"But look at me, miss," protested Bolivar. "I ain't fit ter ride with yo', no how."
"I am not afraid of criticism," replied Peggy, with the little up- tilting of the head which told of her Stewart ancestry. "When I know a thing is right I DO it. Steady, Comet. Quiet, Meteor," for the horses had been standing some time and seemed inclined to proceed upon two legs instead of four. "We'll stop at Brooks' for the shoes, then we'll go around to Dove's; I've a little commission for him."
"Yas'm, yas'm," nodded Jess.
The shoes were bought, Peggy selecting them and giving them to Bolivar with the words: "It will soon be Easter and this is my Easter gift to Nellie, with my love," she added with a smile which made the shoes a hundred-fold more valuable.
Then off to the livery stable.
"Mr. Dove, do you know a man named Steinberger?"
"I know an old skinflint by that name," corrected Dove.
"Well, you are to buy a horse from him. Seventy-five dollars OUGHT to be the price, but a hundred is available if necessary. But do your best. The horse's name is Salt—yes—that is right," as Dove looked incredulous, "and he is a flea-bitten gray—mate to this one behind us. Steinberger bought him today, and I want you to beat him at his own game if you can, for he has certainly beaten a better man."
"You count on me, Miss Stewart, you count on me. Whatever YOU say goes with me."
"Thank you, I'll wait and see what happens."