when my better genius, the tall fisherman, appeared once more
close to my side, he and his sable horse looming gigantic in the
now darkening twilight.

'Are you mad?' he said, in the same deep tone which had before
thrilled on my ear, 'or are you weary of your life? You will be
presently amongst the quicksands.' I professed my ignorance of
the way, to which he only replied, 'There is no time for prating
--get up behind me.'

He probably expected me to spring from the ground with the
activity which these Borderers have, by constant practice,
acquired in everything relating to horsemanship; but as I stood
irresolute, he extended his hand, and grasping mine, bid me place
my foot on the toe of his boot, and thus raised me in a trice to
the croupe of his horse. I was scarcely securely seated, ere he
shook the reins of his horse, who instantly sprang forward; but
annoyed, doubtless, by the unusual burden, treated us to two or
three bounds, accompanied by as many flourishes of his hind
heels. The rider sat like a tower, notwithstanding that the
unexpected plunging of the animal threw me forward upon him. The
horse was soon compelled to submit to the discipline of the spur
and bridle, and went off at a steady hand gallop; thus shortening
the devious, for it was by no means a direct path, by which the
rider, avoiding the loose quicksands, made for the northern bank.

My friend, perhaps I may call him my preserver,--for, to a
stranger, my situation was fraught with real danger,--continued
to press on at the same speedy pace, but in perfect silence, and
I was under too much anxiety of mind to disturb him with any