"But I think I can keep my balance," replied Johnny; "and of course I can't learn to ride while Katie is holding the wheel still."
"Oh, let go of it!" said Felix. "I don't believe he would fall; anyway, he can jump off: he'll only waver around a little, but he's got to do that before he learns."
"Move it over gently, Katie," said Mrs. Le Bras.
Kate tried to do this; but in moving her hands to turn the wheel, Johnny, who was working the pedals, eluded her, and sailed off into the garden. After he had gone a little way, the bicycle wavered to the left. Sue shrieked; Kate rushed forward with outstretched arms; and Mrs. Le Bras called out, "Jump off, Johnny!" But Johnny quickly recovered his balance, and went bravely on down the garden-walk.
"I knew he wasn't going to fall off," said Felix. "He's getting on all right."
Johnny experienced a slight difficulty in turning around the walk at the foot of the garden, but performed that feat without falling, and arrived safely at the platform amid hearty congratulations, and loud clapping of hands.
"I knew that boy could do any thing he undertook," said Kate admiringly; for she was very fond of Johnny.
"All that is necessary," said Johnny, "is to preserve the centre of gravity."
Johnny then took a more extensive tour, going around the house, and making another circuit of the yard.
"I guess I can try the street now," he said: "I might as well get really used to it while I am about it. I don't go very straight yet: but there are ever so many beginners who go on the street; I see them almost every day."