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Pounset standing over me, and holding my quadruped by the bridle. "We may thank our stars it is no worse," said he; "that stank fairly took the shine out of your brute, and brought him to a stand-still. Are you hurt?" "Not much. But I say, what a figure I am!" "Not altogether adapted for an evening party, I admit. But never mind. There's a cure for everything except broken bones. Let's get back again as fast as we can, for the captain will be in a beautiful rage!" We returned. A general acclamation burst from the squadron as we rode up, but the commanding officer looked severe as Draco. "Am I to conclude, gentlemen," said he, "that this exhibition was a trial of the comparative merits of your horses preparatory to the racing? Upon such an occasion as this I must say"---- "Just look at M'Whirter, captain," said Pounset, "and then judge for yourself whether it was intentional. The fact is, my mare is as hot as ginger, and that black horse has no more mouth than a brickbat!" "Well, after all, he _does_ seem in a precious mess. I shall pass it over as a mere accident, but don't let it happen again. Fall in, gentlemen." There was, however, as regarded myself, considerable opposition to this order. "Why, M'Whirter, you're not going to poison us to death, are you?" said Anthony Whaup. "Pray keep to the other side, like a good fellow--you're not just altogether a bouquet." "Do they gut the herrings down yonder, M'Whirter?" asked Archy Chaffinch. "Excuse me for remarking that your flavour is rather full than fragrant." "I wish they had allowed smoking on parade!" said a third. "It would require a strong Havannah to temper the exhalations of our comrade." "Hadn't you better go home at once?" suggested Randolph. "My horse is beginning to cough." "Yes--yes!" cried half-a-dozen. "Go home at once." "And if you are wise," added Hargate, "take a dip in the sea--boots, helmet, pantaloons, and all." I obtained permission to fall out, and retired in a state of inconceivable disgust. Towards the carriage where Edith was seated I dared not go; and with a big and throbbing heart I recollected that she had witnessed my disgrace. "But she shall yet see," I mentally exclaimed, "that I am worthy of her! Once let me cast this foul and filthy slough--let me don her favourite colours--let me win the prize, as I am sure I ought to do, and the treasure of her heart may be mine!--You young villain! if you make faces
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