ALONG FOUR-FOOTED TRAILS 



the bridle-rein to her companion to be used in 

 strapping the mare's feet, that they might be 

 sure of thoroughly controlling her ; through her 

 wild nature she was a nervous, high-spirited 

 horse, and would certainly be difficult to conquer. 

 It is a rule, when the wild pony is captured in 

 this way, that the shock given it when struck 

 by a bullet completely subdues it and leaves it 

 docile. The stallion now moved a trifle and 

 lovingly bit the mare's neck. The teacher was 

 certain the mare would move and bite back at 

 him. This would give her companion the op- 

 portunity of bringing down the beautiful steed. 

 Hurriedly she made a rope-noose to slip over 

 the mare's under jaw and by which she expected 

 they would triumphantly lead home the sub- 

 dued animal. At that very moment the stal- 

 lion, still standing between them and the mare, 

 turned his head and with startled eyes looked 

 straight at his would-be captors ; on the instant 

 the mare leaped forward and had passed under 

 the cliff with the stallion by her side before the 

 cowboy could take certain aim. The disap- 

 pointed couple ran back to their ponies, 

 mounted and galloped off in hot pursuit. They 

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