'Ha ha ha! A fine, pretty one, from your lips.

I pay myself! Ha ha ha!' 'Help! help! help!' As she shrieked with the utmost violence she could exert, a shout was heard in answer, and another, and another.
'Thank Heaven!' cried the girl in an ecstasy.

'Joe, dear Joe, this way.
Help!' Her assailant paused, and stood irresolute for a moment, but the shouts drawing nearer and coming quick upon them, forced him to a speedy decision.

He released her, whispered with a menacing look, 'Tell HIM: and see what follows!' and leaping the hedge, was gone in an instant.
Dolly darted off, and fairly ran into Joe Willet's open arms.
'What is the matter?
are you hurt?
what was it?
who was it?
where is he?
what was he like ?' with a great many encouraging expressions and assurances of safety, were the first words Joe poured forth.

But poor little Dolly was so breathless and terrified that for some time she was quite unable to answer him, and hung upon his shoulder, sobbing and crying as if her heart would break.
Joe had not the smallest objection to have her hanging on his shoulder; no, not the least, though it crushed the cherry-coloured ribbons sadly, and put the smart little hat out of all shape.