would have at any other time, but it has been hours I have been lying
there. Then I heard your whistle. I was almost afraid to speak then.
Don't speak above a whisper now. Did you come on foot?"

"I had the gray mare, and she balked about half a mile from here. You
are sure you are not hurt?"

"No, only I am trying hard not to faint. Let us walk on very fast, but
step softly, and don't talk."

James put his arm around the girl and half carried her. She continued
to draw short, panting breaths, which she tried to subdue. They reached
the place where the gray mare loomed faintly out of the gloom with the
dark mass of the buggy behind her.

"Let us get in," whispered Clemency. "Quick!"

"I am afraid she won't budge."

"Yes, she will for me. She has a tender mouth, that is why she balks.
You must have pulled too hard on the lines. Sometimes I have made her go
when even Uncle Tom couldn't."

Clemency ran around to the gray's head and patted her, and James untied
her. Then the girl got into the buggy and took the reins, and James
followed. He was almost jostled out, the mare started with such impetus.
They made the distance home almost on a run.

"Oh, I am so glad," panted Clemency. "You see I can seem to feel her
mouth when I hold the lines, and she knows. Was poor mother worried?"