Hunting in the Golden Days. 63 



is the reason why he isn't quiet; he don't like a cold 

 saddle coming on him.' 



" So Ginger was led in, and Grumpier again mounted 

 with any amount of confidence. No sooner did he feel 

 the weight of a man on his back than up he went in a 

 most determined fashion, and with such force that his 

 head drove right through the lath and plaster of the 

 old ceiling. Slipping up at the same time, they both 

 fell over heavily on the side of the loose box, breaking 

 down the rotten wood partition. There was a great cloud 

 of dust and lime, and all that could be heard was a great 

 scrambling on the floor. Presently the atmosphere cleared 

 a little, and it was seen that Ginger had risen, and the 

 little man was in the act of doing so. 



" ' Now, then,' said the Calmer, ' don't give in ; get up 

 again ; he will remember this, and not repeat it. Re- 

 member that none but the brave deserve the fair ; get 

 up, get up, man ; what are you waiting for r ' But the 

 Grumpier had his misgivings; he, to use his own 

 favourite expression, had had a very rough passage, so 

 far this morning. 



" ' All right, sir,' he replied ; ' but might I make so 

 bold as to ask if I am to have the ten shillings you 

 mentioned r ' 



" ' Yes, if you do what I tell you, and at once, you 

 shall.' 



" This time, however, the horse allowed him to be 

 seated, and, after about ten minutes, the dealer led 

 him out into the paddock, and lunged him round for 

 half an hour with Grumpier riding him. 



'* * That is good, so far,' said the dealer. * We will 

 now see if he can jump, for I won't allow one with such 

 quarters as that to remain in my establishment if he 

 won't jump.' 



