But suppose I mount with you!" said Ralph, who had fallen into one of his mischievous moods.
"Hum! sir--will he carry double, do you think ?" "Carry double! He'd carry a thousand--Fodder would! Just get into the saddle, and I'll put my handkerchief on his back, and mount behind--I'll guide him.

Come!" And Ralph, with a suppressed chuckle, pushed Mr.Jinks toward the saddle.
Mr.Jinks looked round--cleared his throat--glanced at the expression of the donkey's eyes--and endeavored to discover from the movement of his ears if he was vicious.

Fodder seemed to be peaceful--Mr.Jinks got into the saddle, his grasshopper legs reaching nearly to the ground.
"Now!" cried Ralph, vaulting behind him, "now for a ride!" And seizing the reins, before Mr.Jinks could even get his feet into the stirrups, the young man kicked the donkey vigorously, and set off at a gallop.
Mr.Jinks leaned forward in the saddle with loud cries, balancing himself by the pummel, and holding on to the mane.

Fodder was frightened by the cries, and ran like a race-horse, kicking up his heels, and indeed rendered Ralph's position somewhat perilous.

But that gentleman was experienced, from earliest infancy, in riding bareback, and held on.