himself on to the slate steps. He could not stop laughing.
The two others stared at him. They thought he had gone mad.

"Here comes Dad!" cried George Vyell.

This sobered Taffy. He sat up and brushed his eyes. Sir Harry
whistled for Jim, and told him to saddle the horses.

George and Honoria stood by the stable-door and watched the saddling.
The horses were led out; Sir Harry's, a tall grey, George's, a roan
cob.

"Look here!" Sir Harry said to Jim; "you take my bird, and comfort
your master with him. I don't want him any more."

The two rode out of the yard and away up the avenue. Honoria planted
herself in front of Taffy.

"Would you have fought just now?" she asked.

"I--I don't know. That's my father calling."

"But, would you have fought?"

"I must go to him." He would not look her in the face.

"Tell me."

"Don't bother! I don't know."