When you are seated, carry yourself as
easily as you can. The pony looks quiet enough, but if, when we get
fairly off, you find that you cannot sit comfortably, you must get up
before me, and Ibrahim must lead your pony. When we are fairly on the
road, I will fasten a bit of rope to your bridle to act as a leading
rein, and you can ride by my side, unless we see people coming along;
then you must drop behind, with Ibrahim."
"I won't give more trouble than I can help," she said.
Ibrahim had taken some rugs over with him, on the previous afternoon,
which had been bought in case they should sleep out at night. When the
horses were saddled, Dick rolled two of these up, strapped one on the
high peak, and the other on the cantle of the saddle upon which the
girl was to ride.
"That will wedge you in pretty tightly," he said.
"Now, Ibrahim, put the things into the saddlebag, and then we shall be
ready."
When this was done, the two horses were led outside. The farmer had
gone back into the house, and Dick, helping the girl into her seat,
arranged the stirrups the right length for her.
"Now," he said, "you must keep your knees pressed against the roll of
blankets in front, and hold on as well as you can with them; but the
principal thing is for you to balance yourself with your body.
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