come along, Noddy. We will go now."

"I can't go till I've washed out the boat-house."

"Yes, you can."

"But if Ben comes down and finds the place hasn't been washed out, he
will tell Miss Bertha."

"Let him tell her--who cares?"

"She will talk to me for an hour."

"Let her talk--talking won't kill you."

"I don't like to be talked to in that way by Miss Bertha."

"Fiddle-de-dee! You can tell her I wanted you," said Fanny, her eyes
snapping with earnestness.

"Shall I tell her what you wanted me for?" asked Noddy, with a cunning
look.

"Of course you needn't tell her that. But come along, or I shall go
without you."

"No--you wouldn't do that, Miss Fanny. You couldn't."

"Well, won't you come?"

"Not now."

"I can't wait."

"I will go just as soon as I have done washing the boat-house."

"Plague on the boat-house!" snapped Fanny. "I wish it was burned up.
What a nice fire it would make!--wouldn't it, Noddy?"

The bright eyes of the wayward miss sparkled with delight as she thought
of the blazing building; and while her more wayward companion described
the miseries which he daily endured in his regular work, she hardly
listened to him. She seemed to be plotting mischief; but if she was, she
did not make Noddy her confidant this time.

"Come, Noddy," said she, after a few moments' reflection, "I will
promise to make it all right with Bertha."

Noddy dropped the broom with which he had begun to sweep up some chips
and shavings Ben had made in repairing a boat-hook.

"If you will get me out of the scrape, I will go now," said he.

"I will; you may depend upon me."

"Then I will go."

"Where is Ben, now?"

"He has gone up to the house."

"Then you run down to the Point, and bring the boat up to the pier. I am
tired, and don't want to walk down there again."

Noddy was entirely willing, and bounded off like a deer, for he had
fully made up his mind to disobey orders, and his impulsive nature did
not permit him to consider the consequences. He was absent but a few
moments, and presently appeared rowing a small boat up the river. At the
pier he turned the boat, and backed her up to the landing steps.

"All ready, Miss Fanny!" shouted the young boatman, for his companion in
mischief was not in sight.

Still she did not appear; and Noddy was about to go in search of her,
when she came out of the boat-house, and ran down to the steps. Her face
was flushed, and she seemed to be very much agi