A Lucky Magpie 163 



If I am not back after your dinner, John,' 

 she said, ' come and tidy up this bed under 

 the window, for I shall have to sow my annuals 

 soon.' 



' I got the pony ready, and off she went, 

 holding the reins and whip as if ponies were 

 almost as unruly animals as boys. Then I 

 started for my walk, delivered the note, and 

 turned homewards by a field-path to try for a 

 look at the hounds, for they had met that day 

 near our village. I missed them, however ; but 

 on getting over a stile I saw a gentleman in 

 scarlet trying to catch his horse. He had been 

 thrown, and his horse was having a fine time 

 of it ; grazing quietly till his master was within 

 a yard or two of him, and then throwing up 

 his heels and scampering off. Of course I 

 joined in the chase, for I was pretty well used 

 to these tricks from our pony ; and the gentle- 

 man, who was out of breath, sat down and 

 watched me. It was a long job, but at last I 

 pinned him in a corner, and brought him, well 

 pleased, to his master, who praised me kindly, 

 and put his hand in his pocket as he mounted. 



M 2 



