Page 154 - The model orator, or, Young folks' speaker : containing the choicest recitations and readings from the best authors for schools, public entertainments, social gatherings, Sunday schools, etc. : including recitals in prose and verse ...

all sides. Tf 10 horses were getting ready for the hurdle racc. The
grooms were landing back t±ie horses, weaned by the rsce which they
had run ; ant!, one by one, those intended lor ill e next course appe a red
an the ground, Frou-Frou came out; stepping high. Vronsky- had
scarcely t'me to make some adjustment of the saddle, when those who
were to compete i:i Lhe hurdle race were called to receive their
n l; mb e rs. They ap poac h ed, s eve n tee n m en i n a 1!. V ron sk y 1 s m i ni bo r
was seven.
11 M o u n t!Jl was the cry.
The groom stood by the mare's head holding the reins in his hand,
Frou-Frou shivered as though she had an attack of fever. 1 Itr :naster
cast a final glance on his rivals, Eie knew be should not sec them
a fa in uiiLi 1 the race was over, Ga ileum, one of the best racers, was
tnrnEnp; around and around his bay ttidlum without being able to
mount, A little hussar, in tight trousers, was off on a. gallop, bent
double over ins horse in English fashion. Prince Knzoficf, white
a.s a shool, was trying to mount a thorough-bred mare. He was
;imid, .still he had made up his mind to ride. They exchanged glances
and Vronsky yave him an euconra^ri^ nod. One only now he failed
to see— hU nii^t redoubtable rival, Makhotin, on Gladiator, was not
there.
i: Don’t be in haste/' sard Cord, "and don't forget when you CO me
to a hurdle not to pull back or spur on yoi:r horse; let her take her
Qivn v/ay. If possible, take ihe lead, but don’t be discoi.[ijaged> if for
a few moments, you are behind.'3
'‘ Very good," replied Vronsky. The horse die not bave time
to stir before be gracefully and firmly took his seat on the saddle.
Then he arranged the double reins between bis finger*, and Cord let
go the animal's bead. ITouTYou st ret tiled ov;t her rieckL and started
off at an easy, elastic pace. b;dam:ln^ her rider on Iter strong, flexible
back. They were approaching the river's bank, where the sUsrtin^-
post was ]'laced. Vronsky, pvecsded by Some, followed by ethers,
suddenly lienrd on the track i.ne gallop of a horse, and Gladiator wilh
Makhotin on his back, dashed by*