"Just then Jenny came in. 'I will catch Fanny for you, Father,' she said,
and hurried out to the pasture.

"'Fanny, O Fanny!' she called; and the beautiful creature turned her
head and trotted toward her. But an instant later, to Jenny's surprise,
she galloped away across the field. Glancing behind her, Jenny saw Jake
and the hired man coming up the lane."

"'She sees you coming,' called Jenny; 'that's why she won't let me catch
her. Go back to the house and wait; I'll bring her to you.'"

"Jake and the man went back; and Jenny went further into the pasture,
calling, 'Fanny, O Fanny!' Instantly the mare turned and trotted toward
her. She came close; and when Jenny gave her a lump of sugar, she rubbed
her nose against the little girl's shoulder."

"Quickly she put the bridle on the mare, and led her through the lane
to the barn. Then she harnessed her and hitched her to the buggy, and
called to Jake. The boy hurried out, looking rather pale and worried;
and as he stepped into the buggy Jenny stroked the mare's neck, saying
gently, 'Now go along, dear Fanny, and do your best for Mother.'"

"Fanny rubbed her nose against Jenny's shoulder again, as if to say, 'I
will, little mistress; you may depend on me.' Then as Jake lifted the
reins, she trotted down the road at a rapid gait."

"Jake found the doctor just sitting down to breakfast. When he heard the
boy's story, he did not stop to eat. He rode right back with Jake, and
in a short time he was at the mother's bedside. She was indeed very ill.