THE STRIKE AT SHANE'S. 15 



when Shane conchided to try breaking one of the colts. 

 His idea of breaking a colt ivas by force, and the 

 thought never entered his head that he could subdue it 

 by gentleness. The strong-limbed, beautiful colt was 

 enticed into the stable, and the door securely fastened. 

 A rope with a slip-noose was then thrown over its 

 head, and as it plunged away the rope tightened 

 around its neck until it was choked almost into insen- 

 sibility. A strong bridle was then placed on it and 

 the noose was loosened. After being pulled around and 

 whipped for about an hour the colt became too much 

 exhausted to make further resistance, and Shane held 

 it by the bit w^hile Tom fitted on the collar and harness. 

 Bay Dick was then brought out and hitched to the 

 wagon, and the colt was placed alongside of him. 

 Dick resented the idea of being hitched with a colt, and 

 evinced some restlessness. ^ ' Gettin' frisky, are you ? " 

 said Shane, and he gave Dick a cut with the whip 

 which raised a long welt on his side. 



Dick laid back his ears, as much as to say, '' Til get 

 even with you for that." 



" All ready ; let go ! " shouted Shane, and Tom re- 

 leased the colt's head, which he had been holding by 

 the bit. It began to rear and plunge about in its 

 efforts to get loose. Dick caught the excitement of 

 the moment, and began plunging and kicking with all 

 his might. The team then started to run, dragging 

 Shane a short distance, when he let go, — and they 

 sped down the lane like a hurricane. The wagon was 

 torn to pieces, and the two horses, trying to jump a 



