By this time Mrs. Robinson had placed the jumping board in the
ring--a short piece of board, one end of which was built up
about a foot from the ground. Then she started the ring horse
galloping again.
Phil, measuring his distance, took a running start and vaulted,
landing on his feet on the animal's back, then, urging his mount
on to a lively gallop about the sawdust ring, he threw himself
into a whirlwind of graceful contortions and rapid movements,
adding some of his own invention to those usually practiced by
bareback riders.
Phil dropped to the hip of the gray, his face flushed with
triumph, his eyes sparkling.
"How is it, Mr. Sparling?" he called.
The showman was clapping his hands and clambering down the aisle
from his position near the top row of seats.
"You don't mean to tell me you have never tried bareback riding
before this season?" he demanded.
"No, sir; this is my first experience."
"Then all I have to say is that you will make one of the
finest bareback riders in the world if you keep on. It is
marvelous, marvelous!"
"Thank you," glowed the lad. "But if there is any credit
coming to anyone it is due to Mrs. Robinson. She taught me
how to do it," answered Phil gallantly.
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