Will you take a ride on my shoulders ?" "With all my heart, if you will promise to take me safely." And I was soon mounted.
I most confess that the gentleman staggered now and then under his burden, which was no slight one, and I was sadly afraid, more than once, that I should meet a similar fate to old Pillon, but happily we reached the other side in safety.
There my husband insisted on my putting on dry shoes and stockings, and (must I confess it ?) drinking a little brandy, to obviate the effects of my icy bath.

He would fain have made a halt to kindle a fire and dry my apparel and wardrobe properly, but this I would not listen to.

I endeavored to prove to him that the delay would expose me to more cold than riding in my wet habit and cloak, and so indeed it might have been, but along with my convictions upon the subject there was mingled a spice of reluctance that our friends at the fort should have an opportunity, as they certainly would have done, of laughing at our inauspicious commencement.
Soon our horses were put in order, and our march recommenced.

The day was fine for the season.

I felt no inconvenience from my wet garments, the exercise of riding taking away all feeling of chilliness.