The Irish standard., 1886-10-16
CHAPTER xXvII.-(Continued. }

very likely she had ridden round, anc
avoided the difficulty; but having once
made the attempt, she determined tt
risk everything rather than fail. Per
haps, too, the sight of so many specta
tors, and the cheers which reached her
had something to do with confirming he1
resolution.
AS the fearless girl turned her horse I
head to the wall, she let the reins DROP
for moment, and leaning over OIL the
saddle, frightened the girths hole OF
two; then adjusting her cap, and pat
ting the spirited animal Oh the neck,
again cantered along at an easy gait.
'Now!" said the priest; "now for it!
1.-THE girl is decidedly mad, sir said
Henshaw'
"Hushl she raises the whip.''
Moll Pitcher knew we'll what The sign
meant, and with snort and a toss OF
her saucy head, s9rang forward with the
feetness of a greyhound.
God assist her. muttered the priest
to himself SITS a frjghtful risk. .
"Amen,'' replied Henshaw, catching
the words; "amen--though she don't
deserve it-her fool hardness is unpar-
donable.'
"Now!' and the priest unconsciously
L.. I
As be spoke, Kate again raised the
whip, and Moll Pitcher rose to the
wall.
For a second OF two stiffness reigned
as deep as death If the animal touched
the wall in crossing, horse and rider
would both, in all probability: have
been seriously injured, if not killed.
If she did not, there was still danger
from the broken, stony ground on the
opposite side.
'tHold!'' exclaimed Henshaw, tsthey're
botl1 down-good Heavens, sir, they're
killed!''
The mare rose and stood in an al
most perpendicular attitude fol- a sec
ond, as it to gather all her strength for
the effort. It WAS an Instant of painful
anxiety to the spectators; but it was
only an instant, for the next she made
the spring and crossed without touch
stone, the foam flying from her mouth,
and the streamers from her riders cap
floating back in the breeze.
"H,rrah! hurrah God bless herl''
now broke in one loud burst from the
crowd; but the exclamation WAS sudden
II checked, for it WAS Soon found that
rider and horse lad both fallen.
'"Ihe girls killed. exclaimed Hen
shaw.
':God forbid!' replied the priest,
straining his eyes as he spoke. 'tBat
she has certainly fallen"
Then general rush was made towards
the gate, each vying with his neigh bor
for the credit Of being first to reach the
ground.
'WLat means al! this uproar?'' de-
manded Captain Petershsm, suddenly
appearing at the court house door, ac-
conpanied by one Of his brother magis-
trates-"eh, what has happened?"
"Miss Petershnm has fallen, sir, cross
ing that stone WALL replied q police
man.
s'Fallen-impossible. What! ON Moll
Pitcher??"
''I fear she is hurt, captain" said the
priest.
sAh! Father Brennan, you here, too:
Hurt--nonsense!"
He had hardly uttered the last word,
when another wild shout rose that made
the very welkin ring again; and here,
plain to every eye, came Kate, firmly
seated in her saddle, bounding along
the meadow, and waving her handker-
chief in acknowledgement Of the greet
ing.
AS she jumped the last ditch, man
apparently i'll disguise-for his clothes
seemed to accord little with his figure
and gait-advanced and lald his hand on
the reins.
''Well, Lanty, is the trial over?'' de-
manded Kate, bending to her saddle
bow, and whispering the words.
NO. my lady. it didn't begin yet"
'sGlad of i'll feared I should come
late.''
"Is your ladyship hurt?''
ssNot in the least.''
s.Nor Moll Pitcher?''
''Not q particle
s.The darlin," exclaimed Lanty, lay
ing his hand on the mare's neck; "she's
as true as steel. O, my life on her for a
million.p
''The moment will soon come to try
her, sand Kate, as Lanty stretched out
his arms and lifted her from the saddle.
t.Are you sure all's ready?''
ssAy, ay. never fear.''
.syrl,o.o 10 Mics Har1 wrin Hap,