
her to continue. Even Danna owned to herself that she had never been so
tired. The strap across her shoulders, supporting the heavy load,