ny of them stuck fast altogether, and struggled 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 off by turning round and galloping
back--through the avenue. The three captured ponies made a furious
struggle; but by drawing the ropes tight round their necks they were
well-nigh choked, and soon unable to move. The lads then tied their
fore-legs, and loosened 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 cannot 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-grey 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. The poor animal, driven in this way on three legs, and
every now and then choked with the lasso, was covered with foam before
they arrived. Billy was turned out of his stable to make room for the
newcomer, who was fastened securely to the manger and then left without
food, that he might become tame. It was too late then, and they were
too tired themselves to go for the other two ponies, so they were left
lying on the snow all night, and the next morning they fo