u8 Sallie Russell 



after a few sidelong swayings, the attempt usually 

 ended by a fall to earth. The anxious mother 

 appeared to realize the feebleness of her offspring, 

 and plainly showed her longings for its safety in her 

 large earnest eyes. 



The sight of so much weakness and helplessness 

 instantly aroused Helen's sympathies, and she resolved 

 to care for this little creature. But though, in com- 

 mon with all Kentucky girls, Helen was a lover of 

 horses and knew much about their management, she 

 found the task of caring for this little weakling a 

 difficult one. The servants on the place were kept 

 busy obeying her commands ; and fresh straw, warm 

 blankets, and hot milk were in brisk demand. All 

 that care could do was done ; and yet it seemed at 

 times that the little colt could not live. The interest 

 and solicitude displayed by the mother, while these 

 efforts were being made, were most touching. She 

 seemed to understand the gravity of the occasion, 

 and that kind friends were doing all in their power ; 

 but she never for a moment relaxed her attention. 

 She ate but little, and slept only occasionally. All 

 her thoughts were plainly settled upon her colt. 



