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sprang upon Firefly's back, and away they went ; 

 — away from the quiet, peaceful home life toward 

 the smoke and thunder of battle. 



Firefly had much to learn in the days that 

 followed. She had to learn to march with other 

 horses. She had to learn what the words of 

 command meant, and the loud and thrilling calls of 

 the bugle. 



Then Firefly and her master were ordered 

 forward to the place where the war was" the 

 fiercest. 



At last came a day when a great and bloody 

 battle was fought. Firefly and her master were in 

 it. At first, as they stood waiting for the order to 

 charge, Firefly quivered all over, and the sweat ran 

 down her sides like water she was so afraid. 



But when at last the order was given, and her 

 master's troop swept forward, the chestnut mare was 

 at the head and all fear was forgotten. Behind was 

 the thunder of hoofs, before were the ranks of the 

 enemy, and all around was a murderous rain of 

 bullets. On went Firefly like the wind, her nostrils 

 wide ; one delicate ear pricked back for the word of 

 command ; her hoofs beating steadily on the flying 

 ground. 



