The two boys waited for him to return, and during the interval Jerry caught sight of the Cutwater up the lake and watched her progress with interest. The wind was getting stronger and the sloop carried more sail than was good for her. Soon she again disappeared, and Jerry turned toward the house, wondering what kept Harry so long.
“Must have been invited to lunch,” was Blumpo’s comment. “Pity he didn’t ask us in, too.”
“No, he wouldn’t stay and leave us here,” replied Jerry, “Most likely—hullo!”
Jerry sprang up in the row-boat in amazement. Down the garden path leading from the front of the house to the dock came a beautiful black horse on a gallop. On the animal’s back sat a little girl not more than eight years of age. The horse was running away with her, and she was clingling tightly to his mane.
“Oh, John, stop him!” she screamed.
“Whoa, Banker, whoa!” shouted a man who came running after the animal.
But the horse, a nervous creature, was frightened over something and would not stop.
He clattered on the dock, and the next instant went over into the lake with a loud splash, carrying the little girl with him.
