He had chosen the biggest of the birds; and, no doubt, the strongest and toughest.
His gobbler, at the first flight, made a clear stretch of nearly a mile; and, when he alighted again, ran like a scared cat.

But Basil was not to be discouraged; and, keeping the spurs well to his horse, soon gained upon him.

The turkey again took to his wings, dropping down another half mile in the advance.

Again Basil galloped up; and once more the old cock rose into the air--this time flying only about a hundred yards before he alighted.

Basil was soon up to him with his fleet horse; but the gobbler was now unable to fly any farther.