Part 35 (2/2)

When I was mounted, Peter kept close to my side and said:

”You're on a topper! Take him where you like, but ride your own line”

To which I replied:

”Why? Does he rush? I had thought of following you”

PETER: ”Not at all, but he may pull you a bit, so keep away from the field; the fence isn't made that he can't jump; and as for water, he's a sish I could say the saot a brook round about here with rotten banks, it will catch the best! But, if we are near each other, you o first and mine will very likely follow you I don't want to spend the night in that beastly brook”

It was a good scenting day and we did not take long to find I stuck to Peter Flohile the Bicester hounds raced across the heavy grass towards a hairy-looking ugly double In spite of the ironer's shop in Havoc's mouth, I had not the faintest control over him, so I said to Peter:

”You know, Mr Flower, I can't stop your horse!”

He looked ats!”

MARGOT: ”But I can't turn hiht Hullo!

Lookout! Look out for Hydy!”

We were going great guns I saw aup to the double, so shouted at him:

”Get out of my way! Get out ofhe would take a heavy fall and I should be on the top of hi round to see who it was that was shouting, his willing horse paused and I shot past hi away his spur in my habit skirt I heard a volley of oaths as I jule

Havoc, however, did not like the bra himself as he landed, arched with the activity of a cat over a high rail on the other side of the double; I turned round and saw Peter's horse close behind , at which Peter gave him one down the shoulder and looked furious

I had no illusions! I was on a horse that nothing could stop!

Seeing a line of s in front of ht if the brook was ahead of us I could not possibly keep close to hiht, as we approached the s Peter passed me and the water widened out in front of us; I saw by his set face that it was neck or nothing with hi ithin himself, but his stable-companion was precipitate and flurried; and before I knehat had happened Peter was in theover his head On landing Ito pull up; and when I could turn round I foundon the bank nearest to me Havoc pricked his ears, passed hiain; but the bank on landing was boggy and while ere floundering I got a pull at hi the curb-rein under my pommel and, exhausted and distressed, I ju

”We seem to be separated for life,” he said ”Do look at my damned horse!”

I looked down the water and saw the anirass and mud off the bank with perfect composure

MARGOT: ”I really believe Havoc would jump this brook for a third time and then I should be by your side What luck that you aren't soaked to the skin; hadn't I better look out for the second horsemen? Hounds by noill be at the sea and I confess I can't ride your horse: does he always pull like this?”

PETER: ”Yes, he catches hold a bit, but what do youin your skirt?”

MARGOT: ”I took it off theso sticky at the double e started”

PETER: ”Poor old Clarendon! I advise you to keep his spur, he'll never guess who took it; and, if I know anything about him, there will be no love lost between you even if you do return it to hi for another horse, as I could not bear the idea of going hole file of second horse-ht; and Peter's well-trained servant, on a thoroughbred grey, rode up to us at the conventional trot Peter lit a cigar and, pointing to the brook, said to histhat brute! Or haul hiive me my lunch”