the late dandelions flecked the grass with gold; and in the midst
the lovely, laughing child, mounted on the white cow, tossing her
cloudy golden hair, and looking back with eyes of delight towards
her companion.

The beauty of it all filled the eyes and the heart of Captain January,
as he came up among the rocks. He paused, and stood for some time
in silence, watching the little well-beloved figure. "Wal!" he said,
"if that ain't one of the young-eyed cherubims, then I never seed
one, that's all."

At this moment Star caught sight of him. "O Daddy," she cried. "My
Daddy Captain, I'm having such a fine ride! It isn't _quite_ as high
as a heaven-kissing hill, but it's a heaven-kissing cow, for Imogen
is really _very_ high. Dear Daddy, won't you come and try it? there's
plenty of room!"

"Thanky, Peach Blossom!" said the Captain, advancing, and greeting
the apologetic Bob with a hearty shake of the hand. "Thanky kindly,
but I don't believe I will try it. Ridin' was never, so as to say,
in my line. I'm stiddy enough on my own pins, but defend me from
tryin' to git about on another critter's. And how's all with you,
Bob? and why ain't you aboard the _Huntress_?"

Bob in the fewest possible words related the mishap which had befallen
the boat, and asked if he might take Missy out to see her.

"To be sure! to be sure!" said Captain January. "That'll be a nice
trip for ye, Honeysuckle. Put on your bunnit and go with Bob. He'll
take good care of ye, Bob will."