Page:Anna Chapin--Half a dozen boys.djvu/187

Rh I will give him one. I’ll put on my hat and walk out beyond the tennis court, and he will  come too. Then you can go.”

“Could you, Fred? I am so anxious to go, only I hate to send you off alone,” said Bess  doubtfully, for as yet Fred’s out-of-door excursions had mainly been made with her or Rob as  escort.

“Yes, I’ll be all right,” said the boy, and then added wistfully, “How long shall you be  gone?”

“No longer than I can help, my dear. Now be very careful of yourself.” And she gave  him his hat and the light, strong cane he  depended on when alone.

She watched him as he moved slowly off across the broad lawn, with Fuzz frisking  along by his side, and occasionally jumping  against him with such unexpected force that it  made him totter.

“Bless the child!” she thought. “He grows unselfish and considerate every day; and how  well and happy he seems. I hope he will enjoy this new plan.”

And she started on her errand, with one