was right, for she judged of people in the old-fashioned way,
namely, "by their fruits." Her judgment of the two Duncans on this
principle, by the way, could not have been very exalted, but we cannot
tell. She was much too loyal and loving a daughter and sister to give
any sign or opinion.

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."

The two galloped away. As they did so young Duncan issued from the
stable behind the house, leading out his horse. He was in no hurry,
having a good mount. At the same time Fergus came out at the back-door
of the house shouting, "Old Peg! Hallo! old woman, where are ye?"

"Hev ye seen her, Duncan?" he asked impatiently.

"It iss seekin' high an' low I hev been, an' it iss of no use shoutin',
for she hears nothin'."

"I'm sure I saw her in the cart wi' the Davidsons," said Duncan.

"Are you sure?" asked Fergus.

"Weel, I did not pass quite close to them, as I ran up here for my horse
on hearin' the news," replied Duncan; "but I am pretty sure that I saw
her sittin' beside Louise."

"Hm! that accoonts for her not being here," said Fergus, running into
the stable. "Hold on a bit, Duncan. I'll go with ye in a meenit."

In the circumstances he was not long about saddling his horse. A few
minutes more, and the brothers were galloping af