TRAINING, AND GENERAL MANAGEMENT. 1 65 



Though a baby yearling you was then). 

 She expected a stranger — that's him, ' Ben,' 

 That yellow-haired boy near the weaners' pen ; 

 She got a hurt — we'll, we're married men, 

 We ought to know. 



"That meant 'boot and saddle' in red-hot speed 

 (No looking then for a favourite steed). 

 Forty mile to be done — the doctor brought, 

 I snatched a bridle, rushed out and caught — 

 Well, Joe was the only hoss / could see. 

 He'd thrown all the folks on the farm but me. 

 I roped him and drew him up to the tree. 

 Clapped the tackle on him and set him free. 

 When I cut the rope he gave just one bound, 

 Then stood, and looked, and walked quietly round ; 

 I leapt in the saddle and gave a ' cluck,' 

 He got over the fence with a flying buck.. 

 And straight away like a bullet flew. 

 No girth I tightened, no rein I drew. 

 From the setting sun till the first cock crew. 

 Ere my seat in the saddle got fairly cool. 

 The doctor (he's one of the sporting school) 

 Got astride of Joe, turned his head for home. 

 And before I had got there young Ben had come. 



"Joe saved my wife. 

 Saved the youngster's life ; 



