He lifted her to his shoulder, and her soft cheek nestled against his face.
“Now you are not afraid,” he said persuasively.
“No; but I would be if you put me down.”
They went farther into the oak depths, until they came to a fallen tree where they rested. Janey, investigating the forestry, finally discovered a bush with slender red twigs.
“Oh,” she cried, “now David will show you what beautiful things he can make for us.”
“I have no pins,” demurred David.
“I have,” triumphantly producing a paper of the needful from her pocket. “I always carry them now.”
David broke up the long twigs into short pieces, from which he skillfully fashioned little chairs and tables, discoursing the while to Carey on the beauty and safety of the woods. Finally 106 Carey acquired courage to hunt for wild flowers, though her hand remained close in David’s clasp.
When they returned to the house Carey gave a glowing account of the expedition.
“Sit down on the steps and rest, children,” proposed Mrs. Winthrop, “while Lucy prepares a little picnic dinner for you.”