"PATROCLUS 



183 



occasional bit of rouglier work. By no means. My " Pa- 

 troclus," the instant I took up the reins, used to give me 

 the most deHcate touch of the bit, and keep it so hour 

 after hour; but if I wanted a mile or two with the 

 hounds, I could let out a link of his curb -chain, use the 

 bridoon rather more than the bit, and Pat would take 





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CAPRIOLE 



hold of me enough not to mind a twitch on the bit if, in 

 going over an awkward place, I did the trick less well 

 than he ; and at once, on stopping him, fresh or winded, 

 he was ready to give me his school-head again without 

 fret or bore. Any horse can learn to do — almost as much. 

 What can the high-scliool rider do? you ask. Well, 



