Peleg Snuggers was found in the harness room shining up some buckles by the aid of a stable lantern.
"Hullo, Peleg—working rather late," was Tom's greeting.
"Yes, sir—got behind," answered the utility man. "What brought you here?"
"I want a horse, Peleg. Which one can I have?"
"A horse! Did the captain send you?"
Instead of replying Tom held out a silver quarter. "Don't ask questions, Peleg, but just let me take a horse for an hour or two, that's a good man."
"Can't do it, Master Rover—against orders, sir."
"Oh, yes, you can. We won't hurt the beast. We are bound to get to Cedarville and back before ten o'clock. Do you want us to drop on the road from exhaustion and be frozen to death?" and Tom put the question in all seriousness.
"No, no, certainly not!"
"Then bring out a horse. That black will do. Here, take the quarter, Peleg, and much obliged to you. Hurry up."