better."

But every move that the suffering girl tried to make caused her such
pain that Dorothy fell upon her knees and tried to fan a breath into her
white face, to prevent her, if possible, from becoming unconscious.

"Here's Joe, with the water," exclaimed Tavia, running to meet the boy,
and hurrying back with the cool liquid.

Ralph pressed the drink to Sarah's lips, while Dorothy waited to bathe
the pale face with what water might remain in the cup.

"Oh!" sighed Sarah. "I feel--better. I thought I was going to die."

"You were faint," Ralph exclaimed. "Do you think you can sit up now?"

Not waiting for a reply, the young man slipped his hand under the girl's
shoulders, and the next minute he had her in his arms.

It was a sad little procession that followed him. Dorothy almost in
tears; Tavia with eyes already overflowing, while Joe kept very close to
Ralph, ready to offer any assistance in carrying Sarah to her home.

But Ralph was well able to manage his burden, for the girl was not
heavy, and she helped herself some by keeping her arms clasped about his
neck. Fortunately the Ford home was not far away.

"There's Mr. Ford," whispered Joe to Tavia, as they reached the gate,
and at that moment the man on the porch raised his head from his paper,
and saw them coming.