the house, and harness 'Old Prince' to the buggy as fast as you can. You
will drive with me to Thompsonville, and bring 'Prince' back. You can
turn him loose when you get near home, and he will come the rest of the
way alone. You must not let Mr. Burns nor Betty Jo see you, because
they mustn't know anything about what you have done. Do you understand,
child?"

"Yes, ma'm," said Judy, eagerly. She was on her feet now.

"You can go to the neighbors and find some place to stay until I
return," continued Auntie Sue.

"You don't need ter worry none 'bout me," said Judy. "I kin take care
of myself, I reckon. But ain't you plumb seared ter go 'way on the cars
alone an' you so old?"

"Old!" retorted Auntie Sue. "I have not felt so strong for twenty years.
There is nothing for me to fear. I will be in St. Louis to-morrow night,
and in Chicago the next forenoon. I guess I am not so helpless that I
can't make a little journey like this. Homer Ward shall never send my
boy to prison,--never,--bank or no bank! Go on, now, and get 'Prince'
and the buggy ready. We must not miss that train." She pushed Judy from
the room, and again cautioned her not to awaken Brian or Betty Jo.

When she had completed her preparations for the trip, Auntie Sue wrote
a short note to Betty Jo, telling her that she had been called away
suddenly, and that she would return in a few days, and that she
was obliged to borrow Betty Jo's pocket-book. Grave as she felt the
situation to be, Auntie Sue laughed to herself as she pictured the
consternation of Betty Jo and Brian in the morning.