He sometimes was both rising and falling rather uncomfortably and with manyshakes and bounces. He sometimes was out of breath and his face grew black,but he held on with all his might, and sat as straight as hecould. The Earl could see that from his window. When the riderscame back within speaking distance, after they had been hidden bythe trees a few minutes, Fauntleroy's hat was off, his cheekswere like poppies, and his lips were set, but he was stilltrotting manfully.

"Stop a minute!" exclaimed his grandfather. "Where's your hat?"

Wilkins touched his. "It fell off, your lordship," he said,with evident enjoyment. "Wouldn't let me stop to pick it up, mylord."

"Not much afraid, is he?" asked the Earl dryly.

"Him, your lordship!" exclaimed Wilkins. "I shouldn't say ashe knowed what it meant. I've taught young gen'lemen to rideafore, an' I never look at one stick on more determinder."

"Tiblack?" said the Earl to Fauntleroy. "Want to get off?"