e race is to the swift and the strong.' The
canoe is very light. See, I can easily carry it," said Betty,
lifting it from the grass.

She ran into the house and presently came out with two rods, a book
and a basket.

"These are Jack's rods. He cut them out of the heart of ten-year-old
basswood trees, so he says. We must be careful of them."

Alfred examined the rods with the eye of a connoisseur and
pronounced them perfect.

"These rods have been made by a lover of the art. Anyone with half
an eye could see that. What shall we use for bait?" he said.

"Sam got me some this morning."

"Did you expect to go?" asked Alfred, looking up in surprise.

"Yes, I intended going, and as you said you were coming over, I
meant to ask you to accompany me."

"That was kind of you."

"Where are you young people going?" called Colonel Zane, stopping in
his task.

"We are going down to the sycamore," answered Betty.

"Very well. But be certain and stay on this side of the creek and do
not go out on the river," said the Colonel.

"Why, Eb, what do you mean? One might think Mr. Clarke and I were
children," exclaimed Betty.

"You certainly aren't much more. But that is not my reason. Never
mind the reason. Do as I say or do not go," said Colonel Zane.

"All right, brother. I shall not forget," said Betty, soberly,
looking at the Colonel. He had not spoken in his usual teasing way,
and she was at a loss to understand him. "Come, Mr. Clarke, you
carry the canoe and follow me down this path and look sharp for
roots and stones or you may trip."

"Where is Isaac?" asked Alfred, as he lightly swung the canoe over
his shoulder.

"He took his rifle and went up to the chestnut grove an hour or more
ago."

A few minutes' walk down the willow skirted path and they reached
the creek. Here it was a narrow stream, hardly fifty feet wide,
shallow, and full of stones over which the clear brown water rushed
noisily.

"Is it not rather risky going down there?" asked Alfred as he
noticed the swift current and the numerous boulders poking
treacherous heads just above the water.

"Of course. That is the great pleasure in canoeing," said Betty,
calmly. "If you would rather walk--"

"No, I'll go if I drown. I was thinking of you."

"It is safe enough if you can handle a paddle," said Betty, with a
smile at his hesitation. "And, of course, if your partner in the
canoe sits trim."

"Perhaps you had better allow me to use the paddle.