CHAPTER XV.
The Council.
When Harry's mother heard that he had gone off to try and meet the horse-hunters she was quite anxious about him.
But Mr. Loudon laughed at her fears.
"If there had been the slightest danger," he said, "of course I would not have allowed him to go. But I was glad he wanted to go. A youngster of his age ought to have a disposition to see what is going on and to take part, too, for that matter. I had much rather find it necessary to restrain Harry than to push him. You mustn't want to make a girl of him. You would only spoil the boy, and make a very poor girl."
Mrs. Loudon made no reply. She thought her husband was a very wise man; but she took up her key basket and went off to the pantry with an air that indicated that she had ideas of her own upon the subject in question.
Kate had no fears for Harry. She had unbounded faith in his good sense and his bravery, if he should happen to get into danger.
The fact is, she was quite a brave girl herself; and brave people are very apt to think their friends as courageous as themselves.
When Harry and Uncle Braddock reached the village they found several of the older inhabitants on the store porch, and they met with an enthusiastic reception.