"Up, Jo-Jo! Up!" he urged, lifting the whip into the air
insistently. At first, Jo-Jo only swished his tail rebelliously,
shaking his head until the bit rattled between his teeth.

But Tad persisted, gently yet firrnly urging with voice and
whip. Jo-Jo meanwhile pawed the dirt up into a cloud of dust that
settled over the boys, finally causing a chorus of sneezes, until Tad
felt sure he observed a twinkle of amusement in the eyes of the
knowing little animal.

"Up, Jo-Jo!" he commanded almost sternly, bringing the whip sharply
against the side of his own leg.

The pony, recognizing the voice of a master, hesitated no longer. Half
folding its slender forelegs back, it rose slowly, up and up.

"Walter Perkins and Stacy Brown broke into a cheer. But Tad, never for
an instant removing his gaze from Jo-Jo, held up a warning hand,
leaned slightly forward and fixed the pony with impelling eyes.

Then Tad backed away slowly. To the amazement of the others, Jo-Jo,
balancing himself beautifully on his hind legs, followed his new-found
master in short, cautious steps, the animal's head now high in the
air, its nostrils dilated, and every nerve strained to the task in
hand.

"Beautiful," breathed Walter and Chunky in chorus.

"He's a regular brick," added Chunky.