When he had passed, the rider worked his feet faster, and swiftly sped away along the dry and dusty road.

He was a tall young gentleman, whose form was well set off and shown by the tight-fitting bicycle costume.

He rode well and with perfect command--the track left in the dust was straight, there was no wobbling or uncertainty.
'That be a better job than ourn, you,' said one of the men, as they watched the bicycle rapidly proceeding ahead.
'Ay,' replied his mate, 'he be a vine varmer, he be.' Master Phillip, having a clear stretch of road, put on his utmost speed, and neither heard the comments made upon him, nor would ha e cared if he had.

He was in haste, for he was late, and feared every minute to hear the distant dinner bell.

It was his vacation, and Master Phillip, having temporarily left his studies, was visiting a gentleman who had taken a country mansion and shooting for the season.