“I think it is the best way,” she added quietly. “Besides, what danger is there? Hero,” she named the horse in that moment, “can make it all right. All I shall have to do is cling to him tightly.”
“But the current may be very strong,” protested Henderson.
“Not too strong for us, is it, Hero?” she asked the horse, and patted him gently again.
Hero whinnied in reply, and seemed as eager as the girl to make the trial. He seemed to understand the conversation, and besides, he was anxious to reach a place where there was warmth, dry straw and good oats.
“Yes, it is the best way,” said Shirley decisively.
Henderson looked at her closely, then turned away with a sigh, for that one glance was enough to tell him that the young girl would have her way.
He lifted his wife from Hero’s back, and Shirley immediately climbed into the saddle.
“I’ll send a boat for you,” Shirley called over her shoulder, as, with a tug of the reins, she headed Hero into the water.
“Good luck!” called Henderson. “Keep your head, and hold tight. Don’t be swept off the horse’s back.”
Shirley did not reply, but kept her eyes straight ahead.