"But, auntie, there's a great big house in Boston, not far from papa's house, and it's most full of dead birds, and spiders, and bugs, and butterflies, and everything.
"Yes, Walter, I have been there. But the men who caught the birds and insects did not kill them just for the sake of killing something. They wished to learn all about the birds and insects in different countries."
"But, auntie," said Walter eagerly, "I saw some ladies when I was out yesterday, with birds stuck in their hats. Guess they's wicked."
"Yes, Walter, it's wrong, I think, to kill the pretty little birds to wear as ornaments. We should let them live as long as they will."
DOT didn't care for such playthings as little girls generally liked. She wanted to play out of doors with the boys. And poor little Dot's mother didn't care where she played, if she was only out of her way so she could get her washing along.
She was a poor washerwoman, and had to work very hard to get something for her three children to eat. So Dot had full liberty to go and come as she pleased. And it pleased her to play with her brothers. They generally went out near the water.
One day Dot was digging in the sand with Ivan's little shovel. "Le's have that," said Ivan. "I want to use it now."
"No. Dot wants it," replied the child stoutly.
"Well, you can't have it. So hand it along."
"Dot will have it," was her answer. Then she disappeared behind a large boat. Ivan ran after her, and, like Dot, came near running against a lady who sat on the sand with a book in her lap. She was talking to Dot.
"Give it to him, dear, and I will get you another," said the lady. Dot was charmed by the gentle voice, and gave up the shovel without a word. Dot saw the lady many times after that.
"HERE I am, all right, little mother! I'll save you all," said brave Hal, as his head appeared at the window. He had been out to see how deep the water was.
They were all alone in the old house by the river. Father was away, and the water was rising fast. What should they do? All depended on little Hal.
"I'll take Annie first, she's so afraid. And you hold baby till I get the rest over."
It was but a short distance to higher ground, but he had to step carefully. So it seemed a long time to the waiting mother before she saw him again.