a splendid creature; she never did such a thing before. My
father will think I am killed."

By this time, Kate had become quite reasonable, and seemed very much
obliged to Bobby for preventing her from doing mischief to her
mistress; for she looked at the lady with a glance of satisfaction,
which her deliverer interpreted as a promise to behave better in
future. He relaxed his grasp upon the bridle, patted her upon the
neck, and said sundry pleasant things to encourage her in her assumed
purpose of doing better. Kate appeared to understand Bobby's kind
words, and declared as plainly as a horse could declare that she would
be sober and tractable.

"Now, ma'am, if you will get into the chaise again, I think Kate will
let me drive her down to the village."

"O, dear! I should not dare to do so."

"Then, if you please, I will drive down alone, so as to let your father
know that you are safe."

"Do."

"I am sure he must feel very bad, and I may save him a great deal of
pain, for a man can suffer a great deal in a very short time."

"You are a little philosopher, as well as a hero, and if you are not
afraid of Kate, you may do as you wish."

"She seems very gentle now;" and Bobby turned her round, and got into
the chaise.

"Be very careful," said the lady.

"I will."

Bobby took the reins, and Kate, true to the promise she had virtually
made, started off at a round pace towards the village.

He had not gone more than a quarter of a mile of the distance when he
met a wagon containing three men, one of whom was the lady's father.
The gestures which he made assured Bobby he had found the person whom
he sought, and he stopped.

"My daughter! Where is she?" gasped the gentleman, as he leaped from
the wagon.

"She is safe, sir," replied Bobby, with all the enthusiasm of his warm
nature.

"Thank God!" added the gentleman, devoutly as he placed himself in the
chaise by the side of Bobby.

CHAPTER II.

IN WHICH BOBBY BLUSHES SEVERAL TIMES, AND DOES A SUM IN ARITHMETIC.

Mr. Bayard, the owner of the horse, and the father of the lady whom
Bobby had saved from impending death, was too much agitated to say
much, even to the bold youth who had rendered him such a signal
service. He could scarcely believe the intelligence which the boy
brought him; it seemed too good to be true. He had assured himself
that Ellen--for that was the young lady's name--was killed, or
dreadfully injured.

Kate was driven