"Why, there's a kind of mill somewhere; and they put girls in it, and grind 'em all up fine, and they come out boys!"
"O Joe!"
"Fact," said Joe solemnly.
"I wonder—if—'twould—hurt much?" and Charlie considered on her powers of endurance.
That was too much for Joe, and even Hal joined the laugh.
"I knew it wasn't true," said Charlie, red with anger and disappointment. "But I do hate to be a girl, and you having all the fun and going everywhere."
"Well, you can run away. There is a bright opening for your future."
"You see if I don't!" returned Charlie.
So Joe went off again in capital spirits. At Capt. Burton's suggestion he told Granny that he meant to give her half his pay; which she, simple soul, thought the noblest thing in the world.