Page:Milady at Arms (1937).pdf/88

 Todd, whom she was shocked to find outstretched upon the floor at the foot of the stairs.

"What is it?" gasped Sally in horrified amazement. "Surely ye did not fall down the stairs! Nay, I did not hear ye!"

"I slipped," groaned Mistress Todd. She pulled herself to a sitting posture with great difficulty, aided awkwardly by Sally; but when she moved her foot, she uttered a sharp cry and turned pale.

"What can I do!" implored Sally, pale also from sympathy.

"Is Samuel out o' sight?" moaned Mistress Todd.

"Just barely!" Sally brightened. "Shall I get old Dot and overtake him?" she asked eagerly.

"Aye, an ye can!" Mistress Todd nodded. "No, sweetheart, Mother cannot get up—see, her poor foot be hurt!" she added tenderly to little Mary, who had crept over to pat her mother.

Sally, flying toward the barn to saddle old Dot, was ashamed of herself for her joy. But any unplanned happening which broke the monotony of farm life could not help but be welcome, and her lips were parted in a smile as she rode forth from the Todd gate and turned her horse's head northward upon the Second Road.

She caught up with the men and their prisoner at Master Tompkins's inn. They all turned sur-