been a perfect pet
from a calf, and was exceedingly gentle. She started off soberly
across the fields, with Hannah sitting on her back, and Ann leading
her by her blue rope.

It was a funny cavalcade for Captain Abraham French and a score of
anxious men to meet, when they were nearly in sight of home; but they
were too overjoyed to see much fun in it.

Hannah rode the rest of the way with her father on his gray horse;
and Ann walked joyfully by her side, leading the cow.

Captain French and his friends had, in fact, just started to search
Bear Swamp, well armed with lanterns, for night was coming on.

It was dark when they got home. Mrs. French was not much more
delighted to see her beloved daughter Hannah safe again, than Mrs.
Polly was to see Ann.

She listened admiringly to the story Ann told.

"Nobody but you would have thought of the wool or of the cow," said
she.

"I do declare," cried Ann, at the mention of the wool, "I have lost
the cards!"

"Never mind the cards!" said Mrs. Polly.

IV

The "Horse House" Deed

Know all Men By These Presents, that I Seth Towner of Braintree, in
the County of Suffolk & Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New
England, Gent. In Consideration that I may promote & encourage the
worship of God, I have given liberty to Ephriam, and Atherton Wales,
& Th'o:s Penniman of Stoughton who attend Publick worship with us to
erect a Stable or Horse House, on my Land near the Meeting House, in
the South Precinct in Braintree afores:d, to serve their Horses,
while attending the service of God--and to the intent that the s:d
Ephriam, Atherton & Thomas, their Heirs or assignes shall and may
hereafter So long as they or any of them incline or Desire to keep up
& maintain a Horse House for the afores:d use and Purpose; have s:d
Land whereon s:d House Stands without mollestation: I the said Seth
Towner for my Selfe, my Heirs, exec. and admin.: Do hereby Covenant
promise bind & oblige my selfe & them to warrant & Defend the
afores:d Privilege of Land. To the s:d Ephriam Wales, Atherton Wales,
& Tho:s Penniman their Heirs or assignes So long as they or any of
them keep a Horse House their, for the afores:d use: they keeping s:d
House in Such repair at all times, as that I the s:d Seth Towner, my
Heirs or assignes, may not receive Damage by any Creature Coming
through s:d House into my Land adjoining. In Witness Whereof, I the
s:d Seth Towner have hereunto set my Hand & Seal the firs