And he did. When Mom and Aunt Jane got home, the kids were standing in different corners of the kitchen with tear-stained faces.
"Mom," wailed Jodi. "Uncle Fred spanked us."
"Why would he do that?" Aunt Jane asked, looking upset.
"Because they almost got themselves killed," said Dad. Then he explained what had happened.
Mom crossed her arms and scowled at Maggie. "I told you to stay close to home. You disobeyed me."
"I'm sorry," Maggie sniffed. "But Dad is going to sell Molly, and I wanted to ride her before she leaves."
"Ride Molly??" cried her mother. "By yourself? She already hurt your leg. She could have killed you this time."
"Molly wouldn't hurt me," said Maggie. "I sometimes ride her in the pasture." She was sorry the moment she'd said it.
"You do?" Dad shouted. "How could you be so foolish? Thank goodness Larry Croon is buying those animals. He's coming after them tomorrow."
"Good," said Mom. "The sooner the better."