Phil Rushington's Search, or, The Unknown Rider of the Ring — page 8: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

& &- “a ; » = “Give him a trial, Philip,” pleaded Dora, ina low tone. “There is something myster- ious about him, but I am sure there is nothing wrong.” “All right, Francis,” said Rush.. “I'll give you atrial. We'll have to hurry, though, for it will soon be time for the doors to open. What kind of a horse would you like?” “Any kind, Mr. Rushington,” returned the boy. “A light saddle?” “No, and no bridle either. Just with a leather loop for the hands, that’s all.” Phil called to the groom and gave orders for Eona’s horse to be sent into the main tent. To this place Phil, Walt, Francis and Grout, the ringmaster, at once repaired. To the lat- a band ter, the situation was briefly explained and he possessed himself of his whip as they passed through the dressing-room. Under the large canvas everything was ready for the afternoon performance—seats in place, ring roped and tanbark spread. Rush and Walt seated themselves beside the ring and Grout and Francis went inside, the latter throwing aside his coat and vest and kicking off his shoes. “Embroidered stockings, or I’m an In- dian!’ exclaimed Walt. ‘“The Unknown is something of a dude, Rush.” ‘“He’s a lithely built, graceful young fel- low,”’ answered Rush, following the boy’s movements with an admiring eye. “I have an idea, too, that he knows exactly what he’s about.” Just then Eona’s horse was brought to the As Francis had directed, the animal was bare of entrance of the ring and turned loose. trappings, save for a band of leather encir- cling the body back of the forelegs. To the eo _ band was attached a stout loop for a hand- Deen mn. reac ing te ring ‘the horse, trained to 2 Ale en oe jie we Pa, BON ss . into a measured ae and ‘ pO AND DARE WEEKLY. Francis, giving a short run, made a standing. : 3 mount with all the ease and Brae, of an ace he complished equestrian. ae ie oe “Yes,” said Walt, “he knows his cae Bar » Ao? ~ re all right. In fact, he goes at it like a master- ae hand. All this merely deepens the mysiet ye ae 4; each that surrounds him.” ig Around and around the ring ran the horse, the boy riding with one foot on the animal’s x neck, then on the side at the hip and turning: backward somersaults like an acrobat. = oe f “Now for the hurdles,’ he said, as the | etl horse slowed down for a brief walk. aes we The hurdles were brought and Rush held one at one side of the ring while Walt stood 7 opposite with another. The horse was then : put to the gallop again and Francis crepe % to the ground and took each jump with the — horse, each time landing lightly astride his back. “T guess that will do,” said Phil. “But I’d like to show you the trick with which I shall end my _ turn,” ons ere ‘Please let me.” lrancis. “Very well.” Rush and Walt placed them quickly. — Just as the horse was about to Be “the one held by Rush, the boy caught hold of the loop and lifted his feet in the air, all his weight imposed on the leather band. | While in this posture, the horsé took the hurdle. ; “Bravo!” exclaimed Rush. se “Very well done!” echoed Grout. | “This act is a winner, sir,” he added, in a low voice, as he passed Phil. Without lowering himself to the horse’s back, the boy continued his gallop : around the ring until Walt’s hurdle was reached. | The horse took this leap steadily but, just as he was poised over the hurdle, his rider dropped downward, voicing a startled cry as he fell. : ht in :