"He'll break his neck!"
"I trust not."
CHAPTER III
DISASTER
Old Dobbin pricked up his ears and kept royally to his task as he seemed to enter into the excitement of the moment.
Andy had practiced on the animal on several previous occasions. Lumps of sugar and apples had rewarded Dobbin at the end of the performances for his faithful services. He seemed now to remember this, as he galloped along towards the waiting group down the road.
Sometimes Andy had made the horseback somersault successfully. Sometimes he had failed ignominiously and tumbled to the ground. Just now he felt no doubt of the result. The padded cushion cover was broad and steady.
He kept the horse close to the inner edge of the road. The tree stump upon which Alf Warren stood just lined it.
By holding the hoop extended straight out, the horse's body would pass directly under this.
Nearer and nearer steed and rider approached the point of interest.