She drew off her stockings and gaiters, and stepped into the creek.

Boys waded in the water, why couldn't she?
There was nothing to bite her! She wasn't afraid! She had supposed the water would only cover her feet, but she found herself sadly mistaken.

The creek was remarkably deep, and, more than that, the bottom was so soft that she sank down, down, at every step.
Poor child! It was hard enough to get lost; it was harder still to be drowned! "O, papa!" she screamed; "O, mamma! O, Prudy! can't you come?
I don't want to drown, and not have _you_ drown, Prudy.

Can't you come, somebody come!" But there were no human ears near enough to hear her piteous cries.

She must have drowned--there is no doubt of it--if Zip had not been close at hand.