The ponies were hitched below in the ravine.

So intently was the group above watching the charades, that no one saw her when she scrambled down the steep path leading into the ravine, and began untying Lad.

Climbing into the saddle, she gave one regretful look at the party she was leaving behind her, and resolutely turned his head toward home.
It was lighter out in the open, when they had left the shelter of the woods, and she guided the pony down the hill, across the pasture, and through the gate, glad that she did not have to go all the way in darkness.

Lad, knowing that he was going home, dashed down the road, choosing his own direction when the lonely highway branched.

He knew the way better than his little rider.
She looked around her, thinking how long the way seemed when she had to travel it all by herself.