Page:Along the Trail (1912).pdf/61

 asked the little girl, rising up. "There is work, you know."

"And I am going to do it," said Marjorie. "I am going to gather my arms full of this beautiful fruit and take it down into the valley for everyone who wants it."

"Good," said the little girl. "When?"

"Now," said Marjorie, and she began eagerly gathering the crimson mountain-apples until she had as many as she could carry.

As she came back with her arms full, the little girl drew her close for a moment, and then stepped back. "Aren't you going along the trail with me now?" asked Marjorie, her eyes anxious.

"Not just now," said the little girl. "I am going to wait here for a while."

"But why don't you wait on a nicer part of the trail?" asked Marjorie. "It isn't at all pretty here, and so many who come along are muddy and tired and worried."