See , just here ; filled a tin cup , put some wild sage leaves in it , with water , and heated it over a fire of sticks . It was good , and we slept well . ' ' I guess Octoo did n't . ' And Josie patted the animal , with a face full of sympathy . ` Never minded it a bit . Black Hawk said we could live on the horses several days and still travel before they felt it . But by another morning we found the buffalo , and I shot the one whose head is in my box , ready to hang up and scare brats into fits . He 's a fierce old fellow , you bet . ' ` What is this strap for ? ' asked Ted , who was busily examining the Indian saddle , the single rein and snaffle , with lariat , and round the neck the leather band he spoke of . ` We hold on to that when we lie along the horse 's flank farthest from the enemy , and fire under the neck as we gallop round and round . I 'll show you . ' And springing into the saddle , Dan was off down the steps , tearing over the lawn at a great pace , sometimes on Octoo 's back , sometimes half hidden as he hung by stirrup and strap , and sometimes off altogether , running beside her as she loped along , enjoying the fun immensely ; while Don raced after , in a canine rapture at being free again and with his mates . It was a fine sight -- the three wild things at play , so full of vigour , grace , and freedom , that for the moment the smooth lawn seemed a prairie ; and the spectators felt as if this glimpse of another life made their own seem rather tame and colourless . ` This is better than a circus ! ' cried Mrs Jo , wishing she were a girl again , that she might take a gallop on this chained lightning of a horse . ' I foresee that Nan will have her hands full setting bones , for Ted will break every one of his trying to rival Dan . ' ' A few falls will not harm , and this new care and pleasure will be good for him in all ways . But I fear Dan will never follow a plough after riding a Pegasus like that , ' answered Mr Bhaer , as the black mare leaped the gate and came flying up the avenue , to stop at a word and stand quivering with excitement , while Dan swung himself off and looked up for applause . He received plenty of it , and seemed more pleased for his pet 's sake than for his own .
XXXXX clamoured for a lesson at once , and was soon at ease in the queer saddle , finding Octoo gentle as a lamb , as he trotted away to show off at college .
Bhaer Indian Jo Josie Nan Pegasus Ted lightning snaffle vigour