He was prevented.
As they went slowly along, Ellen still clasping the Brownie's
neck, and resolved to cling to him to the last, Mr. Saunders
making him caper in a way very uncomfortable to her, one was
too busy, and the other too deafened by fear, to notice the
sound of fast-approaching hoofs behind them. It happened that
John Humphreys had passed the night at Ventnor; and having an
errand to do for a friend at Thirlwall, had taken that road,
which led him but a few miles out of his way, and was now at
full speed on his way home. He had never made the Brownie's
acquaintance, and did not recognise Ellen as he came up; but
in passing them, some strange notion crossing his mind he
wheeled his horse round directly in front of the astonished
pair. Ellen quitted her pony's neck, and stretching out both
arms towards him, exclaimed, almost shrieked, "Oh, John! John!
send him away! make him let me go!"
"What are you about, Sir?" said the new-comer, sternly.
"It's none of your business!" answered Mr. Saunders, in whom
rage for the time overcame cowardice.
"Take your hand off the bridle!" — with a slight touch of the
riding-whip upon the hand in question.
"Not for you, brother," said Mr. Saunders, sneeringly; — "I'll
walk with any lady I've a mind to. Look out for yourself!"
"We will dispense with your further attendance," said John,
coolly. "Do you hear me? do as I order you!"
The speaker did not put himself in a passion, and Mr.
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