"Are you the pelican?"
"Why, yes, dear; all that is for it below the figure," said he, smiling,
and wondering what the next question would be.
"I am so glad I have found you," said she; "because sister Mary is
dying."
"And who is sister Mary?"
"My sister, Mary Maconie, at Juniper Green."
Whereupon the gentleman began to remember that the name of William
Maconie was in his books as holder of a policy.
"And what more?"
"My father says the pelican insured Mary's life; and I want you to come
direct and do it, because I couldn't live if Mary were to die; and
there's no time to be lost."
"Oh! I see, dear. And who sent you?"
"Nobody," answered Annie. "My father wouldn't come to you; and I have
come from Juniper Green myself without telling my father or mother."
"Oh yes, dear! I understand you."
"But you must do it quick," continued she, "because the doctor says
she's in great danger; so you must come with me and save her
immediately."
"I am sorry, my dear little lady," rejoined he, "that I cannot go with
you; but I will set about it immediately, and I have no doubt, being
able to go faster than you, that I will get there before you, so that
all will be right before you arrive.
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