"Then I turned round, knowing full well what would happen.
"It did happen. Horse and rider came down in one terrific crash. The beast missed the edge with its hind legs and unceremoniously hurled its master to the ground.
"I jumped down and went up to the Grand Duke, feeling vaguely that I had gone a bit too far.
"'You haven't hurt yourself, I hope?'
"'I don't think so,' he murmured faintly. 'I was so frightened to see you go over this vile ditch.'
"Poor man! I wanted to beg his pardon.
"'Can I help you up?' I said, in some embarrassment.
"'I should be glad if you would.'
"But I tried in vain to get him on to his feet. It was then that I noticed how pale he was.
"'You've broken your right leg,' I cried.