Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-05-01

will you be good horse? want you to let
dis little boy ride you whenever he wants to,
do you hear?" She was rubbing his dripping
neck with her firm, strong hand. Though she
still held the rope she had dropped the whip.
He stood still and let her pat him even on
his tcklish spots. where he was nervous.
Suppose l take off re nose net. will you
still be good:"
his ears hang loosely as sign of submission. She
removed the net, and her enemy drew in one,
two, three long. deep. delicious breaths, SWELL
ing out his nostril; with JOY. She led him
about: he followed her unresisting.
Come she called to the boy on the fence.
"Y You can get on him now"
FILLED with awe. but with absolute conf
dence in the brown fairy, Berkeley ap-
preached and was lifted up. 1t was all SO won
| derful! 1t was the happiest moment he could
remember; even happier than when Geraldine
had given him half of her birthday candy and
told him she'd marry him when she grew up:
The brown fairy led the map horse up and
down: but the map horse seemed to be willing.
True at one moment the old spirit awoke and
counseled The Boss to get even all around by
throwing the boy; but with that spark it
his lean and muscular body
The woman paused. Where are re fire.
crackers?" G. Crackair" was the way she pro-
nounced it,
Over there by the fence" answered the
1T ees quite safe: do not be afraid she as
sured him as she dropped the strap and rope.
She lit the punk and looked up. smiling. Here,
when tell you light re crackers and trow zem
down beside you; ! will hold Ze Boss" She
took firm grip on the bits and gave the order.
Berk lit the fuse of firecracker and dropped
it. 1t went off with sharp report. The horse
started and quivered: but the brown fairy held
she ordered They dropped thick and fast. till
the package exhausted, and The Boss,
finally accepting the situation, stood rigid.
And now. little man." she went on. kiss
me for my reward and ride up to your house.
It's quite safe; you will have no more trouble
| wiz him. must 60" She glanced at her watch.
" Gracious half past twelve! An hour and
half to break you ini'' She rubbed the horses
soft nose gently. Now. leetle boy, my kiss
She held up her pretty flushed face, and
Berk. throwing both arms around her neck,
Rugged her tight $780,,
home and stay forever and ever with me and
Uncle Ben and mama! Oh. don't leave me!
You are much nicer fairy than the fluffy pink
and white ones, and like you better than Sir
Guy-and love you better'n Geraldine"
She unclasped his hands gently. No, dear,
you must go home ] will come again some
time. You can talk about me to Ze Boss. He
cannot speak, but he will understand. As
she spoke she let down the bars and turned the
horses head. Do as | tell you. leetle man.
Go home, if you ever want to see me again.
0BEDIENTLY Berk urged the pony; but
- turned to gaze wistfully at his brown fairy.
who from time to time waved at him as she
trudged off in the direction of the railway sta
ton. On reaching the stables. however. he for
got all but his triumph. He urged The Boss to
gentle lope. and. catching sight of the amazed
Blenders. screamed breathless and grammar
less THE horse is rode! It's mine!'
When Blenders recovered he started in pur
suit. expecting every instant to see the ugly
head go down and the ugly heels fly up. But
the pony kept on in his regular canter and
broug ht his rider in front of the veranda.
Berk's mother shrieked, and Uncle Ben turned
white as he rushed down the steps.
Good heavens! you'll be killed! Get off,
Berk swelled with anger. 81 won'tl He's
mine! You said could have him if I'd ride
him!''
You did, broke in the poor woman.
That's it. You must be careful what you say
to children. Now he's risked his life! See
what you've done!"
Il don't understand" said Uncle Ben.
What on earth has come over the beast?
He's as quiet as lamb"
1T was the brown fairy did it out in the
field" explained the boy. "She threw him
down and sat on his head, and pulled him over
backwards, and put things on his nose
Hes madi' moaned the mother. "Oh, he's
madl It's gone to his head!'
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