birds if
you like. I can't spend my time any longer here."

"How he cries after you!" exclaimed Mildred. It was the first time
Roger had ever known anybody to be sorry for his going away. The child
was certainly crying after him. He half turned back, but turned again,
saying--

"Can't you tell him I will come again by-and-by? I must be off now."

The truth was, Roger had never forgotten the chest--the oaken chest
which looked so tempting when he saw it floating down, and Oliver would
not stop to catch it,--the stout chest which he knew to be now safe and
sound somewhere about the house, unless harm had happened to it during
the night. Oliver agreed that it was of importance to bring this chest
on shore: and the boys lost no time in doing it. Mildred came out with
George to watch their proceedings, and found that Oliver had already
made one trip, and brought over some articles of use and value. He came
up to his sister, with something which he held carefully covered up in
both hands. He said gravely--

"Here, dear, put this in some safe place,--where no one will know of it
but you and me."

"A watch!--mother's watch!"

"I found it, with several things in her cupboard, thrown down by the
wall breaking."

"It does not seem to be hurt," observed Mildred. "And how often you
have wished for a watch!"

"I think I shall never wish for anything again," said Oliver. Mildred
saw his face as he turned away, and began to consider where she could
put the watch, so that it might be safe, and that Roger might not see
it, nor Oliver be reminded of it.

Ailwin and Roger were meantime disputing about which should have the
raft first,--Roger wanting to secure the chest, and Ailwin insisting
that it was high time the cow was milked. Oliver said he was master
here in his father's absence, and he would have no quarrels. All three
should go on the raft. Roger should be landed at the staircase, where
he could be collecting what he wanted to bring over, while Oliver
proceeded to set Ailwin ashore beside the cow. By working to the number
of three, in harmony, far more would be gained than by using up strength
in fighting and disputing. He did not care how many times he crossed
the water this day, if those whom he rowed would but keep the peace. He
would willingly be their servant in rowing, though he chose to be their
master in deciding.

Ailwin stared at Oliver. It had struck her, and Mildred too, that
Oliver see