The horses the boys rode were the same that had carried them across the
prairie, and they were now hitched at the end of the porch, saddled and
bridled, and awaiting the pleasure of their masters. One of them, Sleepy
Sam, looked as sleepy as ever. He stood with his head down, and his eyes
half closed, as if it made no difference to him whether Archie took his
morning ride or not. The other, a magnificent iron-gray, pulled
impatiently at his halter, and pranced about, apparently as much excited
as Archie had been a few moments before. This was the "king of the
drove"--the one the trappers had captured during their sojourn at the
Old Bear's Hole. He answered to the name of Roderick; for Frank had read
Sir Walter Scott's "Lady of the Lake," and, admiring the character of
the rebel chieftain, had named his favorite after him. Perhaps the name
was appropriate, for the animal sometimes showed a disposition to rebel
against lawful authority, especially when any one besides Frank
attempted to put a saddle or bridle on him. He was a wild-looking
fellow, and he had a way of laying back his ears, and opening his mouth,
when any one came near him, that would have made a stranger think twice
before trying to mount him. With Frank, however, he was as gentle as a
dog. He would come at his call, stand on his hind legs, and carry his
master's whip or sombrero. He would kick and bite at Frank when the
latter tickled him in the ribs, all in sport, of course; but if Mr.
Winters, or one of the herdsmen, came about him, he would use his teeth
and heels in good earnest. He was as swift as ever, and Frank had yet to
see the horse that could beat him.

The saddles these horses wore were like every thing else about
themselves and masters, of the Mexican pattern. They were made of
beautifully-stamped leather, with high pommels in front, the tops of
which were flat, and as large around as the crown of Frank's sombrero. A