“Which way did she go?” inquired Dr. Selden sharply.
“Ast de boy.”
“In what direction did she go?” Dr. Selden said sharply to Pablo.
“I not know, señor. She go by the road to the gate. I see no more.”
“We must follow her,” said Mr. Pattison, starting on a run toward the stables. “We will get the horses; you go one way, uncle, and I will go the other.”
In a few minutes the two were mounted and were off in search of the venturesome Joanne, who, meantime, had started out quite confidently to enjoy herself. The little pony went along quietly. The sky was blue, the air fresh and sweet, the woods a tender green. What more delightful than this free and glorious way of travelling? Up the road went pony and rider till they came to the parting of the ways.
“Now, which road shall I take, the right or the left? Which shall it be, Chico?” said Joanne. “I believe I’ll let you take your choice; you’ll probably choose the one most familiar to you.”
She let the bridle fall loosely and Chico turned to the left. This road led through the woods for part of the way, but presently passed through a little settlement of poor-looking houses. Beyond this was a schoolhouse. Some distance further along Joanne came upon a group of rough-looking boys who, spying her and the little pony, could not lose an opportunity of teasing and lined up across the road as she approached, thus barring her way.
“Hey there!” cried the ringleader. “Where you going with your hobby horse? What do you feed the little runt on?”
Joanne drew rein and sat up very straight, her heart beating fast but her courage all to the fore. She was considering what to do when one of the boys gave Chico a sharp cut from behind. This was something the little pony was not used to. He pranced nervously, but at a second cut he reared slightly. Joanne managed to keep her seat, frightened though she was. “So, Chico, so,” she tried to quiet him.