What do you seek
at the castle?"
"My trade is gone and I want work with the horses. There must surely be
a place on the estate of so great a prince."
"There is, but he wants good men, the very best."
"Let him try me."
"I'll try you now."
The hussar leaped from his horse and asked John to get into the saddle.
John had noticed that it was a big brute with a red eye, and every other
indication of a wicked temper, but in his earlier youth he had spent a
year on a great ranch belonging to his uncle in Montana, and the cowboys
had taught him everything. He was quite aware that a dramatic effect
would be useful to him now, and he decided to temporize a little in
order that the culmination might be greater.
"It has been my business," he said, "to try and sell horses, not to ride
them."
Both officers laughed derisively.
"Prince Karl of Auersperg likes bold men around him," said the one who
had dismounted, "and he would not care for a hostler who was afraid of
his own horses."
John, despite the fact that he had invited it, was stung somewhat by the
taunt.
"While I said it was not my business to ride horses I didn't say I
couldn't ride them," he replied.
"Then up with you and prove it."
John seized the bridle, and as the great black horse, feeling the touch
of an unfamiliar hand, pulled away from him, he made one leap and was in
the saddle.
Pages:
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225