I also brought out from the dresser a few raw eggs, to break into a tumbler and swallow whole; for Hilda and I needed food almost as sorely as the poor beast herself.

There was something gruesome in thus rummaging about for bread and meat in the dead woman's cupboard, while she herself lay there on the floor; but one never realises how one will act in these great emergencies until they come upon one.

Hilda, still calm with unearthly calmness, took a couple of loaves from my hand, and began feeding the pony with them.

"Go and draw water for her," she said, simply, "while I give her the bread; that will save time.

Every minute is precious." I did as I was bid, not knowing each moment but that the insurgents would return.