FEATS OF HORSEMANSHIP 22 



we had been racing. As we turned into tlie defile 

 the smooth ground ceased, and we rattled over a 

 mere sheep-track against the breast of the mountain. 

 We saw the stallion disappearing far above us over 

 the crest of the mountain, and could hear Charley's 

 signal of distress. Philip pushed on, crying, " Save 

 your horse. Armorer, till you get to good ground." 

 And in a few minutes I was alone, but soon overtook 

 Charley, whose horse had fallen at a tree, and did 

 not seem much inclined to get up again. He waved 

 his whip, and I trotted slowly on, doubting if I should 

 see anything more of the stallion or the party. At 

 length I reached the top, and hearing a " coo-ey-ing," 

 I made towards a cattle-track, and found Robert 

 waiting for me. 



' " I see," said he, " that the black horse will 

 make for the flats below ; at the next turn we can see 

 for miles, so you will be sure to hit him off if your 

 Wallaby's wind holds out, and Paginton does not 

 manage him before he gets down, which I don't think 

 he will without your help." 



' This speech gave me new heart. I took a pull 

 at my little horse, touched him with the spur, and 

 found him strong and full of pace. At length we 

 crowned the crest of the dividing range, and paused 

 for a moment before descending the steep gulf that 

 offered the only path downwards. From below rose 

 through the silent air, from time to time, the distant 

 reports of the stock-whips, re-echoing from the 



