"Give her a cut with the whip," cried Landolin; "give it to me; I'll strike her."
"No, father, I'll fix it," said Peter; and springing down quickly, he pushed Kate to one side; then, mounting again, he drove rapidly up the hill.
Landolin's wife looked back, and drawing a long breath, said: "Thank God! she has sat down on those stones. Some one has come up the hill, and is speaking to her."
CHAPTER XL.
When they reached home, Peter cracked his whip loudly, and drove through the open gate to the house. A strange servant brought a chair; Peter helped his mother out, then turned to assist his father, who said:
"Never mind! I'm still able----"
He stood again on his own ground. No sound of welcome was heard, save the barking of the chained dog.
The bright moon lit up the square yard, which was neatly paved, and entirely changed in appearance.
"Who made these changes?" asked Landolin.
"Thoma had them made," replied her mother.