`` Mercy on us ! I hope we shall not have to travel with the monster , '' whispered Dora , trying to see over her shoulder . `` I 'm not afraid . He ca n't be very dreadful , for the box is not any longer than we are . Natural history is very useful ; I 've heard mamma say so , and I shall talk with him while we rest here , '' answered Flo , nodding toward the eye which now took the place of the nose . So the little alligator told her something of his home on the banks of a great river , where he was just learning to play happily with his brothers and sisters , when he was caught and sent away to pine in captivity . The dolls comforted him as well as they could , and a pair of baby 's shoes travelling in an envelope sympathized with him , while a shabby bundle directed to `` Michael Dolan , at Mrs. Judy Quin 's , next door to Mr. Pat Murphy , Boston , North street , '' told them to `` Whisht and slape quite till they came forninst the place . '' `` Such low people ! '' whispered Do to Flo , and both stood primly silent till they were tumbled into another mail bag , and went rattling on again with a new set of companions . `` I hope that poor baby will go safely and the boy be good to him , '' said Flora , for the little alligator went with the live stock in some other way . `` Thank goodness he did n't go with us ! I shall dream about that black nose and winking eye , I 'm sure . The dangers of travelling are great , but we are safe and comfortable now , I think , '' and Dora settled down in a cozy corner of the bag , wondering when they should reach Chicago . `` I like adventures and hope we shall have some , '' answered Flora , briskly , little dreaming how soon her wish was to be granted . A few hours later there come a bump , a crash , a cry , and then all the mail bags rolled one over the other with the car down an embankment into a river . `` Now we are dead ! '' shrieked the poor dolls , clinging together as they heard the splash of water , the shouting of men , the splintering of wood , and the hiss of steam . `` Do n't be frightened , ladies , mail bags are always looked after , '' said a large envelope with an official seal and the name of a Senator on it . `` Any bones broken , dear madam ? '' asked a jaunty pink letter , with a scent of musk about it , evidently a love-letter .
`` I think one foot is hurt , and my clothes are dripping , '' sighed XXXXX , faintly .
Boston Chicago Dolan Dora Murphy Quin Whisht crash musk splintering