While the ponies were
busy with the hay, they suddenly ran out into the avenue and
separated, so as to prevent the ponies from attempting to gallop past
them. Shouting as loud they could, as they ran up to the ponies, and
calling to the dogs, who immediately set up barking on each side, the
ponies, alarmed at the noise and the appearance of Humphrey and Pablo,
naturally set off in the only direction which appeared to them to be
clear, and galloped away over the mound of drift-snow, with their
tails streaming, snorting and plunging in the snow as they hurried
along; but as soon as they arrived at the mound of drift-snow, they
plunged first up to their bellies, and afterward, as they attempted to
force their way where the snow was deeper, many of them stuck fast
altogether, and attempted to clear themselves in vain. Humphrey and
Pablo, who had followed them as fast as they could run, now came up
with them and threw the lasso over the neck of one, and ropes with
slip-nooses over two more, which were floundering in the snow there
together. The remainder of the herd, after great exertions, got clear
of the snow by turning round and galloping back through the avenue.
The three ponies captured made a furious struggle, but by drawing the
ropes tight round their necks they were choked, and soon unable to
move.
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