4ccd8c655fe61694735ada9eb600d06c by Unknown Read Free Book Online Page B

whoever made it made my lovely charms too. "Do you know who made it?" she asked again.
    "Why, of course," said Oriole. "I'd recognize that style of metalwork anywhere. That charm was made by Granite."
     
     
     
     
    12. Sledding
     
    The next morning, Copper was awakened by birdsong again. This time it was a fat robin. Copper lay quietly, watching him, remembering everything that had happened yesterday. The sense of excitement, of things yet to come, still absorbed her, and she couldn't help grinning to herself.
    "What's that racket?" said Ralick.
    "Just the robin," said Copper. "And he's got a message for us." She gently removed the tiny roll of paper from a container on the bird's leg.
    Good morning! Breakfast is ready.
    The robin flew away and Copper flew out of bed.
    "Questrid said he'd take me sledding today," she told Ralick, propping him up on the pillows. "I've never gone sledding before. I'd better not take you, though, it's so cold out there."
    "Cold? Bah!" said Ralick. "You're bored with me. You like Questrid better than me."
    "Silly creature. I love you, but sledding really isn't suitable for ... for a .. ."
    "Go on, say it. A cuddly toy! That's all you think of me now, isn't it?"
    "But think, if you fell into the snow you'd get wet and your fur is ... a bit worn and it's so cold and then there's the bracelet. We mustn't lose that."
    "Huh, so I'll stay at home all on my own—maybe I'll take up knotting. You've almost stopped doing that too."
    "Knitting," said Copper. "I know I have. I don't feel the need at the moment."
    "Bah!" said Ralick again.
    Despite Ralick's complaints, Copper left him snug and cozy in the kitchen.
    Outside the air was gray and very still and heavy as if clogged with snow just hanging in it and waiting to fall. Copper pulled her hat firmly down over her ears, thrust her hands deep into the pockets of her big, borrowed coat and walked over to the stables.
    Silver bounded out from her warm bed beside the horses to greet her.
    "Good girl!" said Copper, stroking her luscious fur. "You stay here in the warmth and don't catch cold. You must look after yourself and your puppies."
    "Hello," said Questrid. "Here's your sled."
    "It's beautiful!" said Copper, gazing at it. It was an old-fashioned design, with curved runners trimmed with a silver metal. There were leather reins attached to the front that swiveled from side to side, and the seat was padded with fur.
    "Who made it?"
    "I don't know," said Questrid, "but I'm sure it was a Beech. My sled is the same. They're both really fast and well balanced. You'll love riding them."
    They pulled the sleds across the yard and headed up the hill.
    "Did you find out anything new yesterday?" Questrid asked Copper.
    "I told you everything," Copper said. It was easier to talk to Questrid than anyone else. "And now all I can think about is going to look for my mother and father. I wrote to Aunt Ruby this morning, a long letter telling her everything too. I do miss her."
    Copper had given the letter to Oriole, who promised to send it on.
    "Of course you must miss her. . . . Can you manage that sled? Come on. We'll go up to those pine trees, there," said Questrid, pointing up the steep hill. "Then we can zoom down and whiz straight into the courtyard—right through the arch—without stopping. It's fantastic!"
    At last they reached the trees, and dusting the snow off a fallen log, they sat down, panting heavily.
    "Now, take a look at that," said Questrid, spreading out his arms at the scene in front of them.
    They could see for miles.
    Below, Spindle House was dark against the snow. The red roofs balanced like pointed hats on its branches were the only specks of color. Smoke, trailing out of a chimney at the back, lay draped over the wall like a wet scarf. It was like looking at a toy house, and there was Silver in the yard, a tiny toy dog.
    It was very quiet and still. The only sound was the wind gently teasing the pine trees and occasionally the softest plop