The black horse went along at an easy pace, and after a little Anne ceased to be afraid, held the bridle-reins more easily, and even ventured to look about a little.
“Things keep happening,” she thought. “I hope nothing has carried off Mr. Freeman and the chaise!”
Mr. Freeman was standing in the roadway, and as he saw Range with Anne on his back coming rapidly toward him he gave an exclamation of surprise. At a word the horse stopped, and Mr. Freeman lifted Anne from his back.
“A man went by Mrs. Pierce’s with Lady before we got there,” said Anne, after she had told him of the farmhouse, of Mrs. Pierce, and of catching Range.
While she talked Mr. Freeman was harnessing Range into the chaise, and they were soon on the way to the farm.
Rose and Mrs. Pierce were at the gate to meet them.
“Oh, father! Can’t you go after Lady?” asked Rose.
Mr. Freeman looked at Mrs. Pierce questioningly. “If Mrs. Pierce will lend me a horse I’ll go at once,” he replied; “there are a good many houses along the way now, and I might get some trace of the thief.”
“You go right along. Take the colt; he’s as fast as any horse hereabouts, and maybe you can overtake the fellow,” replied Mrs. Pierce.
Mr. Freeman captured the colt, and, telling Rose not to worry if he did not return until night, started off, the colt going at a pace that made the girls exclaim in admiration.