st, it would quickly recover. This was the case; but,
in the mean time, a strong attachment grew up between the two
inhabitants of the paddock. The horse would playfully nibble the neck
of the sheep, and, without hurting it, would lift it into the manger of
a neighboring shed belonging to the field, as much as to say, 'Though
you are not able to reach it, I will help you to the banquet.' Besides
this, the horse would, on all occasions, protect his new friend, and
would suffer no one to interfere with him.

"When the drover returned, the two friends had become so attached, that
it seemed cruel to part them; and Mrs. O'Kelly, having learned the
circumstances, bought the sheep, and left the friends in peaceable
possession of the paddock and its adjoining shelter."

CHAPTER VI.

THE SHEEP-FARM.

About this time, Minnie went a short journey with her parents, and was
greatly delighted when, one afternoon, they drove through a long,
winding lane to a farmhouse, where her friend, Mr. Sullivan, was
residing.

"Will you please let me see the lambs?" she asked the kind old lady, Mr.
Sullivan's mother, who kept house for him at this time.

"My little daughter has been scarcely able to contain her joy,"
explained Mr. Lee, "since I told her, a few miles back, that we were
going to visit your son."

The good woman smiled kindly upon the child, and then went to the back
door, where she took down a long horn, and blew upon it with all her
might.

"Joseph will hear that," she said, laughing, as she saw Minnie's large
eyes fixed so eagerly on her face, "and he will come up presently from
the field. When he has taken care of your father's horses, you can go
back with him if you please."

"And may I take the little lambs in my arms? I love lambs dearly."

"They are rather shy of strangers, dear, but you can try. If the ewes
are willing, I am."

Minnie then ran to the door, and soon announced, in a glad voice, that
Mr. Sullivan was in sight.

He gave them a cheering welcome, and, after kissing Minnie, told her she
might run all over the farm, just where she pleased.

"There is a calf in the barn," he said, laughing, "and plenty of little
pigs in the sty."

"But I like lambs better than pigs, sir."

"Well, there are some over a hundred of them, and you shall be
introduced to their acquaintance as soon as I have given the horses some
oats."

Mrs. Lee was readily induced to join the party, although somewhat tired