If the horse be excited and fractious, all the more reason why the cadet should capture the beast and mount instantly.

A horse must always be taught that a cavalryman is his master.
The riderless brute had fallen in at the tail of the line now, behind Cadet Corporal Haslins, and was going along peaceably enough---until Bert Dodge made a lunge for the bridle.

Then the beast shied, and got past.
"Run after your horse, Mr.Dodge; catch him and mount him," called Captain Hall, fuming that this episode should steal away drill time from the other more capable young horsemen.
"Mr.Dodge," rapped out the cavalry instructor sharply, after Bert had made two more efforts to get hold of the bridle, "are you waiting for a groom to bring your horse to you ?" At this some of the pent-up merriment broke loose.

Half a dozen yearlings chuckled aloud.
"Silence in ranks!" ordered the instructor sharply.

Then, patiently, though with more that a tinge of rebuke in his tone, the captain added: "Mr.Dodge, you've taken all the time we can spare you, sir.
Catch that horse instantly and mount!" By sheer good luck Bert managed to obey.