“Keep those elbows in and your toes well up. Straighter, straighter. That’s right. Once more—forward at a walk.”
The horse started again, and as soon as the rider was out of hearing Wyatt spoke.
“Promises well, Sergeant.”
“Yes, sir; not the first time he has been on a horse.—Trot!” he shouted, and the horse broke into a long, swinging stride, throwing his rider up so high that Dick felt how well his mount merited the term rough; but the lad kept his place pretty well, and as they reached the sergeant again a sharp “Halt!” rang out, the horse stopped short, and Dick went right forward upon the neck.
“I said ‘Halt!’” cried the sergeant grimly. “Get back in your place, sir, and keep there. We ride on a horse’s back, an elephant’s neck, and the ears keep you from going any forwarder.”
“The old joke, Stubbs,” said Wyatt softly.
“Yes, sir; I have used it a good many times with recruits,” said the sergeant grimly. Then to his pupil, “Now, sir, keep in your place this time.”
“Yes. That was bad,” said Dick.
“Silence! Advance at a walk.”
The horse moved off again.