There was generally a tall policeman on the corner, whom Bessie knew quite well, for he had often taken her hand, and led her over, or sometimes even carried her if the stones were wet; but now he was not there. In his place was another, who was a stranger to her, and now he came over to her corner Bessie went up to him.
"Will you please tell me where my policeman is, sir?" she said.
"Who is your policeman?" said the officer.
"I don't know his name, but he takes me over the crossing, and mamma don't 'low me to go alone."
"I suppose I can take you over as well as another," said he; "but your mother must be a queer one to allow you to go out alone at all."
"She didn't," said Bessie, "and I didn't mean to, but Flossy yan away, and I went to get him. Please take me over; I am afraid somebody will catch him; then I'll go to the colonel's yoom, and he'll take me home."
The policeman lifted her up, and carried her to the opposite sidewalk. Flossy was off again as soon as he saw her near him, but the officer ran after him, and soon had him safe in Bessie's arms.
"And what are you going to do now?" said the good-natured man. "You're over small for running about the streets by yourself."
"I am going to the colonel's," said Bessie. "I know the way, and he'll take care of me."
She thanked him, and ran off; but the policeman followed till he saw her go into the hotel as if she were quite sure of her way.