"We knew that if there was any way out of the difficulty, you would be sure to see it." The General bowed in acknowledgment of the compliment, and the brothers turned their horses about and rode away.

When they reached the barn Don was willing to confess that he was very tired.

Riding on horseback is hard work for one who is stiff in every joint and lame all over; but Don could not think of going into the house and taking a rest.

He had been a close prisoner there for a whole week, and now that he had taken a breath of fresh air and stirred his sluggish blood with a little exhilarating exercise, he could not bear to go back to his sofa again.

He proposed that they should leave their ponies at the barn and go up to David's in the canoe.