Page:Anna Chapin--Half a dozen boys.djvu/59

Rh She saw the boy shut his lips tight together, and two great tears rolled out from under his  hand. Then he said slowly,—

“I’ll go, Miss Bessie.”

“That’s my dear, brave boy,” said Bess, as she went to get their wraps. She helped Fred into his hat and coat, quickly put on her own,  and, drawing his hand through her arm, led  him to the door, talking easily all the time to  keep up the lad’s courage.

Just as they came out of the house, Rob and Phil chanced to be passing. Turning, as they heard the door open and close, they saw Bess  helping their friend to the carriage, waved their  hats to her, and started to run back to greet  Fred. But Bess motioned to them to keep away, for she felt that her charge was in no condition now to meet these strong, lively friends,  just as he was forced to realize anew his own  helplessness. So the lads stood sadly by, looking on while their unconscious friend slowly and awkwardly climbed into the carriage. Bess followed, and, with a wave of her hand to the watching boys, they drove away.

“That isn’t much like Fred,” said Phil, as he