This gave Tad an opportunity to gaze admiringly at the sleek ponies on
which the boys were mounted, as well as at the nickel trimmings of
bridles and saddles, which glistened brightly in the sunlight.

"Wish you had him, don't you?" laughed Ned, noting Tad's gaze fixed on
his own well-groomed mount.

To Ned's surprise, Tad shook his head negatively.

"Mean to tell me you don't want a pony like this?"

"I didn't say so, Ned. No, I wouldn't say that, because it isn't
true. You asked me if I didn't wish I had him. Of course, I want a
pony more than anything else in the world. But I want my own, not
yours. That is different, you see. Much as I want one, I don't covet
either yours or Walt's."

"Well, you are a funny fellow. I never did understand you," marveled
Ned. "But, I guess he's about right, eh, Walter? Don't you think so!"

"Yes. And I have been thinking, since our meeting yesterday, that
perhaps it might be fixed. I wasn't going to say anything about it,"
answered Walter, meditatively.

"Thinking about what?" demanded Ned.

"About Tad's not having a horse, and no way to get one. I tell you,
it's mighty tough----"