“You may get yourselves ready now, my dears. I am going to ride over to Union, but will be back within an hour if nothing happens to prevent, and will then take you to Ion myself.”
“I have no preparations to make for Ion, papa,” said Max; “mayn’t I ride Rex into the village along with you?”
“I shall be glad of your company, my boy,” was the kindly reply, and they went out to the veranda together.
Ajax was just leading up Rex and a larger horse, both ready saddled and bridled. The latter was a fiery steed, not yet well-broken, a recent purchase.
“You seem to have misunderstood your orders to-day, Ajax,” remarked his master with some sternness. “I did not intend to ride this horse this morning, but bade you saddle Lightfoot. However, as I am in some haste, I will ride Thunderer into the village; but see that you have Lightfoot ready for me on my return, for this fellow would not be safe to go with the young ladies on their ponies.”
With the last word he sprang into the saddle, but the horse instantly began to rear and plunge in a frightful manner, and in another moment the captain was lying motionless on the ground, while Thunderer dashed with lightning speed across the lawn, cleared the hedge at a bound, and disappeared from sight.
Max, who had not yet mounted his pony, ran to his father, and throwing himself on the grass beside him, lifted his head, rested it on his knee, and began trying to loosen his necktie.
“The doctor!” he gasped, addressing the group of frightened servants gathered around, “he’s up-stairs. Call him; but don’t let Mamma Vi know. It would kill her.”
But he had hardly spoken before the doctor was at his side; Lulu too, both having seen the accident from the upper windows.
The captain’s eyes were closed; he neither moved nor spoke, and scarcely seemed to breathe. Both Max and Lulu thought him dead, and though they spoke not a word, nor made any outcry, their faces were full of agony.