The damage done proved external rather than internal, so after
assuring herself that no bones were broken Mrs. Wiggs constituted
herself a salvage corps.

"Take off yer coat out here, Mr. Bob, an' I'll take off Austry's
dress. Them's the worst, 'ceptin' her plaits. Now, we'll all go up
to the kitchen, an' see what kin be did."

Now, Fate, or it may have been the buggy at the gate, decreed that
just as they turned the corner of the house, Lucy Olcott should be
coming up the walk. For a moment she stood bewildered at the sight
that greeted her. Redding, in his shirt sleeves, was leading
Australia by the hand; the little girl wore a red-flannel petticoat,
and over her face and hands and to the full length of her flaxen
braids ran sticky streams of bright green paint.

Involuntarily, Lucy looked at Redding for explanation, and they both
laughed.

"Ain't it lucky it was the back of her head 'stid of the front?"
said Mrs. Wiggs, coming up; "it might 'a' put her eyes out. Pore
chile, she looks like a Mollygraw! Come right in, an' let's git to
work."

Billy was despatched for turpentine; Lucy, with an apron pinned
about her, began operations on Australia's hair, while Redding sat
helplessly by, waiting for Mrs. Wiggs to make his coat presentable.

"I am afraid her hair will have to be cut," said Lucy, ruefully, as