lly he struggles. Oh, noble, noble Don, you will save her
yet, and keep a mother's heart from breaking. Yes, he is slowly but
surely making headway against the eddying waters. Now, now, his feet
surely touch bottom. Yes, and Beth knows it and struggles to her feet.
Thank God, she is still conscious."

Though Beth was very much frightened, she was in no way harmed by her
watery experience, and rushed straight to her mother's open arms, both
unmindful of the wetting Mrs. Davenport received.

Don pricked up his ears, and wagged his tail from side to side. He
could not understand why they did not notice him immediately as they
had done before when he rescued Beth. Really, it was enough to ruffle
the patience of any dog. He barked to attract attention. Thereupon,
Mrs. Davenport turned to him, and patted him while tears trickled down
her cheeks.

"Yes, Don, we know what a very noble fellow you are, and love you with
all our hearts. We'll never forget what you've done."

Beth said nothing, but patted Don who expressed his appreciation as
best he could by licking Beth's hands and face. If he could have
talked, he would have said:

"Little mistress, I'm so glad I could show my love for you. I do
dearly love you all, and am thankful that I saved you. Life with you
is better than it was at sea. I will always be faithful to you."

This narrow escape of Beth's made Mrs. Davenport wish to return home.
She said she would not stay with the children where the water was
treacherous. The following day, therefore, they all returned to
Jacksonville.

CHAPTER IX

The Little Dressmaker

It must not be imagined that Beth always romped. Although she was a
tomboy, she was a very industrious little girl. She did not go to
school the first year she was in Florida, and on rainy days she learned
how to sew.

Mr. Davenport started a bank in Jacksonville, and soon after was
elected president of the State's fair. He was a liberal-minded
citizen, and therefore accepted the position, wishing to advance the
standard of Florida exhibits.

Beth became interested in the undertaking. She asked to enter the
lists herself and compete for prizes.

Mr. Davenport thought it an excellent idea that children should be
encouraged to exhibit, and therefore offered prizes for juvenile
displays.

Beth decided to make a dress all by herself. Her mother suggested that
she was rather young for such a big undertaking, and that, perh