tern
girl that convinced the other that the secret would be kept. If Mrs.
Roderick did guess what had become of them, and said so, it would be no
comfort to Lady Gray and Helena; and the longer Molly pondered the
matter, the more ashamed and terrified she felt. What would Aunt
Lucretia say? And what her father--could he see his madcap at that
moment?

In a bitter reaction of feeling the girl dropped her head upon the
pony's neck, though still mechanically urging the willing creature to
her utmost speed. Her thoughts were far away when, suddenly, she felt a
check upon the rein and lifted her startled face.

"Why, Leslie! You scared me!"

"Were you asleep?"

"No."

"What then? Your head was down. The 'calico' was taking her own way.
What's the matter?"

"It's none--I mean, if you must know, I was crying."

"Oh! horrors! Why?"

"Because I've done such a dreadful thing. It was wicked. I had no right
and--and--"

"Yes, I know. You were frightened. Well, I was, too."

Molly straightened her shoulders and pretended contempt, saying:

"I didn't know as gentlemen--'thoroughbreds,' you know--western
thoroughbreds ever were fr-fri-ghtened. What--was--that?"

A curious cry had reached them and Molly finished her speech in a
whisper. The horses, also, had heard it and had thrust back their ears
in fear.

Just there the road skirted the edge of a forest and the cry had come
from its depths. They peered into the shadows but could see nothing, and
edging the pony close to Beelzebub, as Leslie's mount was named, Molly
repeated her question.

"Likely a wild cat, puma, or wolf. I don't know," he answered.

"Have you heard it before? Was it that scared you?"

"No, I was afraid something would happen to you, left behind, alone. I
fancy we're in no danger that way--" pointing forestward. "But--"

"'But'--what? If you thought about me why didn't you come back to look
for me?"

"I couldn't. Once he got in motion this beast wouldn't stop till he--ran
down like a clock."

"Pooh! You should go to a riding school! Let's go on, now, or else back.
I can't stop here with lions and panthers yelling at us! I--I--Oh! do
come on! But keep tight hold of the pony's rein. Don't get away from me
again."

"I shan't. I can't."

"Oh! come!"

"I tell you I can't. We're planted."

Molly's lip quivered, but she restrained her tears and tremulously
entreated:

"Oh, Leslie, don't! I can't stand teasing now. This isn't funny--not a