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edly rubbing her moist brow with the back of her hand. "I can't explain what happened, Arlen, for I truly do not understand. But I'm happy to find you well." |
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"I'm never otherwise, but no thanks to old Jack, here." His glower when he turned toward the prancing, neighing horse reminded Abby so of Mike that she closed her eyes. "He usually hasn't this much pep, especially after all the exercise he's had on our big jump west. I wonder what's ailing him." |
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"Bee sting, I expect," Abby said. "And that's why you should get away" |
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But even as she spoke, Abby saw the small, striped form of another of the insidious creatures land on Arlen's arm atop the sleeve of his faded blue shirt. "Don't move," she whispered, reaching forward just as Lucy joined them. |
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"Abby, what is the matter?" she cried. |
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Before Abby could brush the insect away, Arlen cried, "Ouch! Damned little critter stung mepardon my language." |
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"Oh, no!" Abby cried. "Arlen, you must stay quite still." |
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"Surely he will not have the same reaction as little Jimmy," Lucy whispered. |
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"Surely he will," Abby replied grimly. Nearly immediately Arlen clutched his throat as his breathing turned to wheezing gasps. His color heightened and became mottled. He slid to the ground, nearly unconscious. |
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Lucy screamed. "Oh, dear Lord, no! Please do not take my Arlen." She joined him on the |
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