“I am sure Jimmy will be all right,” said Shirley hopefully. “By the way, Dad, how is Gabriel?”
“Better than could be expected,” was the reply. “The veterinary said he would be perfectly fit in a day or two.”
After a few further words, all retired with the exception of Leonard, who made his way to the stable, where he was to stand watch, for Mr. Willing had not selected a man to take old Frank’s place.
In the morning Mr. Willing learned that Jimmy’s condition was not as serious as had been feared. The doctor did not oppose the plan of taking the lad to Louisville on Monday.
“The trip will not hurt him,” he declared. “But keep him perfectly quiet after you arrive. With careful nursing he should be in shape to ride Gabriel to victory.”
The days passed slowly, but at last the time for departure came. Besides packing her own clothes, Shirley also packed Jimmy’s things, and on Monday afternoon Mr. Willing, Mr. Ashton, Leonard, Mabel and Shirley, with Gabriel tied to the rear of the double carriage, were driven to Paris.
Mr. Willing had already shipped his large touring car to Louisville, for he believed he would have need of it there.
Leonard had asked to travel with Gabriel and Mr. Willing, after some hesitancy, had accepted his offer.
The party went first to the freight depot, where Gabriel was led into a car that had been reserved for him. He was tied up at one end, and Leonard took up his position at the other. Besides Mr. Willing’s shotgun the young man was armed with a brace of heavy caliber revolvers.
“The first man that sticks his head in this car is likely to get it shot off,” said the young man grimly, as the others prepared to leave.