“We got in it, and it floated away with us,” said Tess.
“Where from?” asked the girl on shore.
“Oh! ’way down the river. ’Round that turn. We live at Willowbend Camp with Ruth and Aggie.”
“Ruth Who?” the other demanded, sharply.
“Our sister, Ruth Kenway,” said Tess.
The girl on the island was silent for a moment, while the boat turned lazily in the eddy. It now was headed up stream again, when she said:
“Is that dog good for anything?”
“Tom Jonah?” cried Tess and Dot together. “Why, he’s the best dog that ever was,” Dot added.
“Does he know anything?” insisted the strange girl.
“Uncle Rufus says he’s just as knowin’ as any human,” Tess said, impressively.