ke grinned and pulled his horse round a hole. "They're all cleverer
than we think. Sometimes it's an advantage and sometimes a drawback.
Anyhow, I guess I won't meddle again. Carrie will make good if we
leave her alone----"

He turned, for the horse behind them pushed forward and bit the animal
he led.

"Watch out!" he shouted. "Drive your beast on!"

Jim did so and then stopped a few yards off, while the animals plunged
round each other and a man behind ran up. Jake, sticking to the
bridle, was dragged about; his horse's load struck against a tree and a
flour-bag burst. While he tried to stop the white stream running from
the hole, the other horse seized his arm and shook him savagely. Its
driver joined in the struggle with a thick branch, and the men and
animals floundered about the trail while the flour ran into the mud.

"Let up with the club!" Jake shouted. "The dried apples have gone now.
You have hit the bag."

"Hold your beast, then," gasped the other. "This trouble's not going
to stop until mine gets in front."

Jake with an effort pulled the kicking animal between two trees and
there was quietness when the other passed. It looked round for a
moment, and then plodded forward steadily while the desiccated apples
ran down on the trail.

"Now we'll stop and fix those bags," Jake remarked. "Why in thunder
did you let the brute go, Bill?"

"He was mushing along good and quiet and I wanted to light my pipe.
Reckon he forgot he wasn't in his place."

Then they heard a laugh and saw Carrie close by. Jake was covered with
mud and flour, and his hat, which had been trampled on, hung over his
hot face.

"You look the worse for wear," she said.

"I guess I feel like that," Jake replied, indicating his torn overalls.
"Putting some of the damage right will be a job for you, but my hat's
past your help. You wouldn't think it cost three dollars, not long
since!"

"But what was the kicking and biting about?"

"You heard the explanation! Bill's cayuse forgot he wasn't in his
proper place. When he remembered, he tried to get there."

"I don't understand yet."

"A pack-horse knows his place in the row. He's a creature of habit and
hates to see another animal where he ought to be, but Bill was late in
loading up and we didn't stop for him. If I'd known what was coming to
me, I'd have waited. Now you have got the thing."

Carrie laughed and Jim noted there was no reserve in her amusement.
Her