The Brook 



"There must be a farmhouse somewhere about. 

 We'll get a trap and drive. They'll be frightened 

 when they see our horses come in. " 



He picked her up in his arms without waiting 

 for consent and began to walk. The girl did not 

 speak and he carried her in silence. After a little 

 she asked to be put down, and Striving held her 

 by the shoulders for a moment to steady her, for 

 she swayed dizzily. At last they reached the road. 

 Striving drew out his watch. 



"One o'clock. Where are we?" he asked 

 anxiously. 



The girl started. 



"Oh, your case! I forgot. You'll never for- 

 give me. Go, leave me now, you can make the 

 two o'clock train." 



For a moment Striving did not speak. He 

 couldn't leave her in the road like that. 



"Isn't it odd, the whole thing, the way we met 

 and all?" He thought he saw the color coming 

 back into her cheeks. 



The girl nodded. 



"Yes, isn't it? I didn't know you and Jerry 

 knew each other. Jerry's a corker, don't you 

 think?" 



"Oh yes, Jerry and I are old friends." 



"I'm so glad. He'll be galloping this way blow- 

 77 



