`` He wo n't need much taming , he is such a gentle , fine-tempered brute . I shall come out and try him with a saddle myself some day , '' he said , on one of these visits . `` He lets me put a halter on him , but I do n't believe he will bear a saddle even if you put it on , '' answered Dan , who never failed to be present when Charlie and his master met . `` I shall coax him to bear it , and not mind a few tumbles at first . He has never been harshly treated , so , though he will be surprised at the new performance , I think he wo n't be frightened , and his antics will do no harm . '' `` I wonder what he would do , '' said Dan to himself , as Mr. Laurie went away with the Professor , and Charlie returned to the bars , from which he had retired when the gentlemen came up . A daring fancy to try the experiment took possession of the boy as he sat on the topmost rail with the glossy back temptingly near him . Never thinking of danger , he obeyed the impulse , and while Charlie unsuspectingly nibbled at the apple he held , Dan quickly and quietly took his seat . He did not keep it long , however , for with an astonished snort , Charlie reared straight up , and deposited Dan on the ground . The fall did not hurt him , for the turf was soft , and he jumped up , saying , with a laugh , `` I did it anyway ! Come here , you rascal , and I 'll try it again . '' But Charlie declined to approach , and Dan left him resolving to succeed in the end ; for a struggle like this suited him exactly . Next time he took a halter , and having got it on , he played with the horse for a while , leading him to and fro , and putting him through various antics till he was a little tired ; then Dan sat on the wall and gave him bread , but watched his chance , and getting a good grip of the halter , slipped on to his back . Charlie tried the old trick , but Dan held on , having had practice with Toby , who occasionally had an obstinate fit , and tried to shake off his rider . Charlie was both amazed and indignant ; and after prancing for a minute , set off at a gallop , and away went Dan heels over head . If he had not belonged to the class of boys who go through all sorts of dangers unscathed , he would have broken his neck ; as it was , he got a heavy fall , and lay still collecting his wits , while Charlie tore round the field tossing his head with every sign of satisfaction at the discomfiture of his rider . Presently it seemed to occur to him that something was wrong with Dan , and , being of a magnanimous nature , he went to see what the matter was . Dan let him sniff about and perplex himself for a few minutes ; then he looked up at him , saying , as decidedly as if the horse could understand , `` You think you have beaten , but you are mistaken , old boy ; and I 'll ride you yet see if I do n't . '' He tried no more that day , but soon after attempted a new method of introducing Charlie to a burden . He strapped a folded blanket on his back , and then let him race , and rear , and roll , and fume as much as he liked .
After a few fits of rebellion XXXXX submitted , and in a few days permitted Dan to mount him , often stopped short to look round , as if he said , half patiently , half reproachfully , `` I do n't understand it , but I suppose you mean no harm , so I permit the liberty . ''
Charlie Dan Laurie Professor Toby day first fume left minute