Lyda did many tricks with the numbers , so curious that no dog could possibly understand them ; yet what the secret sign was I could not discover , but suppose it must have been in the tones of the master 's voice , for he certainly made none with either head or hands . `` It took an hour a day for eighteen months to educate a dog enough to appear in public , and -LRB- as you say , Ben -RRB- the night was the best time to give the lessons . Soon after this visit , the master died ; and these wonderful dogs were sold because their mistress did not know how to exhibit them . '' `` Would n't I have liked to see 'em and find out how they were taught ! Sanch , you 'll have to study up lively , for I 'm not going to have you beaten by French dogs , '' said Ben , shaking his finger so sternly that Sancho grovelled at his feet and put both paws over his eyes in the most abject manner . `` Is there a picture of those smart little poodles ? '' asked Ben , eying the book , which Miss Celia left open before her . `` Not of them , but of other interesting creatures ; also anecdotes about horses , which will please you , I know , '' and she turned the pages for him , neither guessing how much good Mr. Hamerton 's charming `` Chapters on Animals '' were to do the boy when he needed comfort for a sorrow which was very near . CHAPTER X A HEAVY TROUBLE `` Thank you , ma'am , that 's a tip-top book , ` specially the pictures . But I ca n't bear to see these poor fellows ; '' and Ben brooded over the fine etching of the dead and dying horses on a battle-field , one past all further pain , the other helpless , but lifting his head from his dead master to neigh a farewell to the comrades who go galloping away in a cloud of dust . `` They ought to stop for him , some of 'em , '' muttered Ben , hastily turning back to the cheerful picture of the three happy horses in the field , standing knee-deep among the grass as they prepare to drink at the wide stream . `` Ai n't that black one a beauty ? Seems as if I could see his mane blow in the wind , and hear him whinny to that small feller trotting down to see if he ca n't get over and be sociable . How I 'd like to take a rousin ' run round that meadow on the whole lot of 'em ! '' and Ben swayed about in his chair as if he was already doing it in imagination . `` You may take a turn round my field on Lita any day . She would like it , and Thorny 's saddle will be here next week , '' said Miss Celia , pleased to see that the boy appreciated the fine pictures , and felt such hearty sympathy with the noble animals whom she dearly loved herself . `` Need n't wait for that . I 'd rather ride bareback . Oh , I say , is this the book you told about , where the horses talked ? ''
asked XXXXX , suddenly recollecting the speech he had puzzled over ever since he heard it .
Ben Celia Lita Lyda Sancho battle-field day left mane night