ter mine. It's a lovely evening for a
gallop."

CHAPTER VI.

A SHORT CUT HOME.

Through the streets of Todborough and on through the environs of the
city the gay cavalcade rode decorously and discreetly; but nearing
Tapton Downs, the spirits of the party seemed to rise as they
encountered the fresh sea-breeze.

"I am sure you must be dying for a good gallop," said Blanche, turning
to Sylla Chipchase. "We turn off the main road a little farther on,
and then, if you remember, we have lovely turf upon each side of the
way. We generally have what Jim calls a 'real scurry' over that."

"I understand--an impromptu race; that will be great fun. But tell me,
Miss Bloxam--you know all these horses--have I any chance of beating
Lionel?"

"I can hardly say," returned Blanche, laughing. "We have really never
tried them in that way I should think old Selim, the horse he is
riding, is rather faster than yours."

"Ah; but then, you see, I am much lighter than he is. Lionel, I
challenge you to a race as soon as we turn off across the downs. You
shall bet me two dozen pair of gloves to one. I always make him do
that, you know," she remarked confidentially to Blanche, "in all our
battles, whatever they may be at."

"Very well," replied Beauchamp. "Only remember, I shall expect those
gloves if I win them; and as I did my best for you yesterday at
Rockcliffe, so I intend to do the best for myself now."

"A very sporting match," exclaimed Bloxam. "There's about a mile of
capital going over the downs without trespassing. I'll ride forward,
and be judge and winning-post, while Sartoris will start you." And so
saying, Jim trotted forward.

"Now," exclaimed Blanche, as, quitting the main highway, they turned
into the cross-country road that led over the downs towards the sea,
"this is where you ought to start from. If one of you will take the
turf on the right-hand side, and the other that on the left, and do
your best till you come to Jim, we shall all have a splendid gallop,
whichever of you wins. You start them, Mr. Sartoris. Let them get a
hundred yards in front of us, and then we'll follow as fast as we can."

The antagonists took their places as directed; Mr. Sartoris gave the
word "Go!" and away they dashed. Miss Bloxam, sailing away on King
Cole in the wake of Sylla Chipchase, scans that young lady's
performance with a critical eye. A first-rate horsewoman herself, she
was by no means favourably imp