Finding after a while that his efforts were unavailing, he subsided at last into sulky immovability.

Again Vincent tried coaxing and patting, but as no success attended these efforts, he again applied the spur sharply.

This time the horse responded by springing forward like an arrow from a bow, dashed at the top of his speed across the inclosure, cleared the high fence without an effort, and then set off across the country.
He had attempted to take the bit in his teeth, but with a sharp jerk as he drove the spurs in, Vincent had defeated his intention.

He now did not attempt to check or guide him, but keeping a light hand on the reins let him go his own course.

Vincent knew that so long as the horse was going full speed it could attempt no trick to unseat him, and he therefore sat easily in his saddle.
For six miles Wildfire continued his course, clearing every obstacle without abatement to his speed, and delighting his rider with his power and jumping qualities.