firmly on the deck.

Once more, half despairing now, Denis rode up and down again, before
turning toward the open gangway, and it happened that just as he reached
it a neighing challenge came afresh from the shore, sending a quiver
through the charger, which snorted loudly, and then, in obedience to the
rider's voice and the pressure of his heel, rose and bounded bravely
forward from the vessel's side, out into the water, descending with a
heavy splash, and then submerged all but the extended neck, and with the
lad with the water rising above his hips, but firmly in his seat,
bending forward and giving as if part of the brave animal that had begun
swimming steadily towards the shore.

A ringing cheer rose from the vessel, was taken up by the men on the
flat, and answered from the shore, while all watched the progress of
horse and rider, who both seemed as if to the manner born.

"That means success, sir," said Saint Simon eagerly. "Will you go
next?"

"But I shall be so wet, man. You had better follow with my charger
now."

"Yes, sir, I will if you wish," whispered Saint Simon; "but--this is the
beginning of our adventures, and--"

"Yes," said the King, in a voice full of vexation, "it seems so cowardly
if I hang back. I am not afraid to do it, man, but I shall be so
horribly drenched."

"You can get dry, sir, when we are ashore."

"Yes, of course," whispered the King. "Here, I'll go next. I am not
going to be beaten by that boy."

He was in full earnest, and bitting and bridling his horse himself,
refusing Saint Simon's help and leaving him to perform the same task on
his own steed, almost as soon as Denis had reached the shore, for his
steed to stand snorting and shaking the water from its flowing mane and
tail, the King was mounted, barebacked too. He rode his charger to the
open gangway, where the brave beast answered the neigh that came from
its companion on land, and without hesitation made the splashing leap so
suddenly that the rider nearly lost his seat, having an undignified
struggle to get himself upright again; while as soon as there was a
clear way Saint Simon followed without the slightest difficulty, his
charger in a few strides getting abreast of the King's; and they swam
together till the water shallowed and the swimming became a splashing
wade to where, wet and triumphant, Denis was waiting their arrival.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

MADAME THE HOSTESS.

A little crowd of idlers soon bega