Someone passed Ripley a switch, with which he dealt his animal a stinging blow.

Away went pony and rider at a slow canter.
"Fine gait this little fellow has," exulted Fred, while cheers went up from the small boys.
Suddenly the animal slowed down to a walk.

Fred applied two sharp cuts with the switch, again starting his mount.

Fred turned and came cantering back toward the group, feeling mightily proud of himself.
Suddenly the pony stopped, trembling in every limb.
"Get off, young man!" called someone.

"Your pony is going to fall!" Fred got off, feeling rather peculiar.