Had Lionel been training for a light jockey, without any superfluous weight, he might have dispensed with extra covering in his exercise, and done as effectually without it.

A hotter day never was known in our climate; a more intensely burning sun never rode in the heavens.

It blazed down with a force that was almost unbearable, scorching and withering all within its radius.

Lionel looked up at it; it seemed to blister his face and dazzle his eyes; and his resolution wavered as he thought of the walk before him.

"I have a great mind not to go," said he mentally.