"And you?" asked Sandy.
"I'll ride behind."
They became hilarious over the mounting, for the horse bitterly resented a double burden.
When he found he could not dispose of it he made a dash for freedom, and raced over the frozen road at such a pace that they were soon at their destination.
"He won the handicap," laughed Sandy as he lifted his disheveled companion to the ground.
"It was glorious!" cried Annette, gathering up her flying locks. "I lost every hair-pin but one."
At the farm-house they met with a warm reception.
"Jes step right in the kitchen," said the
farmer. "Mommer'll take care of you while I go out to the stable for some rope and another hoss."
The kitchen was a big, cheerful room, full of homely comfort. Bright red window-curtains were drawn against the cold white world outside, and the fire crackled merrily in the stove.