She almost danced back over the sunny road, in spite of the scorching
sun. Her heart was lighter, she had eighteenpence in her hand to
give to Mrs. Perry, and she had a feast for Dick. Life seemed
beautiful, and happy, and hopeful. Could it have been only yesterday
morning that she was in that dreadful caravan, bruised, hungry,
miserable, and desperate to escape? It seemed impossible!
Suddenly, around the bend of the road ahead of her, appeared the head
and shoulders of a white horse,--and instantly all her world changed.
Her heart almost stood still with fright; then, with a low cry of
despair, she scrambled over the hedge and into a field on the other
side of it. "If I'd had Dick, I couldn't have done it!" she panted,
as she scuttled along under the hedge, bending low, almost like an
animal. At the corner of the field she paused. "If I can get over
this hedge, I shall be in the lane," she thought; but the sound of
wheels made her crouch low again; the horse was just passing.
Fascinated, yet terrified, Huldah peeped through the hedge, and saw--
a quiet old farm-horse drawing a hay-cart, and the driver sound
asleep on the shafts! Oh, how her heart thrilled with relief at the
sight! If she had known what prayer was, she would have offered up a
thanksgiving then.
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