BUSY BESSIE. 125

When they reached the shore, they found
Howard Framingham there waiting for them.

Tom shouldered his oars, and making a
slight bow, was passing by the stranger.
Howard was awkward and shy; he hardly
knew what to say, so he returned the bow, and
let Tom and Bessie pass on. In a moment -
they heard his steps behind them.

“ Excuse me,” said Howard; “if you have
no objections, I should like to walk with you.”

“None at all, excepting that we are in a
hurry. Bessie, you may run on, as it is
rather late, and I will walk with the young
gentleman.”

There was an awkward pause; Howard did
not know what to say next, and Tom waited
for him to begin. At length Howard ventured
to say :

“ Your boat is a nice affair.”

“Not very; one of these days I mean to
build a better one,” was the reply.

“ But it answers the purpose of carrying you
over to the island, perfectly well.”

“ Yes, she does that bravely; but I should
like a handsomer ¢