"That depends on the little boy who does them," I replied gravely. "If he tires his granny very much, it is not surprising that she should go to sleep."

Chris looked thoughtful.

"Have I been a good boy?" he said.

"You were inattentive at the beginning, dear," I replied, "but you were good afterwards."

"Then I shall tell Briggs I have been a good boy," he remarked with satisfaction. And with a certain expression of anticipated triumph upon his face, he walked off, followed by Jack, his constant and faithful companion.


CHAPTER IV.

TEACHING JACKY TO SWIM.

"Tell you a story? What shall it be about? I thought you were tired of stories." Granny spoke a trifle drowsily. It was very warm that September afternoon—an afternoon that made you feel more inclined to sleep than to tell stories.

But Chris was not to be denied.