greater and less likely things
happened to almost all of us? Think of me, for instance. Travelling with
the Gambusinos a few months back, and now--now _your_ companion here."

If there was not a great deal in the mere words themselves, there was
enough in the look of the speaker to make them deeply felt. How
much further Cashel might have adventured, and with what additional
speculations invested the future, is not for us to say; for just then
his groom rode up at speed, holding in his hands a great coil of rope,
to one end of which a small round ball of wood was fastened.

"What is that for, Mr. Cashel?" inquired both the girls together, as
they saw him adjust the coils lightly on his left arm, and poise the
ball in his right hand.

"Cannot you guess what it means?" said Roland, smiling. "Have you never
heard of a lasso?"

"A lasso!" exclaimed both in amazement "You surely could never intend--"

"You shall see," cried he, as he made three or four casts with the rope
in the air, and caught up the loops again with astonishing dexterity.
"Now only promise me not to be afraid, nor, if possible, let a cry
escape, and I'll show you some rare sport Just take your places here;
the horses will stand perfectly quiet." Without waiting for a reply,
he ordered the grooms to remain at either side of the young ladies, and
then dismounting, he forced open the lock and led his horse into the
paddock. This done, he leisurely closed the gate and mounted, every
motion being as free from haste and excitement as if made upon the
high-road. As for the bull, at the noise of the gate on its hinges, he
lifted up his head; but as it were indifferent to the cause, he resumed
his grazing attitude the moment after.

Cashel's first care seemed to be to reconnoitre the ground; for at
a slow walk he traversed the space in various directions, carefully
examining the footing and watching for any accidental circumstance
that might vary the surface. He then rode up to the paling, where in
unfeigned terror the two girls sat, silently following him in every
motion.

"Now, remember," said he, smiling, "no fears, no terrors. If you were to
make me nervous, I should probably miss my cast, and the disgrace, not
to speak of anything else, would be dreadful."

"Oh, we 'll behave very well," said Miss Kennyfeck, trying to assume a
composure that her pale cheek and compressed lips very ill corroborated.
As for Olivia, too terrified for words, she merely l