The saddles and bridles of hired horses are here generally in such bad condition that there is every moment something to buckle or to cobble up.

We were riding at a pretty round pace, when suddenly the girths burst, and the saddle and rider tumbled off together.

I arrived without accident at my destination, although I had frequently been in danger of falling from my horse without its being necessary that the girth should break.
The gentlemen were satisfied with my performance, for I had never lagged behind, nor had they once been detained on my account.

It was not until we were safely on board the ship that I told them how venturesome I had been, and what terror I had undergone..