Leaning forward upon Gabriel’s neck, Shirley patted the horse gently. Gabriel did not respond to this loving touch with a whinny of pleasure, as was his wont.
Instead he shook his head angrily, and stamped his feet. His jaws worked up and down violently and he champed at the bit.
“What on earth ails him?” demanded Shirley in surprise.
“I guess he is just anxious to be on the go,” was the lad’s reply.
“I never saw him act like that before,” said Shirley.
“Nor I. But I guess he will be all right after he gets out on the track and gets to going.”
Jimmy walked ahead of Shirley and opened the gates for her.
“Don’t let him out too much,” he warned her. “Just a nice even walk-out is all he needs. Don’t run him too hard.”
Shirley nodded that she understood. Jimmy stepped back, and Shirley, leaning forward once more, again patted the noble animal’s head. A moment later they were off down the track at a swift trot.
They had hardly disappeared around the first turn when a man appeared suddenly from behind a big tree and laid his hand on Jimmy’s arm. Jimmy whirled about.
“Jones!” he exclaimed in the utmost surprise.
“Yes, Jones,” said the other with a smile. “I just came out to have a look at Gabriel. Before I go back I just wanted to tell you that I do not need your services for the success of my plan.”
Jimmy stepped close to Jones and doubled up his fists.
“You get off this place immediately,” he said angrily.
“I suppose you will put me off if I don’t,” he sneered. “Oh, well, I am going, so don’t worry.”
And at that moment Shirley flashed by on Gabriel. Down the track she had seen Jimmy in conversation with a stranger, and as she whirled by she caught sight of Jones’ face, and recognized him.
“Strange,” she muttered. “What can he be talking to Jimmy about?”
And as she continued around the course Gabriel’s actions steadily became more peculiar. Twice Shirley urged him to renewed efforts, but after a short spurt he slowed down quickly. And as he ran he shook his head violently from side to side and champed more fiercely at his bit.
“Something wrong,” thought Shirley. “One more round and then back to the stable.”
On this last round Gabriel slowed down considerably and in spite of all Shirley’s urging he refused to increase his pace. At the gate this time Shirley turned out, and made for the stable.
