Then father brought his big account book from the black walnut chest in our room, some little books, and papers, sharpened a pencil and began going up and down the columns and picking out figures here and there that he set on a piece of paper.

I never had seen him look either old or tired before; but he did then.
Mother noticed it too, for her lips tightened, she lifted her head, wiped her eyes, and pretended that she felt better.

Laddie said something about doing the feeding, and slipped out.

Just then Shelley came into the room, stopped, and looked questioningly at us.

Her eyes opened wide, and she stared hard at Leon.
"Why what ails him ?" she asked mother.
"You remember what I wrote you about a man who robbed us, and the money Leon was to have, provided no owner was found in a reasonable time; and the horse the boy had planned to buy, and how he had been going to Pryors'-- Oh, I think he's slipped over there once a day, and often three times, all this spring! Mr.Pryor encouraged him, let him take his older horses to practise on, even went out and taught him cross-country riding himself----" "I remember!" said Shelley.
Leon sobbed out loud.