pinto "Challenge" swept across the mesa toward the sheep-camp. Into
the camp he flung, fretting at the curb and pivoting. His rider,
Eleanor Loring, about to dismount, spoke to him sharply. Still he
continued to pivot uneasily. "Morning, Fernando! Challenge is fussy
this morning. I'll be right back!" And she disciplined Challenge with
bit and spur, wheeling him and loping him away from the camp. Down the
trail she checked him and brought him around on his hind feet. Back
they came, with a rush. Fernando's deep-set eyes glowed with
admiration as the girl "set-up" the pinto and swung to the ground with
a laugh. "Made him do it all over again, si. He is the big baby, but
he pretends he is bronco. Don't you, Challenge?" She dropped the
reins and rubbed his nose. The pony laid back his ears in simulated
anger and nipped at her sleeve. "Straighten your ears up, pronto!" she
commanded, nevertheless laughing. Then a strain of her father's blood
was apparent as she seized the reins and stood back from the horse.
"Because you're bluffing this morning, I'm going to make you do your
latest trick. Down!" she commanded. The pony extended his foreleg and
begged to shake hands. "No! Down!" With a grunt the horse dropped to
his knees, rolled to his side, but still kept his head raised. "Clear
down! Dead, Challenge!" The horse lay with extended neck, but
switched his tail significantly. "Don't you dare roll!" she said, as
he gave evidence of getting up. Then, at her gesture, he heaved
himself to his feet and shook himself till the stirrups clattered. The
girl dropped the reins and turned to the old herder. "I taught him
that, Fernando. I didn't make him do it just to show off. He
understands now, and he'll behave."

Old Fernando grinned. "He always have the good manner, being always
with the Señorita," he said bowing.