The unutterable look of mingled pride, and fear, and angry distress, which the child cast, as, quick as thought, she turned from them and ran up the ladder into the loft, occasioned roars of laughter.
"I say, Bill, why didn't you catch her?" said one.
"Oh, no matter for that," said another; "she'll come of her own accord, one of these days."
Fanny's heart beat like a frightened bird, as she made up her little bundle. Then, throwing it to Tiff, who was below in the dark, she called out, in a low, earnest whisper,—
"Tiff, put up that board, and I'll climb down on it. I won't go back among those dreadful men!"
Carefully and noiselessly as possible, Tiff lifted a long, rough slab, and placed it against the side of the house. Carefully Fanny set her feet on the top of it, and, spreading her arms, came down, like a little puff of vapor, into the arms of her faithful attendant.
"Bress de Lord! Here we is, all right," said Tiff.
"Oh, Tiff, I'm so glad!" said Teddy, holding fast to the skirt of Tiff's apron, and jumping for joy.
"Yes," said Tiff, "all right. Now de angel of de Lord'll go with us into de wilderness!"