"Grey, Zane - Betty Zane" - читать интересную книгу автора (Grey Zane)

"That was kind of you."

"Where are you young people going?" called Colonel Zane, stopping in his task.

"We are going down to the sycamore," answered Betty.

"Very well. But be certain and stay on this side of the creek and do not go
out on the river," said the Colonel.

"Why, Eb, what do you mean? One might think Mr. Clarke and I were children,"
exclaimed Betty.

"You certainly aren't much more. But that is not my reason. Never mind the
reason. Do as I say or do not go," said Colonel Zane.

"All right, brother. I shall not forget," said Betty, soberly, looking at the
Colonel. He had not spoken in his usual teasing way, and she was at a loss to
understand him. "Come, Mr. Clarke, you carry the canoe and follow me down this
path and look sharp for roots and stones or you may trip."

"Where is Isaac?" asked Alfred, as he lightly swung the canoe over his
shoulder.

"He took his rifle and went up to the chestnut grove an hour or more ago."

A few minutes' walk down the willow skirted path and they reached the creek.
Here it was a narrow stream, hardly fifty feet wide, shallow, and full of
stones over which the clear brown water rushed noisily.

"Is it not rather risky going down there?" asked Alfred as he noticed the
swift current and the numerous boulders poking treacherous heads just above
the water.

"Of course. That is the great pleasure in canoeing," said Betty, calmly. "If
you would rather walk--"

"No, I'll go if I drown. I was thinking of you."

"It is safe enough if you can handle a paddle," said Betty, with a smile at
his hesitation. "And, of course, if your partner in the canoe sits trim."

"Perhaps you had better allow me to use the paddle. Where did you learn to
steer a canoe?"

"I believe you are actually afraid. Why, I was born on the Potomac, and have
used a paddle since I was old enough to lift one. Come, place the canoe in
here and we will keep to the near shore until we reach the bend. There is a
little fall just below this and I love to shoot it."

He steadied the canoe with one hand while he held out the other to help her,