t only ride. But every one in that country is
quite at ease on the back of a horse. They saw no risk; and, as there
appeared no other way of getting there to fulfil my engagements, I, for
my part, began to think that God had unexpectedly provided the means,
and that He would carry me safely through.

I accepted the lady's kind offer, and started on my pilgrimage. A friend
showed me the road, and gave me ample directions. In the bush, I was to
keep my eye on the notches in the trees, and follow them. He agreed
kindly to bring my luggage to the Station, and leave it there for me by
and by. After I had walked very quietly for some distance, three
gentlemen on horseback overtook me. We entered into conversation. They
inquired how far I was going, and advised me to sit a little "freer" in
the saddle, as it would be so much easier for me. They seemed greatly
amused at my awkward riding! Dark clouds were now gathering ahead, and
the atmosphere prophesied a severe storm; therefore they urged that I
should ride a little faster, as they, for a considerable distance, could
guide me on the right way. I explained to them my plight through
inexperience, said that I could only creep on slowly with safety, and
bade them Good-by. As the sky was getting darker every minute, they
consented, wishing me a safe journey, and started off at a smart pace.

I struggled to hold in my horse; but seizing the bit with his teeth,
laying back his ears, and stretching out his eager neck, he manifestly
felt that his honor was at stake; and in less time than I take to write
it, the three friends cleared a way for us, and he tore past them all at
an appalling speed. They tried for a time to keep within reach of us,
but that sound only put fire into his blood; and in an incredibly short
time I heard them not; nor, from the moment that he bore me swinging
past them, durst I turn my head by one inch to look for them again. In
vain I tried to hold him in; he tore on, with what appeared to me the
speed of the wind. Then the thunderstorm broke around us, with flash of
lightning and flood of rain, and at every fresh peal my "Garibaldi"
dashed more wildly onward.

To me, it was a vast surprise to discover that I could sit more easily
on this wild flying thing than when at a canter or a trot. At every turn
I expected that he would dash himself and me against the great forest
trees; but instinct rather than my hand guided him miraculously.
Sometimes I had a glimp