But is there not something unusual in the
movements and character of this Mr. Birch?"
"Unusual is an easy word for such unaccountables!" replied Katy,
lowering her voice and looking around her. "He was a wonderful
disregardful man, and minded a guinea no more than I do a kernel of
corn. But help me to some way of joining Miss Jinitt, and I will tell
you prodigies of what Harvey has done, first and last."
"You will!" exclaimed the trooper, musing. "Here, give me leave to feel
your arm above the elbow. There--you are not deficient in bone, let the
blood be as it may." So saying, he gave the spinster a sudden whirl,
that effectually confused all her faculties, until she found herself
safely, if not comfortably, seated on the crupper of Lawton's steed.
"Now, madam, you have the consolation of knowing that you are as well
mounted as Washington. The nag is sure of foot, and will leap like
a panther."
"Let me get down," cried Katy, struggling to release herself from his
iron grasp, and yet afraid of falling. "This is no way to put a woman on
a horse; besides, I can't ride without a pillion."
"Softly, good madam," said Lawton; "for although Roanoke never falls
before, he sometimes rises behind. He is far from being accustomed to a
pair of heels beating upon his flanks like a drum major on a field day;
a single touch of the spur will serve him for a fortnight, and it is by
no means wise to be kicking in this manner, for he is a horse that but
little likes to be outdone.
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