th his own concerns, and not choosing to
trouble his head with those of others.

But one day I had the luck to startle him out of his reserve. Miss Kit
came down to the yard that morning, and for the first time for more than
a week ordered out her horse.

Martin, who was sitting lazily in the kitchen, rose somewhat sulkily and
said,--

"It's not the day for a ride. Sure Juno's that saucy with want of work
there'll be no holding her in. Besides, the master--"

But the young lady cut him short.

"Get up, sir, at once, and do as you are bid. There's more than Juno is
saucy with want of work. Be quick now."

He went off with a scowl, and presently returned, leading out Juno and
the horse on which he was to follow--a great-limbed animal called Paddy.

What he had said about my little lady's mare was very true. High-
spirited she was at best of times, but a week's idleness and eating had
made her fairly wicked; and as I looked out from the kitchen door to
watch them start, I wished it was my business and not Martin's to see
her safe on her way.

"Hold her head till I mount," said Miss Kit, after trying for a minute
or two to coax the mare into peace. "She will be easy enough when I am
up."

But though Martin held her head, the animal yet started and shied and
curvetted every time Miss Kit gathered the reins in her hand and lifted
her foot to the stirrup.

So I came out to the yard and gave her my hand to mount by.

Martin scowled very black at this.

"Go along away out of that," said he, when my lady was fairly perched on
the saddle; "the mare's enough to fright her without you."

"Get you up on Paddy," said I, "and don't talk to me.--So, steady there,
Juno lass.--Hold her gently, Miss Kit."

Martin, muttering to himself, let go the mare's head and walked over to
where Paddy stood.

Just then, as luck would have it, out came Con the dog with a joyous
yap.

This sudden noise was too much for the courage of Juno, who, feeling her
head free and only a light weight on her back, gave a wild plunge, and
next moment was away at a gallop out of the yard gate and down the
avenue.

It was no time for halting. The mare must be caught before she could
reach the cliffs, or to a certainty she and her rider were doomed.

Martin stood with his hand on Paddy's mane, gaping after the runaway.

With a sudden spring I dashed him aside and vaulted into the saddle, and
before he could expostulate or guess what had