briefly. He would ride Pirate now, even if Pirate had been sired in
Beelzebub's stables. He carefully inspected the saddle, the stirrup-
straps and the girth. "Very good, indeed. Buckles on saddles are
always a hidden menace and a constant danger. Now, bring out Pirate,
William."

William brought out the horse, who snorted when he saw the saddle on
the floor and the curb on Warburton's arm.

"There hasn't been anybody on his back for a year, sir; not since
last winter. He's likely to give you trouble," said the boy. "You
can't put that curb on him, sir; he won't stand for it a moment. Miss
Annesley, hadn't you better step outside? He may start to kicking.
That heavy English snaffle is the best thing I know of. Try that,
sir. And don't let him get his head down, or he'll do you. Whoa!" as
Pirate suddenly took it into his head to leave the barn without any
one's permission.

The girl sprang lightly into one of the empty stalls and waited. She
was greatly excited, and the color in her cheeks was not borrowed
from the poppies. She saw the new groom take Pirate by the forelock,
and, quicker than words can tell, Mr. Pirate was angrily champing the
cold bit. He reared. Warburton caught him by the nose and the neck.
Pirate came down, trembling with rage.

"Here, boy; catch him here," cried Warburton. William knew his
business, and he grasped the bridle close under Pirate's jaws.
"That's it. Now hold him."

Warburton picked up the saddle and threw it over Pirate's glossy