Mr. Simpson turned round in his seat and cried heartily, "Certain
sure I will! "for he liked the fair sex, young and old, and
Rebecca had always been a prime favorite with him. "Climb right
in! How's everybody? Glad to see you! The folks talk 'bout you
from sun-up to sun-down, and Clara Belle can't hardly wait for a
sight of you!"
Rebecca scrambled up, trembling and pale with excitement. She did
not in the least know what was going to happen, but she was sure
that the flag, when in the enemy's country, must be at least a
little safer with the State of Maine sitting on top of it!
Mr. Simpson began a long monologue about Acreville, the house he
lived in, the pond in front of it, Mrs. Simpson's health and
various items of news about the children, varied by reports of
his personal misfortunes. He put no questions, and asked no
replies, so this gave the inexperienced soldier a few seconds to
plan a campaign. There were three houses to pass; the Browns' at
the corner, the Millikens', and the Robinsons' on the brow of the
hill. If Mr. Robinson were in the front yard she might tell Mr.
Simpson she wanted to call there and ask Mr. Robinson to hold the
horse's head while she got out of the wagon. Then she might fly
to the back before Mr. Simpson could realize the situation, and
dragging out the precious bundle, sit on it hard, while Mr.
Robinson settled the matter of ownership with Mr. Simpson.
This was feasible, but it meant a quarrel between the two men,
who held an ancient grudge against each other, and Mr. Simpson
was a valiant fighter, as the various sheriffs who had attempted
to arrest him could cordially testify. It also meant that
everybody in the village would hear of the incident and poor
Clara Belle be branded again as the child of a thief.
Another idea danced into her excited brain; such a clever one she