And so he strode on down the road, pining for a chance to sacrifice himself--and at the very hour that the greatest peril of his life was bearing down upon him. He had passed “Fairview,” the great mansion with the stately gates and the white pillars. He had passed beyond its vast grounds, and had got out into the open country. He was walking blindly--it made no great difference where he went. And then suddenly behind him there was a clatter of hoofs; and he turned, and up the road he saw a cloud of dust, and in the midst of it a horse galloping furiously. Samuel stared; there was some kind of a vehicle behind it, and there was a person in the vehicle. A single glance was enough for him to realize--it was a runaway! To Samuel the thing came as a miracle--it was an answer to his prayer. And it found him ready. The chance was offered him, and he would not fail--not he! He did not falter for a second. He knew just what he had to do, and he was ready--resolute, and alert, and tense. He moved into the center of the road. The horse came on, galloping at top speed; it was a blooded horse, swift and frantic with fear, and terrible to see. Samuel spread out his arms; and then in a flash the creature was upon him. It swerved to pass him; and the boy wheeled, leaped swiftly, and flung himself at the bridle. He caught it; his arms were wrenched, but he hung on, and jerked himself up. The horse flung him to one side; but with a swift clutch, Samuel caught him by the nostrils with one hand, and gripped fast. Then he drew himself up close and hung grimly, his eyes shut, with a grasp like death. And he was still hanging there when the run-away stopped, and the occupant leaped from the vehicle and rushed to help him. “My God!” he cried, “but that was nerve!” He was a young fellow, white as a sheet and trembling in every muscle. “How did you do it?” he panted. “I just held on,” said Samuel. “God, but I'm thankful to you!” exclaimed the other. “You've saved my life!” Samuel still clung to the horse, which was quivering with nervousness. “He'd never have got away from me, but one rein broke. See here!”--And he held up the end. “What started him?” asked Samuel. “Nothing,” said the other--“a piece of paper, likely. He's a fool--always was.” And he shook his fist in the horse's face, exclaiming, “By God, I'll tame you before I finish with you!” “Look out!” said Samuel. “You'll start him again!” And again he clutched the horse, which started to plunge. “I've got him now,” said the other. “He'll quiet down.” “Hold fast,” Samuel continued; and then he put his hand to his forehead, and swayed slightly. “I--I'll have to sit down a moment, I'm afraid. I feel sort of dizzy.” “Are you hurt?” cried the stranger anxiously. “No,” he said--“no, but I haven't had anything to eat to-day, and I'm a little weak.” “Nothing to eat!” cried the other. “What's the matter?” “Why, I've been out of a job.” “Out of a job? Good heavens, man, have you been starving?”