The outside door opened, and the hired man entered, interrupting Mr. Gaston’s speech. He seemed to be troubled and excited.
“Have you had Charlie out this morning, Mr. Gaston?” he asked.
“Charlie? What Charlie?”
“Why, Charlie the horse. He isn’t in the stable.”
“Not in the stable?”
“No, sir. An’ I can’t find him nowheres. The bridle’s gone, too, an’ the blanket an’ the surcingle.”
“Oh, dear me!” exclaimed Mrs. Gaston, dropping the toast on the hearth in her excitement.
“Who put him up last night?” asked the farmer.
“I did,” replied the hired man.
“Did you tie him fast?”