72 The Chase 



galloping full speed after the hounds, who mean- 

 while kept on their way with undiminished speed. 



After this catastrophe people began coasting up 

 and down, trying to discover a more practicable 

 place, but none seemingly was to be found, whilst 

 every moment was precious, as the sight of the 

 already lessening pack rendered patent. 



" We must chance it," said Valentine hurriedly 

 to Mr. Macdonald, who happened at that instant to 

 be close by her side. " If we don't we shall lose 

 the run, and get left behind altogether." 



He looked into her face, and saw that it was 

 bright with pleasure, whilst her small delicate 

 features wore an expression of unusual decision. 



" All right," he said. *' Let me have a shy at it 

 first. Tippety-witchet may very likely make a 

 gap or break down the far rail, in either of which 

 cases it will be easier for you to follow." 



But the words were hardly out of his mouth 

 before she tightened her rein, pulled Beauty-boy 

 back almost into a trot, and set him straight but 

 very slowly at the fence. The beautiful creature 

 seemed to know by instinct what his mistress re- 

 quired of him, for he went quietly up to it, steadied 

 himself deliberately on his haunches before taking 

 off, made a powerful spring, and then, when in the 

 air, seeing the double obstacle, dropped down like a 

 hawk on to its prey, and popped cleverly over the 

 far oxer. 



It was a masterly performance, denoting wonder- 

 ful confidence on the part of both rider and horse. 

 Without it such an achievement would have been 

 an impossibility. " Bravo ! " shouted the lookers- 

 on after their receding forms, whilst Valentine, her 

 heart big with triumphant elation, leant forward and 

 patted Beauty-boy's warm neck. 



