Catoctin clarion., 1900-12-27
THURMONT Frederick County, Maryland Thursday, December H. 1900

surprised but willing mouth. and as he
crushed it with his teeth his eyes gave
me look that was half.thanks. half
appeal for moro. Patting his head and
speaking softly to him all the time, l
gave him another piece of sugar, and
when he had eaten it, I caught his bri.
die with my right hand near the bit.
and stood so that my right shoulder
was almost touching his head. In my
left hand was long, light riding whip
that belonged to the wife of one of the
officers. 1 held it extended back hori-
zvntally 80 that slight turn of the
wrist would bring Its keen lash against
his flank when desired.
Now Arthur. l said, u am going TO
give Spot his grst lesson in under
standing what / want him to do. Watch
me closely, and you will see how we
have to reach the mind Of horse
Then speaking quickly to the pony
to show him that prompt action was ex-
pected of him, led him ava y at brisk
walk. keeping his head always in the
same position, near the shoulder, and
my left hand ready with the whip.
Naturally, this holding his head 80
close to me was irksome to 'Spot'-he
had been used to freedon-and at every
other step he sought to take 1t away.
This was to be expected, of course, for
how could the little beast know 30 soon
what wanted him to do.
But every motion of that kind on his
part brought a sharp sting on his flank
from the whip lash, and pretty soon
his pony brain began to work some
what in this wise:
Nrhis is very funny man. this one
who is leading me all around the pa
rade ground. He makes me keep my
head rib hht up against his big shoulder.
and if want to take it away. some
thing jumps up behind there, and sticks
me like a needle. | might jerk away
and run for it; but then, he'd catch me
and give me a drubbing. All! l have
it'll l find that the sharp sticker never
Jumps up while my head is against the
mans big shoulder-then | II keep my
head therev
And he did. In fifteen minutes the
intelligent little animal had taken in
the situation completely, and was fol-
lowing me around in every direction
like faithful dog. | then threw otf
his bride, gave him another lump Of
sugar, this time by way cf reward, and
walked quickly off, bade him follow me.
He looked surprised for a second; then
his eyes frightened aud he came hurry
ing after me.
need not tell you of Arthur's de-
light at the success of the lesson. He
gave way to the fervent enthusiasm nat
ural under the circumstances, to one OF
his age, and hugged and caresaed Spot
with all his heart and soul in the &C
ton. In half an hour from that time
the pony vas following him as it had
followed me.
That was only the first day at school
for Spot We took him through a
regular course during the three weeks
following and by Christmas we had a
pupil that would have put to shame
any circus pony you ever saw. The at-
fection that grew up between Arthur
and Spot was nothing short Of won
derful. Perhaps other boys have loved
their ponies as much as Arthur did his;
but what l speak of as so wonderful in
this case ia the affection the pom y
showed fer Arthur. l Can think OF
nothing better to compare it with than
the love the best Newfoundland dogs
have for the children who are their
daily companions, In some way that l
can hardly describe, the pony actually
showed solicitude for the boys well
fare, sort of protecting care that was
almost human. In all my experience
with horses I have known nothing to
equal it, and that brings me to the clos.
ing part of this true story.
One afternoon Arthur mounted Spot
for gallop over the plain adjacent to
the Fort. This was an almost daily
pleasure OF his, for the country was
quiet, there were no Indians within 20
miles of the Fort, and his rides were
taken without thought of danger. Very
aften | went with him, but on the fate
full day of which I now speak / was
not we'll.
The day was reasonably fair for the
season-it was about the middle Of Jan
uary-but stiff wind had been blow
ing from the southwest since early
morning, driving before it masses Of
leaden gray clouds. 1t was cold. but
not more so than on similar day in the
| NJ l.I,d had haan nnrnriaad 10