Chapter XII

an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury

From this reading All that Dougal and Katrin thought of was an accident.

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

anew

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading All that Dougal and Katrin thought of was an accident.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading All that Dougal and Katrin thought of was an accident.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

a gliding joint between the distal ends of the tibia and fibula and the proximal end of the talus

From this reading Or she might have sprained her ankle or even broken her arm as she fell, and been unable to move.

(psychiatry) a relatively permanent state of worry and nervousness occurring in a variety of mental disorders, usually accompanied by compulsive behavior or attacks of panic

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading Or she might have sprained her ankle or even broken her arm as she fell, and been unable to move.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

tough protective covering of the woody stems and roots of trees and other woody plants

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

to grip, cut off, or tear with or as if with the teeth or jaws

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

a slope or hillside

From this reading There was great excitement in the Tower when the gig from “the toun” was seen slowly climbing the brae.

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading Or she might have sprained her ankle or even broken her arm as she fell, and been unable to move.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

an event that involves rising to a higher point (as in altitude or temperature or intensity etc.)

From this reading There was great excitement in the Tower when the gig from “the toun” was seen slowly climbing the brae.

a disorderly outburst or tumult

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

plural of “conjecture” — a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence)

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

affected with madness or insanity

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading All that Dougal and Katrin thought of was an accident.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

divisible by two

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading There was great excitement in the Tower when the gig from “the toun” was seen slowly climbing the brae.

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading Or she might have sprained her ankle or even broken her arm as she fell, and been unable to move.

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

set up or found

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading There was great excitement in the Tower when the gig from “the toun” was seen slowly climbing the brae.

long and light rowing boat; especially for racing

From this reading There was great excitement in the Tower when the gig from “the toun” was seen slowly climbing the brae.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading There was great excitement in the Tower when the gig from “the toun” was seen slowly climbing the brae.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

a period of time assigned for work

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

be the source of pain

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading There was great excitement in the Tower when the gig from “the toun” was seen slowly climbing the brae.

the act of indulging or gratifying a desire

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

lacking practical experience or training

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading All that Dougal and Katrin thought of was an accident.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

quality of coming late or later in time

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

possessive form of “lily” — any liliaceous plant of the genus Lilium having showy pendulous flowers

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Or she might have sprained her ankle or even broken her arm as she fell, and been unable to move.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Or she might have sprained her ankle or even broken her arm as she fell, and been unable to move.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading There was great excitement in the Tower when the gig from “the toun” was seen slowly climbing the brae.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

cloth covering that forms the part of a garment below the waist

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading There was great excitement in the Tower when the gig from “the toun” was seen slowly climbing the brae.

past form of “sprain” — twist suddenly so as to sprain

From this reading Or she might have sprained her ankle or even broken her arm as she fell, and been unable to move.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading All that Dougal and Katrin thought of was an accident.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading There was great excitement in the Tower when the gig from “the toun” was seen slowly climbing the brae.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There was great excitement in the Tower when the gig from “the toun” was seen slowly climbing the brae.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading All that Dougal and Katrin thought of was an accident.

caused to fall to the ground

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

work hard

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading There was great excitement in the Tower when the gig from “the toun” was seen slowly climbing the brae.

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading There was great excitement in the Tower when the gig from “the toun” was seen slowly climbing the brae.

(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how

From this reading Or she might have sprained her ankle or even broken her arm as she fell, and been unable to move.

plural of “vision” — a vivid mental image

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading There was great excitement in the Tower when the gig from “the toun” was seen slowly climbing the brae.

the act of observing; taking a patient look

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

at the time that

From this reading There was great excitement in the Tower when the gig from “the toun” was seen slowly climbing the brae.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Almost every-body in the house was in commotion, and Beenie, half crazy with anxiety, had been at the window for hours watching for Lily’s return, and indulging in visions and conjectures which her companions knew nothing of.

(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.

but in spite of that

From this reading Though, as they assured each other, Rory’s bark was worse than his bite, it was yet quite possible that in one of his cantrips he might have thrown the inexperienced rider in her long skirt; and even if she was not hurt, she might have found it impossible to catch him again and might have to toil home on foot, which would account for the lateness of the hour.