to do anything for you that is right. If you will let me tell papa
your wish, and he gives consent, you shall have the money at once. Now
please let me go. The sun has set and I shall be so late that papa
will be anxious and much displeased."

"Who cares if he is!" he answered roughly, still retaining his hold
upon her bridle, and compelling her to listen while he continued to
urge his request; enforcing it with arguments and threats.

They were alike vain, she steadfastly refused to grant it except on
the conditions she had named, and which he determinately rejected--and
insisted being left free to pursue her homeward way.

He grew furious, and at length with a shocking oath released her
bridle, but at the same instant struck her pony a severe blow upon his
haunches, with a stout stick he held in his hand.

The terrified animal, smarting with the pain, started aside, reared
and plunged in a way that would have unseated a less skilful rider,
and had nearly thrown Elsie from the saddle: then darted off at the
top of its speed; but fortunately turned in at the gate held open by
Jim, who had ridden on ahead and dismounted for that purpose.

"Whoa, you Glossy! whoa dere!" he cried, springing to the head of the
excited animal, and catching its bridle in his powerful grasp.

"Just lead her for a little, Jim," said Elsie "There, there! my poor
pretty Glossy, be quiet now. It was too cruel to serve you so; but
it shan't happen again if your mistress can help it," she added in a
voice tremulous with sympathy and indignation, patting and stroking