AN ENCOUNTER. 
283 
burst into tears, when suddenly I remembered 
that bulls, and even mad people, may be quelled 
by the power of the eye. A locket which had 
escaped from under my dress as I jolted down- 
wards seemed the special object of attraction. 
Every dozen steps he turned to examine it, then 
he would stroke me graciously, and I, recalling 
I-L’s injunction never to show fear, reciprocated 
by gently patting his greasy back. But I kept 
a firm grasp of my parasol handle, and never re* 
laxed my unflinching stare, while with most 
self-possessed manner and easy nods I indi- 
cated that he must precede me. There was 
little use in getting angry ; he had a large knife 
against my parasol handle. The only \va} T was 
to divert him until we reached the confines of 
civilised life. For two hours I drove that man 
before me ; but when we came in sight of the 
monastery of Lahany I got imperious, and com- 
manded him to leave me. Then I sat down and 
gave vent to my pent-up feelings, for I had 
passed through the severest trial of my courage 
yet required of me. 
It was late when I reached the town, and, hot 
and nervous, I went into the agent’s house to 
rest before proceeding to the Palazzio. Sitting 
there at refreshment, I heard my name spoken 
