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that the dance at Mrs. Osgoods was past, he was irritated with himself that he had trusted his horse to Dunstan. Instead of trying to still his fears he encouraged them, with that superstitious impression which clings to us all, that if we expect evil very strongly it is the less likely to come; and when he heard a horse approaching at a trot, and saw a hat rising above a hedge beyond an angle of the lane, he felt as if his conjuration had succeeded. But no sooner did the horse come within sight than his heart sank again. It was not Wildfire; and in a few moments more he discerned that the rider was not Dunstan, but Bryce, who pulled up to speak, with a face that implied something disagreeable. Well, Mr. Godfrey, thats a lucky brother of yours, that Master Dunsey; isnt he? What do you mean? said Godfrey hastily. Why, hasnt he been home yet? said Bryce. Home? no. What has happened? Be quick. What has he done with my horse? Ah! I thought it was yours, though he pretended you had parted with it to him. Has he thrown him down and broken his knees? said Godfrey, flushed with exasperation. Worse than that, said Bryce. You see, Id made a bargain with him to buy the horse for a hundred and twentya swinging price; but I always liked the horse. And what does he do but go and stake himfly at a hedge with stakes in it, atop of a bank with a ditch before it. The horse had been dead a pretty good while when he was found. So he hasnt been home since, has he? Home? No, said Godfrey; and hed better keep away. Confound me for a fool! I might have known this would be the end of it. Well, to tell you the truth, said Bryce, after Id bargained for the horse it did come into my head that he might be riding and selling the horse without your knowledge, for I didnt believe it was his own. I knew Master Dunsey was up to his tricks sometimes. But where can he be gone? Hes never been seen at Batherley. He couldnt have been hurt, for he must have walked off. Hurt? said Godfrey bitterly. Hell never be hurt; hes made to hurt other people. And so you did give him leave to sell the horse, eh? said Bryce. Yes. I wanted to part with the horse; he was always a little too hard in the mouth for me, said Godfrey, his pride making him wince under the idea that Bryce guessed the sale to be a matter of necessity. I was going to see after him; I thought some mischief had happened. Ill go back now, he added, turning the horses head, and wishing he could get rid of Bryce; for he felt that the long-dreaded crisis in his life was close upon him. Youre coming on to Raveloe, arent you? Well, no, not now, said Bryce. I was coming round there, for I had to go to Flitton, and I thought I might as well take you in my way, and just let you know all I knew myself about the horse. I suppose Master Dunsey didnt like to show himself till the ill news had blown over a bit. Hes perhaps gone to pay a visit at the Three Crowns, by Whitbridge; I know hes fond of the house. Perhaps he is, said Godfrey, rather absently. Then rousing himself, he said, with an effort at carelessness, We shall hear of him soon enough, Ill be bound. Well, heres my turning, said Bryce, not surprised to perceive that Godfrey was rather down; so Ill bid you good-day, and wish I may bring you better news another time. Godfrey rode along slowly, representing to himself the scene of confession to his father from which he felt that there was now no longer any escape. The revelation about the money must be made the very |
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