ad with its broad, full brow, its
wide eyes full of life and intelligence, the delicate muzzle, suddenly
caught his eye. He took a step to one side, and scanned the horse from
top to hoof, and his face lighted up. Another step, and he ran his hand
over him, up and down, from topknot to fetlock, from crest to croup. At
every touch his eyes opened wider.

"Umhm! He hard as a rock!" He was talking aloud, but to himself. "He 's
got de barrel to stay, an' he leg jes as clean as a pin!"

It was the first word of praise he had vouchsafed. The young owner's
face lighted up. He had felt the old man's disappointment, and his heart
had been sinking. It was lifted now.

"What you say he pedigree?"

"Imported Learn----"

"I know. Dat 's de blood! Imported Leamington--Fanny Wash'n' by Revenue!
He 'll do. Hit 's bred in de bone!"

"Did you ever see such bone?" the boy asked, running his hand over the
big knee-joint.

The old trainer made no answer. He glanced furtively around to see that
no one heard the question. Then he went on feeling the horse, inch by
inch. Every muscle and sinew he ran his hand over, and each moment his
face cleared up more and more. "He ain' nothin' but rock!" he said,
straightening up. "Walk him off dyah, son"--with a wave of his
hand--"_walk_ him."

It was as if he were speaking to a stable-boy. He had now forgotten all
but the horse, but the young man understood.

He took the bridle, but the horse did not wait. At the first step he was
up with him, with a long, swinging stride as springy as if he were made
of rubber, keeping his muzzle close to his master's shoulder, and never
tightening his rein. Now and then he threw up his head and gazed far
over beyond the whitewashed fence toward a horse galloping away off on
the curving track, as if there were where his interest lay.

"Straight as a plank," muttered the old trainer, with a toss of his
head. "'Minds me o' Planet. Got de quarters on him.--Bring him back!" he
called.

As the young man returned, the older one asked, "Can he run?"

"Run! Want to see him move!"

Without waiting for an answer, he vaulted into the saddle and began
to gather up the reins. The horse lifted his head and gathered himself
together, but he did not move from his tracks.

"Wait. How far is you come to-day?" demanded Robin.

"About forty miles. I took it easy." He turned the horse's head.

The old man gave an exclamation, part oath, part entreaty, and grabbed
for t