“Really?”
“Sure thing. I have a dandy place about twenty miles above Washington on the Potomac. I can take care of your pony, Jo.” He smiled down at the little girl.
“But,” said Joanne plaintively, “he isn’t mine; he’s Grad’s.”
“Same thing,” returned Cousin Ned with assurance. “I would be glad, too, to take the boy,” he said to his uncle. “Help is none too easy to find these days and an extra pair of hands would be mighty welcome. How old is this chap?”
“Twelve or fourteen, I should say. He is rather small, so it’s hard to tell.”
“Good enough; he’s old enough to do a lot. Just you leave it all to me. Did you say you were going to stay over or not?”
“I suppose I shall have to till we get this matter straightened out, though I’d like to get off to-morrow if possible.”
“I reckon we can fix it up. I must be here for a couple of days, and can look after your live stock till I go, then I can take them right along with me. Meanwhile I know a man that will look after them. Where are they, by the way?”
“Over here,” responded Dr. Selden. “No, Joanne, you must stay with your grandmother.”
So Joanne watched the two men go off, and then sat down by her grandmother to wait their return. After what seemed, and really was, a long time she saw them coming back talking earnestly.