"Does the dog belong to you?" he queried.
"What were you doin' with him?" she asked in reply.
"I found him barking at a very high-spirited mare."
"MARE?" cried Peg. "WHERE?"
"Tied to the stable-door."
"The stable-door? Is that where they put 'MICHAEL'?" Once again the lightning flashed vividly and the thunder echoed dully through the room.
Peg shivered.
The stranger reassured her.
"Don't be frightened. It's only a summer storm."
"Summer or winter, they shrivel me up," gasped Peg.