“Righto!� agreed Dick, turning into the path. “I’d been wondering if we’d get past them.�
They hurried along the path through the woods and splashed through Tinkling Water, not taking time to grope for the stepping-stones. The mill loomed before them, a huge, dark shadow on the shadows.
Dick and Anne ran along the road to Larkland. Presently they heard horse’s hoofs clattering down the road. There was a pause at the big gate, and a familiar voice said, “Steady, Rosinante, steady!� as the rider bent to open the gate.
“Cousin Mayo! Cousin Mayo!� cried Dick and Anne, running toward him.
“Hey! Who’s there?� he called sharply.
“It’s just us,� said Anne; and Dick said, “Anne and me.�
“Anne!—here at this time of night! Why, everybody in The Village is distracted about you. Get on Rosinante behind me. I’ll take you to The Roost.�
“Cousin Mayo——�
“Who’s that with you? Dick? Is this one of your fool pranks?�
Mr. Osborne’s indignation for the instant dominated his relief. The search for Anne had been growing hourly in intensity and uneasiness. After walking about for hours, he had come home to get his horse, and was starting off again. And here the girl for whom the community was searching came strolling up the road to Larkland.