"Humphrey, let me mount him," said Ralph eagerly, "before they see us. I’d wager a mark my lady mother would be astonished, and so would my right reverend Lord Abbot." "Nay, Master Ralph, better let one of the stable knaves try him first; he’s a bit fresh and mettlesome. Maybe thou wouldst not master him." "Marry, Humphrey, thou’rt parlous cautelous. Nay, but I will mount him; he’s mine. An thou dost not hold him, I will e’en vault on him as he is, and take my chance." Humphrey, seeing how wilful his young master was, and fearing lest the horse should kick him if he tried to mount as he threatened, drew up and held the horse. The boy, with a little run, vaulted on to the back of his steed, which stood quite still, only turning his head round, and looking at his new master with wise, mild eye. When the boy was firmly seated, and had taken the reins in his hand, for the horse was bitted and bridled, although there was only a cloth over its back, he clapped his heels to the animal’s side, and urged him to a trot. The others all watched him, and wondered to see the boy, who had hitherto only ridden his pony, sit so well and masterfully on the fine animal’s back. His seat was firm, and the grip of his knees strong. The horse, unaccustomed to so light a weight, sprang forward with a plunge, for it was fresh, and had been worked but little lately. With eager excitement the boy urged it on to a canter, and clapped both heels to its sides. Nothing loth, the splendid animal threw up its head, gave a snort of answering joy, and broke into a long easy stride. In another minute they had reached the approaching figures, and Ralph waved his cap with joyous triumph. [Illustration: "RALPH WAVED HIS CAP IN TRIUMPH."] "Why, ’tis Ralph!" cried his mother, in amazement. "My son, have a care; ’tis a parlous great horse for so young a boy." "Nay, fair lady," said the Abbot; "see how well he manageth him: there is naught to fear. He is a likely lad enough, and will make a fine brave present for me to give to my Lord Woodville. There is promise of a noble knight in that stripling. In sooth, he cometh of fair lineage." Meanwhile the boy was galloping round the greensward in front of the house, talking to the horse all the while, patting his neck and mane, perfectly at home on the back of the animal, and radiant with joy. As he came round again he drew up in front of his mother and the Abbot, and, reining in the horse, made a low reverence to them with his cap. "Grammercy, my Lord Abbot, for thy right noble present; ’tis the most brave horse in all England, and I am right thankful to thee for thy gracious kindness," said the boy.