You will catch your death of cold, I know.

And such a mess your clothes will be! But I only wonder you are not killed--trying to ride a mad witch's horse like that is." The minister made no reply.

The situation transcended words.

And did not allow even of sympathy, as his visitors evidently thought--not at least until he got on some clean and dry clothes.

So they simply shook their heads, and took their course homewards.