She sat up, leaning on her right hand, and turned her pallid, quivering face up to mine.
"Robbers, sir!" she gasped. "They're murdering father and mother. For God's sake, sir, go and stop them."
"Of course," I replied cheerfully, slipping off my jacket. "Come on, my brave lass!"
I helped the lass to her feet, put her into my jacket, jumped into the saddle, and lifted her astride behind me.
"Clip me tight! Which way?"
"Round the spinney first, sir!"
Off we went, and this time I touched Sultan with the spur and he flew along. Round the spinney; slantways across a field; up and over a gate, the girl clinging to me like a leech; down a lane; up and over another gate; and then the girl's shaking right arm was thrust over my shoulder.
"There's th' ouse! 0', God, if we anna in time!"
"How many are there?"
"Two, sir."