tioned to its rider that it carried
him as if he were but a boy, flying over the country on this brotherly
errand. Mile after mile was passed, not indeed at full speed, for that
would have broken the good horse down long before the goal was reached,
but at a bowling gallop, taking bogs, and rocks, and fallen trees, and
watercourses, with an elastic bound that told of bone and muscle
overflowing with surplus energy.

Dick patted the horse's arching neck with a look of pride and affection,
and the animal tossed its head with a slight neigh of pleasure and a
playful snap towards its rider's right foot; for it loved its master, as
the lower animals do always love those who treat them well, and it loved
a wild, long, careering gallop, for that was the only means by which it
could relieve its feelings.

There was something unusually wild-like about this horse, besides its
great size and extraordinarily long mane and tail. It carried its head
high and its ears pointed forward, and it looked boldly from side to
side, as it went springingly along, more like a human being than a
horse. It actually appeared to be taking intelligent notice of things
around it. So much so, that Dick had got into a habit of saying a word
or two now and then to it in a grave tone, as if he were conversing with
a friend.

"Ay, it's a fine country, isn't it?" he said, patting the neck again.

The ears were pointed backwards at once, and a little neigh or squeak,
with a toss of the head, was the reply.

"Pity ye can't speak, an't it?" continued Dick in a low, quiet tone.

The horse appeared to know that this was merely a meditative remark, not
pointedly addressed to itself for it only put back one ear and kept the
other forward.

"Now, lass," said Dick firmly (both ears went full back at that sound
and remained there), "take it easy; don't exert yerself over much. It
an't o' no use--a short pace or two, and--so."

The horse went full swing over a roaring watercourse as he spoke, and
alighted safe on the opposite bank, but the gravelly soil was
treacherous; it gave way, and the animal's hind legs slipped back. With
a bound Dick sprang to the ground.

"Hyp, good horse," he cried, raising the rein.

A powerful effort, and footing was regained. Dick vaulted into the
saddle (he seldom used the stirrup), and away they went again, blithe as
ever. Then a long strip of tangled forest appeared. Dick diverged
here. It was easier to skirt it th