But could she ? Difficulties came crowding thick and fast into her thoughts . It was going to snow ; the soft broad flakes were falling already . Could she row the two miles to the Big Dipper in the darkness and the snow ? If she could , dare she leave Nellie all alone in the house ? Oh , she could n't ! Somebody at the Harbour Head would surely notice that the Big Dipper light was unlighted and would go over to investigate the cause . But suppose they should n't ? If the snow came thicker they might never notice the absence of the light . And suppose there was a ship away out there , as there nearly always was , with the dangerous rocks and shoals of the outer harbour to pass , with precious lives on board and no guiding beacon on the Big Dipper . Mary Margaret hesitated no longer . She must go . Bravely , briskly and thoughtfully she made her preparations . First , the fire was banked and the draughts dosed ; then she wrote a little note for her mother and laid it on the table . Finally she wakened Nellie . `` Nellie , '' said Mary Margaret , speaking very kindly and determinedly , `` there is no light on the Big Dipper and I 've got to row over and see about it . I 'll be back as quickly as I can , and Mother and Uncle Martin will soon be here . You wo n't be afraid to stay alone , will you , dearie ? You must n't be afraid , because I have to go . And , Nellie , I 'm going to tie you in your chair ; it 's necessary , because I ca n't lock the door , so you must n't cry ; nothing will hurt you , and I want you to be a brave little girl and help sister all you can . ''
Nellie , too sleepy and dazed to understand very clearly what Mary Margaret was about , submitted to be wrapped up XXXXX quilts and bound securely in her chair .
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