played, the quicker were
the pony's movements. As soon as he stopped, the animal quietly went on
munching his oats.

When her father returned from the city, Minnie ran to meet him, and
relate the wonderful feats of her pet. To gratify her, he walked to the
stable to see the operation repeated.

"Music has a wonderful influence on horses," he remarked, as they were
returning to the house, "especially martial music."

"Do you remember the case of the old war-horse, Solus?" inquired his
brother.

"Yes; and Minnie would like to hear it."

The gentleman playfully patted her head, as he related the following
anecdote:--

"Many years ago, an assistant of the contractors on a new turnpike used
to ride to the field of labor a horse which had long carried a field
officer, and who, though aged, still possessed a good deal of spirit.
One day he was passing a large town where volunteers were at drill, on
the Common. The moment Solus heard the drum, he leaped the fence, and
was speedily at his old post, heading the drill, occupied by the
commanding officer on parade.

"The young rider, dreadfully mortified, could not induce the horse to
leave his honorable position till the volunteers left for the town; but,
to the great amusement of the bystanders, headed all their manoeuvres,
prancing in true military style, as well as his stiffened limbs would
allow him, much to the annoyance of the assistant, who did not feel very
highly honored by Solus making a colonel of him against his will."

The company all laughed at this story, which Mrs. Lee said reminded her
of the effects of a trumpet on some captured horses, of which she had
read.

"It seems," she went on, "that in the early part of this century, the
Tyrolese captured fifteen horses belonging to the Bavarian troops sent
against them, and mounted them with fifteen of their own men, in order
to go out again against the same troops. But no sooner did these horses
hear the sound of their own trumpet, and recognize the uniform of their
old friends, than they dashed forward at full speed, and, in spite of
all the efforts of their riders, bore them into the ranks, and
delivered them up as prisoners to the Bavarians."

"That was rather a mortifying defeat," suggested uncle Harry, "and only
proves my theory correct, that horses are very susceptible to kind
treatment, and have a wonderful memory, often recognizing their old
masters after a separation of years."

"Harry, do you re