Susie's Prayer
It was a half-holiday. The children were gathered on the green and a right merry time they were having.
"Come, girls and boys," called out Ned Graham, "let's play hunt the squirrel."
All assented eagerly, and a large circle was formed with Ned Graham for leader, because he was the largest.
"Come, Susie," said one of the boys, to a little girl who stood on one side, and seemed to shrink from joining them.
"Oh, never mind her!" said Ned, with a little toss of his head, "she's nobody, anyhow. Her father drinks."