“Oh, Jo! Pen—”
“Wait!” he cautioned, as Gene came out of the stable.
“Unhook for me, will you, Gene?” he asked.
“Now, Marta, what is it?” he again asked anxiously as they were walking back to the house.
“Read your letter, Jo, and see what it says.”
He read aloud:
“DEAR JO: Leaving Top Hill forever by the Excelsior Route. Had to. Never go back on Little Marta. Will see you somewhere, sometime. At four this afternoon, come to Westcott’s red-roofed barn and get Francis’ wheel.
“Yours,
“PENNY ANTE.”
“What has happened to send her off in such skyrocket fashion?” he asked. “What did she say to you?”