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 Charlie 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 . '' Dan patted and praised him , and took a short turn every day , getting frequent falls , but persisting in spite of them , and longing to try a saddle and bridle , but not daring to confess what he had done . He had his wish , however , for there had been a witness of his pranks who said a good word for him . `` Do you know what that chap has ben doin ' lately ? '' asked Silas of his master , one evening , as he received his orders for the next day . `` Which boy ? '' said Mr. Bhaer , with an air of resignation , expecting some sad revelation . `` Dan , he 's ben a breaking the colt , sir , and I wish I may die if he ai n't done it , '' answered Silas , chuckling . `` How do you know ? '' `` 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 XXXXX ai n't no tricks , and is as pretty a tempered horse as ever I see .
Charlie Dan Wal evening gen kep minute minutes paster suthing