best she could to make it smooth with her side comb, but the depth of the hair, and the size of the comb, made the matter of actual hair-dressing a difficult task.  But there was fresh water in the basin, and she could wash, which was one comfort.  “If only I had my purse,” she thought, “with my little looking glass.  Well, it will scarcely matter how I look—­so long as I do not attract attention.”

As if Dorothy could help attracting attention!

Mrs. Hobbs’s generous form had dropped behind the hill.  There was nothing to wait for now, Dorothy must get out of that window.

The window frame was that sort that runs to the roof and has not far to go.  It was really not half a window, but it was large enough for the girl’s slim form to slip through.  It was no distance to the roof, then she could slide down the post.

Dorothy was out.  She sat upon the roof and with a careful move slid toward the edge.

She must stop near a post, as she could not stand up!

Yes, what blessing!  She was directly above the post!

Dorothy was not an athlete, but she was always able to climb.  She swung around the post—­down—­down—­to the ground!

But no sooner had her feet touched the welcome earth that a shrill scream startled her!

She was puzzled and alarmed until she saw a big, green parrot in a cage.  And the bird was screeching to the limit of its capacity.  Mrs. Hobbs could hear it!  Should Dorothy throw a mat from the porch over its cage!

No, the door was opened, the bird was out,—­and it was actually flying at Dorothy!

“Mama!  Mama!” it yelled.  “Come quick!  Come quick!”

Snatching up a stick, Dorothy made an attempt to strike the green thing as it flapped toward her.  But she could not hit it!  And if she turned to run it would likely settle its claws into her head.  Yet she must run!  Mrs. Hobbs—­

Without time for further thought Dorothy did run; down the lane, and into the road.

The parrot had not followed!  Dorothy was out on the road, she could surely get back to camp now.  Oh, how glorious it was!

Gratefully she raised her eyes to the clear sky.  Her heart sent up its thanks—­to the Friend who is never hidden from those who seek Him.

“And there comes a carriage,” she told herself, as a rumbling of wheels took her attention.  “Perhaps the driver will give me a lift.”

The wagon was hidden from view as the road turned sharply just under the oaks.  Dorothy waited.  Yes, and there was a young woman in the carriage.  Wasn’t that fortunate?

The carriage turned so close to Dorothy that she had no need to take a single step to hail it.  And it was almost stopped, yes; it did stop now.

The young woman in the carriage was garbed in white—­a nurse.

“Is this the Hobb’s place?” she asked of Dorothy.

“Yes,” replied the girl in surprise.