THE 8TBIKE AT SHANE'S, 33 



sauntering down the path with his milk pail. " You 

 put the saddle on Dick, an' go down an' get Hodges 

 as quick as you can." . 



Tom did as he was commanded ; but when he at- 

 tempted to bring Dick out of the stable he pretended 

 to be so stiff that he could not get out. Shane was 

 called up and made acquainted with the state of affairs. 



"What in the nation do you suppose is the matter 

 with 'em?" he asked, still more astounded. " 'Tain't 

 no founder, for they haven't been overfed." 



''I've an idea that it's some of that mule's work," 

 said Tom. "Like as not he's been kicked." 



" I reckon one mule wouldn't kick all the horses on 

 the place," said Shane, as they examined him for hoof 

 marks and found none. 



"Well, you'll just have to walk down to town an' get 

 Hodges, an' be quick about it." 



"It does beat all," said Shane, as he returned to the 

 house. " There's no misfortune flyin' that don't 'light 

 on this farm." 



" What is the matter now?" asked Mrs. Shane. 



' ' Why, every horse on the farm is disabled in one 

 way or another," said Shane. 



' ' Well, I thought you were working those horses too 

 hard," said Mrs. Shane. "You should remember, 

 John, that horses are not machines that can go on for- 

 ever. You should judge their feelings something by 

 your own. You raised Mike's wages for working over 

 time, hut tvhat have you given these horses for their 

 overwork'^ Have you given them any better care or 

 better food?" 



