"Well, I shall insist upon Daniel's taking you to school with the horse. He is in the barn."
"You are very kind, and I shall esteem it a great favor; and if you please I will take a luncheon, and Daniel can bring me back at night; for I scarcely feel equal to the walk."
No sooner was this offer disposed of than Dan said,—
"Mother, did you hear anybody prowling round the house last night?"
"No, my dear: why do you ask?"
"Because the shovel is gone; somebody must have stole it."
"Perhaps it is mislaid."
"No, it ain't; I have looked everywhere. I wanted it to clean the barn."
"I heard Rover barking dreadfully this morning; it waked me up. Did you hear anybody round the house, Mr. Richardson? Being kept awake by your wound, you would be more likely to hear any strange noise."
"Well, Mrs. Clemens,—ahem!—indeed, I think there was some one went out of the yard last night."