she turned about, and laughed as she saw the gold-finders stooping
and clawing at the grass, with eyes cast round about them for Hal,
who was pursuing Susan in and out, up and down till, with screams of
exultation, she was safely across the ridge of the bowling-green,
that served as "home."

When Hal turned back, Miss Fosbrook was as heedfully and warily
picking up gold and silver as any of the rest of them. He was
resolved on capturing her; but first David was such a tempting prize,
with his back so very near, and so unconscious, that he must be made
prisoner. A catch at the brown-holland blouse--a cry--a shout of
laughter, and Davy is led up behind the standard maiden-blush rose,
always serving as the prison. And now the tug of war rages round it,
he darts here and there within his bounds, holding out his hand to
any kind deliverer whose touch may set him free; and all the others
run backwards and forwards, trying to circumvent the watchful jailor,
Tom Tittler, who, in front of the rose-bush, flies instantly at
whoever is only coming near his captive.

Ha! Susan had nearly--all but done it, while Hal was chasing away
Annie. No, not she; Hal is back again, and with a shriek away she
scours. Sam! oh, he is very near; if that stupid little Davy would
only look round, he would be free in another moment; but he only
gapes at the pursuit of Susan, and Sam will touch him without his
being aware! No--here's Hal back again. Sam's off. What a scamper!
Now's the time--here's Miss Fosbrook, lighter-footed than any of the
children, softly stealing on tip-toe, while Hal is scaring Johnnie.
Her fingers just touch Davy's. "Freed! Freed!" is the cry; and off
goes he, pounding for home! but Hal rushes across the path, he
intercepts Miss Fosbrook, and, with a shout of triumph--There is the