y in getting astride my own
beast, but I judged it best to say nothing of what had happened. All
sense of power had gone from my right leg, and I could get no grip upon
the saddle; but as the first sensation of numbness passed away I became
persuaded that no great hurt was done, though I was in much pain and
found a difficulty in keeping my seat.

The fear of the horses made this no easy task, for at every flash they
reared and broke away, and the ground over which we rode was difficult,
and would have been uncanny even in the daylight, so that we made slow
progress. I had travelled the way repeatedly, for this was the route by
which I had decided to travel if ever we were so lucky as to be allowed
the experiment, and I never had more reason to be thankful for my own
care and foresight.

These mountain storms are very often things of an hour, and so to-night
it proved. By the time we had reached the ford the thunder and lightning
were far away, the wind had sunk to an occasional sob and moan, the rain
had cleared, and the moon rode high in a mass of skurrying cloud, which
at times obscured her light and at times left her almost clear. But the
river was terribly swollen, and it was evident that we should not be
able to cross it for a considerable time.

So far not a word had been exchanged among us; but now that we were
compelled to pause, I turned to our companion and looked at him, in such
dim and changing light as there was, with a profound interest. He sat
with a tired stoop in his saddle, and his head was bent upon his breast.
He wore a peaked forage-cap and a large, rough, military cloak, which
effectually disguised his figure.

"This is the Conte di Rossano?" I asked, leaning towards him.

"The same, sir," he answered, in a voice which I shall never forget. "I
know from my faithful friend here, to whom I am indebted, but I cannot
distinguish my friends as yet."

"This is the Honorable George Brunow, sir," I said, "and I am Captain
Fyffe, at your service."

"Mr. Brunow," he responded, raising his forage-cap and bowing, "Captain
Fyffe, my dear friend Corporal Hinge, I am without words to thank you.
God knows I thank you in my heart!"

His voice failed him altogether then, and we all sat silent for a time.

"What are we waiting for?" asked Brunow. "Every minute is precious. Let
us push along."

"You see the ford," I answered. "It may be passable in an hour, now that
the storm has ceased; but at present--"