Page:The Count of Monte-Cristo (1887 Volume 2).djvu/354

336 Edward and I would probably have been dashed to pieces against the first object that impeded their progress, when a strange-looking man, an Arab or a Nubian, at least a black of some nation or other, at a signal from the count, whose domestic he is, suddenly seized and stopped the infuriated animals, even at the risk of being trampled to death himself; and certainly he must have had a most wonderful escape.

"The count then hastened to us, and carried myself and son into his house, where, by some skillful application, he speedily recalled my poor Edward (who was quite insensible from terror) to life. When we were sufficiently recovered, he sent us home in his own carriage. Yours will be returned to you to-morrow. I am fearful you will not be able to use your horses for some days; they seem thoroughly stupefied, as if sulky and vexed at having allowed this man to conquer them after all. The count, however, has commissioned me to assure you that two or three days' rest, with plenty of barley for their sole