CHAPTER IX

Lost


Our little soldier had his ups and downs, but on the whole he was
making steady progress, and his mother was thankful to see his
increased thoughtfulness and gentleness. He was not less merry and
joyous, he was still the leader of the village sports, but he was
learning how to control his mischievous propensities and to restrain
his hasty words and actions. Nancy was a great trial to him sometimes,
and yet, though the two were ceaselessly involved in arguments and
differences, they could not keep apart for long. Nancy's father
arrived, and Teddy had the privilege of being invited to tea, and of
hearing the most wonderful yarns from the big brown-bearded man, who,
though outwardly rough in voice and manner, had a very soft corner in
his heart for his little daughter.

Teddy listened and admired, and satisfied Nancy by his evident
appreciation of the sea stories; but when he reached home, and was asked
about his visit, he said emphatically,--

'Nancy's father is very nice, but he's nothing like the picture I've got
of father, with his red coat and sash and sword, and his voice is so
gruff and hoarse, and he shouts so loud, and I shall never, never think
sailors are better than soldiers!'

It was after Nancy's father had left her, and when the bright summer days
were beginning to close, that one afternoon Teddy and Nancy were fishing
together. At least that was their intention, but any one seeing them