Lady Lee 43 



to understand the situation perfectly, so that when 

 the team came by her side she was ready to break 

 into the same rate of speed as that of the runaways. 

 I quickly drew alongside, and seized the bridle of 

 the nearest horse. At the same moment, Lady Lee 

 slackened her pace, giving me just the purchase on 

 the reins I desired. The sudden movement checked 

 the animal's speed, and seemed to recall him to his 

 senses -, but his mate, maddened by the check he 

 had received, plunged forward and sideways with 

 increased fury, and in doing so turned the pole of 

 the wagon abruptly around. Before I could prevent 

 it, I saw the sharp end of the pole, surmounted by 

 the silver-plated serpentine point such as the Devil 

 of Fashion alone could have devised, pierce the neck 

 of Lady Lee just above the breast, and as quickly 

 emerge followed by a crimson stream from a large 

 artery. I felt the noble animal tremble beneath me 

 with pain; but not for an instant did she seem to 

 forget herself or swerve from the duty at hand. The 

 check which had been given the team soon brought 

 them under subjection, and I led Lady Lee to the 

 side of the drive, where I was quickly joined by my 



