"Oh, yes! I know a swing; and I like it too. We'll come, Mr. Jones."
"Is it quite safe for them?" asked Mr. Bradford.
"Quite safe, sir. I put it up last Summer for some little people who were staying here; and Sam, he's my eldest son, he made a seat with back and arms, and a rung along the front to keep them in,—a fall on the barn floor wouldn't feel good, that's a fact; but it's as safe as strong ropes and good work can make it. I'll take care they don't get into no mischief with it; but come along with the little ones and see for yourself." And then with a nod to Maggie, who was peeping at him out of the corners of her eyes, Mr. Jones took up his basket of fish and walked away to the kitchen.
"Bessie," said Maggie, as they went down to the beach, "do you like that man?"
"Yes, I do," said Bessie; "don't you?"
"No, not much. But, Bessie, did you hear what he called me?"
"No," said Bessie, "I did not hear him call you anything."
"He called me Miss Bradford," said Maggie, holding up her head and looking very grand.
"Well," said Bessie, "I suppose he was mad because you wouldn't shake hands with him."