"The others halted to look, and the girl, frightened, ran into the house. Vasco got down from his horse.
"'Fetch the filly out,' shouted the old man. 'Fetch her out and let us see her paces.'
"Vasco walked straight into the little house, while the others waited, laughing. They heard no screams and no fighting, and presently out comes Vasco alone.
"He went over to his horse and mounted. 'There is nothing to wait for,' he said. 'Let us be getting on.'
"'But the girl?' cried one of his brothers. 'Is she dead, or what?'
"'No,' said Vasco, 'but she would not come.'
"'Would not come!' bellowed the old father, while the others laughed. 'Did you say she would not come?'
"'That is what I said,' answered Vasco, sitting his horse very straight, and scowling at the lot of them.
"'He has a fever,' cried the old man, looking from one to another. 'He is light in the head. My faith! I believe the girl has been beating him with a stick. Here, one of you,' he roared, turning on them, 'get down and kick the girl out of the door. We'll have a look at the witch!'
"Koos, the youngest, sprang from his saddle and made towards the house; but he was not gone five paces before Vasco spurred his horse on to him and knocked him down.