Page:Maud Howe - A Newport Aquarelle.djvu/45

 Gladys was among the foremost riders, and Farwell and Larkington pressed their horses to keep at her side.

Away they galloped across stubble-fields and open meadows, taking a five-barred gate here, and a water jump there, as they came. No side roads or opened gates for Gladys; she loved the excitement of the run as much as did her sorrel, Nimbus.

He was a splendid beast, strong, powerfully built, and in fine condition.

Before they had ridden three miles it became apparent to both of the cavaliers that Gladys had the best mount, and it was with difficulty that the two men kept at her side.

She spoke to Larkington occasionally, but oftener to her horse, which she encouraged by calling his name constantly. At last, after a run of about seven miles, during which several ugly croppers were taken by some of the riders and horses, a little puppy fox was seen to issue from the leathern bag