that the stage had struck against a tree, that the horses had broken
away, and that he and his companion were perfectly safe. If the
whole truth must be told, it cannot be said that he endured the
young lady's embrace with only cold and stoical philosophy. He
found it wholly novel and not a painful experience. Indeed he was
conscious of a temptation to delay the information of their escape,
but a second's thought taught him that he must at once employ all
his tact in the delicate and difficult task of reconciling the
frightened girl to herself and her own conduct; otherwise her pride,
and also her sense of delicacy, would now receive a new and far
deeper wound, and a more hopeless estrangement follow. He therefore
promptly lifted her up, and placed her limp form on the opposite
seat.

"I assure you we are now perfectly safe, Miss Mayhew," he said;
"and let me congratulate you that your self-control prevented you
from leaving the stage, for if you had done so you would undoubtedly
have been greatly injured."

"Where--where are--the horses?" she faltered.

"I really do not know! They have disappeared. The stage struck
a tree, and the brutes broke away. They will probably gallop home
to the alarm and excitement of every one about the hotel. Pray
compose yourself. The house is not far away, and we can soon reach
it if you are not very much hurt."

"Are you sure the danger is all over?"

"Yes; this is now not the slightest chance of a tragedy."