Before the frightened donkey could swerve, Tony had seized him--by the tail--and had braced himself against a boulder.

It was not a dignified rescue, but at least it was effective; Fidilini came to a halt.

Constance, not expecting the sudden jolt, toppled over sidewise, and Tony, being equally unprepared to receive her, the two went down together rolling over and over on the grassy slope.
"My dear, are you hurt ?" Mr.Wilder, quite pale with anxiety, came scrambling to her side.
Constance sat up and laughed hysterically, while she examined a bleeding elbow.
"N--no, not dangerously--but I think perhaps Tony is." Tony however was at least able to run, as he was again on his feet and after the donkey.

Captain Coroloni and her father helped Constance to her feet while Lieutenant di Ferara recovered a side-comb and the white sun hat.

They all climbed down together to the path below, none the worse for the averted tragedy.