Ragamuffin, the roan, was surprised when his mistress picked him up immediately she entered the Paddock Close and pushed him into a canter.
CHAPTER XIV
Old Man Badger
Ragamuffin was old, but his heart was good. Directly his mistress asked him he snatched for his head and went away smooth and swift as a racing boat.
Boy pulled off to the right and made for the clump of trees half-way up the hill.
The gypsy's mare was grazing by herself behind them.
The girl steadied to a halt and watched her critically, calling Billy Bluff to heel.
She didn't want the boisterous young dog to worry the old mare just now, and it was clear that Four Pound didn't want it either.
As Billy Bluff skirmished about, she put back her ears and lowered her head with an irritable motion; but she was far too lazy to make the charge she threatened.
The girl's inspection made, and conclusions drawn, she pursued her way up the hill, popped her pony over the low post and rails which fenced off the Paddock Close from the untamed Downs, and walked leisurely over the brow, the gorse warm and smelling in the sun.