“We are very sorry,” he said courteously. “But we have an engagement with the girls to listen in to a big radio concert this evening.”
“You can come too, if you like,” drawled Amy, in such perfect imitation of Belle’s own condescending tones that the others were convulsed.
In sudden fury Belle brought the whip in her hand down upon the pony’s back. The little animal snorted, jumped, and began to run.
“Look out,” cried Jessie, wildly. “He is headed straight for the dock!”
CHAPTER XIV
IN THE MUD
Belle saw the danger and began frantically sawing at the reins. It was too late. The outraged animal had taken the bit in his teeth and started to run. He was going to keep on running.
Sally began to scream, and Belle, beside herself with fear and not knowing what she did, began to use the whip. That was the last straw. No animal could be expected to stand such treatment.
Paralysed as they had been for a moment by the sudden turn of affairs, the boys were galvanized to action by the screams of Sally and Belle. They rushed headlong after the pony, the Radio Girls and Nell also in pursuit.
Out upon the dock the pony raced, shying a little as he saw the water.
Sally and Belle took advantage of the momentarily slackened speed, and, shrieking wildly, jumped from the pony cart into the water.