He was up betimes, and made his appearance at the stables just as
James, the stout little coachman, was completing Caesar's elaborate
toilet.
Caesar was a noble-looking, black animal, whose strength and capacity
for endurance had been well tested. This morning he was in high
spirits and looked good for months of rough-and-tumble service.
"Here's yer rifle, Mister John. I put it in trim for ye yesterday. I
s'pose ye'll be a squintin' reound sharp for bears and wolves and
other livin' wild beasts when ye git inter the woods".
"Certainly, James. I expect to set the savage old monsters scattering
in every direction".
"Well, but lookeout, Mister John and keep number one eout o' fire and
water and sech".
"Trust me for doing that, James".
After many affectionate counsels and adieus from his parents, John,
mounted on the gallant Caesar, with his rifle and portmanteau, posted
on at a rapid rate, soon leaving the city far behind.
The position of one who sits confidently upon the back of a brave and
spirited horse, is surely enviable. The mastery of a creature of such
strength and capacity--whose neck is clothed with thunder--the glory
of whose nostrils is terrible, gives to the rider a sense of freedom
and power not often felt amidst the common conditions of life. No
wonder that the Bedouin of the desert, crafty, cringing, abject in
cities, when he mounts his Arab steed and is off to the burning sands,
becomes dignified and courteous.
Pages:
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55