Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1881-06-16

Inc morse was led up-a large chest
nut with white star on his forehead
and world of intelligence IN his sof
eyes. He was rather heavy for Kit
ty S use, but she found no fault. Plac,
ing her little foot in the hand of the
groom, she leaped lightly to her place
arranged her skirts in moment, anC
took up the double reins in her small
skillful fingers. She rode three times
around the school, and then drew reir
before Mr. Cover and Mr.. Phillips, the
riding master.
Miss Ryan. your seat is perfect. II
you will allow me l will reconsider
my decision
wait little!' cried Kitty, with ma,
tional impetuoslty. Put up some bars
Can he leapY
The order was obeyed, and Kitty
took the big chestnut over the ob
stacles with a dexterity that surprised
all who saw her.
She can ride!' exclaimed Phillips.
by George, l flatter myself I've seen
some cross country riding, but l never
saw lady who managed horse like
her
Before Kitty left the school she was
engaged on a salary that positively
frightened her, it was SO big.
How delighted poor mother will be,
said the impulsive little girl, as she re-
turned to- the boarding house. Pm
sure / don't know how to thank you,
Mr. Cover. l would have gone home
crying if you had not been there. |
am SO glad Of a chance to ride again; l
love horses SO dearly. They are such
good, faithful creatures. think they
know when people understand and
love them. l always could do any
thing liked with horse. There was
one in Lord Fitzmorris' stable that
was called the most vicious animal in
Ireland. He was jet black, large,
heavy animal. No one could manage
him, and at last l got his Lordship's
consent to mount him Ny father new
er feared to let me ride any horse, for
you see l understand them SO well
there is really NO dangcr:--I- went to
the groom and to1d him to allow meto
see Elgin-that was the horses name,
in his box. After some demur he did
so. I was struck with the beauty of
the animal. l spoke to him very gent
ly. He trembled so I knew he was ac-
customed to abuse, poor Elgln.' drew
near, and greatly to the surprise of the
stable men laid my hand on his shoul-
der. In an instant he laid back his
ears and turned on me with flashing
eyes, dilated and furious, and teeth
glistening.
'Elgin! I said gently. He looked at
me steadily for moment, then put his
nose on my shoulder The men stood
around silent from terror, waiting with
bated breath to see me torn and tram
Piled. 'Elginn I put my hand on his
neck and stroked him softly. Again
he trembled all over, this time with
surprise. His large eyes met mine in
a questioning glance, his nose still rest.
ed on my shoulder. | had conquered
Elgin. He sighed heavily like hu-
man thing, and I stroked and patted
him, speaking to him softly and gently
all the time. After while he rubbed
his nose over my hair and face, and |
knew 1 had won bis heart poor ILL
treated, misunderstood Elgin. After
that he was led out and saddle placed
on his back. Two hostlers held him
while I mounted. He looked round at
me, and the flutter Of my habit startled
him; he made bolt. Any woman who
did not possess my nerve might have
lost her head, but I knew there was
nothing mean about Elgin. There are
mean horses just as there are mean
people; they will lie down and roll on
you, but he would never think of such
a thing. / let him run, had fear
ful curb on his mouth, but / never
used it. l am not coward, When
he had raced till he was weary, he be,
gan to slacken speed. Quietly had
guided HIM up steep hill, and he felt
my weight, slight though it was. Now
I spoke again, and he recognized my
voice.
another trembling fit passed over
him: he turned around his head. l
talked with him as [ would talk with
you, telling him how foolish 1t was to
be afraid. After that I had no trouble
with Elgin; we understood each other.
Lord Fitzmorris sold him to an Eng
lishman, and [ grieved when we part
ed, for I hao lost friend. Noble
creature! poor horse! perhaps he nev-
er after had chance to find any one
who could believe that he was any
thing but friend
Kitty was soon settled in her new
business. She felt happy, for she was
money to support her mother,
and her employment was congenial.
Her love of animals was really remark
able. She understood them, and they
loved her, Every horse in the school
knew her and all the EMPLOYEES re-