"I cannot commission you to fetch help," he said; "but you may help me a little yourself, if you will be so kind."

     "Yes, sir."

     "You have not an umbrella that I can use as a stick?"

     "No."

     "Try to get hold of my horse's bridle and lead him to me: you are not afraid?"

     I should have been afraid to touch a horse when alone, but when told to do it, I was disposed to obey. I put down my muff on the stile, and went up to the tall steed; I endeavoured to catch the bridle, but it was a spirited thing, and would not let me come near its head; I made effort on effort, though in vain: meantime, I was mortally afraid of its trampling fore-feet. The traveller waited and watched for some time, and at last he laughed.