Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/25



hurried from the presence of the Princess of Aremburg, feeling confident that the look of half recognition on the Jesuit’s face boded ill. He wrapped his fur-trimmed cloak more closely around him, and drawing his slouched hat well over his face, soon left the palace far behind in the distance.

As he neared the brow of a hill, a cry for help was heard. Looking back, the preacher saw a frightened horse covered with foam, which with hanging head and dilated nostrils was galloping madly on. The beast was a powerful animal, and his rider, a mere boy, had lost all control of him. He had loosened his hold on the reins and was clinging to the horse’s mane. It was evident that if the animal dashed down the hill, he would stumble and fall, or would at least succeed in flinging his rider. Without a second’s hesitation Junius threw himself directly in the path of the frightened steed, and seized the bridle. With an almost superhuman effort he endeavored to force the horse 19