14 A YEAR WITH NELLIE.

that she had to set it down now and then and
rest.

“Where have you been so early, child?”
asked her mother as she appeared at the kit-
chen door.

“To look for the cat Miss Rayner had lost,
mother. She promised a book to the one that
found it.”

“ And you couldn’t find it?” said Mrs. Maine
looking at her empty hands.

“Oh, yes, I could; but it’s dead. I left it in
the stable until school-time, and then I’m
going to leave it at Miss Rayner’s.”

Nellie ran up to her room with her hat, to
avoid being asked any further questions. Much
to her relief, no more was said on the matter
before she and Harry started for school, a little
earlier than usual. She showed her brother
her prize, and he took one handle of the bas-
ket, and looked as delighted as though it were
he who would have the reward.

“You really won't say a word about where
we found it, will you, Harry?” she asked on
the way.

“Of course not,’ said the little fellow, half
offended at her want of trust.