“But will you feel quite safe to do so, down these perilous passes?”
“I am a mountain girl, if you will please to remember, and the horse, you say, is a mountain pony.”
“Very well, Elfie, I will have it brought to the door of your hut,” said Colonel Goldsborough, going out.
In five minutes he returned with the pony, and came in for Elfie.
Sulkily enough the girl went out with him.
Goldsborough’s steed, the parson’s cob, and Elfie’s pony stood saddled and bridled before the hut.
The parson was there also, apparently in charge of the three horses, whose bridles he held gathered in his hands. And the unfortunate man seemed to have rather more than he could do to hold them.
“Elfie,” said Albert Goldsborough, laughing, “I promised not even to touch your hand without your leave; and I mean to keep my promise, Therefore I must ask your gracious permission, before lifting you into your seat. Will you grant it?”
“No!” said Elfie, placing her hand upon the pommel, and springing into her saddle as lightly as if she were an elf indeed.
“Mr. Simmons, mount your horse. You are to be the immediate advance guard of this lady, and ride directly in front of her; and please to recollect that your life is the hostage of her safety,” said Colonel Goldsborough, as he threw himself into his saddle.