Itslegsstretchedoutsofaritsbodyalmosttouchedtheground，anditliftedupandsweptovertherails。Shetookourmeadowfencelengthwiselike，andatthehitchingrackshethrewthebridleoverthepost，dismounted，andthenIsawshehadbeenridingastride，likeaman。Iranbeforeherandopenedthesitting-roomdoor，butnoonewasthere，soIwentontothedining-room。Fatherhadcomein，andmotherwassittinginherchair。BothofthemlookedatthePrincessandneversaidaword。
Shestoppedinsidethedining-roomdoorandspokebreathlessly，asifsheaswellasthehorsehadraced。
“IhopeI’mnotintruding，“shesaid，“butamannorthofustoldourThomasinthevillagethatrobbershadtakenquitealargesumofhiddenmoneyyouheldforthecounty，andchurch，andofyourown，andyourgun，andgotawaywhileyouwereatchurchlastnight。Isittrue？“
“Practically，“saidmyfather。
Thenmymothermotionedtowardachair。