e would equal my jump (which, Heaven
help him! he could not do), that the gallant was swinging over the pond
before anyone understood what was afoot. Then they broke up the ring
and closed in on us, so that I, having dropped my burden amidst the
duck-weed, was fain to lose myself among the crowd and give one and all
the slip.

I thought I had done so, for while all stood gaping and jeering as they
fished out the sputtering hero from his pea-green bath, I sauntered back
unheeded to the place where last I had seen her for whose sake all the
pother arose. At first I feared she had fled, but on looking I spied
her in company with an elderly woman, who soothed and chid her in turn,
and began to hurry her from the place.

But when she saw me, she brushed the old servant aside, and with a blush
beckoned me to her. Shall I ever forget the vision of her, as she stood
there, stately and beautiful, with hand outstretched, smiling on me with
mingled pity for my shyness and gratitude for my service?

"My brave friend," said she, and her voice fell like music on my ears,
"I have nothing but my poor thanks to give thee, but they are thine."

The crimson now came to my cheeks, for it hurt me to hear her talk of
payment.

"I would gladly do it all again," said I.

"Nay," she laughed, "once is enough surely, at least for me."

Then I wished the ground might swallow me, for I deemed she thought me a
fool.

"She would come," put in the old servant in an accent which, though I
had never heard it before, I took to be Scotch or Irish; "I told her
myself what to expect among a crowd of rude, rascally City sparks, that
don't know a lady when they see her, and when they do, don't know how to
behave themselves. It serves her right, say I, and it's myself will see
she frolics no more, I warrant you--a low, unmannerly pack of curs, with
a plague on all of you."

"Never heed my old nurse," said the young lady, sweetly; "she and I were
parted in the crowd, and but for you, brave lad, I might have rued my
folly in coming hither more than I do. Thanks once more, and farewell.
Come, Judy--thank good Master Dexter for taking better care of me than
ever you did, and then come away."

I stood like a mule gaping after them as they went, unable to stir or
say a word till they were lost to view. Then as I turned came a shout
at my ears: "There he stands!--there stands the villain! Seize him and
hold him fast. He shall learn what it is to a