"Well," said Rutledge, hesitating a moment, "you permitted me to shake hands with you once. I'm Mr. Rutledge. Do you remember?"
"Yes," said Katherine, though with a shade of uncertainty in her tone.
"That's good. And who is this?"
"May," said Katherine.
"Why, certainly. I might have guessed." Rutledge extended his hand and the little girl took it in simple confidence. "And where are you two little ladies going, if I may ask?"
"Elise sent us home," said May, permitting him still to hold her fingers.
"And where is she?" Involuntarily Rutledge almost came to a halt as he asked the question.
"Way up on the mountain." May waved her small arm indefinitely back the way they had come.... Rutledge's steps became slower and slower.
"Well, young ladies, I'm glad to have met you. I must be getting back. I suppose you can get home safe."
"Oh, yes," said Katherine. "It's not far."