"You never can tell what a woman will do these times. We'll be taking a back seat in the kitchen before long," answered the other.
"But Miss O'Connor's not that sort," said Tomkins. "What I can't make out is this: I let that boat to Gerard. What's become of him?"
As Kathleen stepped from the boat, Tomkins greeted her with applause, seasoned with advice.
"You've done something, miss, that no other woman ever did before. But never you try it again. Next time you and the boat may come drifting down, the one after the other."
"I have no intention of trying the Gorge again," answered Kathleen. "Thank God, I am safe!"
As she was about to leave the shed, to make her amazement more complete, Gerard rode up on her horse and reined in. His clothes were damp and clung to him, but he disregarded that. "You have won your wager, Miss O'Connor!" he cried; "but you went with your life in your hands."
Kathleen was too much astounded by his audacity to reply. He dismounted and lifted her into the saddle holding her rein for one short moment, while he said in a low voice:
"You have nothing more to fear from me. You have taught me a lesson, and, by Jove! you are a well-plucked one."
She did not pause to answer him, but, giving Douglas a cut with the whip, rode away at a smart canter to "Layton."