penny less than seventy," replied the dragoon.

"Well, then, I shall take him at that Pounds?"

"Guineas. Call down to-morrow forenoon at Piershill, and you shall have
delivery. Now, Miss Bogle, what do you say to a canter on the sands?"

I took my leave rather satisfied than otherwise with the transaction.
Edith evidently took a warm interest in my welfare, and her suggestion
as to future expeditions was quite enchanting. Seventy guineas, to be
sure, was a deal of money, but then it was something to be assured of
safety for life and limb. On the street I encountered Anthony Whaup.

"Well, old fellow," quoth Anthony, "how are you getting on? Pounding
away at drill, eh?"

"Not yet."

"Faith, you had better look sharp about it, then. I've been down twice
at Canonmills of a morning, and I can tell you the facings are no joke.
Have you got a horse yet?"

"Yes; a regular dragoon charger--and you?"

"A beast from Wordsworth. He's been out regularly with the squadron for
the last ten years; so it is to be presumed he knows the manoeuvres.
If not, I'm a spilt yeoman!"

"I say, Anthony--can you ride?"

"No more than yourself, but I suppose we shall contrive to stick on
somehow."

"Would it not be as well to have a trial?" said I, with considerable
intrepidity. "Suppose we go together to the riding-school, and have an
hour or two's practice."

"I have no earthly manner of objection," said Anthony. "I presume
there's lots of sawdust there and the exhibition will, at any rate, be a
private one. _Allons!_" and we departed for the amphitheatre.

We inquired for a couple of peaceable hacks, which were forthwith
furnished us. I climbed up with some difficulty into the saddle, and
having submitted to certain partial dislocations of the knee and ankle,
at the hands of the master of the ring (rather a ferocious Widdicomb, by
the way), and having also been instructed in the art of holding the
reins, I was pronounced fit to start. Anthony, whose legs were of a
parenthetical build, seemed to adapt himself more easily to his seat.

"Now then, trot!" cried the sergeant, and away we went with a wild
expenditure of elbow.

"Toes in, toes in, gentlemen!" bellowed our instructor; "blowed but
you'd drive them wild if you had spurs on! You ain't been at the
dancing-school lately, have you? Steady--steady--very good. Down your
elbows, gentlemen, if you please! them bridles isn't pumps. Heads up!
now gallop! Bravo! very good. Screw