At this Nellie dashed into the path ahead of Hal, and Dorothy turned
toward Bert. Nan crowded in close to Dorothy, and the boys had some
dodging to get a start. Finally Hal shot out back of the big bush,
and Nellie darted after him. Of course, the boys were better runners
than the girls, but somehow, girls always expect something wonderful
to happen, when they start on a race like that. Hal had tennis
slippers on, and he went like a deer. But just as he was about to
call "home free" and as he reached the donkey barn, he turned on his
ankle.

Nellie had her hands on the pond lilies instantly, for Hal was obliged
to stop and nurse his ankle.

"They're yours," he gave in, handing her the beautiful bunch of
blooms.

"Oh, aren't they lovely!" exclaimed the little cash girl, but no one
knew that was the first time she ever, in all her life, held a pond
lily in her hand.

"I'm going to give them to Mrs. Bobbsey," she decided, starting at
once to the house with the fragrant prize in her arms. Neither
Dorothy nor Nan had caught Bert, but he handed his flowers to his
cousin.

"Give them to Aunt Emily," he said gallantly, while Dorothy took the
bouquet and declared she could have caught Bert, anyhow, if she "only
had a few more feet," whatever that meant.