The farmer knew how to drive right to the spot where the Scruggs were encamped, although it was not on his land. When the colts came through the woods, their bells jingling and the snow and ice flying from their sharpened hoofs, Barnabetta appeared suddenly on the pile of ties to see who came.
“Is that the gal?” asked Farmer Buckham of Agnes.
“Yes.”
“She’s a wild lookin’ critter, ain’t she?” was Mr. Buckham’s comment. “And looks for all the world like a boy!”
Barnabetta disappeared in a moment and when he drew the colts in beside the fire, there she stood with her staff, as though to defend the old clown from the newcomers.
“So you’re back again, are you?” was her greeting for Agnes.
“Didn’t I tell you I’d bring help?” shouted the Corner House girl, gaily.
“Humph! I don’t see what help you can be for the like of us,” said the trapeze performer ungraciously.
But Agnes Kenway was not to be balked in her good intentions. “Of course we can help you. I’ve come to take you home,” she declared. “And here’s some lunch.”
“What d’you mean—home? We haven’t got a home, Pop and me.”