The Countess gave De Lacy a quick smile.

"I am trying to enjoy it," she said, "but I think I am dreadfully
frightened."

Aymer glanced at the road--it was straight and level for another four
hundred yards, then it disappeared, and he remembered it pitched
sharply forward in a rough and twisting descent. Whatever he did must
be done quickly--no horse ever foaled could carry its rider down that
declivity at such a speed.

"Death waits yonder," he said, pointing to the brow of the hill. "I
must lift you to my saddle. Will you risk it?"

She hesitated; then suddenly loosed her foot from the stirrup.

"I am ready," she said--and smiled again.

De Lacy dropped his reins.

"Closer, Selim, closer," he commanded.

The black; drew over until his master's boot was pressing the
Countess's saddle girth.

"When I give the word," said De Lacy, "free yourself from the pommel
and catch me around the neck."

The Countess nodded. "I understand," she said, and gave a quick look