It was now almost dark, and Old Billy showed no signs of weariness; his vigilance was unabated, and the children were very miserable, when they heard the welcome sound of Mammy's voice calling "Chil'en! O-o-o-o, chil'en!"
"Ma-a-a-m!" answered all of the little folks at once.
"Whar is yer?" called Mammy.
"On top the lumber pile," answered the children; and soon Mammy appeared coming through the woods.
Instantly Old Billy dashed at her, releasing poor Dilsey.
"Now' yer gwuf fum yer, gwuf fum yer," said Mammy, furiously waving a cotton stalk at Old Billy. "Gwuf fum yer, I tell you! I ain't hodern you. I jes cum fur de chil'en, an' yer bet not fool 'long er me, yer low-life sheep."
But Old Billy, not caring a fig for Mammy's dignity or importance, planted his head in her breast, and over the old lady went backward. At this the children, who loved Mammy dearly, set up a yell, and Mammy, still waving the cotton stalk, attempted to rise, but Billy was ready for her, and, with a well aimed blow, sent her back to the earth.
"Now yer stop dat," said Mammy. "Yer better gwuf fum yer!" But Billy, being master of the situation, stood his ground, and I dare say Mammy would have been lying there yet, but fortunately Uncle Sambo and Bill, the wagoners, came along the big road, and hearing the children's cries, they came upon the scene of action, and taking their whips to Old Billy, soon drove him away.—[From Diddie, Dumps, and Tot, published by Harper & Brothers.]
We insert this little paragraph for the benefit of uncles and aunties and older brothers and sisters who are looking about now to find beautiful books for holiday gifts to the little ones. The group of volumes of which we give the titles are great favorites with some fortunate little people of our acquaintance: