THE HORSE. 
29 
djf/JffJ' 
FlQ. 2. TEACHING THE HORSE TO KNEEL. 
nose-bag with gold,’ replied Hassan. The result of this interview having 
gone abroad, Jabal became more watchful than ever, and always secured 
his mare at night with an iron chain, one er.d of which was fastened to 
his hind fetlock, whilst the other, after passing through the tent-cloth, 
was attached to a picket driven in the g.ound under the felt that served 
himself and his wife for a bed. But one midnight Gafar crept silently 
into the tent, and succeeded in loosening the chain. Just before start- 
ing off with his prize, he caught up Jabal’s lance, and, poking him with 
the butt end, cried out, ‘I am Gafar; I have stolen your noble mare, 
and will give you notice in time.’ This warning was in accordance with 
the customs of the desert, for to rob a hostile tribe is considered an 
honorable exploit, and the man who accomplishes it is desirous of all 
the glory that may flow from the deed. Poor Jabal, when he heard the 
words, rushed out of the tent, and gave the alarm ; then, mounting his 
brother’s mare, accompanied by some of his tribe, he pursued the robber 
for four hours. The brother’s mare was of the same stock as Jabal’s, 
but was not equal to her ; nevertheless, he outstripped those of all the 
other pursuers, and was even on the point of overtaking the robber, 
when Jabal shouted to him, ‘Pinch her right ear, and give her a touch 
of the heel.’ Gafar did so, and away went the mare like lightning, 
speedily rendering further pursuit hopeless. 
“The pinch in the ear and the touch with the heel were the secret 
signs by which Jabal had been used to urge his marc to her utmost 
speed. Jabal’s companions were amazed and indignant at his strange 
conduct. ‘0, thou father of a jackass!’ they cried, ‘thou hast enabled 
the thief to rob thee of thy jewel.’ But he silenced their upbraidings 
by saying, ‘I would rather lose her than sully her reputation. Would 
you have me suffer it to be said among the tribe, that another mare had 
proved fleeter than mine? 1 have at least this comfort left me, that 
I can say she never met with her match.’ ” 
When you enter the stable, in which is the horse to be experiment- 
ed upon, stand still for a short time and let the horse observe you, and 
as soon as he stands quiet advance slowly, upon the left or near side, 
on a line with the shoulder, vonr right hand hanging by your side — 
