Seizing the tug with one hand and the singletree with the other, Franklin fairly swept the obdurate beast off its balance as he forced it to its place at the pole.

His strength was apparent.
"Are you afraid to ride behind that horse ?" asked he.
"I don't think so," she replied simply, and her uncle helped her in, while Franklin steadied the team.

Yet how Franklin hated the wild black horse now! All the way across the prairie during the short drive to the shanty the beast gave him plenty to do to keep it inside the harness, and he had no time for a single word.

The girl sat silent at his side, looking straight ahead.

Franklin felt her arm brush his at the jolting of the vehicle now and then.