It didn't hurt me much.

It only frightened me." "I didn't know it was you.

If I had known, I am sure I shouldn't have done it.

But it was wicked and contemptible anyhow, to any girl." I broke down again, half from shame, half from the happiness of having cast my sin from me by confessing it.

Elsie held my hand now.
"Never mind; never mind," she said; "you won't do it again." "I would rather be hanged," I sobbed.
That moment a pair of strong hands caught hold of mine, and the next I found myself being hoisted on somebody's back, by a succession of heaves and pitches, which did not cease until I was firmly seated.
Then a voice said-- "I'm his horse again, Elsie, and I'll carry him home this very night." Elsie gave a pleased little laugh; and Turkey bore me to the fireside, where my father was talking away in a low tone to the old woman.