"Oh, you and Sally Lou have made a play-house of that platform? That's all very nice. But wait till I can scrub up and swallow a mouthful of supper, Sis. My skiff tipped over with me up the canal, and I'm soaking wet, and dead tired besides."
"Oh, no, Rod. Please come up right away. I can't wait, Slow-Coach. You really must see!"
Roderick was well used to Marian's imperious whims. Reluctantly he climbed the slippery bank. Obediently he poked his head past the flap which Marian held back for him.
There he saw his own cot spread white and fresh under its cool screen; his tidy desk; and even a "shower-bath," which clever Jacobs had contrived from a tiny force-pump and a small galvanized tank, borrowed from the company's store-room.
For a long minute he stared about him without one word. Then his tired face brightened to a glow of incredulous delight.
"Marian Hallowell! Did you rig up this whole contrivance, all for me? Well!" He sank down on the cot with a sigh of infinite satisfaction. "You certainly are the best sister I ever had, old lady. First you take my book-keeping off my hands. Next you build me a brand-new house, where I can sleep——whew! Won't I sleep like a log to-night, in all this quiet and coolness! On my word, I don't believe I could stand up to my work, Sis, if you didn't help me out as you do."
Marian grew radiant at his pleasure.
"Building it was no end of fun, Rod. I never enjoyed anything more."
"Only I hope you haven't tired yourself out," said her brother, suddenly anxious. "You haven't the strength to work like this."
"Nonsense! You don't realize how much stronger I am, Rod."