56 BEGGARS ON HORSEBACK. 



instant's warning to exhibit " a passion and ecstasy 

 of flight " not common in the Don. The hillsides 

 were alive with their solemn faces ; they were the 

 only living things we saw, except two old men 

 mending the road as an Irishman mends his house, 

 with the nearest promiscuous stone and a clod of 

 earth. 



When it came to the descent of the mountain, 

 we resolved to be merciful and lead the Tommies — 

 a praiseworthy benevolence, but one not valued by 

 Tom as it should have been. With stiff forelegs 

 and resentful eye, he was dragged by Miss O'Flan- 

 nigan down the immeasurable lengths of steep 

 road, protesting in every hair against a mode of 

 progress that was not, to his conservative mind, 

 justified by precedent. Moreover, being sensitive 

 to what was otitre in appearance, he may have 

 taken exception to the puggaree made by Miss 

 O'Flannigan out of bracken and a painting rag ; 

 but as, to our certain knowledge, he would have 

 hungrily eaten either if left alone with it, we can- 

 not but regard this as an affectation. 



