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