7iV THE HIDING-SCHOOL. 67 



The party went through the streets at a rapid 

 walk, now and then meeting a horse-car, now 

 and then a stray wagon, but invariably allowed 

 to take its own way, with very little regard for 

 the rule of the road. The American who drives, 

 whatever may be his social station, admires the 

 courage of the woman who rides, but he is 

 firmly convinced that she does not understand 

 horses, and gives her all the space available 

 wherein to disport herself. 



" Are we right in placing the ladies on the 

 left ? " asked Theodore, turning to the master. 



" Of course," cried the lawyer. " We follow 

 the English rule, and the left was the place of 

 safety for the lady in the days when English 

 equestrianism was born. Travelers took the 

 left of the road, and this placed the cavalier be- 

 tween his lady and any possible danger." 



" And in the United States they take the 

 right, and she is between him and any possible 

 danger," said the master. " It is the custom, 

 but it seems illogical and foolish. True, it re- 

 moves any danger that the lady may be crushed 

 between her own horse and her escort's, but 

 who protects her from any passing car or car- 



