“Why, no, it wasn’t; I wanted it in the worst way. Would you like to hear it again?” “Oh, please.” He picked it up and held it lovingly as he played several short bits. While not a finished performer he played with some skill and much feeling, and so absorbed were both in the performance that neither noticed the time till suddenly the boat whistled at the landing next to Beatty’s. Ellen started up. “Goodness!” she exclaimed. “The boat will be here in another minute or so, and I must run for it. I promised to meet my friends and help with their parcels.” “I’ll go with you,” Reed stated. “I must lock up this treasure first, but I won’t be a minute. Don’t wait; I’ll catch up.” Ellen started at a swift pace, but Reed’s long legs bore him to her side before the bridge was reached. The boat was turning a point in sight, and the whistle for Beatty’s blew before they arrived at the long flight of steps. Down these they raced, arriving at the wharf just as the boat’s gangplank was lowered. Miss Rindy and Mabel came ashore, laden with bundles, some of which Ellen took possession of. “You’re all out of breath,” Miss Rindy commented, “and your face is as red as a beet. What have you been doing?” “Running for the boat. We were late getting here.” “We? What we?” “Mr. Marshall and I.” Ellen turned to present Reed, who loaded himself with bundles in spite of Miss Rindy’s protests. “What’s a fellow good for if he can’t be useful once in a while?” he replied, smiling. “Hello! there’s old Tom; I’ll press him into service. Any more dunnage, Miss Crump?” “There’s a box somewhere, but that can be sent up.” “No need when here are two donkeys to carry it. Come here, Tom,” he shouted as his friend was walking off. Introductions were made in short order, and then the party turned toward home. “Shall we wait for the mail?” asked Ellen. “Don’t bother about it,” replied Tom. “We’ll bring it to you later. My cousin will want hers anyway.” “But it will give you extra trouble and a longer walk,” Miss Rindy was ready again to protest. “What’s a walk more or less?” remarked Reed. “It’s no distance to your cottage.” “How do you know?” asked Miss Rindy sharply. “Your cousin has just told me that it is the second house beyond the church,” answered Reed triumphantly, with a sly glance at Ellen. Tom, with box on shoulder, was keeping pace with Mabel, while the other three followed, Reed the bundle bearer. He spoke truly when he said the distance was short, for in a few minutes they had reached the cottage where packages and box were deposited, and the two young men took their leave, promising to bring the mail later.