390 TOM. 



in this, but as that horse came up the street he seemed 

 to grow upon my mind and fill my eye until I could 

 see nothing else. Something seemed to say within 

 me "there is your horse," and to be candid with you 

 he was a tidy looking one. 



When I shut my eyes I can see him now as he 

 stood there that morning, a bright bay with black 

 legs, short back and a shoulder, while a trifle straight 

 for fast work, but just right to fit into a collar for a 

 long and a strong pull, an eye that said plainer than 

 words could tell, "you cannot conquer me," and an ear 

 that played about as if he were still looking for the 

 chickadees to sing to him. My, how I wanted that 

 horse, with his clean flat legs, round hoofs, and short 

 neck with just a little bit of an arch to it. 



He looked like gold standing there with his legs 

 well under him, just like a big buck in the woods gett- 

 ing ready to jump over a wind fall. To make a long 

 story short, I traded for him, giving my gray horse 

 and $100 in money. I would have given $150 just as 

 quick, as I had the money and the fit was on me, but, 

 instead of holding off, took the first offer made for 

 fear I would not get him. I think now in my heart 

 that the owner of the horse felt sorry for me, but he 

 could not make me believe it, as there was something 

 in that horse's make-up or action which drew me to 

 him, just as some men say a snake can charm a bird, 

 although I have never seen it done. After I had traded 

 and had paid my money, the man I traded with took 

 me aside and said, "Now, stranger, the bay horse is 

 yours. His name is Tom. It is not necessary for 

 you to tell every one what you gave for him or what 

 you are going to do with him, but if you are going 



