"If they look under the arch we are lost," murmured Anne. "There is no parapet to the bridge, and they may pass over without heeding." 5 They waited, their heads almost in contact with the reeking arch and their feet encircled by the stream, which was at its summer lowness now. A quarter of an hour dragged by, and then indications reached their ears that the reëxamination of the mill had begun and ended. 10 The well-known tramp drew nearer. The gang passed the arch, and the noise regularly diminished as if no man among them had thought of looking aside for a moment, Matilda broke the silence. "I wonder if they have left a watch behind?" she said doubtfully. "I will go and see," said Anne. "No; I can do no more. be gone." "Wait till I return." When you come back I shall Anne went out from the water and hastened toward the mill. She entered by the garden, and seeing no one, advanced and peeped in at the window. Her mother and Mr. Loveday were sitting within as usual. "Are they all gone?" said Anne, softly. 5 10 "Yes. They did not trouble us much, beyond going into every room and searching about the garden, where they saw steps. They have been lucky to-night; they have caught fifteen or twenty men at places farther on, so the loss of Bob was no hurt to their feelings. I 15 wonder where in the world the poor fellow is!" "I will show you," said Anne. Explaining in a few words what had happened, she was promptly followed by Loveday along the road. Matilda was gone, and Bob lay on the seat as she had left him. Bob was brought out and water thrown upon his face; but though he moved he did not rouse himself until some time after he had been borne into the house. Here he opened his eyes and saw them standing round, and gathered a little consciousness. "What 20 25 "You are all right, my boy!" said his father. happened to ye? Where did you get that terrible blow?” "Ah-I can mind now," murmured Bob, with a stupefied gaze around. "I fell in slipping down the topsail halyard — the rope, that is, was too short- and I fell upon 30 my head. And then I went away. When I came back I thought I wouldn't disturb ye; so I lay down out there to sleep out the watch; but the pain in my head was so great that I couldn't get to sleep. So I picked some of the poppy heads in the border, which I once heard was a 5 good thing for sending folks to sleep when they are in pain. So I munched up all I could find and dropped off quite nicely." 66 Why, you might never have woke again!" said Mrs. Loveday, holding up her hands. "How is your head 10 now?" "I hardly know," replied the young man, putting his hand to his forehead and beginning to doze again. "Where be those fellows that boarded us? With this fine breeze we ought to get smooth water and 15 away from 'em. bring her to the Haul in wind." "You are at home, dear Bob," said Anne, bending over him, “and the men are gone." "Come along upstairs; thou art hardly awake now," 20 said his father; and Bob was assisted to bed. I. Marines' soldiers serving on shipboard. I'sò lã ted: separated from others; placed by itself. Boun'ty: a premium given to induce men to enlist in the public service. Willy nil'ly: whether one will or not; without choice. II. Feint pretense; trick. Cat'head: a projecting piece of timber or iron. Bide: stay; wait. III. Suf fu'sion (zhun): overspreading. Ster'to roŭs: breathing hoarsely; snoring. Hǎl'yard: rope for hoisting or lowering sails. That a maiden there lived whom you may know And this maiden she lived with no other thought I was a child and she was a child, In this kingdom by the sea; But we loved with a love that was more than love, I and my Annabel Lee; With a love that the wingèd seraphs of heaven Coveted her and me. And this was the reason that long ago In this kingdom by the sea, 10 15 5 10 15 20 25 A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling In this kingdom by the sea. The angels, not half so happy in heaven Went envying her and me; Yes! that was the reason as all men know, In this kingdom by the sea That the wind came out of the cloud by night, But our love it was stronger by far than the love Of those who were older than we Of many far wiser than we; And neither the angels in heaven above, Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams And the stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes And so, all the night tide, I lie down by the side Of my darling, my darling, my life, and my bride, In her tomb by the sounding sea. Sĕr'aphs (afs): angels. Sep'ul cher: grave; tomb. |