The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1891-12-16

said, poll ting out the window. "Tll
prove that she is my pony against all
con els and goers."
The squire caught glimpse of her
purpose.
CONSTABLE Finn, bring the pony
here" he ordered.
Rosie beckoned the constable to her,
and whispered to him: Mr.. Finn,
stop at the house and get my riding.
whip. We are going to have a circus"
In half an hour Constable Finn APP
peared with the pony, and the court
adjourned to the pasture lot.
"Poor Dollie, how she has been
abusedr' Rosie said, with vibrating
voice, her tears very near. "Mr. Finn,
hand me my whip, and then turn the
pony loose"
The pony scampertd across the lot,
and then returned. Rosie stood still,
the whip in her hand, all eyes resting
upon ler. Here, Dollie! " she cried.
"Come here, Dolliei"
The pony flung up Ler head, looked
at Rosie, whinnied her delight, and
then walked up to Ler and poked her in
the ribs with her nose.
"Doyou love me, Dollie?" she asked.
The pony nodded her head.
How much do you love me?" Rosie
asked
The pony made no response.
Chow much do you love me?" Rosie
sharply repeated, with peculiar move
mt mt of her whip.
The pony kissed her by touching her
cheek with her nose.
Rosie was so overcome that she flung
her arms around the pony's neck and
laughed and cried Historically. More
than one sturdy man drew his sleeve
across his eyes. The gypsy stared at
the experiments, his sw arthy face grow
ing still darker.
"Kneel, Dolliel" ordered Rosie, as
she sway ed her whip.
Down went the pony on her knees.
"Sit up" cried Rosie.
In a moment more the pony was on
her launches.
"Shake hands, my lady "
The pony thrust out one foot.
"Now pray!"
" In response TO that the intelligent
animal folded her front legs, rested her
head upon them, and looked comically
demure.
"Get up! was the next order.
When the pony was on all tours again,
Rosie struck her lightly on one foot.
"Why, you poor child, you'll she
commiseratingly said, "you are dread
full lame"
The pony limped around, bobbed her
head, and looked so detected that every
body laughed except the gypsy. Con-
stable Finn grinned at him, and said
sarcasticsllv,
" You must a. spent power O. time
larnin' the pony all that ar"
The gypsy muttered something under
his breath, baleful CLEAN in his eyes.
eco awayp" Rosie angrily cried to
the pony, with flirt of the whip.
The pony ran to the rear of the pas
ture lot, and then came back at fear
full rate of speed, her name streaming
her jaws apart, her teeth cleaning.
Look out, grill" several of the
spectators cried, in alarm.
Rosie felt no dismay. She stood still
her arms folded, her whip in her hand.
The pony did not run her down, but
stopped directly in front of her, and
winnie d and thrust out her he ad to be
caressed.
"Mr. Finn" Rosie said, "please
cover the pony's eyes, so that she can't
see."
The constable did so, while Rosie
walked to the fence and dropped her
handkerchief. Then she came back
and stroked the pony's nose.
"Dollie," she said, in tone of deep
concern, and she passed the whip thrc e
times in front of her, " have lost my
handkerchief" The pony snuffed
about her dress. "It isn't in my
pocket" Rosie said. 81 must have
dropped it somewhere. Golook for it,
The pony went around the lot, found
the handkerchief, picked it up, and
brought it to her young mistress.
Is the court satislied?" asked Rosie
quizzical look on her face.
The court is satisfied" Squire Bar.
low said. 6 In fact, the court is over.
whelmed. Rosie Watson, the pony be.
longs to you. Take her home; she is
entirely too smart"
"But amt / to be compensated in
any way?" asked the gypsy, with a
fierce scowl.
You are getting off cheapiy enough
as it is" was the 'squire's comment
You ought to be glad that she did moi
charge you with stealing the pony"
"Well, I'm going to give the pony
good-by, anyhow" the man said.
He stepped quickly up to the pony
grasptd the halter, and pressed closely
TO her.
But Rosie had her eyes about her
She gave loud scream, and dealt the
pony a singing blow on the nose. The
animal sprang back, land the gypsy fel
fiat on his face. When he rose to hi;
Get, he had an ugly knife in his hand
"The coward was going to kill my
pony" cried Rosie in terror.
Stoutly built though the miscreant
was, Constable Finn seized him by the
collar, and shook him until his teeth
chartered. The crowd surged dowr
upon the gypsy, to do him further
harm; but Squire Barlow interfered.
Look here, you scoundrel," he said
in great rage, if you are not out OF
the township in half an hour-youl
whole gang, bag and baggage, lock
| stock and harrel-Vou,u find voursp |