"She may swim better than I," rejoined Martine, "but I believe I could give her points about managing a horse."
Soon the two friends had reached their corner and were about to part when they heard the clatter of hoofs and wheels.
"Keep to the side, Clare," cried Martine. "It's Carlotta, the horse is running away."
Hardly had she uttered these words when the horse and carriage were upon them. The reins had fallen, and Carlotta, helpless, was clinging to the side of the carriage. Martine did not hesitate. Instantly she plunged forward, and unheeding Clare's warning scream, flung herself before the horse. Yet, in spite of her impetuosity, she knew what she was doing. The creature's speed was less than it seemed to the frightened Clare. Martine with a sure aim reached the bridle. Although she was dragged a few steps, the horse slackened his pace, and stopped. Carlotta, too much shaken to resume control, jumped to the ground on the opposite side from Martine.
"Look!" cried Clare, running up to her as she came to the horse's head.
"Is she hurt?" asked Carlotta, anxiously, as Clare stooped down toward Martine, who had fallen to the ground.
"She must be," replied Clare. "What shall we do?"
"I cannot very well leave my horse," responded Carlotta, still with her hand on the bridle; "if only somebody—"
At that moment "somebody" did appear, in the shape of Mr. Gamut.
"Bless my soul!" he exclaimed, "What is this? An accident?"