His fine and shining coat, under which the tracery of veins was distinctly visible on chest and flank, seemed almost to exhale a fiery vapour, so intense was the creature's vitality.

A splendid jumper, he had often carried his master in the hunting-field over every obstacle of the Roman countryside, irrespective of the nature of the ground, never refusing the highest gate, the most forbidding wall, for ever at the tail of the hounds.

A word from his rider had more effect on him than the spur, a caress made him quiver with delight.
Before mounting, Andrea carefully examined every strap and buckle, then with a smile he vaulted into the saddle.

As he watched his master move away the trainer expressed his confidence in an eloquent gesture.
A crowd of bettors pressed round the indicator.

Andrea felt that every eye was upon him.