` That 's what I call a horse worth having , ' said Ted , full of admiration and delight ; for he was to have the care of her during Dan 's absence . ` What intelligent eyes ! She looks as if she would speak , ' said Mrs Jo . ` She talks like a human in her way . Very little that she do n't know . Hey , old Lass ? ' and Dan laid his cheek to hers as if the little black mare was very dear to him . ` What does `` Octoo '' mean ? ' asked Rob . ` Lightning ; she deserves it , as you 'll see . Black Hawk gave her to me for my rifle , and we 've had high times together out yonder . She 's saved my life more than once . Do you see that scar ? ' Dan pointed to a small one , half hidden by the long mane ; and standing with his arm about Octoo 's neck , he told the story of it . ` Black Hawk and I were after buffalo one time , but did n't find 'em as soon as we expected ; so our food gave out , and there we were a hundred miles from Red Deer River , where our camp was . I thought we were done for , but my brave pal says : `` Now I 'll show you how we can live till we find the herds . '' We were unsaddling for the night by a little pond ; there was n't a living creature in sight anywhere , not even a bird , and we could see for miles over the prairies . What do you think we did ? ' And Dan looked into the faces round him . ` Ate worms like the Australian fellows , ' said Rob .
` Boiled grass or leaves , ' added Mrs XXXXX .
Australian Dan Hawk Jo Octoo Rob Ted mane night prairies