Candace,
"unless it was sharpened. I don't know----"
Ida had gone into the bedroom to speak with the injured man. She looked
out at this juncture and excitedly beckoned to Betty. Betty ran in to find
the crooked little man looking even more crooked and pitiful than ever
under the blankets. He was groaning and the perspiration stood on his
forehead. That he was in exceeding pain there could be no doubt.
"He says Ida Bellethorne is sharpened," gasped Ida.
"Oh! You mean she is fixed to travel on ice on frozen ground?"
"I 'ad to lead 'er up 'ere from the station, Miss. Ain't I saw you before,
Miss?" said Hunchie, staring at Betty. "At Mr. Bolter's?"
"Yes, yes!" cried Betty. "Can the mare travel on this hard snow?"
"Yes, ma'am. I didn't draw the calks for I exercised 'er each d'y, I did.
I didn't want 'er to fall. An' now I failed myself!"
The two girls looked at each other significantly. Ida was easily led out
of the room. Betty put the question to her.
"That's just it, Betty," said the English girl, almost in tears. "I never
learned to ride. I never did ride.
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