This famous boat-ride only had the effect to make Dotty Dimple more fearless than ever; but her next adventure on the water proved somewhat serious.
CHAPTER IX.
BROTHER ZIP.
There was to be a remarkable supper at grandma Parlin's, in honor of Colonel Augustus Allen, who was expected in the cars. There had been a grand excursion to welcome the soldiers, and the stage would probably be very late. Susy and Prudy had the promise of sitting up till it got in, if Dotty Dimple was only willing. But Dotty said,—
"O, no; you better go to bed when I go, Prudy, or you'll hear somebody scream."
"Let's see," said Prudy. "I've thought of something nice. Wouldn't you like to go to aunt Martha's, and stay all the afternoon and all night?"
Dotty gave a little purr, like a happy kitten.
"O, yes, if they'll let me drink choclid out o' that silver mug."
"But who'll go with you?" said Prudy. "There, I know—Abby Grant! I'll go ask mother."