"Gracious! what have I been doing?" he exclaimed, in turn bewildered, and looking about in the darkness.
"Why, you have been trying to run away from us," said Edith, with a laugh, believing the whole thing to be a joke on her father's part.
"You have come a good way from the riverbank," replied the disturbed wife; "I tried to check you, but could not."
"I understand it now," said he, passing his hand across his forehead, in the effort to collect his thoughts. "Just after we started a faintness seized me, and I knew nothing until this minute. I don't understand why I did not fell out of the saddle."
"I saw you reel, and you must have come near doing so. How do you feel now?"
"Much better. Strange that I should have been attacked in that manner; but I am sure it will not occur again. What will Brinton think?"
"I have heard the report of guns, but all is quiet now."
"I feel little alarm, for they will not dare to cross while he is guarding the ford."
"Is he not in danger?"
"No; he is lying on the ground, and they cannot see him; he will hold them at bay as long as he wishes."