This produced a universal uproar--each fighting for
precedency, and thoroughly determined not to be the last. I soon beheld
a dark object moving near, and the next minute I was overjoyed to find
my recreant steed, quietly searching amongst the tufted moss and
sea-reed for a scanty supper. My associates knew not what to make of
this discovery. Some of them, I believe, eyed him with deep suspicion;
and more than one glance was given at his hoofs to see if they were not
cloven.
Order, however, being re-established, we again set forward with what
proved a useful auxiliary to our train. We had not travelled far ere I
was again aware of the peculiar snort by which he manifested his alarm;
and it was with difficulty I got him onwards a few paces, when he stood
still, his head drawn back, as if from some object that lay in his path.
I knew the cause of his terror, and, giving the bridle to one of my
attendants, cautiously proceeded, followed by the maiden and her lover;
who, to do him justice, showed a tolerable share of courage--at any
rate, in the presence of his mistress. At length I recognised the spot,
where, yet unmoved, lay the bleeding carcase.
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