They then tied their fore-legs, and loosed the ropes round their
necks, that they might recover their breath.
"Got them now, Massa Humphrey," said Pablo.
"Yes; but our work is not yet over, Pablo; we must get them home; how
shall we manage that?"
"Suppose they no eat to-day and to-morrow, get very tame." "I believe
that will be the best way; they can not get loose again, do all they
can."
"No, sir; but get one home to-day. This very fine pony; suppose we try
him."
Pablo then put the halter on, and tied the end short to the fore-leg
of the pony, so that it could not walk without keeping its head close
to the ground--if it raised its head, it was obliged to lift up its
leg. Then he put the lasso round its neck, to choke it if it was too
unruly, and having done that, he cast loose the ropes which had tied
its fore-legs together.
"Now, Massa Humphrey, we get him home somehow. First I go loose the
dogs; he 'fraid of the dogs, and run t'other way."
The pony, which was an iron-gray and very handsome, plunged furiously
and kicked behind, but it could not do so without falling down, which
it did several times before Pablo returned with the dogs. Humphrey
held one part of the lasso on one side, and Pablo on the other,
keeping the pony between them; and with the dogs barking at it behind,
they contrived, with a great deal of exertion and trouble, to get the
pony to the cottage.
Pages:
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356