"Who rides first?" said he.
I was a little disappointed at this, for I had supposed that we should all ride at once. Still, I was comforted that he had not merely said, "Who rides?"—but "Who rides first?"—implying that we were all to ride in turn. Phaeton stepped forward, and his uncle lifted him upon the horse, and put the bridle-reins into his hand.
"I think you won't need any whip," said he, as he turned and went into the house.
The horse walked slowly down till he came to a full stop, with his breast against the front gate.
"Open the gate, Ned," said Phaeton.
"I can't do it, unless you back him," answered Ned. This was true, for the gate opened inward.
"Back, Dobbin!" said Phaeton, in a stern voice of authority, giving a vigorous jerk upon the reins.
But Dobbin didn't back an inch.
"Why don't you back him?" said Ned, as if it were the easiest thing in the world.
"Why don't you open that gate?" said Phaeton.