Thoughts and letters were
filled with handsome Rafe.
It was while the Blackton drive was near Pine Camp that Nan
became personally acquainted with old Toby Vanderwiller. It was
after dinner that day that she met Margaret and Bob Llewellen and
the three went down to the river bank, below the bridge, to watch
the last of the Blackton drive.
The chuck-boat had pushed off into the rough current and was
bobbing about in the wake of the logs; but all the men had not
departed.
"That's old Toby," said Bob, a black-haired boy, full of
mischief. "He don't see us. Le's creep up and scare him."
"No," said Nan, decidedly; "don't you dare!"
"Aw, shucks! Girls ain't no fun," the boy growled. "Mag's bad
enough, but you air wuss'n she, Nan Sherwood. What's old Toby to
you? He's allus as cross as two sticks, anyway."
"We won't make him any crosser," said Nan, laughing. "What's the
good?"
Nan saw that the old man had his coat off, and had slipped down
the right sleeve of his woolen shirt to bare his shoulder and
upper right arm. He was clumsily trying to bandage the arm.
"He's got hurt," Nan cried to Margaret. "I wonder how?"
"Dunno," returned the smaller girl, carelessly. Although she was
not mischievous like her brother, Margaret seldom showed traits
of tenderness or affection.
Pages:
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161