st want
something to keep up her courage."

Kind-hearted Franz Heller hurriedly presented Bab with all the good
things he could reach.

"Thank you, Mr. Heller," said Barbara, gratefully. Her cheeks were
crimson; her brown eyes flashed, but she made no reply. Mollie, who knew
Bab's quick temper, wondered how her sister controlled herself.

A horn blew to announce that the luncheon hour was ended.

"Run along, child," Miss Stuart called nervously to Bab. "Now, do, pray
be careful! I shall certainly be glad when this riding contest is over."

While the guests of the Society Circus were at luncheon the field had
been arranged for the hurdle-jumping.

Inside the green meadow four short length fences had been set up, a
quarter of a mile apart. The girls were to ride around the field on their
horses and jump the four hurdles.

Besides Bab and Maud Warren, four other Lenox girls had entered for this
race. The riders were all skilled horsewomen.

Ambassador Morton waved his hand to Bab as she cantered by him on his
little horse, Beauty. Her friends called out their good wishes. Bab
smiled and nodded. She never looked so well or so happy as when she was
on the back of a horse.

Ambassador Morton cautioned the girls before they started for their ride.
"Remember, this is just a friendly contest," he urged. "We merely want to
see you young people ride. No one may allow her horse to cross too close
in front of another horse. Two of you must not try to jump the hurdle at
the same time."

The six girls cantered bravely down the field.

Maud Warren and Bab rode side by side. Barbara was the youngest and
smallest of the girls, but she rode her little horse as though she were a
part of it.

"Don't sit too closely in your saddle," Maud Warren leaned over and spoke
patronizingly to Barbara.

"Thank you!" Bab replied.

The girls were now riding swiftly across the meadow.

Ralph, Hugh, Ruth, Mollie and Grace left their places and hurried down to
the fence that inclosed the riding ring.

At the first fence two of the horses refused to jump. The other four
sprang easily over the bars.

By the rules of the contest, the girls were not allowed to urge their
horses, so the two riders went quietly back.

At the second hurdle, another horse faltered. This left the riding
contest to Bab, Maud Warren, and a Lenox girl, Bertha Brokaw.

Barbara was as gay and happy as possible. She had no thought of fear in
riding. Beauty was a s