ADVENTURES AND INCIDENTS. 407 



ILLUSTRATIVE STORIES. 



1. The Arab's Hoese. — The Arab's pride in the purity 

 of breed and speed of his horse is well illustrated in the fol- 

 lowing story : A young Arab eloped with the daughter of a 

 sheik, and effected his escape upon a mare stolen from the 

 bride's father. The sheik was incensed at the loss of his 

 daughter, but his pride was gratified that his favorite marc 

 had distanced all the horses which he had sent in pursuit. 

 The latter sentiment was so strong that he suppressed his 

 wrath, and easily became reconciled to his son-in-law. 



2. The Horse's Docility. — An Eastern traveler re- 

 lates that the Arab horse seems to know when he is about 

 to be sold, or when his master is bargaining for him. He 

 becomes restless, gives a side-glance from his beautiful eye 

 to the bargainers, and shows his discontent by scraping the 

 ground with his foot ; neither the buyer nor any one else 

 then dare come near him. But when the bargain is con- 

 cluded, and the old master delivers the halter, witli a slice 

 of bread and some salt, to the new owner, and then turns 

 and walks away, the horse immediately becomes tractable, 

 and in a short time seems to transfer his regard to the one 

 who is henceforth to be his companion and friend. 



3. A Trailed Horse. — A few years ago a horse in 

 one of the London theatres officiated as waiter in the per- 

 formances. He brought in the tea-table, set the requisite 

 number of chairs, and finished his achievements by taking 

 a kettle of boiling water from a blazing fire. He would 

 also ungirth his own saddle, and wash his feet in a pail of 

 water. 



4. A Helpful Horse. — A gentleman of Leeds had a 

 horse of unusual sagacity and powers of observation. He was 



