Sidney, Margaret: The Adventures of Joel Pepper. v1. 14 Jul 2013
 

Margaret Sidney was the pseudonym of American author Harriett Mulford Stone Lothrop (June 22, 1844–August 2, 1924). In addition to writing popular children's stories, she ran her husband Daniel Lothrop's publishing company after his death. After they bought The Wayside country house together, they worked hard to make it a center of literary life.

Excerpt
"Come on, Dave!"
It was Joel's voice, and Polly pricked up her ears. "'Tisn't going to hurt you. Hoh! you're a 'fraid-cat--old 'fraid-cat!"
"No, I'm not 'fraid-cat," declared little Davie, trying to speak stoutly; "I'm coming, Joel," and his little rusty shoes pattered unevenly down the rickety board walk.