CHAPTER XII
A STRING OF FISH
"Let me alone and I'll die myself," cried Alene who, after a vigorous rocking in the big swing, was coming to a leisurely stop which Kizzie's appearance threatened. The latter, seeing that her good intentions were not necessary, stood inactive until the swinging died away.
"Kizzie's mad and I am glad," sang Alene, noticing a cloud on the girl's usually good-natured countenance. "What's the matter?"
"Oh, the fish wagon didn't come and Mrs. Major says Mr. Fred can't do without his fish. I have to go round to the big gate to watch for one of the boys to come along from the river, and I had just finished my work in a hurry, so's to have an hour at the sewing machine, to finish my waist."
"If that's all, I can watch for the boys and buy the fish, so just give me the basket, Kizzie darlin'!"
The girl's face brightened.
"If you would—if you're sure you ain't puttin' yourself out!"
"Why, it will be fun for me! So run in to the machine and make it run."
Alene took the basket on her arm and went singing along the walk toward the big gate, while Kizzie smilingly re-entered the house calling a thousand thanks upon the head of the obliging little maid.