One can cross the bridge ?" "Not mounted!" said Winston.

"There are only a few planks between the stringers here and there, but, if you don't mind waiting, I can lead your horse across." He smiled a little, for the words seemed trivial and out of place in face of the effect the girl's appearance had on him, but she glanced at him questioningly.
"No!" she said.

"Now, I would have gone round by the old bridge, only that Allardyce told me you let him ride across this afternoon." "Still," and the man stopped a moment, "it was daylight then, you see." Maud Barrington laughed a little, for his face was visible and she understood the slowness of his answer.

"Is that all?
It is moonlight now." [Illustration: Maud Barrington laughed a little.] "No," said Winston dryly, "but one is apt to make an explanation too complete occasionally.

Will you let me help you down ?" Maud Barrington held out her hands, and when he swung her down watched him tramp away with the horse, with a curious smile.