A RIDE WITH A MAD HORSE IN A CAR. 229 



•VTith the phrenetic horse. He is unconscious in his 

 violence. He sees and recognizes no one. There 

 is no method or purpose in his madness. He kills 

 without knowing it. 



" I knew what was coming. I could not jump out ; 

 that would be certain death. I must abide in the 

 car and take my chance of life. The car was for- 

 tunately high, long, and roomy. I took my position 

 in front of my horse, watchful and ready to spring. 

 Suddenly her lids, which had been closed, came 

 open with a snap, as if an electric shock had passed 

 through her, and the eyes, wild in their brightness, 

 stared directly at me. And what eyes they were ! 

 The membrane grew red and redder, until it was of 

 the color of blood, standing out in frightful contrast 

 with the transparency of the cornea. The pupil 

 gradually dilated until it seemed about to burst 

 out of the socket. The nostrils, which had been 

 sunken and motionless, quivered, swelled, and 

 glowed. The respiration became short, quick, and 

 gasping. The limp and drooping ears stiffened and 

 stood erect, pricked sharply forward, as if to catch 

 the slightest sound. Spasms, as the car swerved 

 and vibrated, ran through her frame. More horrid 

 than all, the lips slowly contracted, and the white, 

 sharp-edged teeth stood uncovered, giving an in- 

 describable look of ferocity to the partially opened 

 mouth ! The car suddenly reeled as it dashed 

 around a curve, swaying her almost off her feet. 



