"James, I regret that I urged you to ride him. You will be hurt," she said. Her worry was plainly visible on her face.
James smiled his pleasantest and touched his hat.
"Very well, then; I have warned you. If he bolts, head him for a tree.
That's the only way to stop him."
James shortened the bridle-rein to the required length, took a firm grip on Pirate's mane, and vaulted into the saddle. Pirate stood perfectly still. He shook his head. James talked to him and patted his sleek neck, and touched him gently with his heel. Then things livened up a bit. Pirate waltzed, reared, plunged, and started to do the pas seul on the flower-beds. Then he immediately changed his mind. He decided to re-enter the stables.
"Don't let him get his head down!" yelled William, nimbly jumping over a bed of poppies and taking his position beside his mistress.
"The gates, William! The gates!" cried the girl, excitedly. "Only one is open. He will not be able to get through."
William scampered down the driveway and swung back the iron barrier. None too soon! Like a black shadow, Pirate flashed by, his rider's new derby rolling in the dust.
The girl stood in the doorway, her hands pressed against her heart. She was as white as the clouds that sailed overhead.