164 THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER. 



to this horse ; but you have no more chance of ever 

 getting him than of seeing the back of your own neck. 

 Tell me, though, what would you give the man who 

 should procure you the animal ? ' 



' Any thing he desired,' replied Asamat. 



' If that is the case, I am your man ; you shall 

 have the horse, but on one condition swear that you 

 will fulfil it.' 



' I swear ! You, too, swear.' 



* Very good. I swear the horse shall be yours ; 

 only you must give me your sister Bela in return. 

 The bargain I think will be a profitable one for you.' 

 Asamat was silent. 



' You will not do it ? As you please. I thought 

 you were a full grown man, but I see you are still 

 only a boy. It is too soon for you to back a horse 

 like' 



Asamat was on fire. ' But my father ?' said he. 



' Does he never leave home ?' 



e Well, he does, sometimes.' 



Then it is done ?' 



'Done!' whispered Asamat, as pale as death. 

 'The time?' 



' The first time Kasbitch comes here. He pro- 

 mised to bring ten sheep to the fort. Leave the rest 

 to me. Do you do your part, Asamat.' 



