Chapter 5: The Bridge Across the Pond

The pond was about 6 feet wide and 3 ½ feet deep. It took many trips to fill its depths, but when it was finished the boys stood back and viewed their little duck pond with pride. “It needs something else!” said João thoughtfully. “I know what! A bridge! And I know just where there is a flat board that is around 8 feet long. It is leaning against the backside of the barn and I know we can use it until someone needs it more than we do.
The two boys eagerly ran toward the barn yelling over their shoulders to Mary, ”Stay right where you are until we get back!”
The boys were gone less than ten minutes panting and out of breath. They could see that Mary had not followed their instructions because she was standing on the pond’s edge dipping her fingers in the still muddy water. She looked like a ray of sunshine reflecting in the muddy depths.
“Look out! Get back! Your dress will get muddy if you slip in!” yelled Tony with alarm.
“No, I wont slip. I’m being extra careful,” said Mary sweetly. She watched curiously as the boys laid the board across the pool. “What is that board for anyway?” Mary asked inquisitively.
“A bridge to walk over instead of going all the way around!” answered João,
“It looks dumb to me. It is too small to walk across and it would be easier to walk around the small pond anyway!” scoffed Mary. “The ducks will never us it and neither will anyone else.” Said Mary with her little girl wisdom.
“Look little baby! I’ll show you how easy it is! Tony bragged as he demonstrated how easy it was to cross. He carefully put one foot in front of the other, balancing himself carefully like a high wire performer in a circus.
“I can go faster than that backwards”, and Tony proceeded to demonstrate his agility by walking the bridge backwards.
“Can I try? Interrupted Mary.
“Of course not!” said Tony.
“You’re just a girl and just a baby at that. Don’t forget you have to be careful of your dress little sissy.” Teased João.