s what he had done. He had
his wish, however, for there had been a witness of his pranks who said a
good word for him.

"Do you know what that chap has ben doin' lately?" asked Silas of his
master, one evening, as he received his orders for the next day.

"Which boy?" said Mr. Bhaer, with an air of resignation, expecting some
sad revelation.

"Dan, he's ben a breaking the colt, sir, and I wish I may die if he
ain't done it," answered Silas, chuckling.

"How do you know?"

"Wal, I kinder keep an eye on the little fellers, and most gen'lly know
what they're up to; so when Dan kep going off to the paster, and coming
home black and blue, I mistrusted that suthing was goin' on. I didn't
say nothin', but I crep up into the barn chamber, and from there I see
him goin' through all manner of games with Charlie. Blest if he warn't
throwed time and agin, and knocked round like a bag o' meal. But the
pluck of that boy did beat all, and he 'peared to like it, and kep on as
ef bound to beat."

"But, Silas, you should have stopped it the boy might have been killed,"
said Mr. Bhaer, wondering what freak his irrepressibles would take into
their heads next.

"S'pose I oughter; but there warn't no real danger, for Charlie ain't
no tricks, and is as pretty a tempered horse as ever I see. Fact was, I
couldn't bear to spile sport, for ef there's any thing I do admire it's
grit, and Dan is chock full on 't. But now I know he's hankerin' after
a saddle, and yet won't take even the old one on the sly; so I just
thought I'd up and tell, and may be you'd let him try what he can do.
Mr. Laurie won't mind, and Charlie's all the better for 't."

"We shall see;" and off went Mr. Bhaer to inquire into the matter.

Dan owned up at once, and proudly proved that Silas was right by showing
off his power over Charlie; for by dint of much coaxing, many carrots,
and infinite perseverance, he really had succeeded in riding the colt
with a halter and blanket. Mr. Laurie was much amused, and well pleased
with Dan's courage and skill, and let him have a hand in all future
performances; for he set about Charlie's education at once, saying
that he was not going to be outdone by a slip of a boy. Thanks to Dan,
Charlie took kindly to the saddle and bridle when he had once reconciled
himself to the indignity of the bit; and after Mr. Laurie had trained
him a little, Dan was permitted to ride him, to the great envy and
admiration of the other boys.

"Isn'