Her fears were not lessened by hearing that in several places the very road was undermined; and she was thankful when Richard--himself rendered uneasy by the precious cargo he bore--got out and walked at the horse's head.

They drew up before a public-house.

Cramped from sitting and numb with cold, Polly climbed stiffly down as bidden; and Mahony having unloaded the baggage, mounted to his seat again to drive the cart into the yard.

This was a false move, as he was quick to see: he should not have left Polly standing alone.

For the news of the arrival of "Doc." Mahony and his bride flew from mouth to mouth, and all the loafers who were in the bar turned out to stare and to quiz.