a quarter to two
She was an excellent horsewoman , had a fine mount , and challenged Jim to a ride . Handsome , her colour up , her eyes sparkling , Lou-Jane could have ridden away , for she had the better mount , but she did n't ; she rode beside him , and , when a little gully called for a jump , they jumped together , and found abundant cause for laughter . Twice they went careering , then back to Belle , and when next Jim 's itch for speed and life sent him circling , Belle was rested enough to follow everywhere . At a quarter to two the bugle of the Fort was blown , and there issued forth the proud procession with Red Rover in the middle , led beside his jockey , who rode a sober pony . It was Little Breeches this time . There is one thing that can not be explained away , that is defeat . Peaches had been defeated ; his chance came no more .