Nor was I alone. Pounset's mare, who never brooked a rival, and who, moreover, had taken umbrage at the sonorous jolting of Anthony, was resolved not to be outstripped; and, taking the bridle between her teeth, came hard and heavy on my flank. The cry of "halt!" sounded far and faint behind us. We dashed past a carriage, in which, from a momentary glimpse, I recognised the form of Edith; while a dragoon officer--I knew intuitively it was Roper--had drawn up his horse by the side. They were laughing--yes! by heavens they were laughing--at the moment I was borne away headlong, and perhaps to destruction. My sword flew out of my hand--I had need of both to hold the reins. I shouted to Pounset to draw in, but an oath was the only reply! I heard the blast of the recall bugle behind us, but Masaniello only stretched out more wildly. We splashed through the shallow pools of water, sending up the spray behind us; and onwards--onwards we went towards Joppa, with more than the velocity of the wind. "Have a care, M'Whirter!" shouted Pounset. "Turn his head to the sea if you can. There's a quicksand right before you!" I could as easily have converted a Mussulman. I saw before me a dark streak, as if some foul brook were stagnating on the sands. There was a dash, a splash, a shock, and I was catapulted over the ears of Masaniello. I must have lost consciousness, I believe, for the next thing I remember was Pounset standing over me, and holding my quadruped by the bridle. "We may thank our stars it is no worse," said he; "that stank fairly took the shine out of your brute, and brought him to a stand-still. Are you hurt?" "Not much. But I say, what a figure I am!" "Not altogether adapted for an evening party, I admit. But never mind. There's a cure for everything except broken bones. Let's get back again as fast as we can, for the captain will be in a beautiful rage!" We returned. A general acclamation burst from the squadron as we rode up, but the commanding officer looked severe as Draco. "Am I to conclude, gentlemen," said he, "that this exhibition was a trial of the comparative merits of your horses preparatory to the racing? Upon such an occasion as this I must say"---- "Just look at M'Whirter, captain," said Pounset, "and then judge for yourself whether it was intentional. The fact is, my mare is as hot as ginger, and that black horse has no more mouth than a brickbat!" "Well, after all, he _does_ seem in a precious mess. I shall pass it over as a mere accident, but don't let it happen again. Fall in, gentlemen." There was, however, as regarded myself, considerable opposition to this order. "Why, M'Whirter, you're not going to poison us to death, are you?" said Anthony Whaup. "Pray keep to the other side, like a good fellow--you're not just altogether a bouquet." "Do they gut the herrings down yonder, M'Whirter?" asked Archy Chaffinch. "Excuse me for remarking that your flavour is rather full than fragrant."