Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-04-11
CHAPTER TX.

CHAPTER TX.
The Hard Riding Of lord Darlington
Lord Carrington's best horse was
named Sailor. He was a magnificent
black. built for speed. but not with
out great powers OF endurance. Like
all Englishmen. my lord was a IA
nous horseman. although he followed
the sea for a livelihood He was a
case in contradiction TO the ancient
adage that a sailor is never so much
out OF his element as when he is
astride Of a horse. Generations OF
fox hunting fathers had given him a
heritage OF horsemanship which the
years he had spent upon the sea
could not eradicate Not only was
he an expert rider. but he was thor
oughly familiar with what could be
got out of a horse. lie knew how 20
ride him to the best advantage. when
70 spare him and when 20 press him.
II seemed TO the groom who fol-
lowed him on this occasion. hardly
less we'll mounted on one OF my lords
best hunters. that Darlington had
forgotten al be knew. for he had
scarcely entered upon the main road
when he put Sailor TO his best PAGES
on the jump. In fact. ne rode him
like one possessed. He spared Meth
or whip nor spur. but drove the horse
forward as n the devil were after him
and heaven before him once the
groom ventured TO demonstrate. Car
rington shut him up with a single
word
The furics OF jealousy. OF hate. OF
revenge. were raging in his heart
He had but one desire. 10 ride down
Strathgate and wrest Ellen from his
hands He had no doubt that the
three were headed for Portsmouth.
He. too. remembered that there was
a ship belonging 20 Ellen about ready
TO sail from that harbor. and he d.
vined more quickly than Seton did
that II was thither she was bound.
He expected. since the party had gone
in carriage and could by no means
make the speed he was making. that
he would overhaul them before night
fall. and In his black mood he was
willing 10 kan his faithful horse. or
any number OF horses. 20 bring about
the capture and stoppage OF the fugi-
lives one moment earlier than could
otherwise have been attained
AS II 70 punish him for his misuse
OF noble steed who responded gal
lantly 10 every incentive OF whip.
spur. voice and appeal his master
brought to bear. Sailor had the bad
luck 20 cast shoe. A few leaps AND
he went instantly lame. With a Bit
ter curse Darlington dismounted and
examined the horse. The poor beast
stood painting and exhausted, his
tanks heaving. his heart beating, his
head dropping The groom had been
distanced and left behind. Caring
ton was alone with a lame horse miles.
apparently. from a posting station or
a blacksmith's shop. There was moth
| ing TO do but wait He sat down by
the roadside. his eyes strained back
ward in the direction whence he had
come. looking for the groom. After
half an hour or SO Of delay, which
fretted him beyond measure. he dis
| covered the fellow leisureIy trOtting
over hin Aroused by the haIloos
Of his master the boy suddenly
| quickened his pace and soon drew rein
beside him.
| What do you mean" cried Car
| rington. furiously. by loafing along
In that way? 1 told you TO keep up
| with me"
MY lud." said the boy. touching his
hat and dismounting. mo man on
earth could keep up with you without
killing his horse, and there are few
horses, even II killed. that be equal
TO Sailor, sir. Tisn't in this mare. (
know. She was IN distress several
miles back. and pulled her up. II r
hadn't, she wouldn't be here"
There was sense in what the boy
said. and Darlington could not but ac-
knowledge It,
| Give me your horse" he said.
"and do you take Sailor He's cast a
shoe. Lead him on the road TO the
nearest shop and come after me as
fast as is safe. but don't kill the
horse. I'm bound for Portsmouth.
You'll find me at the Blue Boar inn.
Here's money for the journey II any,
horse and come forward by post
horses. you understand?"
yes. my Iud"
Darlington gathered up the reins.
sprang upon the mares back and
without looking over his shoulder, gal
Hoped on ahead. The delay had given
him time to come to his senses. He
had no such horse as Sailor between
his thighs now. He realized that he
must spare the mare or he would ar
rive nowhere. BY the winding OF the
road. II was quite as far from Car
rington TO Portsmouth as 1t was from
the hamlet whc7~e El'.er. lad taken