"Do you think you can do it, Miranda?" her mother asked.
"I'm sure I can," said Mindy, who had to be sure because she dared be no other way. There was something to be done. Since those who normally would have done it were no longer here, those who were had to take over. Neither Mrs. Simpson nor Gramps or Granny could ride. That left only Mindy.
"There isn't any saddle," said Gramps.
"I'll ride bareback," Mindy said.
Gramps said, "Pete's horses aren't very fast."
"It's only two miles," Mindy pointed out.
"You'll be careful?" asked Mrs. Simpson, and Mindy knew that her mother was making a mighty effort to remain calm.
"I'll be very careful," Mindy promised.
"If you're going to ride," Mrs. Simpson said, "you had better put on some of Alec's outgrown clothes. You'll find some in Cindamine's carpetbag."
"Shall I write the message and the address to which it's going?" asked Gramps.