They did some shopping and it was after five o’clock when they started for home.
“It looks as though there was going to be a storm,” said the livery-stable keeper, where they had left their horse.
Mabel glanced at the sky. Huge clouds were gathering in the west.
“They look like wind clouds,” said Mabel.
“You had better wait,” said the stableman. “You will be caught in the storm.”
“Oh, I think we’ll make it,” said Shirley. “Besides, Dad expects us in time for supper.”
“No,” said Shirley, “we’ll run the risk.”
“Well, all right,” was the reply, “but you had better hurry.”
Shirley shook out the reins, and touched the horse lightly with her whip. The animal started off at a rapid trot.
It was a good three miles home, and Mabel, glancing once more at the sky, urged Shirley to hurry.
“It won’t hurt us any,” said Shirley. “I’m sure I won’t melt, and I don’t think you will.”
They continued up Main Street, and finally reached the outskirts of the town.
“Guess we can go a little faster now,” said Shirley, and touched the horse with her whip.
At that moment there came a brilliant flash of lightning, followed by a terrific peal of thunder. The horse shied and broke into a gallop.
Shirley tightened her hold on the reins, and, with an effort, succeeded in pulling him down to a trot again.
“Well, here’s where we turn off, anyhow,” said Shirley. “If the rain will hold off for twenty minutes we will be all right.”
“And then, just as they turned onto the Bethlehem pike, darkness enveloped them, shutting out the sight of the road ahead. It descended so suddenly and unexpectedly that Mabel cried out in alarm.
“Don’t be frightened,” said Shirley in a low voice. “I know the road and can drive just as well in the dark.”
Nevertheless she was forced to check the horse slightly, and this required great effort, for the animal, badly frightened, was trying to bolt.
Suddenly Shirley’s hat went flying from her head, as the wind was blowing a gale. Mabel, her hands free, caught hers as it left her head.
“Shall we stop and get it?” asked Mabel, raising her voice to make herself heard above the roaring wind.
“I should say not,” was the reply. “We’ll get home just as quick as we can.”
Their horse, at this moment, was puffing up a steep hill. The wind was blowing fiercely. The girls felt a few drops of rain upon their faces.