17. XVII.
After leaving them, Pelayo went forth into the
country, having a secret object and without a thought,
save only of the duty he had before him. He now
rambled along a narrow valley, on either hand of which
rose the towering sierras, dark, steep, and lonely. The
solemn silence of the scene suited well with his musing
temperament; but his meditations were interrupted by
the sudden appearance of a steed, bounding with head-long
course along the narrow gorge, and making directly
towards the spot on which he stood. As he approached,
Pelayo saw that he had been recently mounted, and
most probably had thrown his rider, for the saddle was
upon his back, and the housings were all in order, as
for a journey. Down, as the steed came forward, Pelayo
leaped from the little crag, and throwing himself
directly upon the path of the fugitive, spoke to him in a
voice of authority. The animal stopped at the instant,
even as if he had known the voice, then half receded,
and lifted his head in air, but without other motion.
Pelayo advanced and seized upon his bridle. Another
instant found him upon the back of the now completely
docile animal, and turning his head again upon the
path which he had overrun, the prince now sought with
him to find his owner.
