`` I 'd like to be a missionary and go where folks throw their babies to the crocodiles . I 'd watch and fish them out , and have a school , and bring them up , and convert all the people till they knew better , '' said warm-hearted Molly Loo , who befriended every abused animal and forlorn child she met . `` We need n't go to Africa to be missionaries ; they have 'em nearer home and need 'em , too . In all the big cities there are a many , and they have their hands full with the poor , the wicked , and the helpless . One can find that sort of work anywhere , if one has a mind , '' said Mrs. Pecq . `` I wish we had some to do here . I 'd so like to go round with baskets of tea and rice , and give out tracts and talk to people . Would n't you , girls ? '' asked Molly , much taken with the new idea . `` It would be rather nice to have a society all to ourselves , and have meetings and resolutions and things , '' answered Merry , who was fond of little ceremonies , and always went to the sewing circle with her mother . `` We would n't let the boys come in . We 'd have it a secret society , as they do their temperance lodge , and we 'd have badges and pass-words and grips . It would be fun if we can only get some heathen to work at ! '' cried Jill , ready for fresh enterprises of every sort . `` I can tell you someone to begin on right away , '' said her mother , nodding at her . `` As wild a little savage as I 'd wish to see . Take her in hand , and make a pretty-mannered lady of her . Begin at home , my lass , and you 'll find missionary work enough for a while . '' `` Now , Mammy , you mean me ! Well , I will begin ; and I 'll be so good , folks wo n't know me .
Being sick makes naughty children behave in story-books , I 'll see if live ones ca n't ; '' and XXXXX put on such a sanctified face that the girls laughed and asked for their missions also , thinking they would be the same .
Africa Jill Loo Mammy Merry Molly Pecq crocodiles pass-words right