At last the day came when all the creatures were to arrive, and
Mademoiselle arranged that the Twins, Mother Meraut, and four of
her own party of young women should go to the railroad station to
get them. The great truck was brought out, ropes were then thrown
in, and all the people who composed what Mademoiselle called the
"Reception Committee" climbed in and sat on the floor, while
Mademoiselle and the Doctor occupied the driver's seat. The
soldiers had done some work on the roads, so they were not as bad
as they had been earlier in the spring; but they were still bad
enough, and the people in the truck were bounced about like
kernels of corn in a popper.
"Now," said Mademoiselle, when they arrived at the station, "the
fowls and the rabbits will have to go back in the truck. That
will be easy, for they came in crates; but the cows, the goats,
and the pigs must be either led or driven."
"It sounds simple enough," said the Doctor, "but have any of you
ever known any cows or pigs? Do you know how to manage them?"
"I have an acquaintance with cows," said Mother Meraut, "but to
goats and pigs I am a stranger."
"Very well," said Mademoiselle, "Mother Meraut shall lead the way
with the cows. You, Kathleen and Louise," she said, turning to
two of the gray-uniformed girls, "you shall attend the goats.
Mary and Martha may tackle the pigs. Pierre and Pierrette will
serve excellently as short-stops in case any of our live-stock
gets away, and the Doctor and I will bring up the rear.
Pages:
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86