I will wait here and you must just ride back
to the village, to Mr. Cassell's livery stable, and get a gig, and
put your horse into it, and come back here to drive me home, for I
cannot ride."
Jem, who never questioned his imperious little mistress's orders,
rode off at once to do her bidding.
Cap immediately dismounted from her pony and led him under the deep
shadows of the elm tree, where she fastened him. Then taking his
face between her hands, and looking him in the eyes, she said:
"Gyp, my son, you and I have had many a frolic together, but we've
got to part now! It almost breaks my heart, Gyp, but it is to save a
fellow creature's life, and it can't be helped! He'll treat you
well, for my sake, dear Gyp. Gyp, he'll part with his life sooner
than sell you! Good-by, dear, dear Gyp."
Gyp took all these caresses in a very nonchalant manner, only
snorting and pawing in reply.
Presently the boy came back, bringing the gig. Cap once more hugged
Gyp about the neck, pressed her cheek against his mane, and with a
whispered "Good-by, dear Gyp," sprang into the gig and ordered the
boy to drive home.
"An' leab the pony, miss?"
"Oh, yes, for the present; everybody knows Gyp--no one will steal
him. I have left him length of line enough to move around a little
and eat grass, drink from the brook, or lie down.
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