"I promised my sister to be at home to-night, and I must keep my word.

See how narrow the creek is here! Good-by, I cannot wait any longer, it is getting dark." "Don't, try it, please don't, Mr.William," again said Mrs.Jones.All the children joined her, some entreating William, others crying out at the danger into which their favorite was rushing.
"Why, you cowards," cried William, "you make more noise than the creek itself.

Here's something for gingerbread." None of the children offered to pick up the money which fell among them, but looked anxiously after William, to see what he was going to do.
"Mr.William," said Mrs.Jones, "come back; look at the water a roaring and tossing, and your horse is restless already with the noise.

Don't throw your life away; think of your sister." "I'm thinking of her, good Mrs.Jones.Never fear for me," said he, looking back at her with a smile, at the same time urging his horse toward the edge of the creek, where there was a gradual descent from the hill.
As Mrs.Jones had said, the horse had already become restless, he was impatiently moving his head, prancing and striking his hoofs against the hard ground.

William restrained him, as he too quickly descended the path, and it may be the young man then hesitated, as he endeavored to check him, but it was too late.