Lord
Rufford, who didn't talk much of these things, quite understood
that he had received full value for his billet and mount in the
improved character of his mare.
Then there, was a little difficulty at the boundary fence of
Impington Hall Farm. The Major who didn't know the ground, tried it
at an impracticable place, and brought his mare down. But she fell
at the right side, and he was quick enough in getting away from
her, not to fall under her in the ditch. Tony Tuppet, who knew
every foot of that double ditch and bank, and every foot in the
hedge above, kept well to the left and crept through a spot where
one ditch ran into the other, intersecting of the fence. Tony, like
a knowing huntsman as he was, rode always for the finish and not
for immediate glory. Both Lord Rufford and Hampton, who in spite of
their affected nonchalance were in truth rather riding against one
another, took it all in a fly, choosing a lighter spot than that
which the Major had encountered. Larry had longed to follow them,
or rather to take it alongside of them, but was mindful at last of
Kate and hurried down the ditch to the spot which Tony had chosen
and which was now crowded by horsemen. "He would have done it as
well as the best of them," said Kate, panting for breath.
"We're all right," said Larry. "Follow me.
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