Up came Tommy again, his eyes open, gurgling a cry, and fighting to keep above the surface. [Illustration: Up came Tommy again, his eyes open, gurgling a cry, and fighting to keep above the surface.] “Look out, boy!” cried Maria, and she ran the baby carriage right down the bank, letting it go free. The carriage wheeled into the water and floated, as Maria knew it would. It was within the reach of Tommy’s still sturdy hands. He grabbed it, and although it dipped some, it bore up his weight so that he did not sink again. By that time men had heard their cries, and came running from the lock. They soon fished out Master Tommy and the baby carriage, too. “You’re a smart little kid,” said one of the men, to Maria, and he gave her a silver dollar. Meanwhile the other man turned Tommy across his knee to empty the water out of his lungs. Tommy thought he was going to get a spanking, and he began to struggle and plead with the man. “Aw, don’t, Mister! I didn’t mean to fall into your old canal,” he begged, half strangling. “I didn’t hurt the water none.” The men laughed. “You ought to get it—and get it good,” he said. “But perhaps the dip in the canal was punishment enough for you. I’ll leave it to your mother to finish the job right.” “Say! does he belong to these little girls?” asked the other man. “He’s no Italian.” “Well, here’s two girls who are not Italians, either,” said the other rescuer. “He’ll go home with us,” declared Tess, with confidence. “If he doesn’t, we’ll tell his mother, and she’ll send a policeman after Tommy.” “Guess the little lady knows what she’s about,” laughed the man. “Come on, Jim. The boy’s so water-soaked that it’s pretty near put his hair out. No danger of much fire there now.” Maria was afraid of what her father would do and say when he saw the condition of the new baby carriage. She carried the baby home in her arms, while her little sisters carried the pillows and other things. Tess ordered Tommy Rooney to push the carriage. Tess was very stern with Tommy, and the latter was very meek. Naturally, he was much subdued after his involuntary bath; and he was worried, too. “You—you going to make me go clear home with you, Tess Kenway?” he finally asked. “Yes, I am.” “Well,” said the boy, with a sigh, “they’ll just about kill me there.” “What for?” demanded Tess and Dot, in chorus. “Guess you warn’t at home an hour ago?” said Tommy, a faint grin dawning on his face. “No. We came over here right after lunch,” said Tess. “Wow! wait till you hear about it,” groaned Tommy. “Just wait!” and he refused to explain further. At the Meadow Street fruit stand, there was great excitement when the procession appeared. Mrs. Maroni feared that it was the baby who had fallen into the canal and she ran out, screaming.