"
It would have pleased Toby very well to have had Mr. Castle go out
with his long whip just then and make trouble for Mr. Lord; but Mr.
Castle had not the time to spare, because of the trouble which he
was about to make for Toby, and that he commenced on at once.
"Well, get in here and don't waste any more time," he said, sharply.
Toby looked around curiously for a moment, and, not understanding
exactly what he was expected to get in and do, asked, "What shall
I do?"
"Pull off your boots, coat, and vest."
Since there was no other course than to learn to ride, Toby wisely
concluded that the best thing he could do would be to obey his new
master without question; so he began to take off his clothes with
as much alacrity as if learning to ride was the one thing upon
which he had long set his heart.
Mr. Castle was evidently accustomed to prompt obedience, for he not
only took it as a matter of course, but endeavored to hurry Toby
in the work of undressing.
With his desire to please, and urged by Mr. Castle's words and the
ominous shaking of his whip, Toby's preparations were soon made,
and he stood before his instructor clad only in his shirt, trousers,
and stockings.
The horse was led around to where he stood, and when Mr. Castle held
out his hand to help him to mount Toby jumped up quickly without
aid, thereby making a good impression at the start as a willing
lad.
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