free of the stable
again, and of the gallop he had taken among the hills.

The meat course had just been removed when Sarah came in with a troubled
face, saying that Zeke wanted to see Mr. Evringham. Something was the
matter with Essex Maid. She seemed "very bad."

The master's face changed, and he moved back from the table. The
countenances of the others showed consternation. Mrs. Forbes turned
pale. Had Zeke done anything, or left something undone? She dropped her
tray and hastened after Mr. Evringham. Eloise noticed that Jewel's
eyes were closed. In a minute the child pushed back from the table, and
without a word to the others she hurried to the scene of trouble. She
met Mrs. Forbes rushing to the kitchen for hot water.

"Go straight into the house, Jewel," cried the housekeeper with an anger
born of her excitement. "Don't you go near that barn and get in the
way."

The child, scarcely hearing her, fled on. As she entered the barn she
heard her grandfather's voice addressing Zeke, who was flinging a saddle
on Dick.

"Dr. Busby'll leave anything when he knows it's the Maid." He didn't
need to say "hurry." Zeke was as anxious as his master to get the
veterinary surgeon.

Essex Maid had fallen in her stall and was making her misery apparent,
tossing her head and rolling her eyes. Her master's teeth were set.

"Grandpa, may I try to help?" came Jewel's eager voice.

"Go away, child," sternly. "You'll get hurt."

"But may I treat her?"

"Do anything," brusquely; "but don't come near."

Jewel ran to the back of the barn, dropped on the floor, and buried her
face in her hands.

Five minutes passed, ten, fifteen. Zeke rode up to the barn door, white
and wild-eyed in the twilight.

"Dr. Busby was away!" he gasped. "They tried to get him on the
telephone, and at last did. He'll be here in a few minutes."

"The Maid's better," said Mr. Evringham, wiping his forehead. "There
hasn't been a repetition of the attack." Mrs. Forbes stood by, fanning
herself with her apron. The mare was standing quietly.

"Great Scott, but I'm glad!" replied Zeke devoutly. "I've seen 'em
keel up with that. You can go through me with a fine tooth comb, Mr.
Evringham, and you won't find a thing I've neglected for that mare."
Excitement had placed the young fellow beyond his awe for the master.

"I believe you, boy," returned the broker. In his relief he would have
believed anything.

"See the poor kid," said Zeke, catching sight