ak at the two-mile
turning. I dared George to it, and there he hung over the water, at the
end of the branch, riding up and down like a see-saw. She would think
nothing of letting him go fishing after that."

"If the branch had broken," said Mr Enderby, "what would you have done
then?"

"Oh, it is not often that a branch breaks."

"Old oaks are apt to break, sooner or later; and, the next time you dare
George to see-saw over the river, I would advise you to consider
beforehand how you would get him out, in case of his dropping in."

"Oh, he is not afraid. One day lately, when the water was low, he
offered to cross the weir at Dingleford. I did not persuade him to
that; but he pulled off his shoes and stockings, and got over and back,
safe enough."

"Indeed! and you tried it too, I suppose?"

"Yes; it would be a shame if I could not do what George can. It was
almost as easy as walking along this bank."

"I shall talk to Master George, however, before he goes to Dingleford
again, or he may chance to find it easier some day to miss his footing
than to hold it."

"I wonder Mrs Rowland is afraid to let George go out with you," said
Sophia, "considering what things he does when you are not with him."

"She does not know of these pranks, or she would feel as you do; and I
hope every one here will be kind enough not to tell her. It would only
be making her anxious to no purpose, whenever the boy is out of her
sight. It would be a pity to make a coward of him; and I think I can
teach him what is mischief, and what is not, without disturbing her.
Come, ladies, suppose you rest yourselves here; you will find a pleasant
seat on this bank: at least, I fell asleep on it just now, as if I had
been on a sofa."

"I wish you would all go to sleep, or else walk off," said Sydney. "You
make so much noise I shall never catch any fish."

"Suppose you were to go somewhere else," said Mr Enderby.

"Would not that be rather more civil than sending us all away?"

Sydney thought he would find another place: there were plenty along the
bank. He gathered up bait and basket, and trudged off. There was an
amusement, however, which he liked better even than fishing; and for
which he now surrendered it. He was presently seen cantering round the
meadow on Mr Hope's horse.

Mr Enderby hoped the Miss Ibbotsons were able to say "No" with
decision. If not, he did not envy them their supper this evening; for
Sydney would certain