To a boy like me he seemed very old, being over twenty, and well-found in beard; but he was not more than four-and-twenty, fresh and ruddy looking, with a short nose and keen blue eyes, and a merry waggish jerk about him, as if the world were not in earnest.

Yet he had a sharp, stern way, like the crack of a pistol, if anything misliked him; and we knew (for children see such things) that it was safer to tickle than buffet him.
'Well, young uns, what be gaping at ?' He gave pretty Annie a chuck on the chin, and took me all in without winking.
'Your mare,' said I, standing stoutly up, being a tall boy now; 'I never saw such a beauty, sir.

Will you let me have a ride of her ?' 'Think thou couldst ride her, lad?
She will have no burden but mine.
Thou couldst never ride her.

Tut! I would be loath to kill thee.' 'Ride her!' I cried with the bravest scorn, for she looked so kind and gentle; 'there never was horse upon Exmoor foaled, but I could tackle in half an hour.

Only I never ride upon saddle.