The Outdoor Girls at Rainbow Lake | Page 7

grape vine that grew nearby, piercing the leaf with its own stem so that it formed a cup out of which a Druid might have quaffed ambrosia.
"There's a cup," he said. "I allers makes 'em that way when I wants a drink." He filled it from the running water and held it up. Grace drank thirstily, and asked for more.
"And here is something for you," she said with a smile, as she passed down some chocolates she had slipped into a small pocket of her riding habit.
"Say, is it Christmas, or Fourth of July?" gasped the urchin as he accepted them. "Thanks, lady."
Grace again smiled down at him, and Prince, having dipped his muzzle into the cool water again, for very pleasure in having all he wanted, swung about and trotted on.
The distance was not long now, and Grace, noting the gathering clouds, was glad of it.
"I'm sure I don't want to be caught in a storm," she said. "This stuff shrinks so," and she glanced down at her velvet skirt. "I wouldn't have it made up again. I hope the storm doesn't spoil Will's ball game,"
She urged Prince to a faster pace, and, cantering along a quiet stretch of road, was soon at the house of Mr. Ford's mother.
"Why Grace!" exclaimed the elderly lady, "I expected Will to come over. Your father said---- "
"I know, grandma, but Will-- well, he is wild about baseball, and I said I'd come for him."
"That was good of you."
"Oh, no it wasn't. I don't deserve any praise. Chocolates and Prince-- a big bribe, grandma."
"Oh, you young folks! Well, come in. Thomas will see to Prince."
"I can't stay long."
"No, I suppose not. Your father wanted these papers in a hurry. He would have come himself, but he had some matters to attend to. And, its being rather a family affair, he did not want to send one of his law clerks. Those young men tattle so."
"I wonder if they are any worse than girls, grandma?"
"Oh, much-- much! But come in, and I will have Ellen make you a cup of tea. It is refreshing on a hot day. Then I will get you the papers. It is very warm."
"Yes, I think we will have a shower."
"Then I must not keep you. Is everyone well?"
"Yes. How have you been?"
"Oh, well enough for an old lady."
"Old, grandma? I only hope I look as nice as you when I get---- "
"Now, my dear, no flattery. I had my share of that when I was younger, though I must say your grandfather knew how to turn a compliment to perfection. Ah, my dear, there are not many like him now-a-days. Not many!" and she sighed.
Tea was served in the quaint old dining room, for Mrs. Ford, though keeping up many old customs, had adopted some modern ones, and her house was perfection itself.
"I suppose your brother told you these papers were rather valuable; did he not?" asked Mrs. Ford a little later, as she brought Grace a rather bulky package.
"Yes, grandma."
"And if they should happen to fall into other hands it might make trouble-- at least for a time."
"Yes. I will take good care of them."
"How can you carry them?"
"In the saddle. Will had pockets, made especially for his needs. They will fit nicety. I looked before starting out."
"Very good. Then I won't keep you. Trot along. It does look as though we would have a storm. I hope you get back before it breaks. I would ask you to stay, but I know your father is waiting for those papers."
"Yes, Will said he wanted them quickly. Oh, well, I think I can out-race the storm," and Grace laughed.
She found that she really would have to race when, a little later, out on the main road, the distant rumble of thunder was heard.
"Come, Prince!" she called. "We must see what we can do. Your best foot foremost, old fellow!" The horse whinnied in answer, and swung into an easy gallop that covered the ground well.
The clouds gathered thicker and faster. Now and then their black masses would be split by jagged flashes of lightning, that presaged the rumbling report of heaven's artillery which seemed drawing nearer to engage in the battle of the sky.
"Prince, we are going to get wet, I'm very much afraid," Grace exclaimed. "And yet-- well, we'll try a little faster pace!"
She touched the animal lightly with the crop, and he fairly leaped into greater speed. But it was only too evident that they could not escape the storm. The clouds were more lowering now, and the bursts of thunder followed more quickly on the heels of the lightning flashes. Then came a few angry dashes of rain, as though to give sample of what was to follow.
"Come, Prince!" cried Grace.
Suddenly from behind there came