112 FARMING IT 



So finally, with much grumbling, I turn out, 

 and stumble downstairs in the dark to the re- 

 ceiver. 



"Hello! Hello!! what is it?" 



"Yes?" 



"Is it so important as that?" 



"I will, of course." 



" Let me repeat. Take the north road straight 

 through to the village, first right, four corners, 

 fourth house on right, big barn, about eight miles. 

 All right." 



" Hello ! Yes, can do it in about an hour. Yes, 

 will bring a witness. Is there one at the house ? 

 All right." 



Some one is dying; a will must be made at 

 once. It is too late for the little girl. Dick must 

 go. So out to his room I go, dressing hurriedly. 

 Dick grumbles ; I don't blame him, for he came 

 in late; but he becomes better-natured as he 

 shakes the sleep from his eyes. 



Downstairs we hurry. I run my head against 

 the edge of a door, curse under my breath, fall 

 over a chair, curse again right out loud, finally 

 find and light a lantern. Polly lurches to her feet 

 as I try the hasp of the barn-door. In the six years 

 I have had her I have never seen her down. 



I harness her hurriedly. This time I will drive, 

 not ride ; I can make better time, and my errand 

 is urgent. Dick comes out with a bag of papers, 



