Page:A Girl of the Limberlost.djvu/160

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
142
A GIRL OF THE LIMBERLOST

should have, Billy," he said, "but we'll make them do. This will beat a storebox all hollow."

Billy took a long leap for the lounge. When he found it bounced, he proceeded to bounce, until he was tired. By that time the blankets had to be refolded. Wesley had Billy take one end and help, while both of them seemed to enjoy the job. Then Billy lay down and curled up in his clothes like a little dog. But sleep would not come. Finally he sat up. He stared around restlessly. Then he arose, went to Sinton, and leaned against his knee. Sinton picked up the boy and folded his arms around him. Billy sighed in rapturous content.

"That bed feels so lost like," he said. "Jimmy always jabbed me on one side, and Belle on the other, and so I knew I was there."

Sinton laughed the best he could.

"Do you know where they are?" asked Billy.

"They are with kind people who gave them a fine supper, a clean bed, and will always take good care of them."

"I wisht I was"—Billy hesitated and looked earnestly at Sinton. "I mean, I wish they was here."

"You are about all I can manage, Billy," said Sinton.

Billy sat up. "Can't she manage anything?" he asked, waving toward Margaret.

"Indeed, yes," said Sinton. "She has managed me for twenty years."

"My, but she made you nice!" said Billy. "I just love you. I wisht she'd take Jimmy and Belle and make them nice as you."