III

TRICKING TWINKLEHEELS


Clutching in one hand the four-quart measure with a taste of oats in it,
and holding the halter carefully behind his back, Johnnie Green walked
slowly towards Twinkleheels. He called with short, sharp whistles--all
on one note. And Twinkleheels soon came cantering up from the other side
of the brook, where he had been feeding. As he neared Johnnie Green he
slowed down to a walk.

Johnnie stood still and shook the oats about inside the measure, holding
it up so that Twinkleheels could see it.

Twinkleheels whinnied. He knew that sound. He thought it one of the
pleasantest on the farm. He, too, stopped. Then he moved forward a few
steps, stopped again, sniffed, and at last came straight up to Johnnie
and thrust his nose into the grain measure.

While he was munching the oats Johnnie Green passed the end of the
halter rope about his neck.

"There!" Johnnie cried. "There, young fellow! Now I've got you. And
you'll never lead me such a merry chase again."

Twinkleheels acted as mild as the Muley Cow. He stood perfectly still
while Johnnie slipped the halter on his head and buckled it. Then he
followed Johnnie to the pasture bars, down the lane, and into the barn.