CHAPTER XIV.
ACROSS THE RIVER She came toward me swiftly, slipping through the night like a shadow, instantly recognizing my voice.
"You--you are not hurt, Lieutenant Galesworth ?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"No; merely bruised, and shaken up--the horse did that." "Oh; was it you who had that struggle with the horse?
I--I thought he would surely kill the man." "The poor fellow was frightened," and I stroked his neck softly, "and certainly gave me a hard tussle.

But that's all over now.

I want to explain what has happened before I leave." "Yes." "I owe you that, do I not, wearing your colors ?" I could not perceive the expression of her face, but the tone of her voice was not altogether encouraging.
"They were but expressive of my best wishes; of course I wished you to succeed." "I wonder--will you continue your good wishes after hearing my story ?" "What do you mean?
You have not killed any one ?" "No; but I have hurt one who seems to have some claim upon you." She drew in her breath quickly, clasping her hands.
"Who ?--tell me! Can you mean Captain Le Gaire ?" "I regret to say 'yes'; this was his horse.

Now don't blame me until you hear the whole story.

I will tell it all in very few words, and then go." "But--but you are sure he is not seriously hurt ?" "He may have a rib or collar-bone broken, and is still unconscious; nothing that will keep him out of mischief long.