sure Bay,
where it still lay, to a spot opposite Old Point Comfort, where she and
her son and daughter were spending a few weeks before returning to New
York City.

Madge knew without being told that the time for their happy holiday had
come. Still, it was not of this she was thinking as she raced across
the fields. She had missed Mrs. Curtis more than she could say, and her
sole desire was to see the woman who had done so much to add to their
pleasure on their previous trip.

In a nearby meadow Dixie, Madge's fat black pony, was lazily eating
grass. Her mistress called to her coaxingly as she ran toward the
enclosure. But the pony was bent on a frolic. She heard Madge, saw her
approaching, and, eager for a game, the pony kicked her heels together
and trotted off across the field at a lively pace.

Madge was in despair. Every moment was precious. Why should Dixie
choose this time of all others to refuse to come when she called to
her? With a sudden thought Madge reached into her pocket. There, to her
joy, she discovered an uneaten red apple. Madge held it out invitingly,
standing perfectly still, as though she had no intention of stirring.

The pony threw back her head, neighed softly, then came trotting over
to her mistress and appropriated the apple; but the next instant
Madge's hand was in her mane, and she vaulted lightly on Dixie's
slippery back, still keeping a tight hold.

"Nellie," she called, as she cantered past her cousin, "tell Aunt Sue
she must forgive my riding bareback this time. I never will again. But
I simply couldn't wait to put a saddle on Dixie. I might miss seeing
Mrs. Curtis and Tom. No; they won't be shocked. They'll know it is only
Madge!"

She rode swiftly away, sitting on the pony's uncovered back as easily
as though she had been riding in the most comfortable of saddles.

It was three miles down the pike to the railway station nearest to the
old Butler homestead. Madge knew that her friends had hired a carriage
at the depot, and that her pony was capable of making twice the speed
of any horse that they had been able to hire. But the day was warm. It
was near Dixie's feeding time, and the animal saw no reason for making
unnecessary haste. Madge coaxed and urged her pet to do her best. If
she could only overtake her friends in their journey to the station!
But the pony would not hurry. At last Madge stopped under a big maple
tree, breaking off a switch. A few mild cuts from an unaccusto