Page:Ruth Fielding at Lighthouse Point.djvu/132

122 "It was my own fault. Mary was just coming along to pass me. I had a bite. Between trying to let her by and 'tending my fish,' I fell in—and now I have lost fish, line, and all."

"Be thankful you did not lose your life, Miss Fielding," said Aunt Kate. "Come right down to the boat and get those wet things off. You, too, Tom."

At that moment Nita came to the spot. "Is she safe? Is she safe?" she cried.

"Don't I look so?" returned Ruth, laughing gaily. "And here's the fish I did catch. I mustn't lose him."

Nita stepped close to the girl from the Red Mill and tugged at her wet sleeve.

"What are you going to do to her?" she whispered.

"Do to who?"

"That girl."

"What are you talking about?" demanded Ruth.

"I saw her," said Nita. "I saw her push you. She ought to be thrown into the water herself."

"Hush!" commanded Ruth. "You're mistaken. You didn't see straight, my dear."

"Yes, I did," declared the Western girl, firmly. "She's been mean to you, right along. I've noticed it. She threw you in."