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 Dora , faintly . `` Water wo n't hurt calico , '' called out a magazine full of fashion plates , adding dolefully , as its gay colors began to run , `` I shall be in a nice mess if I ever get out of this . People will wear odd fashions if they follow me this time . '' `` Hope they will telegraph news of this accident in time for the evening papers , '' said a dingy sheet called the `` Barahoo Thunderbolt , '' as it lay atop of the heap in its yellow wrapper . `` Be calm , my friends , and wait with fortitude for death or deliverance , as I do . '' With which philosophic remark `` The St. Louis Cosmos '' folded the pages which for the first time since the paper was started , were not dry .
Here the water rose over the topmost letter and a moist silence prevailed till a sudden jerk fished up the bag , and before the XXXXX could recover their wits they were spread out on the floor of a mail car to dry , while several busy men sorted and saved such papers and letters as still held together .
Hope calm dolls fashions friends magazine news people sheet wish