Explore "A Gentle Pioneer" by Amy Ella Blanchard on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
It was, without doubt, David who was coming pounding along the path up from the woods, and who, dusty and travel-stained, drew up his reeking horse before the door. The men gathered closely about him, the women craned their necks from the door. "What is the matter, Davy, lad? What kept ye, Dave? Are ye ill, lad? Look at the hoss, he's near spent," were some of the various remarks made, as David, elbowing his way through the crowd, entered the house. He answered no questions, but made straight for Mrs. M'Clean. "Where's Jeanie? " he asked hurriedly, and following her glance he went toward the door of the next room, paused not to knock, but entered forthwith.
Jeanie, the tears still standing in her eyes, was waiting. David held out his two hands. "Am I too late, lass? It's not my fault. I beeta get here long ago, but it's a tale I must tell later. I am safe now, but am I too late? Will ye turn me off for being behindhand? Do you doubt me?"