In whatever part of the wide field he might be , Charlie always came at full speed when Dan whistled at the bars , and the boy was never happier than when the beautiful , fleet creature put its head on his shoulder , looking up at him with fine eyes full of intelligent affection . `` We understand one another without any palaver , do n't we , old fellow ? '' Dan would say , proud of the horse 's confidence , and , so jealous of his regard , that he told no one how well the friendship prospered , and never asked anybody but Teddy to accompany him on these daily visits . Mr. Laurie came now and then to see how Charlie got on , and spoke of having him broken to harness in the autumn . `` 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 XXXXX , and , being of a magnanimous nature , he went to see what the matter was .
Charlie Dan Professor Teddy Toby daily first fro left minute