Rebby

Before the sun was up Anna was wide awake, and at her whispered "Rebby," her sister's eyes opened quickly, and they slipped quietly out of bed.

A Little Maid of Old Maine Alice Turner Curtis

Rebecca sighed as her father called her "Rebby," and a little frown showed itself on her forehead.

A Little Maid of Old Maine Alice Turner Curtis

She had made so early a start that she had to wait what seemed a very long time for Lucia, who approached so quietly that not until she touched Rebby's arm did Rebby know of her coming.

A Little Maid of Old Maine Alice Turner Curtis

Rebby had gone but a few steps when she heard a queer singing murmur that seemed to be just above her head.

A Little Maid of Old Maine Alice Turner Curtis

For some reason, that Rebby could not explain even to herself, her thoughts centered around what her father had said on their trip to the Falls of the store of powder and shot at Chandler's River settlement.

A Little Maid of Old Maine Alice Turner Curtis

Rebby was too astonished at Lucia's unexpected appearance to make any response to this rude salutation; and, with another scornful glance,

A Little Maid of Old Maine Alice Turner Curtis

She looked up, but the sky was clear; there was no bird flying low, as she had imagined; but as she walked along the murmur became louder, and Rebby began to look about her more carefully.

A Little Maid of Old Maine Alice Turner Curtis

It was an anxious and unhappy morning for Rebby and for her mother, for

A Little Maid of Old Maine Alice Turner Curtis

At the moment Lucia started for home Rebby had run toward the house.

A Little Maid of Old Maine Alice Turner Curtis

She knew the perils of the forest, and her thoughts centered about lurking bears that might spring out upon Rebby and Danna as they went through the wilderness.

A Little Maid of Old Maine Alice Turner Curtis