Yet within five-and-thirty minutes the long, lean mare stood before the door.

Behind her, with a tall crane's feather in his hat, was Hans, mounted on the roan stallion, and leading the chestnut, a four-year-old which I had bought as a foal on the mare as part of the bargain.

Having been corn fed from a colt it was a very sound and well-grown horse, though not the equal of its mother in speed.
In the passage my poor old father, who was quite bewildered by the rapidity and urgent nature of this business, embraced me.
"God bless you, my dear boy," he said.

"I have had little time to think, but I pray that this may be all for the best, and that we may meet again in the world.

But if not, remember what I have taught you, and if I survive you, for my part I shall remember that you died trying to do your duty.