The Horse, as Comrade and Friend 



outstretched hand ! Lower your hand quite 

 slowl}?^ and he follows up your arm, touching 

 and smelling your clothing, lifts his nose on to 

 your waistcoat and looks up into your face. 

 Put your hand on his neck and stroke him. 

 Scratch him, he loves it. Get to his wither 

 and scratch, and — O Miracle ! — he scratches 

 back. You can handle him anyi\^here, and 

 in any way you like. You can lift either fore- 

 leg, or lift him up by both. He has seen and 

 liked you in the dreamland, and now he has 

 come to you, face to face, he accepts you, 

 right there, as his best playfellow. There is 

 no doubt as to his real affection for you. You 

 can see it in his eyes. Put one arm round his 

 neck, and scratch him on the back and sides. 

 He goes almost wild with delight, gives little 

 jumps off the ground with both forefeet to- 

 gether, twists his head round and gnaws at 

 your elbow. Release him, and take a step 

 or two backwards. Instantly he follows up, 

 and pushes hard into you, begging to be 

 scratched again. If you don't he will stamp 

 with impatience, and if that is no good, he will 

 jump up on you, quite likely putting both 

 feet on your chest ! Give him a real good 

 scratching again, like his Mother's lickings, all 

 over. It entrances him. Then lie down on 

 the grass, take off your hat, and keep quiet 

 and see what he wiU do to you. He will smell 

 you first at what part is nearest, and work up 



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