"Put me up--Dad!" He was not a man of quick mind, his brain having been too many years bemuddled with drink, but he had a rough instinct which showed him all the wondrous shrewdness of her casting that last word at him to wheedle him, even though she looked sullen in the saying it.

It made him roar again for very exultation.
"Put me up, Dad!" he cried.

"That will I--and see what thou wilt do." He lifted her, she springing as he set his hands beneath her arms, and flinging her legs over astride across the saddle when she reached it.

She was all fire and excitement, and caught the reins like an old huntsman, and with such a grasp as was amazing.

She sat up with a straight, strong back, her whole face glowing and sparkling with exultant joy.