the position of subordinates.

The order of precedence on the trail was rigidly
preserved by the pack-horses. An attempt by Buckshot
to pass Dinkey, for example, the latter always
met with a bite or a kick by way of hint. If the
gelding still persisted, and tried to pass by a long
detour, the mare would rush out at him angrily, her
ears back, her eyes flashing, her neck extended. And
since Buckshot was by no means inclined always to
give in meekly, we had opportunities for plenty
of amusement. The two were always skirmishing.
When by a strategic short cut across the angle of
a trail Buckshot succeeded in stealing a march on
Dinkey, while she was nipping a mouthful, his triumph
was beautiful to see. He never held the place
for long, however. Dinkey's was the leadership by
force of ambition and energetic character, and at the
head of the pack-train she normally marched.

Yet there were hours when utter indifference
seemed to fall on the militant spirits. They trailed
peacefully and amiably in the rear while Lily or Jenny
marched with pride in the coveted advance. But the
place was theirs only by sufferance. A bite or a kick
sent them back to their own positions when the true
leaders grew tired of their vacation.

However rigid this order of precedence, the saddle-
animals were acknowledged as privileged;--and