Suddenly they heard in the distance the shout of huntsmen and of the cry of dogs, while from under a hedge on a gentle eminence of the opposite meadow, sprang forth the fox, which rushed into the river at a plunge, landed not far from the three astonished friends, and disappeared. On came horses and dogs, over hedge and ditch, in wild excitement, as the coveted "brush" escaped up the river's bank; down plunged the dogs, in furious disappointment, amidst calls and shouts; in went huntsmen helter-skelter, regardless of the bugle call to a better and safer ford;—all was excitement and confusion—dogs barking, horses plunging, riders shouting, and everyone too intent upon his own safety and exploits to notice his companions.
Among the foremost came Squire Hazelwood, whose horse never acknowledged impediment of any kind in a hearty chase; but either the depth of the leap, or the water, was too sudden, and took him unawares this time, for he rolled over and over, dragging his rider head downwards, unable to extricate his feet from the stirrups. The creature struggled to the bank, but rolled back again, and the critical condition of the Squire at once caught the attention of his terrified child; he had fallen back also, and seemed incapable of further effort.
Guy dropped his pencil and palette, and rushed to the river's brink. He saw Mr. Hazelwood's partially released form sinking deeper below the water and that not a moment must be lost.
"Fly to the village, girls," he cried; "send men to meet us lest I cannot manage it; then home both of you to Mrs. Hazelwood, that she may not be frightened."
As he spoke, he threw off his light coat and jumped into the water. It was not far to reach the spot where the horse was swimming with the current, but it was needful to approach cautiously, lest he should be disabled by a kick, as he feared the Squire had been. To release the entangled foot and hold up such a weight for any length of time was no easy task; but Guy knew every turn of the river well, and if he could but reach a shallower bend near the bridge, and where also the landing was easier, he trusted that all would yet end safely. He heard the shrieks of Evelyn receding in the distance, and knew that his calmer sister would render more effectual service in describing the needed help.
It was a remarkable coincidence that whenever the handmaiden Jane had an errand to the village, the old sign at the "Falconer's Arms" seemed to creak in its swing, as if there were something in the wind that concerned somebody on the premises; and the ostler Joe, true knight that he was, always felt bound to inquire into the matter. In consequence of which, it happened that he and Jane were walking leisurely along a quiet path between the village and the Moat, when they were startled by the cries of Evelyn, followed by the appearance of Maude, white and breathless, and pointing to the river behind them.
Joe at once caught her attempted explanation, bade Jane run back to the village to bid any men she might see to hasten to his help, begged the young ladies to go home and hope for the best, and dashed away to the river, and the spot described by Maude. And only just in time. The horse was nowhere to be seen, but Guy, still holding his unconscious burden, had reached the shallower bank, and felt that his failing strength would do no more, when loud and cheerful rang out the encouraging voice of Joe.
"That's right, Master Guy, I've got hold; another push—there now, he's safe. Don't you drift out again, sir; hold on by that twig, and you'll be up in a minute."
To catch the twig and then the kind hand outstretched to save him, to scramble on to the grass, and lay his head in his sister's lap, was all that the exhausted boy could do, and then he lost all consciousness of what had passed, or was passing round him.
In the meantime the whole village was in consternation. Several well-ducked gentlemen had taken refuge at the "Falconer's Arms" and other houses readily opened to them, and the news of real danger of the Squire sent a crowd of ready helpers in quick response to Joe's message and Jane's appeal.