I shouldn't wonder if it was twenty-three years, either." "Oh, I can't bear people that hint.

Why don't you say right out, if you want a ride ?" "I want a ride," said Winnie, without any hesitation.
"Wait till I turn her round.

I'll bring her up on the larboard side," replied Gypsy, in the tone of an old salt of fifty years' experience.
So she paddled up to the oak-tree, and Winnie jumped on board.
"I guess we'll have time to row across and back before school," said Gypsy, pushing off.
Winnie maintained a discreet silence.
"I don't suppose it's very late," said Gypsy.
"Oh, just look at that toad with a green head, down in the water!" observed Winnie.
They paddled on a little ways in silence.
"What makes your cheeks so red ?" asked Gypsy.
"I guess it's scarlet fever, or maybe it's appleplexy, you know." "Oh!" Just then Winnie gave a little scream.
"Look here--Gyp.! The boat's goin'clock down.

I don't want to go very much.

I saw another toad down there." "I declare!" said Gypsy, "we're going to be swamped, as true as you live! It isn't strong enough to bear two,--sit still, Winnie.