Page:Possession (Roche, February 1923).pdf/35

 led quietly through the break in the fence by the crestfallen men.

Derek could not but admire Hobbs for accomplishing in a flash what all these fellows had failed to do. He came up laughing, his face red, and self-conscious.

"I have to show 'em, every now and then," he said. "But it's nothing to be cock-a-hoop about. Any live man could have done it. Miss Jerrold and her father saw the whole thing. They are in the meadow beyond on their horses."

He pointed beyond the pasture. Derek saw a man on a tall grey horse, and a woman on a slender chestnut. She rode side-saddle. He could see a gleam of bright brown hair beneath her small black hat. He said:

"Mr. Jerrold looks to be a big man."

"He's the biggest man, and the handsomest man in the county. There's just the two of them. Always together. Come on across and I'll give ye an introduction."

"Thanks, not today. I'll have to see about my horse. He's bleeding pretty freely."

"Better telephone for the vet., and have him put a few stitches in. And you ought to get rid of those little Welsh devils. They're a perfect nuisance. They were just pets of your uncle's. Odd old fellow."

Derek resented Hobbs's interference. He determined to keep the ponies. Leaving Hobbs abruptly, he went to them where they stood together beneath a tree in the lane, reaching up with soft lips for the tender foliage. He patted the moist, shaggy sides, and they turned to stare at him, slowly drawing in the green leaves that projected from the corners of their mouths.

Looking up he saw that Hobbs had crossed the pasture and was talking to the Jerrolds. Telling them, doubtless, that he was not cock-a-hoop over what he had done. Per-