All stood watching him with interested eyes. Every movement was noted.
He first alighted from the saddle, stripped off his manga, had it
carried back and placed out of the way. He next looked to his spurs, to
see that the straps were properly buckled. After this he re-tied his
sash, and placed the sombrero firmly on his head. He buttoned his
velveteen calzoneros down nearly to his ankles, so that their leathern
bottoms might not flap open and discommode him. His hunting-knife along
with his "whip" were sent back to the charge of Don Juan.
His attention was next turned to his horse, that stood all this while
curving his neck proudly as though he divined that he was to be called
upon for some signal service. The bridle was first scrutinised. The
great bit--a Mameluke--was carefully examined, lest there might be some
flaw or crack in the steel. The head-strap was buckled to its proper
tightness, and then the reins were minutely scanned. These were of the
hair of wild horses' tails closely and neatly plaited. Leather might
snap, there was no fear of breaking such cords as these.
The saddle now had its turn. Passing from side to side, Carlos tried
both stirrup-leathers, and examined the great wooden blocks which formed
the stirrups. The girth was the last as well as most important object
of his solicitude. He loosed the buckles on both sides, and then
tightened them, using his knees to effect his purpose. When drawn to
his liking, the tip of the finger could not have been passed under the
strong leathern band.
No wonder he observed all this caution. The snapping of a strap, or the
slipping of a buckle, might have hurled him into eternity.
Having satisfied himself that all was right, he gathered up the reins,
and leaped lightly into the saddle.
He first directed his horse at a walk along the cliff, and within a few
feet of its edge. This was to strengthen the nerves both of himself and
the animal. Presently the walk became a trot, and then a gentle canter.
Even this was an exhibition fearful to behold. To those regarding it
from below it was a beautiful but terrible spectacle.
After a while he headed back towards the plain, and then stretching into
a fair gallop--the gait in which he intended to approach the cliff--he
suddenly reined up again, so as to throw his horse nearly on his flanks.
Again he resumed the same gallop and again reined up; and this
manoeuvre he repeated at least a dozen times, now with his horse's head
turned towards the cliffs, and now in the direction of the plain. Of
course this gallop was far from being the full speed of the animal.
That was not bargained for. To draw a horse up at race-course speed
within two lengths of himself would be an utter impossibility, even by
sacrificing the life of the animal. A shot passing through his heart
would not check a racer in so short a space. A fair gallop was all that
could be expected under the circumstances, and the judges expressed
themselves satisfied with that which was exhibited before them. Carlos
had put the question.
At length he was seen to turn his horse towards the cliff, and take his
firmest seat in the saddle. The determined glance of his eyes showed
that the moment had come for the final trial.
A slight touch of the spur set the noble brute in motion, and in another
second he was in full gallop, and heading directly for the cliff!
The gaze of all was fixed with intense earnestness upon that reckless
horseman. Every heart heaved with emotion; and, beyond their quick
breathing, not an utterance escaped from the spectators. The only
sounds heard were the hoof-strokes of the horse as they rang back from
the hard turf of the plain.
The suspense was of short duration. Twenty strides brought horse and
horseman close to the verge, within half-a-dozen lengths. The rein
still hung loose--Carlos dared not tighten it--a touch he knew would
bring his horse to a halt, and that before he had crossed the line would
only be a failure.
Another leap,--another,--yet another! Ho! he is inside--Great God! He
will be over!
Such exclamations rose from the spectators as they saw the horseman
cross the line, still in a gallop; out the next moment a loud cheer
broke from both crowds, and the "vivas" of those in the valley were
answered by similar shouts from those who witnessed the feat from above.
Just as the horse appeared about to spring over the horrid brink, the
reins were observed suddenly to tighten, the fore-hoofs became fixed and
spread, and the hips of the noble animal rested upon the plain. He was
poised at scarce three feet distance from the edge of the cliff! While
in this attitude the horseman raised his right hand, lifted his
sombrero, and after waving it round returned it to his head!
A splendid picture from below. The dark forms of both horse and rider
were perceived as they drew up on the cliff, and the imposing and
graceful attitude was fully developed against the blue background of the
sky. The arms, the limbs, the oval outlines of the steed, even the very
trappings, could be seen distinctly; and for the short period in which
they were poised and motionless, the spectator might have fancied an
equestrian statue of bronze, its pedestal the pinnacle of the cliff!
This period was but of a moment's duration, but, during its continuance,
the loud "vivas" pealed upon the air. Those looking from below saw the
horseman suddenly wheel, and disappear beyond the brow-line of the
bluff.
The daring feat was ended and over; and hearts, but a moment ago
throbbing wildly within tender bosoms, now returned to their soft and
regular beating.