Gildart did not know the dangers of the leap: I did, and hastened to the spot with a feeling of intense alarm. On reaching it I saw Kenneth flying far down the slope. He was just in time; a few seconds more, and Lizzie would have been lost. But the bold youth reached the road in time, caught her bridle, reined the horse almost on his haunches, then turned him gradually aside until he galloped with him to a place of safety.
This episode induced us to ride the rest of the way in a more leisurely fashion.
Arrived at Cove, we each went on our several pieces of business, arranging to meet at the north end of the village in about an hour afterwards.
Kenneth found Stephen Gaff at home. Leaving Lizzie to make inquiry as to the health of John Furby, he took the seaman out and walked towards the Downs.
“Well, Stephen, you have been wrecked again, I am told?” said Kenneth.
“So I have, sir; it’s the sixth time now. It’s quite plain I ain’t born to be drownded. I only hope as how I won’t live to be hanged.”
“I hope not, Stephen. What was the name of the ship?”
“The ‘Fairy Queen.’”
“The ‘Fairy Queen,’” echoed Kenneth, with a slight feeling of disappointment; “from Australia?”
“Yes, from Australia.”