THE BLACK BEAR. 235 



In a twinkling, the tawny horseman was on the 

 back of my steed and off like the wind, leaving me 

 to the jokes of my companions, who declared, never- 

 theless, that ill two days I would have a first-rate 

 horse. The Mexican joined us again in the even- 

 ing, bringing the horse home with him covered with 

 foam, and ready to sink through fatigue. He had 

 galloped him some forty miles, and when he had 

 stabled him for me, he assured me that he would 

 do very well, and be " muy huonito." The bottom 

 which he had exhibited in enduring so severe a 

 trial was the best proof of his excellence. For 

 all this, I was so afraid that my new horse would 

 be spoiled by the violent mode of conducting his 

 education, that I determined to mount him myself 

 next day. 



In the morning, 1 went up to my horse full of 

 confidence, totally disregarding the warning cry of 

 the Mexican: "No, no,porDios!" I nearly paid 

 dearly for m}' temerity, for the animal lashed out 

 furiously with its hind legs just as I was going to 

 lay my hand upon its mane, and its heels came so 

 close to my face, that I could read upon its shoes a 

 very significant warning, not to approach too near 

 Avithout the greatest precaution. Furious at this 

 reception, and indignant at what I called the ingra- 

 titude of a brute that I had wished to spare the 

 ordeal of another day's training, I handed him over 

 once more to my Mexican friend, with full permission 



