`` Wal , I kinder keep an eye on the little fellers , and most gen ` lly know what they 're up to ; so when Dan kep going off to the paster , and coming home black and blue , I mistrusted that suthing was goin ' on . I did n't say nothin ' , but I crep up into the barn chamber , and from there I see him goin ' through all manner of games with Charlie . Blest if he war n't throwed time and agin , and knocked round like a bag o ' meal . But the pluck of that boy did beat all , and he ` peared to like it , and kep on as ef bound to beat . '' `` But , Silas , you should have stopped it the boy might have been killed , '' said Mr. Bhaer , wondering what freak his irrepressibles would take into their heads next . `` S'pose I oughter ; but there war n't no real danger , for Charlie ai n't no tricks , and is as pretty a tempered horse as ever I see . Fact was , I could n't bear to spile sport , for ef there 's any thing I do admire it 's grit , and Dan is chock full on ` t . But now I know he 's hankerin ' after a saddle , and yet wo n't take even the old one on the sly ; so I just thought I 'd up and tell , and may be you 'd let him try what he can do . Mr. Laurie wo n't mind , and Charlie 's all the better for ` t. '' `` We shall see ; '' and off went Mr. Bhaer to inquire into the matter . Dan owned up at once , and proudly proved that Silas was right by showing off his power over Charlie ; for by dint of much coaxing , many carrots , and infinite perseverance , he really had succeeded in riding the colt with a halter and blanket . Mr. Laurie was much amused , and well pleased with Dan 's courage and skill , and let him have a hand in all future performances ; for he set about Charlie 's education at once , saying that he was not going to be outdone by a slip of a boy . Thanks to Dan , Charlie took kindly to the saddle and bridle when he had once reconciled himself to the indignity of the bit ; and after Mr. Laurie had trained him a little , Dan was permitted to ride him , to the great envy and admiration of the other boys . `` Is n't he handsome ? and do n't he mind me like a lamb ? '' said Dan one day as he dismounted and stood with his arm round Charlie 's neck . `` Yes , and is n't he a much more useful and agreeable animal than the wild colt who spent his days racing about the field , jumping fences , and running away now and then ? '' asked Mrs. Bhaer from the steps where she always appeared when Dan performed with Charlie . `` Of course he is . See he wo n't run away now , even if I do n't hold him , and he comes to me the minute I whistle ; I have tamed him well , have n't I ? '' and Dan looked both proud and pleased , as well he might , for , in spite of their struggles together , Charlie loved him better than his master .
`` I am taming a colt too , and I think I shall succeed as well as you if I am as patient and persevering , '' said Mrs. Jo , smiling so significantly at him , that Dan understood and answered , laughing , yet in earnest , `` We wo n't jump over the fence and run away , but stay and let them make a handsome , useful span of us , hey , XXXXX ? ''
Charlie Silas Wal day days dint ef gen kep right