"Why not, Betsey?--the scow doesn't leak; and even if it did, the water
isn't above Tom's waist anywhere."

"I don't mean anything of that kind," pursued the wife, smiling in spite
of herself at the joyful faces of the young folks. "I--I mean the
Indians."

"Oh, never fear about them; I'll give Tom every necessary caution," was
the answer. "The boat won't be gone more than two hours altogether; and,
to my mind, there wouldn't be the slightest danger in letting even
little Kitty join the party."

"Oh! tanky, Poppy, tanky!" shouted Kitty, clapping her chubby hands in
great glee. Every one at the table laughed heartily at her unexpected
response.

Bright and early the next morning, the children stood in the door-way,
eagerly looking out for Tom. Big Tom, the village boys called him; and
well they might, for he was a staunch, burly fellow, who looked as if he
could crush an Indian in each hand--not that he had ever had an
opportunity to perform that remarkable feat, for Tom Hennessy had but
recently arrived from a large town in the East; but he _looked_ as if he
could do it; and, therefore, had credit for any amount of prowess and
strength.

After sundry directions given by Mr. Hedden to Tom, and a command from
their mother for the little folks to be home at dinner-time, they set
forth amid shouts of laughter and merriment. Kitty was there in all her
glory, for, after what "Poppy" had said, she had insisted upon joining
the party. Even Bouncer, in spite of many a "Go back, sir!" "Call him,