now unconscious woman into the sleigh. He had never realized
until then how like lead an inert person might seem, although not
heavy in reality, when possessed of life and animation.

He tore the coverings off the sack of potatoes, and tucked them
eagerly about his charges; for he had also placed the little fellow,
now sobbing bitterly, under the possible impression that "mommy" was
dead, in the sleigh. As for the potatoes they could "go hang," as he
told himself under his breath; though, perhaps, they might not freeze
in the brief time he meant to be on the road now.

In again Hugh jumped. Old Bill felt the whip come down this time in
deadly earnest, and actually jumped in his amazement. Hugh kept him
going at a mad pace. He was thrilled with the importance of getting
home as speedily as possible. The woman had looked so deathly white
that the boy was alarmed. And how he pitied the little chap who
cuddled against his side, still surging over now and then with his
grief, while Hugh drove along.

They struck town, and people turned to stare upon seeing Hugh
whipping his horse so unmercifully. They could not understand it,
and rubbed their eyes. Surely that was Hugh Morgan in the sleigh,
but why should _he_ be pounding his horse, and half standing erect?
If it had been a fire chief going to a blaze he could hardly have
excited more comment.

A boy who was walking briskly along the street with a package under
his arm came to a full stop, and stared as though he thought he had
taken leave of his seven senses. It was Thad Stevens, and no wonder
he was amazed, having recognised his chum in the frantic driver.

Thad gave vent to a whistle to relieve his pent-up feelings. Then he
started on a gallop after Hugh. He could not rest easy until he had
learned just what might have happened to cause his usually collected
chum to act in this strange fashion.

When he arrived at the Morgan home it was to find Hugh had landed the
child on the little porch in front of the door. This latter was
open, and his mother, together with the hired girl, stood there,
trying to comprehend what Hugh was saying.

Thad came panting up, and was immediately seized upon by Hugh.

"Great luck! Just in time to give me a helping hand, Thad!" cried
the other.

"What with--the Murphies?" asked the astonished Thad; for he had
known Hugh expected to go out to the farm after a sack of potatoes.

"Not this time," snapped the other; "it's