Ere I reached the stable-yard, I shouted so as
to bring out all the men. When I told them a lady had her horse fast in
the bog, they bustled and coiled ropes, put collars and chains on four
draught-horses, lighted several lanterns, and set out with me. I knew the
spot perfectly. No moment was lost either in getting ready, or in
reaching the place.
Neither the lady nor her horse was to be seen.
A great horror wrapt me round. I felt a murderess. She might have failed
to spring to the bank of the hole for lack of the hand she had asked me
to reach out! Or her habit might have been entangled, so that she fell
short, and went to the bottom--to be found, one day, hardly changed, by
the side of her peat-embalmed steed!--no ill fitting fate for her, but a
ghastly thing to have a hand in!
She might, however, be on her way to Rising on foot! I told two of the
men to mount a pair of the horses, and go with me on the chance of
rendering her assistance.
We took the way to Rising, and had gone about two miles, when we saw her,
through the starlight, walking steadily along the track. I rode up to
her, and offered her one of the cart-horses: I would not have trusted my
Zoe with her any more than with an American lion that lives upon horses.
She declined the proffer with quiet scorn. I offered her one or both men
to see her home, but the way in which she refused their service, made
them glad they had not to go with her.
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