332 HORSE AND MAN. 



'Three times was the experiment tried with precisely 

 the same results, when it occurred to Mr. N. to com- 

 promise the matter, and by taking " Sam " an indirect 

 way, he made his calls, and finished his journey to the 

 satisfaction of all pai ties. " Sam " was evidently aware 

 that he was indebted to his lameness for his holiday, 

 and had feigned lameness for the sake of another re- 

 spite from work, but was not clever enough to carry 

 out the deception to its full extent. 



' Without the least approach to vice, " Sam " was 

 masterful and overbearing with regard to other horses. 

 On one occasion, four beside himself were running in 

 the same paddock, and as it was in the winter time, we 

 were accustomed to throw down five large bundles of 

 hay — one for each horse. 



' Now, " Sam " made it a point of honour to drive 

 the other horses from their food. By constant 

 vigilance, he could manage to keep guard over three 

 heaps of hay beside his own, but the fourth was 

 beyond his powers, and evidently cost him great 

 trouble of mind. 



' One day, however, a sudden inspiration seized 

 him. As soon as the hay was brought, he dashed at 

 the obnoxious heap, rolled it in the mud so as to 

 spoil it, and then returned complacently to his usual 

 position. 



' I have also seen " Sam " when in want of water go 



