But the boy made a backward step, so that Jinnie, thinking he was about to fall, caught him sharply by the arm.
“I’ll walk if you’ll lead me,” Bobbie explained proudly.
Thus rebuffed, Jinnie turned the blind face toward the east, and together they made their way slowly to the plank walk.
CHAPTER XIV
“HE’S COME TO LIVE WITH US, PEGGY”
They trailed along in silence, the girl watching the birds as flock after flock disappeared in the north woods. Now and then, when Jinnie looked at the boy, she felt the pride which comes only with possession. She was going to work for him, to intercede with Peg, to allow the foundling to join that precious home circle where the cobbler and his wife reigned supreme.
As they reached the plank walk, the boy lagged back.
“I’m tired, girl,” he panted. “I’ve walked till I’m just near dead.”