But, as he reviewed the scene at Ukalla Jail in his mind
once more, it came to him. He was not quite certain, but he fancied he
had it. What if its strange power were true? It was a queer, soft,
foreign-sounding word.

There could be no harm in giving it a trial and, if by lucky chance it
proved successful, what a triumph he would have over the arrogant
Mayor of Vernock, and over Jim Langford as well.

He smiled to himself now at his credulity, as he had done once at his
incredulity over the same peculiar word. Then recurred to him that
wonderful little saying of Will Shakespeare's:--

"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt
of in your philosophy."

Encouraged by the quotation and angered by Brenchfield's cruelty, he
decided to take a chance. He sprang to the mare's head.

"Let the horse alone, man," he cried. "Can't you see you are only
making her worse?"

"What the devil do you know about horses? She'll eat you alive, you
fool of a tenderfoot."

"I'm willing to take a chance. Stand back and see what I know."

Brenchfield gazed at him in surprise, but, ever ready to be
enlightened, he stepped back.

"Jim,--go to the other end of the yard; take him with you,--and
watch."

Langford, anxious at all times to be amused; Brenchfield grinning in
derision; both went some thirty yards out of hearing, while the horse
continued to kick and plunge.

Holding out his hand, Phil drew nearer to the mad animal.

Quietly he murmured the three-syllabled word which he had so dearly
earned from his convict friend. The soft and soothing effect of its
vowels surprised Phil himself. Time and again he repeated the word,
going closer and closer.

Beelzebub stopped her plunging. She cocked forward her ears, straining
and listening intently. Phil kept on--as a slow tremor passed over the
horse. Slowly the wicked gleam died from her eyes. Phil's hand reached
out and touched her nose. He stroked it cautiously--gently. He reached
and whispered the word close in her ear. She sighed almost like a
woman. In a moment more Phil's left hand was on her sleek neck and
running over her back. She whinnied, then her nozzle sought his arm
and rubbed along it to his shoulder.

She became as quiet as the proverbial lamb.

Langford and Brenchfield came forward, blank amazement showing in
their faces.

"By jiminy!--where the dickens did you learn that? Did I mention
Lavengro. Lavengro's a _has been_, in fact, a _ne