how George pulls at the apron, and tugs at the
broomstick behind! It does not scare even him."

"It will look very different on the steps--in the open air," Oliver
declared. "A bunch or two of straw in the sleeves, and under the
jacket, will make it seem all alive."

And he carried it out, and tied it upon the mill-steps. It was no easy
matter to fasten it so as to make it look at all like a man naturally
mounting stairs. The more difficult it was, however, the more they all
became interested in the business. Mildred brought straw, and Ailwin
tied a knot here, and another knot there, while Oliver cocked the hat in
various directions upon the head, till they all forgot what they were
dressing up the figure for. The reason popped into Ailwin's head again,
when she had succeeded in raising the right arm to the rail, in a very
life-like manner.

"There!" said she, stepping backwards to view her work, "that makes a
very good master for me. I will obey him in everything he bids me till
master comes home."

At the same moment, she walked backwards against something, and little
George clung screaming to Mildred's knees. Roger had spread his arms
for Ailwin to walk back into; and Stephen was behind, leaning against
the cow-shed. They had been watching all that the party had been doing,
and, having overheard every word, had found out the reason.

The children saw at once how very foolish they had been; and the thought
confused them so much, that they did not know what to do next. Poor
Ailwin, who could never learn wisdom, more or less, now made matters
worse by all she said and did. Stout and strong as she was, she could
do nothing, for Roger had taken the hint she had given by walking
backwards, with her arms crossed behind her: he had pinioned her. She
cried out to Oliver to run up, and set the mill-sails agoing, to bring
neighbour Gool. Stephen took this second hint. He quietly swung Oliver
off the steps, sent down his scarecrow after him, and himself took his
seat on the threshold of the mill. There he sat, laughing to see how
Ailwin wearied herself with struggles, while Roger, by merely hanging on
her arms, prevented her getting free. When, however, Oliver flew at the
boy, and struck him some fierce blows, Stephen came down, drove the
little girl and the baby into the house, and locked them in, and then
went to help Roger with his strong arm.

It was clear to Mildred what she ought to do. Crying as sh