Then papa said, "Are you all ready?" and the boy answered, "Yes, sir;" and Hannah walked on the boat and stood perfectly still, while the boy kept pulling a strong rope, until he drew the boat, with the horse and buggy and people, safely over to the other side. Then they drove up the bank of the river, and came to a gate, which a little girl opened.
Next they came to a very pleasant wood,—so pleasant that papa stopped Hannah in the shade, and said she might rest a little; and mamma and Maud got out of the buggy, and picked the young boxberry-leaves, and the red berries, and pulled long vines of evergreen, and gathered moss.
When papa thought it was time to go, he said, "All aboard!" and they got in, and he drove on. They had not gone far when Maud asked if she might drive. So papa handed her the reins; and Hannah seemed to go on just as well as ever.
After Maud had been driving a little while, her father said he thought she had better give the reins to him. This she did, and they went to the village, stopped at the post-office, and then drove swiftly home in season for dinner.
Bethel, Me. H.
OLD TRIM.
Here's brave old Trim: I once with him
Was walking near the docks;
We heard a cry, both Trim and I,—
The cry that always shocks.
"Help! boat, ahoy! See, there's a boy:
Make haste, he's going down."
"There! watch him, Trim! in after him!
We must not let him drown."
Through foam and splash Trim's quick eyes flash:
He strikes out to the place;
And round and round, with eager bound,
He watches for a trace.
A little hand comes paddling up,
A face so wild and wan:
"Ah, Trim, he's there! Make haste, take care;
And save him if you can!"
Oh! brave and bold, he seizes hold;
His teeth are firmly set:
Now bear him near; there is no fear:
The boy is breathing yet.
"Bravo, good Trim!" They welcome him,
And clasp him round for joy;
Then homeward bear, with tender care,
The pale, half-conscious boy.
O faithful Trim! "Would I sell him?"
Inquired a curious elf:
"What, sell," I cried, "a friend so tried!
I'd rather sell myself."