all the
water out of him, and then put him between hot blankets," cried my
preserver, "and he'll be all serene. They ought to make a shallow place
somewhere for these kids to bathe, where they won't get out of their
depths. Bless you, ma'am," added he, in reply to my mother's thanks,
"it's not worth talking of. It all comes in a day's work, and you're
very welcome."

I was rather glad to leave the seaside after that; and whenever in the
course of my future readings I came upon any further reference to
emergency number one, I discreetly passed it over.

But hope springs eternal in the human breast, and the resources of
heroism were by no means exhausted.

The drowning business had missed fire. I would go into the runaway-
horse line, and try how that would stand me for glory.

So after a careful study of the theory of the art from my books, I took
to haunting Rotten Row in my leisure hours with a view to business. I
must confess that it is far easier to stop a runaway horse on paper than
on a gravel drive. I speculated, as one or two specially reckless
riders dashed past me, on what the chance would be of making a spring at
the bridle of a horse going half as fast again as theirs, and bringing
him gracefully on to his knees. I didn't like the idea. And yet had
not a fellow done it in one of Kingsley's novels, and another in one of
Lever's?

At last I screwed myself up to it. I had worked the thing out
carefully, and arranged my spring and everything. But I was unlucky
again when the time came.

I remember the occasion well--painfully well. It was a bright May
afternoon. I had given the carriages up as hopeless--they drove far too
soberly--and was taking a forlorn glance up and down the ride at the
equestrians, when I perceived a youth approach on a very dashing animal,
which, if it was not bolting, was sailing remarkably close to the wind
in that direction. The ride was pretty clear, and the few seconds I had
in which to make up my mind were enough for me. I heard some one say
close beside me, "He'll be chucked!"

Instantly I dived under the rail and dashed out into the road. There
was a shout and a yell, and the young gentleman had to pull his mare up
on her haunches to avoid riding me down. Before I could act under these
circumstances a mounted policeman dashed up, and collaring me by the
coat, swung me along beside him a yard or two, and then, with a box on
the ears, pitched me back in among t