“I have an idea that I would like to try to prove. Will you kindly help me into the saddle?”
He stared at her in astonishment.
“Are you really suggesting that you can manage a horse like that? You have just seen what he did to me!”
“I think his behaviour was entirely due to the fact that you are a man,” Mena said.
“Why should you think that? And how can you, looking as you do, have any real knowledge of horses?”
Mena laughed.
“Lift me up!” she ordered.
“I will not be responsible if you break your neck.”
“I will take the risk.”
Slowly and, she thought, reluctantly, the man lifted her into the saddle. She was aware that he was nervous and certain that the stallion would immediately throw her off.
She took the reins into her hands and, talking softly, she said,
“Now, take me for a
