"I'll get her as soon as I can," said the old man. "Don't cry little girl. The thunder is only a big noise, like Fourth of July, and the lightning is only a great big firefly—that is make-believe you know."
"Oh, yes, let's pretend that way!" cried Bunny, for he was not as frightened at the storm as was Sue.
She stopped crying. Sue always liked anything make-believe, even if it had to do with thunder and lightning.
"And will you get a carriage and ride me and Bunny home?" she asked.
"Yes," answered the hermit.
"All right. Then I won't be 'fraid."
Once more she cuddled her head down on the hermit's shoulder. In a little while they were back at his cabin. The aged man went in, and lighted a lamp, for it was quite dark. It was now raining hard, and the stormy wind was blowing the tree branches all about.
"Now you stay right here until I come back with your father, or grandfather," said the hermit, as he put on an old coat to go out in the rain.
"Aren't you got an umbrella?" asked Sue.
"I don't need one, little girl. Umbrellas aren't much good in the woods. They catch on the trees. I'll be all right. I don't mind getting wet. Now don't you go away. I can't take you with me, or I would, but you'll be all right here."