At the time of the sudden call to flight just described, the McKay family had totally forgotten Old Peg in their hurry. Elspie was the first to miss her.
“Old Peg!” she exclaimed—almost screamed—while Fergus was assisting her to mount Vixen, “where is she?”
“I’ll find her,” said Fergus, “and bring her on in the cart. You be off after father. We’ve no time to lose.”
“Be sure you bring her, Fergus,” said Elspie.
“All right; no fear!”
Thus assured, Elspie was about to gallop away after her father—who had started in advance, to overtake and stop the Prairie Cottage family, so that they might travel in one band—when the clatter of hoofs was heard, and next moment Dan Davidson galloped round the corner of the house.
“I came back for you, Elspie,” he said, pulling up. “Why did you not come on with your father?”
“I expected to overtake him, Dan. You know Vixen is swift. Besides, I missed Old Peg, and delayed a few minutes on her account. Is she with your party?”
“No—at least I did not see her. But she may have been in the cart with Louise. Shall I look for her while you gallop on?”
“No; Fergus has promised to find and bring her after us. Come, I am ready.”