undering footfalls of the pursuing horse were close in the rear.

"Oh, Gyp, is it possible that, instead of my capturing Black Donald, you
are going to let Black Donald or somebody else catch me?" exclaimed
Capitola, in mock despair, as she urged her wearied steed.

In vain! The pursuing horseman was beside her; a strong hand was laid
upon her bridle; a mocking voice was ringing in her ear:

"Whither away so fast, pretty one?"

CHAPTER XVI.

CAP'S FEARFUL ADVENTURE.

Who passes by this road so late?
Companion of the Majolaine!
Who passes by this road so late?
Say! oh, say?
--Old French Song.

Of a naturally strong constitution and adventurous disposition, and
inured from infancy to danger, Capitola possessed a high degree of
courage, self-control and presence of mind.

At the touch of that ruthless hand, at the sound of that gibing voice,
all her faculties instantly collected and concentrated themselves upon
the emergency. As by a flash of lightning she saw every feature of her
imminent danger--the loneliness of the woods, the lateness of the hour,
the recklessness of her fearful companion and her own weakness. In
another instant her resolution was taken and her course determined. So,
when the stranger repeated his mocking question:

"Whither away so fast, pretty one?" she answered with animation:

"Oh, I am going home, and so glad to have company; for, indeed, I was
dreadfully afraid of riding alone through these woods to-night."

"Afraid, pretty one--of what?"

"Oh, of ghosts and witches, wild beasts, runaway negroes, and--Black
Donald."

"Then you are not afraid of me?"

"Lors, no, indeed! I guess I ain't! Why should I be afraid of a
respectable-looking gentleman like you, sir?"

"And so you are going home? Where is your home, pretty one?"

"On the other side of the river. But you need not keep on calling me
'pretty one;' it must be as tiresome to you to repeat it as it is to me
to hear it."

"What shall I call you, then, my dear?"

"You may call me Miss Black; or, if you are friendly, you may call me
Capitola."

"Capitola!" exclaimed the man, in a deep and changed voice, as he
dropped her bridle.

"Yes--Capitola; what objection have you got to that? It is a pretty
name, isn't it? But if you think it is too long, and if you feel very
friendly, you may call me Cap."

"Well, then, my pretty Cap, where do you live across the