on't see
that I have much choice in the matter. I know as well as you do, that
they must have some one to help out for a few days. That Henderson
lad looks capable, and you'll be safe, as far as that goes, with him
in the house. But you musn't try to do too much, and, above all, no
lifting. I'll keep an eye on you."

The doctor offered to take Betty back with him in the car but she was
anxious that he should not be delayed and asked him to go as soon as
he could. She herself would ride on to the Watterby farm, see if Bob
was there, get her supper, and pack a few necessary things in a small
bag. Then she and Bob would ride back to the Saunders' place. Clover
was fresh enough now, after her respite, far fresher than Betty, who
was more tired than she had ever been in her life, though nothing
would have dragged that confession from her. Of course her uncle must
be notified, if he were not at the farm. Betty knew that a message
left with the Watterbys would reach him. He had been off for four
days, and was expected home very soon.

Betty did not hurry Clover, for she wanted to save her for that
evening's trip, and it was well on toward six o'clock before she came
in sight of the farm. A black dot resolved itself into Bob and he
came running to meet her.

"I was beginning to worry about you," he called. "I waited up at the
fields till afternoon, because Thorne was sure you would come back
there. When I got here and found you hadn't come in, I was half
afraid the horse had thrown you. You look done up, Betty; are you
hurt?"

"I'm all right," said Betty carelessly, dismounting. "Have you heard
from Uncle Dick?"

Bob did not answer, and she turned in surprise to look at him. His
face was rather white under the tan, and his hands, fumbling with the
reins, were trembling.

CHAPTER XV

UNEXPECTED NEWS

"Bob!" Betty's over-tired nerves seemed to jangle like tangled wires.
"Bob, is anything the matter?"

"Well, of course, nothing is really the matter," replied Bob, his
assumed calmness belied by his excited face. "Nothing that need worry
you, Betty. But--there's another oil fire!"

"Another well on fire?" repeated Betty. "Oh, Bob, is it anywhere near
Uncle Dick?"

"You come in and sit down. Ki will look after Clover," said Bob
authoritatively. "Supper is almost ready, and I'll tell you all I
know. Mrs. Watterby has gone to bed with a sick headache, but Grandma
is taking her place."

"Is it a very bad fire?