,' he said, as the man rode up and saluted. 'Will you let me try
your horse?'

The soldier saluted again, and dismounted without a word; and Lossing
took the bridle from his hand, and for a few moments stood beside the
horse, stroking him, smoothing his mane, and all the time speaking
some low, soothing syllables that seemed to quiet the still quivering
animal.

After a little of this he examined the saddle, adjusted the stirrups
and bridle, and then, after leading the horse away from us a short
distance, he stepped easily and quietly into the saddle. Instantly the
creature's head was erected, and his ears put back, but Lossing, with
a caressing hand upon his neck, continued his low, soothing syllables,
and let the animal walk the length of the long inclosure.

Turning then, he sent him back at a gentle trot, which he increased
gradually, until he was careering around the arena in circles, which
became shorter and shorter, until he came to a halt in the centre of
the vast place. Then after a few more gentle words and light pats upon
the sleek neck, he bent over and suddenly drew the rein. Once, twice,
three times he gave that sharp pull, but the horse stood steadfast.
Turning in his saddle, he said something to the troopers who had drawn
near him, and then sat erect in his place, while three of the troopers
turned their horses and went careering around the motionless horse and
rider. Soon, at another word from Lossing, one of the men rode
alongside, while the others drew back.

When the trooper had ranged himself at the side of Lossing's horse and
only a few feet away, Lossing nodded; and at the first tug at the rein
the trooper's well-trained animal went down and lay supine and
moveless.

Then Lossing beckoned a second time, and as the fallen horse got up he
was caressed by Lossing, who leaned from his saddle to reach him, and
then led away, as the second trooper came up leading his horse.

As the animals stood side by side Lossing dismounted, stood a moment
beside his refractory steed, and then, with a gentle pat and a low
word as if of reproof, he turned and, after patting the other animal a
moment, sprang to its back and sent it galloping around the place;
then bringing him back to place, and with a pat or two and a quick
'Now down!' threw him, sprang to his feet, and before the animal could
rise had again mounted the wayward horse.

Once more he trotted slowly away, caressing and talking to the horse;
and