"I'm afraid papa wouldn't like me to," objected Lulu; "he seemed to
think the other time that I needed him to take care of me," she added
with a laugh, as if it were quite absurd that one so old and wise as
herself should be supposed to need such protection.

"Pooh!" said Betty, "don't be a baby; I can take care of myself and you
too. Come, I'm going up and round outside too; and I dare you to do the
same."

Poor proud Lulu was one of the silly people who are not brave enough to
refuse to do a wrong or unwise thing if anybody dares them to do it.

"I'm not a bit afraid, Miss Johnson; you need not think that," she
said, bridling; "and I can take care of myself. I'll go."

"Come on then; we'll follow close behind that gentleman, and the keeper
won't suppose we are alone," returned Betty, leading the way.

Lulu found the steep stairs very hard to climb without the help of her
father's hand, and reached the top quite out of breath.

Betty too was panting. But they presently recovered themselves. Betty
stepped outside just behind the gentleman who had preceded them up the
stairs, and Lulu climbed quickly after her, frightened enough at the
perilous undertaking, yet determined to prove that she was equal to it.

But she had advanced only a few steps when a sudden rush of wind caught
her skirts and nearly took her off her feet.