You'll
get there, with bells on! Take the easiest pose you can, and hang
on to that foam-crested wave near you. It sways a bit, but it's
firmly anchored. I looked out for that, before I trusted you to
this ramshackle old hay wagon!"
Patty smiled back, really helped by his hearty sympathy and
strong, ringing voice.
"I HATE to be so,--so unable to stand things!" she exclaimed,
pouting a little.
"You're no Sandow girl," he replied; "but--one can't expect an
apple blossom to be as strong as a--a cabbage!"
"Nor as strong as a great big Westerner," she returned, looking
admiringly at the stalwart Neptune, and thereby pleasing him
greatly, for Big Bill was honestly proud of his pounds and inches.
At last they reached the Country Club, which was their
destination, and the parade was over; though as the carnival was
to conclude with a supper and a dance for the participators, the
best part of the fun was yet to come. Aunt Adelaide, who had
reached the clubhouse a little earlier, was waiting for her
charges, and Bill promptly escorted Patty to her.
"Look after this little girl, won't you, Mrs. Parsons?" he said.
"She'll be O. K. after a few moments' rest, but a seafaring life
is a hard one, and this little craft is glad to get into port.
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