They laughed outright.

“Mary, shall we tell Frank what we intend those herbs for?”

“By no means, he does not deserve to know.”

“Ah!  I see Terence was right after all, in his opinion of woman’s nature—­’When you request, they refuse; when you forbid, they are sure to do it.’”

“Come, girls, come!  I have business at home;” said Mr. Hamilton, and they set out homeward.  They had not proceeded far, when Mary exclaimed, pointing behind her,

“Oh, uncle, that woman will be killed!  Can nobody help her?”

“She will certainly be thrown from her horse!”

A party of five or six Mexicans were riding with their usual rapidity toward them.  An elderly woman in the rear had evidently lost control of her fiery horse, which was plunging violently.  The other members of the company seemed unable to render any assistance, as their own could scarcely be restrained.  The unfortunate Senora was almost paralyzed with fright; for instead of checking him by the reins, they had fallen over his head, become entangled in his feet, and, now grasping the mane, she was shrieking fearfully.

“Oh, can’t we do something for her!” cried Mary, clasping her hands.

“I do not see how we can assist her,” said Mr. Hamilton.

“At least, let us try;” and they hastened to the spot where the infuriated animal was struggling.

“Stand back, girls! you can do nothing.”

He made several ineffectual attempts to catch the bridle, as the forefeet rose in air, and at last succeeded in getting one end.  He bade the woman let go the mane, and slide off.  She did so, but some portion of her dress was caught in the saddle, and she hung suspended.  The horse feeling the movement, again plunged, despite Mr. Hamilton’s efforts to hold him down.  The scene was distressing indeed, as she was raised and then, flung down again.

Mary saw the danger, and rushing round the enraged horse, fearlessly pushed off the piece which was attached to the pommel of the saddle, and freed the unfortunate matron.  The horse, feeling relieved of his burden, gave a desperate bound, and rushed off down the street.

Florence shrieked, and sprung to her father’s side.  Mary was bending over the moaning woman, but turned suddenly, and saw her uncle stretched at Florence’s feet.  He was insensible, and a stream of blood oozed from his lips.  They raised his head, and motioned to the Mexicans, that now gathered round, for water; some was hastily procured, and then Mary entreated one of them to go for Dr. Bryant:  as she spoke, the tramp of hoofs caused her to look up, and she perceived him urging his horse toward them.  He flung the reins to a man who stood near, and bent over the prostrate form.

“There is some internal injury, I see no outward wound; how did this happen?”

Florence briefly explained the manner in which her father received a kick on the chest.  Happily, they were near their own home, and, with the assistance of two men, Dr. Bryant carefully bore him in, and laid him on a couch near the open window.  A restorative was administered, and soon the sufferer opened his eyes.  The flow of blood had ceased, but he lay quite exhausted.