"
"Of course I shall do nothing of the sort," said Simpkins. "I shall
simply explain to Miss King that owing to some sort of muddle--"
"If I were you, Simpkins, I shouldn't talk too much. From the gaspy
sort of way you're speaking now, I imagine you're not in particularly
good training, and you have a long ride before you. It will be most
unfortunate if, when I've planted you down in front of Miss King, you
are unable to do anything except pant. No girl would stand that. By
far the best plan for you is to breathe entirely through your nose, and
sit well back in your saddle, so that your chest and lungs are kept
properly expanded."
Simpkins spoke no more for some time. He may have considered the
advice good. He may have felt an increasing difficulty in talking when
riding very rapidly. When they reached Ballymoy there were signs of
unusual excitement in the street. Doyle and O'Donoghue were standing
on the steps of the hotel. A small crowd had gathered on the road in
front of them. Most of the shopkeepers were at the doors of their
shops. A considerable number of women were looking out of the upper
windows of the houses.
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