"Fräulein Lieschen sent Master Fritz to tell me to saddle him."
"Another of her crazy notions. She probably supposes that the Herr Candidate has six necks and will not mind breaking one. Soliman will throw him before he is fairly in the saddle."
"So I think, Herr Lieutenant. It will never do. But I have Fräulein Lieschen's orders."
"You're right, old fellow, there's no gainsaying them. Go on, saddle Soliman for the Candidate; it will be a very interesting sight. What is it to me," Albrecht muttered to himself, "if the insolent scoundrel breaks a leg or an arm? it will teach him to know his place."
He rode across the court-yard to the side-entrance, where Egon and Lieschen were already waiting, Lieschen looking wonderfully lovely in her close-fitting habit and little round hat set jauntily upon her golden curls.
"I am glad you have come, Cousin Albrecht," she called out to the Lieutenant. "Herr Pigglewitch has taken it into his head to ride Soliman, because there is no other riding-horse in the stables except yours. I have allowed myself to be persuaded to have him saddled, but I knew I was wrong. Now you can relieve my mind, cousin, by offering Herr Pigglewitch your other horse."
"I would do Be with pleasure," the Lieutenant replied, "were I not convinced that Herr Pigglewitch rides as admirably as he plays billiards. It would be an insult to him to dissuade him from riding Soliman, who is fiery, to be sure, but much better than his reputation. If, however, Herr Pigglewitch is afraid----"
"No need to discuss my state of mind, Herr Lieutenant," Egon said, sharply.
"Beg pardon, I meant no offence, but only to offer you my lamb-like riding-horse, should Soliman be too fiery for you."
"Thanks, I prefer to ride Soliman."