Then, quickly, I remembered the sport before me, and the challenge to ride to the death with the rival who had crossed my path.
“Halfred,” I said.
The little man looked up from the pile of clothes he was folding in the early morning light, and stopped the gentle hissing that accompanied, and doubtless lightened, every task.
“Fasten my spurs on firmly,” I said. “I shall ride hard to-day.”
He cannot have noticed the grave note in my voice, for he replied, in his customary cheerful fashion, “If hevervthing sticks on as well as the spurs, sir, you won't 'ave nothin' to complain of.”
“I shall ride very hard, Halfred.”
“'Arder nor usual, sir?” he asked, with a look of greater interest.
