“That sounded like Star,” she exclaimed. “Mother was right in thinking that I needed the air. I must not sit so long again at the wheel. I——”
But another and louder whinny broke upon her ear, and full of excitement Peggy flung wide the door, and darted within.
“Oh, Star! Star!” she cried throwing her arms about the pony’s neck, for the mare was really standing in her stall. “Where did thee come from? Who brought thee? And where hast thou been?”
But the little mare could only whinny her delight, and rub her soft nose against her mistress’s sleeve.
“Thou dear thing!” cried the girl rapturously. “Is thee glad to get back? Does thee want some sugar? Oh, how did thee get here? Thee doesn’t look as though thee had had much to eat. Poor thing! Couldn’t they even groom thee?”
“Mistress!”
Peggy turned around abruptly, and there stood the same young fellow who had mended her saddle when she and her mother were waiting on the Germantown road. He was more ragged than ever, and thinner too, if that were possible. He still wore his air of jaunty assurance, however, and returned her astonished gaze with a glance of amusement.
“Thou?” breathed Peggy. “And what does thee want?”
“Naught, but to return thy horse,” he answered.
“Oh! did thee find her?” cried the girl in pleased tones. “How good of thee to bring her to me! Where did thee find her? And the thief? What did thee do with him?”