xt instant closed
around its throat. The rest of the horses with a snort darted away,
leaving the terrified colt plunging and rearing with the Indian who had
sprung on its back, where he now clung with perfect security. Seeing
its companions flying down the valley it too leaped away after them
making fearful jumps over brooks and logs for many miles, every few
minutes rearing and plunging in its mad endeavors to free itself from
its burthen, until covered with foam and trembling in every limb it
paused, and turning its head gazed wildly and terrified on the chief,
who smoothed it gently as he spoke to it mildly, and then holding the
lasso tight in his hand, slipped off its back. Feeling the burthen
removed it attempted to escape, but being still held it was soon
subdued and induced to follow the chief. The colt seemed to understand
that it was a captive, for its manner became subdued and quiet under
the hands of its captor who viewed its symmetrical proportions with the
eye of a connoisseur. The chief actually laughed aloud at his success.
He had now a horse, it was so like old times, and with this he could
pursue the herd until he caught others, when he had it perfectly
trained. Satisfied with his day's hunt, he followed the tracks of the
herd back, sometimes riding, then again walking, as the fancy struck
him, until he reached the temple about sunset, where he and his prize
were greeted with every demonstration of joy.

With a grave, dignified countenance he led the colt to where Jane
stood, and placing a halter, which he had tied around its neck in place
of the lasso, in Jane's hand, he said:

"Whirlwind's gift to the antelope," and walking away left the young
girl in possession of his noble love-token.

Puzzled and blushing at her awkward position. Jane turned to her uncle
an imploring look, who amused and laughing, came forward and catching
her by the arms, seated her on her prize.

"Ride her round a few minutes, the chief expects it," he whispered in
her ear. Obeying him, she walked it back and forth before them a few
times, then slipping off placed the halter in her uncle's hand.

"Here chief," said the trapper, "Jane is well pleased with your present
and desires you to take good care of it for her, and will never be
better pleased than when she sees you on its back."

The chief, with a gratified look, led away the colt, and fastening it
to a sapling, took a skin from which he cut a long stout halter so tha