92 BRAGGADOCIO.

she hardly knew what fear was; she was
small for her age, but active and nimble as a
deer.

“ Come, Tom,” she said, “let us run for it.
With both oars over your shoulder you can
run faster than that coward who throws stones
at a little girl. Water I don’t mind a bit,” she
continued, as George again splashed the water
at her with his feet.

“You are a brave girl,” said Howard.

Tom walked deliberately up the bank, and
laid down the oars.

“ Now, George Cramer, what have you got
to say,” said Tom to George, who had followed,
and now stood beside him.

George.—That you are a thief and a rascal.

Tom.—How do you prove it ?

George.—You stole that boat, and painted
my sister’s name on it.

Tom.—I made the boat myself, and painted
it too, just as I pleased.

George—You are a liar, too; for you
never could make it—you know you never
could.

Bessie.—Come, Tom, there’s no use in answer-