The course of the road was by the river's side for nearly half a mile,
and crossed the stream at a wooden bridge but a few rods from the
place where the boys were fishing.
Bobby Bright's impulses were noble and generous; and without stopping
to consider the peril to which the attempt would expose him, he boldly
resolved to stop that horse, or let the animal dash him to pieces on
the bridge.
"Now or never!" shouted he, as he leaped from the rock, and ran with
all his might to the bridge.
The shrieks of the lady rang in his ears, and seemed to command him,
with an authority which he could not resist, to stop the horse. There
was no time for deliberation; and, indeed, Bobby did not want any
deliberation. The lady was in danger; if the horse's flight was not
checked, she would be dashed in pieces; and what then could excuse him
for neglecting his duty? Not the fear of broken limbs, of mangled
flesh, or even of a sudden and violent death.
It is true Bobby did not think of any of these things; though, if he
had, it would have made no difference with him. He was a boy who would
not fight except in self-defence, but he had the courage to do a deed
which might have made the stoutest heart tremble with terror.
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25