"Stop a moment," said the girl, "don't you live somewhere down by the Brooks' farm?"
"Yes," said Nelly, "that is my home, and Bessie lives only a little way beyond."
"I thought so," said the girl, smiling, "I think I've seen you when I have been riding by with father. He's going that way, now: wouldn't you like to get in the wagon with him? He will pass your house."
"Oh, I guess his load is heavy enough already," said Nelly.
"Nonsense," said the girl; "you just wait here, while I go ask him."
She darted off before they could detain her, and in a short time more, the horse and wagon appeared round the corner of the house, the man driving the fat horse (which, as far as the children could see, was the only fat living creature on the place), and the girl walking at the wagon side.
"There they are," the children heard her say, as she neared them.
The man smiled good naturedly, and bade Bessie and Nelly jump in. He arranged a comfortable seat for them on the board on which he himself sat.
"But isn't your load very heavy already, sir?" asked Nelly.