The Fargo forum and daily republican., 1909-06-19
"WelI, the hoase, then" suggested Tilly, timidTy

Well, the hoAse, then" suggested lilly, tmidIy.
Zeb laughed rather shakily, and answered that Be
linda wasn't paror company, and he guessed Mrs Bnns
would have word to say; besides it couldn't be done;
and if i could, it would get them into trouble; and it
wouldn't be any use, anyway
But Axy broke in abruptly on his objections.
Well try it! she cried. It's the only thing, and
Nancy is so deaf she won't hear thing; and there's
nobody else at home but just we She's out in the
store-room, and doesn't even know you've come; and
we'll get you without telling her. and then she can
tell 'em there's nobody heredont you see? And we'll
muie her feet and you must stay and pat her and
keep her from whinnyingD Axy did not stop for such
the of pronouns: hers hearers would understand
And the paror shutters always shut therel be
they'll ever think of looking there And couldn't bear
to lose Belinda the beauty and let hulkng rough
trooper i-use her And besides that Zeb what would
and if they didn't Oh Zeb, don't you remember how
the soldier thrashed Reuben Jenks and told him that
was lesson for rebel lads who ran away with the
horses that wanted for his Majestys army? And
it only their old carhorse he had tried to get away
with, that's twenty years old, and slow snail.
Surely they'd be angrleir GRIEF to near lose Belinda"
pleasant frecked face, downcast the moment before
flushing with hope as he comprehended the possibility
has trusted to save her"
Axy nodded firm little nod by way of answer Then
she bade lilly round to the store-room window and
enough to be likely to remain Next she pulled off her
big apron and tearing it into strips, handed them to Zeb
to tie up Belindas hoofs.
Woolen would be better, but | can't stop to find
any, she explained, at least not till we get inside
and she mustn't make dents in the hall floor if we
help it, Motherll say it's right to help you, but she
won't like things spoiled, all the same Besides, if
they're already coming up the hill they could hear her
ever so far, tramping on wood"
They can't be yet Besides, it's as thick as por-
ridge down at the bottom returned Zeb he stopped
low handling the puzzled mares forefoot And the
roads rough they may wait till the suns clearer
They know if I'm here can't get away with the river
looping round the HILL and their men blocking the road
They take their time. But all the we haven't
minute to lose"
"No," agreed Axy eve must get Belinda in as
quick as we Open the door, Tly."
So lilly, who had returned, reporting Aunt Nancy
safely occupied for another hafhour flung open the
back door of the wide hall that straight through the
roomy old farmhouse and dartng indoors presently
came back with big red apple in her hand and stood
the threshold, extending coaxngly toward Belinda
Belinda poor bewdered creature saw it, but even such
delicacy could not entirely distract her mind She
would prick forward and sniff but hen just at
the critical moment she would remember her bundled
hoofs, and lift them uneasy up and down, shyng and
siding cranng her pretty head forward and trying the
lower OF the three stone steps with her forefoo only
draw 1t back again, moment later, and begin all
again her fuming and hdgetng 1t was not until Zeb
himself backed slowly before her. that he was able with
much coaxng and many reassurng whispers to beguile
her up the steps, and reward her she crossed the door
sill She would have instantly retreated but he took
the bride again and urged her forward while just be-
yond him lilly held out apples cleaning and
fragrant apronful And at last, with twitching
anxiety expressed in her great brown rolling eyes, Be
linda danced gngery sdewise down the long hall after
the excited pair. She started violently and swung
around with snort and toss as the sunlight cut
off by the closing of the hall door behind her. and sub
dued clash and the sound of bolt shot home sgnaled
that she prisoner.
We have her now cried Axy, trumphantly as she
ahead to open the parlor door, and invited her
guests to enter, lilly of course, coming first with the
enticng apples, and Zeb following He had released
Belinda guessing that if she were left to herself she
would presently choose society and more apples Of her
ways rather than remain in the loneliness Of the hall
without She looked after him dubiously; but she fol-
lowed and stood gracefully allowing herself be fed
and petted in the very middle of the beautifully sanded
best floor Her sleek bay sides and dainty head were
reflected in the looknggass in the dim green
window panes, in the gterng hre-dogs the HEARTH
and in the polished brass knobs of the tall high-boy
until there seemed horses in the cherished precincts
of the Binns forenoon than the big Bnns barn without
had ever held.
A1y presently fitted away to return bearing load of
braided rugs bags of pieces and comforters
These she heaped the floor, and Belinda led upon
the pile, that her feet if she should prance or paw
might be efectually silenced
Put the rest of the apples the nantel Tilly," she
ordered looking about her with the eye Of little gem
eral; they'll do If Belinda gets uneasy; but she does
crunch 50 loud it makes me scary wouldn't give her
any more unless you have to, Zeb Tly now round
open these windows to look"
lilly slipped out. Do you think of anything else we
can dc? asked Axy who felt she must be pale herself
and noticed how big and dark Zebs freces looked on
the unfamiliar wheness of his cheeks. His face wore
listening look more, and he was breathing fast
Only just to wait he said. { / hope they'll come
soon, and get it hate waiting, than any
thing"
So do 4" agreed Axy We've thought Of ali the
things ought to think Of already and it just gives
us time to think Of all those 0tghtnt and get
frightened haven't had time be frightened before;
but this is-its-I don't like it a bitl'
Belinda munched last bite Of apple and shifted ner-
vousy on her feet and the boy and girl stood silent for
while beside her Then Zebedee asked If they get
her, and take me, too, you'll let father knowf"
Axy nodded her little jerky nod; but she added:
" They won't; and there's need You leave her
here and go and hide yourself There plenty of cup
boards and closets"
She wouldn't keep quiet without me"
I'll stay with her.
She doesn't know you well-and if anybody stays,
I'm the one. She's in my charge"
But they wouldn't hurt me-Trn girl"
don't suppose they would; but / wonder what sort
OF boy I'd be il left you alone to find out whether they
would or not !"
I'm willing truly"
I'm pot, and I'm going to stay"
Belinda suddenly lifted her head and pricted her ears
she raised mufed foot and tried to paw with It. but
copYREcHz. saps