player, sometimes considerably against the player, else why should the
game be started?

We are left better off in no respect after all these desires are
gratified. We are poorer in money, in pocket, in self-respect, and often
in virtue.

We could go on so indefinitely through the list of all sorts of desires,
but I have only touched upon a few of the more crucial ones to show how
the touchstone should be applied; and even then results are crude, and
would be of little help to you in fixing on a low scale of expenditure.
They may, however, give you some ideas which will seem to guide you when
you come to meet the problems for yourself.

And now we come back to the original question, whether you really want a
pony. There are several really good ones in the stable that you can use.
You are to be away a large part of the year, and you have never made half
the use which you might have of your opportunities to ride.

I am, nevertheless, enclosing a check for the amount necessary to
purchase your pony, because at your age I took a trip through the Rocky
Mountains, which awakened in me a new desire for riding. It has proved my
greatest ally in the severe strains to which the pursuit of my object has
subjected me to, and because your ancestors have always kept their iron
constitutions into extreme old age by almost daily rides, and because the
sense of ownership of a horse may awaken in you the love and knowledge of
the animal, and may accomplish a similar happy result.

Yours very truly,
UNCLE JOSH.