for their ponies to try the leap the old groom had mentioned to them.

He had already saddled them, and a few minutes after, they came through
the small paddock in front of the spot.

It was rather an awkward hedge, though not a very high one with a broad
stream of running water the other side.

Old Ben began to get a little nervous as he saw the boys eyeing the leap
rather doubtfully.

"Has the hedge grown since our fathers were little boys?" asked Dudley.

"A wee bit, perhaps, though we do keep it cut pretty much to the same
level. It's a deal thicker than it used to be, but don't you try it if
you hain't sure of your ponies. It 'ud be a awful thing if you hurt
yourself and couldn't do it!"

[Illustration: "'He's dead, Ben! he's dead!"]

"If we try it at all, we shall do it," said Roy, spiritedly, and then
he and Dudley rode back to put their steeds to a gallop.

Old Ben watched them breathlessly. Dudley seemed to be hesitating.

"I say, old fellow, don't let us do it to-night."

Roy's look was one of astonishment mingled with a little contempt.

"Not do it! Are you afraid?"