DOGS AND HOESES 281 



mare that ought to fill the bill. She is as quiet 

 as a kitten, can run like a deer, and jump like 

 a kangaroo. My sister has ridden her for four 

 months, and she is not speaking to me now. If 

 you don't like her, send her back." 



But I did like her, and I sent, instead, a con- 

 siderable check. The mare was a bright bay 

 with a white star on her forehead and white 

 stockings on her hind feet, stood fifteen hands 

 three inches, weighed 980 pounds, and looked 

 almost too light built ; but when we noted the 

 deep chest, strong loins, thin legs, and marvellous 

 thighs, we were free to admit that force and en- 

 durance were promised. Jane was delighted. 



" Dad, if I live to be a hundred years old, I 

 will never forget this day. She's the sweetest 

 horse that ever lived. I must find a nice name 

 for her, and to-morrow we will take our first 

 ride, you and Tom and Aloha and I yes, 

 that's her name." 



We did ride the next day, and many days 

 thereafter ; and Aloha proved all and more than 

 the Kentuckian had promised. 



