WILD PONIES OF THE PLAINS 



pawed to death on the spot only for the timely 

 interference of the teacher. In the animal's 

 most excited moments the sound of the teacher's 

 voice would always calm her. She was the first 

 in her subdued state to soothe her, the first to 

 give her food and comfort and the first and only 

 one who ever loved and mastered her. Between 

 them existed a human, not brute, confidence. 



The stallion and the few remaining followers 

 were soon captured by being driven into a corral 

 made for that purpose. They were the last of 

 the wild ponies in that region. But the memory 

 of the proud animals in nature's freedom never 

 will be forgotten. 



The little white pony was purchased by an 

 eastern visitor who, wishing to improve his ap- 

 pearance, had undertaken to shear his shaggy 

 white coat, cutting it into layers, or "little 

 steps " as the children expressed it. The man 

 was very desirous of having his sister ride the 

 pony and asked the school-teacher if she would 

 attempt riding the animal until it became accus- 

 tomed to a woman upon its back. The young 

 lady readily consented, enjoying nothing better 

 than a bit of excitement as this venture promised 

 ['07] 



