up the path and entered the big square
room at the right of the small square entry.

"You sit right down and I'll bring you a drink," and Mrs. Pierce drew
forward a comfortable rocking-chair for her young guest, and was soon
back with a cup of milk and a square of fresh gingerbread.

"I should admire to have a girl just like you," declared Mrs. Pierce,
taking the empty cup. "I can see that you've a real good disposition,
and a girl would be a sight of company to me."

Then Rose told her about her own mother, and had begun to tell her Anne
Nelson's little history, when Mrs. Pierce again exclaimed: "My bread!"
and hurried off to the kitchen.

Rose went to the open window and looked out, wondering how long it would
be before her father would reach the farmhouse, and it seemed a long
time to wait in spite of the friendly kindness of Mrs. Pierce.

The black horse went along at an easy pace, and after a little Anne
ceased to be afraid, held the bridle-reins more easily, and even
ventured to look about a little.

"Things keep happening," she thought. "I hope nothing has carried off
Mr. Freeman and the chaise!"

Mr. Freeman was standing in the roadway, and as he saw Range with Anne
on his back coming rapidly toward him he gave an exclamation of
surprise. At a word the horse stopped, and Mr. Freeman lifted Anne from
his back.

"A man went by Mrs. Pierce's with Lady before we got there," said Anne,
after she had told him of the farmhouse, of Mrs. Pierce, and of catching
Range.

While she talked Mr. Freeman was harnessing Range into the chaise, and
they were soon on the way to the farm.

Rose and Mrs. Pierce were at the gate to meet them.

"Oh, father! Can't you go after Lady?" asked Rose.

Mr. Freeman looked at Mrs. Pierce questioningly. "If Mrs. Pierce will
lend me a horse I'll go at once," he replied; "there are a good many
houses along the way now, and I might get some trace of the thief."

"You go right along. Take the colt; he's as fast as any horse
hereabouts, and maybe you can overtake the fellow," replied Mrs. Pierce.

Mr. Freeman captured the colt, and, telling Rose not to worry if he did
not return until night, started off, the colt going at a pace that made
the girls exclaim in admiration.

"I'm real sorry you folks should be so set back in your journey, but
it's real pleasant for me to have company," said Mrs. Pierce, with a
smiling look at her young visitors. "It's days and weeks sometimes
without