We must see how she gets on, and
if she cannot manage I must take her before me, whenever we see that
the road is clear for a good distance ahead. Of course, it does not
matter about country people, but if we see a body of troops coming in
the distance, she must mount her own horse again, and follow us at a
walk. If we find that things don't go well, we must halt in a wood
somewhere, and ride only by night."
They cantered on now, and overtook the others just as they reached the
farmhouse. The farmer was at his door, and looked a little surprised
at seeing two of the officers of the Palace come up. He salaamed
deeply.
"We have not come to requisition anything," Dick said, with a smile,
as he saw that the farmer looked alarmed as well as surprised. "We
have only come for the two horses that we have bought, for our
servants, as we are going on a journey."
"Can I assist you in any way, my lords?"
"No, our men will saddle the horses," Dick said, and, dismounting,
went into the stable with Ibrahim and Annie.
"You are not afraid of riding, I hope, Annie?" he said.
"I am not afraid of anything, Dick, so that I can but get away."
"We will go quietly at first, anyhow. Mind, as you mount, put your
left foot in the stirrup.
Pages:
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417