distance, flying along the level road. He knew he would not now
overtake them, and so rode on somewhat more leisurely.

The Norcester highroad, when it has passed the village of Brackling,
turns away to the right behind the great clump of oaks. From this
the road twists to the left again, making a double curve, and then
runs to Norling Parva in a clear stretch of some miles before
reaching the sharp turn down the hill which is marked 'Dangerous to
Cyclists.' From the latter village branches the by-road over the
hill which is the short cut to Normanstand.

When Harold turned the corner under the shadow of the oaks he saw a
belated road-mender, surrounded by some gaping peasants, pointing
excitedly in the distance. The man, who of course knew him, called
to him to stop.

'What is it?' he asked, reining up.

'It be Squire Rowly's bays which have run away with him. Three on
'em, all in a row and comin' like the wind. Squire he had his reins
all right, but they 'osses didn't seem to mind 'un. They was fair
mad and bolted. The leader he had got frightened at the heap o'
stones theer, an' the others took scare from him.'

Without a word Harold shook his reins and touched the horse with his
whip. The animal seemed to understand and sprang forward, covering
the ground at a terrific pace. Harold was not given to alarms, but
here might be serious danger. Three spirited horses in a light cart
made for pace, all bolting in fright, might end any moment in
calamity. Never in his life did he ride faster than on the road to