Page:Her Benny - Silas K Hocking (Warne, 1890).djvu/263

Rh horse would be attended with considerable risk to himself. If he failed to grasp the bridle the horse and carriage would go over him, in all probability killing him on the spot; but he had no time to debate the question, the startled horse was full upon him. In an instant he dashed at the bridle and caught it, the end of the shaft striking him on the arm at the same moment, almost causing him to let go his hold, but he held tight. For a dozen yards the horse dragged him along the road; then he succeeded in getting it on its knees with its nose against a hedge, and Mr. Munroe and Eva alighted in perfect safety. By this time, however, a number of people had gathered round, the coachman amongst the rest, who at once took charge of the horse, and Benny slunk away as quietly as possible, and made his way aloug the road as fast as he was able. Mr. Munroe, however, seeing his intentions, followed him at once.

"Come, come, my young friend," he said; "I cannot let you go without thanking you for your noble act."

"Do not mention it, sir," said Benny, with an effort; turning pale at the same time.

"I would be ungrateful indeed,*' said Mr. Munroe, "were I not to mention it. No, I shall never forget that to your heroism my niece and myself owe our lives."

"I am very thankful if I have been of service to you," said Benny; "but I could not have acted otherwise, so please——"

But he did not finish the sentence: setting his teeth together, as if in pain, be staggered towards a seat by the hedge.