"Is it possible?" demanded the woman, growing pale.
"They mean it, too. I think I will get the pony and start now," decided Tad, rising.
"You are a brave boy," exclaimed the banker's wife, laying an impulsive hand on Tad's shoulder. "I wish you did not have to go. You are tired out now. I can see that."
"I'll be all right when I get in the saddle again," he smiled. "Thank you just as much."
"You shall not leave this house until you have had your breakfast. What can I be thinking of?" announced Mrs. Simms. "You are doing us all a very great service and I am not even thoughtful enough to offer you something to eat though you are half starved."
"I had better not spare the time to sit down," objected Tad. "I must be going if you will show me the way."
"Not until you have eaten."
"Then, will you please make me some sandwiches? I can eat them in the saddle, and I shall get along very nicely until I get to town. I'll eat enough to make up for lost time when I get at it," he laughed.
He was out of the house and running toward the corral, to which Mrs. Simms had directed him. Tad hunted about until he found a rope; then going to the enclosure scanned the ponies critically.
"I think I'll take that roan," he decided. "Looks as if he had some life in him."