Fired by this ambition , she startled Barkis by a sharp cut , and still more bewildered him by leaving him to his own guidance down the steep , stony road . The approach would have been a fine success if , just as Rose was about to pull up and salute , two or three distracted hens had not scuttled across the road with a great squawking , which caused Barkis to shy and stop so suddenly that his careless rider landed in an ignominious heap just under old Sorrel 's astonished nose . Rose was up again before Dr. Alec was out of the carryall , and threw two dusty arms about his neck crying with a breathless voice , `` O uncle , I 'm so glad to see you ! It is better than a cart-load of goodies , and so dear of you to come ! '' `` But are n't you hurt , child ! That was a rough tumble , and I 'm afraid you must be damaged somewhere , '' answered the Doctor , full of fond anxiety , as he surveyed his girl with pride . `` My feelings are hurt , but my bones are all safe . It 's too bad ! I was going to do it so nicely , and those stupid hens spoilt it all , '' said Rose , quite crestfallen , as well as much shaken . `` I could n't believe my eyes when I asked ` Where is Rose ? ' and Mac pointed to the little Amazon pelting down the hill at such a rate . You could n't have done anything that would please me more , and I 'm delighted to see how well you ride . Now , will you mount again , or shall we turn Mac out and take you in ? '' asked Dr. Alec , as Aunt Jessie proposed a start , for the others were beckoning them to follow . `` Pride goeth before a fall better not try to show off again , ma'am , '' said Mac , who would have been more than mortal if he had refrained from teasing when so good a chance offered . `` Pride does go before a fall , but I wonder if a sprained ankle always comes after it ? '' thought Rose , bravely concealing her pain , as she answered , with great dignity , `` I prefer to ride . Come on , and see who will catch up first . '' She was up and away as she spoke , doing her best to efface the memory of her downfall by sitting very erect , elbows down , head well up , and taking the motion of the pony as Barkis cantered along as easily as a rocking-chair . `` You ought to see her go over a fence and race when we ride together .
She can scud , too , like a deer when we play ` Follow the leader , ' and skip stones and bat balls almost as well as I can , '' said XXXXX , in reply to his uncle 's praise of his pupil .
Alec Amazon Barkis Doctor Jessie Mac Rose carryall cart-load first