"What's the matter with him? He looks all right, anyway he's got to go."
"Hector, I wish you'd give it up," said Lucy, laying her hand on his arm; "for my sake, please do."
"Nonsense, Lucy, it's all right. Cyclops won't fall, will he, Peter?"
"I wouldn't bet about it; he might; I wouldn't trust him."
"You see, Hector, even his owner doesn't think it safe. Besides, you're not fit to ride; you look so white and strange, doesn't he, Captain Carson?"
"Oh, I don't know, Mrs. Graeme, a bit pale perhaps, but that doesn't go for much." Then aside to Hector. "You look like a ghost, man, don't be a fool, give it up, as your wife wants you to. It's not the game to frighten her like this."
"There's the bell," answered Hector. "Give me a leg up, Peter. Hold his head, confound you," to the sais. "All right, I'm up. Chor do.[#] Steady, you brute," and Graeme rode away, Cyclops now as quiet as a lamb.
[#] Let go.
"Oh, Captain Carson, I do hate it so," said Lucy, looking after him, "I feel certain something's going to happen."
"Not it, Mrs. Graeme, see how nice and quiet the pony's going."