a gate open for the car to
pass through, and again on the far side; and then down in a valley where
a rivulet crossed the road, at the sight of which the horse pretended to
be dreadfully alarmed, and capered and frisked about as much as to say
he dared not wet his feet, nor attempt to cross; until Mr Inglis was
reduced to one of two expedients,--to get down and lead the horse
across, or to give him a little wholesome punishment with the whip. Now
bright sparkling water is delightful and cool in the summer-time, but,
as the pleasure is lost when the feet are bathed with boots and trousers
on, Mr Inglis gave up all idea of walking through the water, so he
gathered up the reins, and taking the whip, which had stuck unused by
his side, gave Mr Obstinate a sharp cut, when away he darted to one
side of the road, and expressed himself by his actions as ready to leap
over the hedge. But this was not required, so he was backed, and
another smart application of the whip administered, when away he darted
to the other side, and even placed his forefeet upon the bank; but now
Mr Inglis took him regularly in hand, and, turning round, trotted him
back for a hundred yards, and then, tightening the reins, drove straight
at the rivulet, which was only a few inches deep. But it was of no use,
for the stupid thing had evidently taken it into its head that it must
be drowned if the stream were forded; so, stopping short, it stood up on
its hind legs and began to beat the air with its fore feet as though
dancing. A smart crack from the whip brought the tiresome animal down
again upon all-fours, and, reluctant as the driver was to punish the
poor brute, he now found that it was absolutely necessary, and sharply
and vigorously applied the lash to its sides.

For a minute or so the question seemed to be--"Who shall be master?" and
then the horse gave in, as much as to say, "Oh! don't; it hurts," and,
starting forward, gave a leap that cleared the dreadful stream, and
nearly upset the dog-cart into the bargain; and then, as though
fearfully alarmed at what it had left behind, the horse tried hard to
break into a gallop to get away as fast as possible; but a strong hand
was at the reins, and very soon old Tom settled down again into an easy
trot, although dreadfully ruffled in his nerves by the late dread
adventure.

And now Harry had to get down again to open another gate, which he did
before they saw that a woman was coming out of a prett