got my- foot clear from the stirrup. 
Then I let go just as Blondey was 
gathering himself together for another 
ditch. 
I was stunned, but escaped any seri- 
ous hurt. Nimrod was a great deal 
more undone than I. He had not dared 
to go fast for fear of making Blondey 
go faster, and he now came rushing up, 
with the fear of death upon his face 
and the most terrible swears on his lips. 
Although a good deal shaken, I be- 
gan to laugh, the combination was so 
incongruous. Nimrod rarely swears, 
and was now quite unconscious what 
his tongue was doing. Upon being as- 
sured that all was well, he started after 
Blondey and soon brought him back to 
me; but while he was gone the imp and 
I had a mortal combat. 
I did up my hair, rearranged my 
see ee 
