Through them the stream on which the machinery depended was led by various contrivances, checked or increased in its flow, making small ponds, or locks, or waterfalls.
We used to stay for hours listening to its murmur, to the sharp, strange cry of the swans that were kept there, and the twitter of the water-hen to her young among the reeds.

Then the father would come to us and remain a few minutes--fondling Muriel, and telling me how things went on at the mill.
One morning, as we three sat there, on the brick-work of a little bridge, underneath an elm tree, round the roots of which the water made a pool so clear, that we could see a large pike lying like a black shadow, half-way down; John suddenly said: "What is the matter with the stream?
Do you notice, Phineas ?" "I have seen it gradually lowering--these two hours.

I thought you were drawing off the water." "Nothing of the kind--I must look after it.

Good-bye, my little daughter.

Don't cling so fast; father will be back soon--and isn't this a sweet sunny place for a little maid to be lazy in ?" His tone was gay, but he had an anxious look.