Page:The silent prince - a story of the Netherlands (IA cu31924008716957).pdf/27

 “Fritz said that I was foolhardy,” answered the boy, “and I now know that he was right. But for you, I should have paid dearly for my wilfulness.”

Just at this moment a servant in splendid livery rode up on horseback, pale and breathless.

“Ah, my lord Hugo,” he said, “you have given me a terrible fright. I will never consent again to your riding this wicked brute. You know I told you he was altogether too fresh and full of mettle for you to use. I fairly held my breath when you dashed out of sight. My lord knows that I cannot refuse him anything,” and Fritz gazed reproachfully into the face of his youthful master.

“You have a right to rebuke me,” replied Hugo. “I admit that I was a foolish fellow not to take your advice. But I want you to say nothing to my uncle about the affair, there's a good Fritz. You know uncle will not allow me my liberty, if he should know of this escapade. There really is no harm done to any one. See, I have not so much as a scratch! Now take both the horses back to the stable. I will follow as soon as I have spoken with my rescuer.”

Fritz gave a reluctant consent to his master's request, and departed to do his bidding.

The boy turned once more to Junius.

“Seigneur,” he said, “can I not do something for you to repay you for your kindness? Or, better yet, will you not accompany me to my uncle's