But he survived the blow, giving gracefully to it.
It was fine riding, very fine; and the crowd hummed with appreciation.
"A handsome rascal, eh ?" said Mr.Corson.
But she caught at his arm.
"Oh!" gasped Marianne.

"Oh! Oh!" Three flurries of wild pitching drew forth those horrified whispers.

But still the flaming red head of the rider was as erect, as jaunty as ever.
Then the quirt flashed above him and cut Rickety's flank; the crowd winced and gasped.

He was not only riding straight up but he was putting the quirt to Rickety--to Rickety! The piebald seemed to feel the sting of the insult more than the lash.
He bolted across the field to gain impetus for some new and more terrible feat but as he ran a yell from Perris thrilled across the crowd.
"They do that, some men.

Get plumb drunk with a fight!" But Marianne did not hear Corson's remark.