Betty was very ticklish, and the moment Julie took hold of her sides, she squirmed and giggled. Julie tried to be severe.
“Teacher, this drowned scout won’t let me get a good grip on her side. I fear she will have to expire unless she rolls over at once.”
Even Mrs. Vernon had to laugh at Julie, and Betty said: “Well, I’ll roll over, if you’ll make Julie stop tickling me.”
Obliging little Betty then rolled over face downwards, but in a second she was up on her feet, squealing and shaking herself. Every one was surprised, and Julie said aggrievedly:
“Now what’s the matter?”
“Oh, I saw a nasty fat spider running in the grass right under my nose! I wish some one else would drown for me, Verny.”
The girls laughed, and Julie added: “It’s bad enough to have you get cramps and drown without inviting us to follow suit!”
“Here, Betty, get down in this short grass where there will be no plump little spiders,” advised the Captain.
Betty complied, and then the two aids again took their places beside her.
“Now we will begin again. Take Betty by the middle, girls, and allow her head to hang down for a few moments to take the water out of her lungs.”