"He's jealous, is old Rags," smiled Monkey.
The girl went to the roan.
"Now, then, old man," she said. "Old friends first."
She saddled him and led him out into the yard.
Attached to the d's of the light saddle was a string forage bag such as cavalry soldiers carry. Into it she stuffed her towel and all that it contained.
Monkey Brand held the pony's head as she mounted.
"How's the old mare?" she asked, gathering her reins.
"Four Pound?" queried the jockey. "I didn't see her this morning as I come along, Miss. She must ha' been layin' behind the trees. Another week, I should say."
"William!" called the girl, and rode through the gate into the Paddock Close.