Ride at any fence hard enough, and the chances are you'll get over.

The harder you ride the heavier the fall, if you get a fall; but the greater the chance of your getting over.
This had been a precept in the life of Mr.Spooner, verified by much experience, and he had resolved that he would be guided by it on this occasion.

"Ever since I first saw you, Miss Palliser, I have been so much taken by you that,--that,--in point of fact, I love you better than all the women in the world I ever saw; and will you,--will you be Mrs.Spooner ?" He had at any rate ridden hard at his fence.

There had been no craning,--no looking about for an easy place, no hesitation as he brought his horse up to it.

No man ever rode straighter than he did on this occasion.