asked Ben , eying the book , which Miss Celia left open before her . `` Not of them , but of other interesting creatures ; also anecdotes about horses , which will please you , I know , '' and she turned the pages for him , neither guessing how much good Mr. Hamerton 's charming `` Chapters on Animals '' were to do the boy when he needed comfort for a sorrow which was very near . CHAPTER X A HEAVY TROUBLE `` Thank you , ma'am , that 's a tip-top book , ` specially the pictures . But I ca n't bear to see these poor fellows ; '' and Ben brooded over the fine etching of the dead and dying horses on a battle-field , one past all further pain , the other helpless , but lifting his head from his dead master to neigh a farewell to the comrades who go galloping away in a cloud of dust . `` They ought to stop for him , some of 'em , '' muttered Ben , hastily turning back to the cheerful picture of the three happy horses in the field , standing knee-deep among the grass as they prepare to drink at the wide stream . `` Ai n't that black one a beauty ? Seems as if I could see his mane blow in the wind , and hear him whinny to that small feller trotting down to see if he ca n't get over and be sociable . How I 'd like to take a rousin ' run round that meadow on the whole lot of 'em ! '' and Ben swayed about in his chair as if he was already doing it in imagination . `` You may take a turn round my field on Lita any day . She would like it , and Thorny 's saddle will be here next week , '' said Miss Celia , pleased to see that the boy appreciated the fine pictures , and felt such hearty sympathy with the noble animals whom she dearly loved herself . `` Need n't wait for that . I 'd rather ride bareback . Oh , I say , is this the book you told about , where the horses talked ? '' asked Ben , suddenly recollecting the speech he had puzzled over ever since he heard it . `` No ; I brought the book , but in the hurry of my tea-party forgot to unpack it . I 'll hunt it up to-night . Remind me , Thorny . '' `` There , now , I 've forgotten something , too ! Squire sent you a letter ; and I 'm having such a jolly time , I never thought of it . ''
XXXXX rummaged out the note with remorseful haste , protesting that he was in no hurry for Mr. Gulliver , and very glad to save him for another day .
Ben Celia Hamerton Lita bareback day etching left mane rousin