Two virtues she did possess. She was a glutton
for work; and she could fall far and hard without
injuring herself. This was lucky, for she was always
falling. Several times we went down to her fully
expecting to find her dead or so crippled that she would
have to be shot. The loss of a little skin was her only
injury. She got to be quite philosophic about it. On
losing her balance she would tumble peaceably, and
then would lie back with an air of luxury, her eyes
closed, while we worked to free her. When we had
loosened the pack, Wes would twist her tail. Thereupon
she would open one eye inquiringly as though
to say, "Hullo! Done already?" Then leisurely
she would arise and shake herself.



IV

ON HOW TO GO ABOUT IT

One truth you must learn to accept, believe as
a tenet of your faith, and act upon always. It
is that your entire welfare depends on the condition
of your horses. They must, as a consequence, receive
always your first consideration. As long as they have
rest and food, you are sure of getting along; as soon
as they fail, you are reduced to difficulties. So
absolute is this truth that it has passed into an idiom.