Page:Mistress Madcap Surrenders (1926).pdf/26

 shelter, any sort of a shelter, she thought wistfully, as she heard Charity's teeth chattering together and felt her slight body shivering against her own stout one. But it was another hour before she cried out.

"Cherry, I think—nay, I be sure we are nearing a building at last! There, to our right!" Mehitable gestured excitedly, then picking up the reins, she guided Dulcie in that direction, and soon they were halting before a plain stone structure beside the road. "Why, it be the Ranfield Tavern!" she announced.

A figure, shapeless from many bundlings and wrappings, approaching them from the lee of the building, Mehitable made out the tavern host, himself.

"Ho, Master Ranfield!" she called.

"Good even to ye, mistress," answered Master Ranfield uncertainly, then, as he came nearer, his tone changed. Tis little Mistress Condit! Why, what be ye doing out in such weather as this? Here, let me help ye down!"

"Nay, I can assist myself!" laughed Mehitable, declining his proffered hand and leaping lightly to the snow-covered ground. She pointed to the drooping figure upon the pillion seat. "I fear it be Cherry who needs your help!" she continued, a note of anxiety in her cheerful young voice.

Charity, however, straightened her weary back