bridle. He was very particular in letting out and taking in the straps,
to fit my head comfortably; then he brought a saddle, but it was not
broad enough for my back; he saw it in a minute, and went for another,
which fitted nicely. He rode me first slowly, then a trot, then a
canter, and when we were on the common, he gave me a light touch with
his whip, and we had a splendid gallop.

"Ho, ho! my boy," he said, as he pulled me up, "you would like to follow
the hounds, I think."

As we came back through the park we met the squire and Mrs. Gordon
walking; they stopped, and John jumped off. "Well, John, how does he
go?"

"First rate, sir," answered John; "he is as fleet as a deer, and has a
fine spirit, too; but the lightest touch of the rein will guide him.
Down at the end of the common we met one of those traveling carts hung
all over with baskets, rugs, and such like; you know, sir, many horses
will not pass those carts quietly; he just took a good look at it, and
then went on as quiet and pleasant as could be. They were shooting
rabbits near the Highwood, and a gun went off close by; he pulled up a
little and looked, but he did not stir a step to right or left. I just
held the rein steady and did not hurry him, and it's my opinion he has
not been frightened or ill-used while he was young."

"That's well," said the squire, "I will try him myself to-morrow."

The next day I was brought up for my master. I remembered my mother's
counsel and my good old master's, and I tried to do exactly what he
wanted me to do. I found he was a very good rider, and thoughtful for