Thoughts of her Aunt Emma would force themselves on her mind.

If her uncle was taken to jail, her aunt would be left alone with the horse and van.
What would she do, day and night alone?
How could she manage?
Could she, Huldah, go and leave her like that!--but could she live that dreadful life again! Every day going further and further from Miss Rose and Mrs.Perry, and the dear little cottage, never perhaps to see them again! Huldah sat down on a bank underneath the hedge, to try and think the matter out.

Dick came back from his happy wanderings and sat beside her, staring at her with wistful eyes, for he saw that she was in trouble, but why she should be was more than he could understand,--for were they not away together, and on their way home?
He gave a little whine, and Huldah looked up at him.

"Oh, Dick, what can I do?
Mrs.Perry will be so frightened there alone, and she'll be troubling about us so, and--and there's Miss Rose too"-- more tears trickled down Huldah's cheeks,--"yet I can't go and leave Aunt Emma all alone now, with the van and Charlie to look after, and Uncle Tom in jail.

Oh, what can I do?
what can I do!" Dick was puzzled too, but at that moment a fresh burst of screams burst on her ears, terrible, noisy screams, and bitter cries and shoutings.