Li Hung didn't understand sufficiently well and Nan began again. "Little galee, Jean. Ankle hurt in woods. Can't get home. How carry her, Li Hung?"
He nodded. "Me callee lil galee," he said, nodding. "Allee lite. Come 'long."
He went into the house and brought out a strong bamboo basket which could be carried hamper-wise upon his back. He displayed it triumphantly. "Babee," he said, grinning. "Lil galee babee."
Nan laughed. It pleased her mightily to use this odd method of carrying Jean home and she sallied forth with Li Hung to the spot where Jean and Charlotte waited. Here she explained the plan.
"You'll not allow her to be carried through the streets that way?" said Charlotte quite shocked. "She is not a baby."
"She is our baby," returned Nan, "and I think it is a fine way."
"But I shouldn't like any one to see us going through the street. Such a queer procession."
"You don't have to," said Nan tossing up her chin. "You can go by yourself. I'm not ashamed to be seen with my sister when she is not able to walk."
"Oh, but can't you go with me some other way home, and let the Chinaman carry Jean?"
"No, I can't," returned Nan shortly.