he turned back to speak encouragement to his beast , casting off bits of harness and buckle as she flew : the boy even kicked off his shoes , and threw overboard his belt with its sword and pistol , flashing in the sunlight as they turned end-over-end , surely prized treasures ; and heartened by her rider 's example , with an effort the little dragon began to speed her strokes and pull away , her advantage in speed and small breadth before the wind telling .