Bella, who dropped the curb rein in this sudden start, could not check the terrified animal in his speedy career and she had hardly nerve enough to hold her seat.
Charlie, on seeing the flying steed making for some precipices which bounded the shore, made off after him; but considering that his pursuit directly after would only increase the pony's fright and speed, he resolved on making a detour, and prevent any catastrophe. It, therefore, took all Black Prince's speed and efforts to gain the goal when the pony was within a few strides of it. "With uncommon presence of mind and magnificent horsemanship, Charlie strained his horse between the pony and the cliff, swerved him half round, flung one arm round the form of Bella—who was in the act of falling off—and with the other hand brought Black Prince to a dead halt, thus saving horse and rider.
Alighting in an instant, with his fair burden, who fainted in his arms, he soon, however, brought her to, and galloping after the pony, which was now quite humbled after his severe race, brought him back, and both resumed their journey once more.
Proceeding a short distance, they beheld Lord Lundy, the originator of the would-be disaster, and who had been a witness to the flight of the pony. Not wishing to encounter the object of their hatred, they changed their course, and arrived at Mr. McKay's by another route.
Mr. McKay met them at the gate, and something in Bella's looks, and the disarrangement in her dress and hair, attracted his attention, but the young couple unfortunately resorted to the same expedient they had used on another occasion (the memorable event at the Bridge of Linn), namely, to keep the whole to themselves. Their reason on the present occasion being that if Mr. McKay came to know that the pony had ran off in such a manner, he might think that he would be apt to do so again; consequently, he would not allow her to ride afterwards, which would deprive them of another pleasant recreation.
Fatal resolve; better for them that they had told all, which would have saved them many days of misfortune and trouble.
