CYRIL'S ADVENTURE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2105, 28 June 1894, Page 45

CYRIL'S ADVENTURE.

IN TWO CHAPTBKS.

By Mureay Aston.

Chapter I. Cyril Ashton was a lucky boy indeed. His j father was a country squire and resided in cue of the loveliest parts of Surrey, in England. Very wealthy, he was abe to Indulge Cyril, who was his only child. In every luxury, and our hero's share of good things in the way of toys and pets of various kinds was no ordinary one. Cyril bad an outhouse in which to keep bis treasures, whera were hutches containing different kinds of pet rabbits, some of which were 4I double lop "—that is, both their ears dragged the ground, one on either side of their -heads. Others again were " single lop," so called because one ear only would touch the ground, whereas the other stuck up in the air just in the way an ordinary rabbit carries its ears. He had names for all his pets. There was Charlie, a black-and-white fellow, true "double lop." He was first favourite, and was such a big, strong bunny. The names of all che crea- I tares in the shed owned by Cyril it is not perhaps necessary for tbe purpose of this narrative to mention, but it may be stated that two guinea pigs were included. They were called respectively Grunt and Tweezle. A sweet little bantam hen was known as Blanche, and she was so petted that she would readily pick her food from Cyril's hand, but then he was always very gentle with her. Cyril was also tbe proud possessor of some large white ratß with pink eyes. So tame were they that their owner often carried them about with him, and as tbey were very fond of warmth, they generally preferred to rest within bis shirt bosom, and the creatures would repose there for hours at a time with perfect repose and confidence. Tbe squire noticed the fondness of his sou for pets of all kinds, and as he thought it by no means a bad trait in the boy's character, he did all in his power to encourage the taste. So one fine summer's day —it was during the midsummer holidays —addressing the coachman, he paid: " I think, Thompson, that we should buy Master Cyril a pony. He is past 10 years old now, and it's about time he was taught to ride." Thompson touched' his hat and replied, "Yes, sir." "Well, then," continued the squire, "if you will undertake to teaoh him you can see about buying him a pony. But don't pay too much for it —not more than £20 or so, I thint." And then Thompson touched his hat again and said he would " look out for a real huseful hanimal for the young gent." Being an energetic servant and accustomed to obey orders promptly —havizg been in the army once—Thompson paid an early visit to a neighbouring market, and presently returned, leading a splendid little dapple grey oob. He was only 13hd8 high, but be was a stout little fellow, beautifully formed—indeed, a very horse in miniature. Cyril was at tbe stables when he arrived, and not having beard a word about the coming of the little nag, was naturally very curious. " Hulloa, Thompson 1 what have you got there?" he exclaimed, as the coachman rode into tbe yard. 11 Pony, Master Cyril," replied Thompson laconically. He never indulged in longer speeches than were absolutely necessary. " Yeß, I' see," rejoined the boy; " but whose Is he 1 Where did you get him ?" And not waiting for any answer to his questions he rattled on. " Ain't he a little beauty just I My eye, Thompson, don't I wish he was mine i" And Thompson, who was greatly pleased at his young -master's admiration of hiß purchase, made answer: " Better ask the squire about it." 11 So I had," replied Cyril, and he forthwith tore off at the top of his speed to find his father. "Whose is that lovely little horse, father?" he eagerly inquired when a few seconds later he bad found his parent in the study.

" Ob, has it come 1 " was all the answer be received for the present ; and, rifirg from his seat, the f quire extended hia hana for Cyril to take, and the two forthwith made their way to the stables.

A minute or two were sufficient for Thompson to bring out his purchase for the inspection of Mr A*htcn, and that gentleman, who was a good jadge of horseflesh, baviag expressed himseir as quite satisfied with the look of him, and having made a few inquiries as to where he came from, and the reason for parting with him, and tbe answers to these queries having' proved satisfactory, turned to bis son and said :

"That little horee is far you, my boy. Thompson will teach yon how to ride him, and I rely npon your doing whatever be tells you." And taming to Thompson-he said : " I like the horse very much. He's quite a little picture. How much was be?' and when be heard that he had only cost £18 he nodded kindly to the coachman and said :

" You got him cheap. But you had better? ride into Dorking this afternoon and get a Btrong saddle and bridle."

And the squire was turning away when a thought evidently struck him, for stopping suddenly, he went on : "Thompson, you can take Master Cyril with you to Dorking, if you think it safe."

And then he took his departure, leaving Cyril in a- state of indescribable excitement and joy over this most valued addition to his pete and anticipation of bis ride to Dorking. " You will take me, won't yon, Thompson ? " he eagerly said. " Ye 3, Master Cyril — that is, If I can borrow a saddle and bridle," was the reply.

"Oh, but Thompson," exclaimed the youth, "I can ride him quite well barebacked."

There was, however, no necessity for him to ride bare-backed, for Thompson was able to secure the loan of a suitable saddle and

bridle, and, shortly after lunch the pair Ballied forth on the road to Dorking. Thompson had a long leading rein attached to the | pony for extra security, and Cyril's joy was unbounded, more especially when he found, under Thompson's instructions, that it was not such a difficult matter to ride Tom, which was bis pony's name, as he had thought it would be. Certainly when they began a gentle trot Cyril did not care so much for the jolting he at first experienced, but the coachman had little difficulty in showing him bow to rise in tbe stirrups, and then Cyril was fairly jubilant — indeed so exCited was he that in the exuberance of his Bpirits he could not help giving forth a loud "Tally-ho." (They were, be it remembered, riding along a country road with no houses in sight ) And hardly had the echoes of his voice died away when he thought he heard a soand, evidently a call, in reply from a distance. Thompson heard it too, and presently the cry was repeated again and again. They were riding across a common, and quitting tbe road they proceeded in the direction whence the calls had proceeded, and a few minutes after there came Into view a dirty old tent, in front of which stood a ragged boy who was evidently tbe author of the sounds which had reached them. " Gipsies I " said Thompson. (To be concluded.')