the control of
the bit which she had taken in her teeth, she swung round and at full
gallop made straight for the Homestead farm from which she had so lately
come. The farm-yard gate was wide open and she dashed in, making
directly for the wagon-shed at the extreme end of the place, which was
now empty. This shed, the top of which was supported by a cross-beam,
was only just high enough to permit a wagon to be sheltered there, and
if the horse got in, Willard saw at a glance that she would be obliged
to lower her head to do so, and that in the course of her entry he must
inevitably strike the beam and perhaps be instantly killed or swept off
her back upon a pile of rocks that on either side walled the entrance to
the shed.

His heart for once failed him, for there seemed no earthly hope of
escape. There was no time to spring off, even if the speed at which he
was going would have permitted him to do so, for in a shorter time than
it has taken to describe the scene, the shed was reached, bang went the
mare's head against the opposite end, and at the same instant Willard
felt a dull thud against his person, realized the fact that he was being
thrown into the air, and then came darkness and unconsciousness. He was
dashed violently upon the stones, and when picked up his body was found
to be much lacerated and bruised.

Fortunately, however, no bones were broken, though he was obliged to
keep his bed for some days afterwards. No doubt while lying there during
slow convalescence he mused upon the vicissitudes attendant upon the
career of a horse-tamer. At all events from this time he became much
steadier and more prudent,--the wild adventures of his earlier boyhood
having entirely lost their attraction for him.

CHAPTER IX.

THE YOUNG TRAPPER OF THE OSWEGATCHIE.

A plan of life.--Determination to procure an education.--A
substitute at the plow.--His father acquiesces in his
determination to become a trapper.--Life in the wild woods along
the Oswegatchie.--The six "dead-falls."--First success.--A
fallacious calculation.--The goal attained.--Seventy-five dollars
in hard cash!--Four terms of academic life.--The youthful
rivals.--Lessons in elocution.--A fight with hair-brushes and
chairs!--"The walking ghost of a kitchen fire."--Renewed
friendship.--Teaching to obtain means for an education.

At this period of Willard's life, he is described by Mr. Rennehan as
having acquired