'Mount, gentlemen!' cried Mr. Dillon, as, with watch in hand, he ascended a little platform in front of the weighing-stand.
I had but time to throw one glance at my horse when the Major gave me his hand to lift me into the saddle.
'After you, sir,' said Mr. Burke, with a mock politeness, as he drew back to permit me to pass out first.
I touched my horse gently with the snaffle, but he stood stock-still; I essayed again, but with no better success. The place was too crowded to permit of any attempt to bully him, so I once more tried gentle means. It was of no use—he stood rooted to the ground. Before I could determine what next to do, Mahon sprang forward and took him by the head, when the animal walked quietly forward without a show of restiveness.
'He's a droll devil,' said the groom, 'and in one of his odd humours this morning, for that's what I never saw him do before.'
I could see as I passed out that this little scene, short as it was, had not impressed the bystanders with any exalted notion of my horsemanship; for although there was nothing actually to condemn, my first step did not seem to augur well. Having led me forth before the stand, the Major pointed with his finger to the line of country before me, and was repeating the priest's injunctions, when Mr. Burke rode up to my side, and, with a smile of very peculiar meaning, said—
'Are you ready now, sir?'
I nodded assent. The Major let go the bridle.
'We are all ready, Dillon!' cried Burke, turning in his saddle.
'All ready!' repeated Dillon; 'then away!'