Presently Hoke came plodding up from the field, and smiled as he passed her. “Doc inside?” he asked.

She nodded. When David came out, he found her still seated there, her head resting wearily against the rough tree. She rose and came toward him.

“I thought I wouldn’t leave until I knew if there was anything more I could do,” she said simply.

“No, you’ve done all you can. She’ll be all right. Where’s your horse?”

“I walked.”

“Why did you do that? You ought not, you know.”

“Hoyle rode the colt down to see could Aunt Sally come here for a day or two, until Miz Belew can do for herself better.”