back. Pirate waltzed from side to side, and shook his head wickedly.
But the man that was to mount him knew all these signs. Swiftly he
gathered up the end of the belly-band strap and ran it through the
iron ring. In and out he threaded it, drawing it tighter and tighter.
He leaped into the saddle and adjusted the stirrups, then dismounted.

"I'll take him now, William," said James, smiling.

"All right, sir," said William, glad enough to be relieved of all
further responsibility.

James led Pirate into the small court and waited for Miss Annesley,
who appeared in the doorway presently.

"James, I regret that I urged you to ride him. You will be hurt," she
said. Her worry was plainly visible on her face.

James smiled his pleasantest and touched his hat.

"Very well, then; I have warned you. If he bolts, head him for a
tree. That's the only way to stop him."

James shortened the bridle-rein to the required length, took a firm
grip on Pirate's mane, and vaulted into the saddle. Pirate stood
perfectly still. He shook his head. James talked to him and patted
his sleek neck, and touched him gently with his heel. Then things
livened up a bit. Pirate waltzed, reared, plunged, and started to do
the _pas seul_ on the flower-beds. Then he immediately changed
his mind. He decided to re-enter the stables.