"Like a lift, guv'ner?" said a voice behind him. "You shall have this
tit chape. Half a sov., money down."
Hyde turned, and saw a blue-jacket astride of the missing pony.
"Buy it, you rascal! why it belongs to me! Where did you get it?"
"I found it, yer honour."
"Stole it, you mean. Get off this instant, or I'll give you up to the
provost!" And, so saying, Hyde put out his hand to seize the reins.
"Avast heaving there, commodore," said Jack, digging his heels into
the horse, and lifting it cleverly just out of Hyde's reach. "Who
finds keeps. Pay up, or you shan't have him. Why, I deserve a pound
for looking after the dumb baste."
Hyde looked around for help, but no one was in sight. He was not to be
baulked, however, and made a fresh attempt to get alongside the pony.
But each time the sailor forged a little ahead, and this tantalising
game continued for half-an-hour.
At last, disgusted and despairing, Hyde thought it better to make
terms. He was losing valuable time.
"I give in, you rogue! Pull up, and you shall have your money."
"Honour bright, guv'ner?"
"Here it is," said Hyde, taking out the money.
"It's a fair swap. Hand over the money."
"No; you give up the pony first."
"I shan't. That's not my way of doing business."
"You shall!" cried Hyde, who had been edging up towards the sailor,
and now suddenly made a grab at his leg.
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