THE HOKSE. 



29 



FlO. 2. TEACHING THE HORSE TO KNEEL. 



nose-bag with gold,' replied Hassan. The result of this interview having 

 gone abroad, Jabal became more watchful than ever, and always secured 

 his mare at night with an iron chain, one end of which w^as fastened to 

 his hind fetlock, whilst the other, after passing through the tent-cloth, 

 was attached to a picket driven in the ground under the felt that served 

 himself and his wife for a bed. But one midnight Gafer crept silently 

 into the tent, and succeeded in loosening the chain. Just before start- 

 ing off with his prize, he caught up Jabal's lance, and, poking him with 

 the butt end, cried out, 'I am Gafar; I have stolen your noble mare, 

 and will give you notice in time.' This w^arning was in accordaiice with 

 the customs of the desert, for to rob a hostile tribe is considered an 

 honorable exploit, and the man who accomplishes it is desirous of all 

 the glory that may flow from the deed. Poor Jabal, when he heard the 

 words, rushed out of the tent, and gave the alarm ; then, mounting his 

 brother's mare, accompanied by some of his tribe, he pursued the robber 

 for four hours. The brother's mare w^as of the same stock as Jabal's, 

 but was not equal to her; nevertheless, he outstripped those of all the 

 other pursuers, and was even on the point of overtaking the robber, 

 when Jabal shouted to him, 'Pinch her right ear, and give her a touch 

 of the heel.' Gafar did so, and away went the mare like lightning, 

 speedily rendering further pursuit hopeless. 



"The pinch in the ear and the touch with the heel were the secret 

 signs by which Jabal had been used to urge his mare to her utmost 

 speed. Jabal's companions were amazed and indignant at his strange 

 conduct. ' O, thou father of a jackass !' they cried, ' thou hast enabled 

 the thief to rob thee of thy jewel.' But he silenced their upbraidings 



bv 



I would rather lose her than sully her reputation. Would 



you have me suffer it to be said among the tribe, that another mare had 

 proved fleeter than mine ? I have at least this comfort left me, that 

 I can say she never met with her match.' " 



When you enter the stable, in which is the horse to be experiment- 

 ed upon, stand still for a short time and let the horse observe you, and 

 as soon as he stands quiet advance slowly, upon the left or near side, 

 on a line with the shoulder, your right hand hanging by your side — 



