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closer," Hunwet said. "Would you like to go there instead?" |
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Abby's smile brightened. "Oh, yes! Can we go right away?" |
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Lucy looked at Hunwet, then Abby. "So soon?" She smiled bravely. "But no time is better." |
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The sisters found their father in his field. Abby hugged him tightly without explaining she was leaving forever, holding back her tears. Lucy said, "WeIwill be home late, Father." |
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"But" Abby protested as they walked away. |
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Lucy's gaze was fierce. "I'm coming, too." |
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"Though within a day's ride and return, the place we are going is a long way," warned Hunwet. |
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Lucy's face was strained but brave. "Abby's way is even farther. I want to be with her as long as I can." |
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Abby went into the wagon and grabbed her precious tote bag, then examined its contents to make sure everything was there: the plastic box of the bee sting kit and, most important, the fossil rock. |
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Hunwet helped the sisters saddle their horses and mount, their long skirts tucked about their legs. |
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During their ride over low, scrub-covered hills beneath the gray sky, the three talked almost nostalgically of their time on the trail together. The conversation helped hours pass in the cool morning air, yet Abby grew impatient. When would they reach Hunwet's magical spot? |
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And then there it was, a large, overgrown |
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