"On their return to their old home across the state the Elders took the little
quail girl with them. It was November then, and the canals through which they
traveled were clogged with ice. One night, having been ferried across the
Mohawk River, they took their baggage and walked for miles before they could
find shelter. Finally, when they were within three miles of their home, Elder
Calvin shortened the way by going across the open fields through the snow, up
and down the hills and through the gullies and over fences, till they reached
the house at midnight, safe and sound, the brave little quail girl having
trudged beside them the whole distance, carrying her tin pail."
Sue was transported with interest, her lips parted, her eyes shining, her
hands clasped. "Oh, I wish I could be a brave little quail girl, Mardie! What
became of her?"
"Her name was Polly Reed, and when she grew up, she became a teacher of the
Shaker school, then an Eldress, and even a preacher. I don't know what kind of
a little quail girl you would make, Sue; do you think you could walk for miles
through the ice and snow uncomplainingly?"
"I don' know's I could," sighed Sue; "but," she added hopefully, "perhaps I
could teach or preach, and then I could gropeanwag as much as ever I liked.
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