Page:Hornung - Irralies Bushranger.djvu/143

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THE REAL THING
131

"Try me. I should then discover the open prison and my own crime! It would be very neat."

"You beast!" said Irralie.

"Thank you. I am one. But it's your own fault, Miss Villiers, if you force me to show my bestial side to you; I assure you I've no wish to do so. I want a horse. You took the one that was here, and you will very kindly help me to find another."

"Very well," said Irralie, wondering whether Fullarton was yet half-way to the police-barracks. "We must go to the horse-paddock. You lead the way."

"No. I prefer to see you in front of me. And I shall need saddle and bridle, so you will be good enough to show me to the saddle-room. But please, my dear young lady, to remember that one cry——"

"Oh, I'm not likely to forget that!"

And Irralie led him out, and round the building to the saddle-room door, with a coolness that surprised herself. But she was still thinking more of the honest man who