io8 
THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
rible fit of the ‘ blues,’ but have so far most sig¬ 
nally failed; and if you can do anything to 
assist in his recovery, it will be quite as much 
a work of mercy as any distress which you 
may alleviate by your proposed visit across the 
lake.” 
“Yes, that will doubtless be true,” interposed 
Minnie, “if in crossing you can in some way 
contrive to get Mr. Davidson overboard and soak 
the color out of him, and thus convert the waters 
into a blue-bag, and thereby save the poor wash¬ 
erwomen many a dime for bluing.” 
“ Many thanks,” replied Davidson, good-hu¬ 
moredly, “ for your kind consideration; but 
your benevolence takes the wrong direction ; so 
I shall hardly consent to aid you in carrying it 
out, unless, perchance, you may need yourself 
to be fished out of the water before we get 
across.” 
“You are very kind,” was the prompt re¬ 
sponse ; “ but in any such unfortunate contin¬ 
gency I should prefer to take my chances rather 
than to be dyed blue in my rescue.” 
“Ah, well, then,” was the answer, “a truce 
to our disagreement, and I will pledge myself 
to wear the brightest face possible, and give the 
