Page:The New-Year's Bargain (1884).djvu/159

 children were all setting off in a body along the beach to 'look for a shipwreck.'

There'll be a barrel, or something,' asserted Reggy: 'there always is!'

Then I know what I hope will be in it,' shouted Jack, with a caper.

What?'

Molasses candy and fire-crackers.'

"Now it happened that I was aware of a box drifting about half a mile out or so; and, though I hadn't the least idea of its contents, it struck me it might please the children. So I flew out, and pushed it in. There was an immense uproar as it came floating nearer and nearer. The moment it could be reached, the two boys splashed in, grappled it, and with loud hurrahs dragged it ashore.

Ting-a-ling! ting-a-ling!' sang Emmy, rapping the lid with her knuckles. 'Come to supper! Tea's ready! Don't you hear the bell?'

Where's the hammer, Em?' asked Reggy.