“Three cheers for Ann Hicks, the girl from the ranch, who knows what to do when folks are drowning in Buchane Pond!  One—­two—­three——­”

The cheers were given with a will.  Several of the girls who had treated the western girl so meanly about the dunce cap had been in the boat, and they asked Ann to shake hands.  They were truly repentant, and Ann could not refuse their advances.

But the western girl was still doubtful of her standing with her mates, and went back to play with the little ones.  Meanwhile she showed Ruth where Jerry Sheming stood at one side, and the girl from the Red Mill ran to him eagerly.

“I am delighted to see you!” she exclaimed, shaking Jerry’s rough hand.  “I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to find you after you left the mill.  And I wanted to.”

“I’m glad of your interest in me, Miss Ruth,” he said, “but I ain’t got no call to expect it.  Mr. Potter was pretty kind to me, and he kept me as long as there was work there.”

“But you haven’t got to tramp it, now?”

“Only to look for a steady job.  I—­I come over this way hopin’ I’d hit it at Lumberton.  But they’re discharging men at the mills instead of hiring new ones.”

“And I expect you’d rather work in the woods than anywhere else?” suggested Ruth.

“Why—­yes, Miss.  I love the woods.  And I got a good rifle and shotgun, and I’m a good camp cook.  I can’t get a guide’s license, but I could go as assistant—­if anybody would take me around Tallahaska.”

“Suppose I could get you a job working right where you’ve always lived—­at Cliff Island?” she asked, eagerly.

“What d’ye mean—­Cliff Island?” he demanded, flushing deeply.  “I wouldn’t work for that Rufus Blent—­nor he wouldn’t have me.”

“I don’t know anything about the man,” said Ruth, smiling.  “But one of my chums has invited me to go to Cliff Island for the Christmas holidays.  Her father has bought the place and is building a lodge there.”

“Good lands!” ejaculated Jerry.

“Isn’t that a coincidence?” Ruth commented.  “Now, you wouldn’t refuse a job with Mr. Tingley; would you?”

“Tingley—­is that the name?”

“Yes.  Perhaps I can get him, through Belle, to hire you.  I’ll try.  Would you go back?”

“In a minute!” exclaimed Jerry.

“Then I’ll try.  You see, in four or five weeks, we’ll be going there ourselves.  I think it would just be jolly to have you around, for you know all about the island and everything.”

“Yes, indeed, ma’am,” agreed Jerry.  “I’d like the job.”

“So you must write me every few days and let me know where you are.  Mrs. Tellingham won’t mind—­I’ll explain to her,” Ruth said, earnestly.  “I am not quite sure that I can go myself, yet.  But I’ll know for sure in a few days.  And I’ll see if Belle won’t ask her father to give you work at Cliff Island.  Then, in your off time, you can look for that box your uncle lost.  Don’t you see?”