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 . Ted 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 . Bess came hastening down the hill , having seen the race from afar ; and all collected on the piazza while Dan ` yanked ' the cover off the big box the express had ` dumped ' before the door -- to borrow his own words . Dan usually travelled in light marching order , and hated to have more luggage than he could carry in his well-worn valise . But now that he had a little money of his own , he had cumbered himself with a collection of trophies won by his bow and spear , and brought them home to bestow upon his friends . ` We shall be devoured with moths , ' thought Mrs Jo , as the shaggy head appeared , followed by a wolf-skin rug for her feet , a bear-skin ditto for the Professor 's study , and Indian garments bedecked with foxes ' tails for the boys . All nice and warm for a July day , but received with delight nevertheless .
XXXXX and Josie immediately ` dressed up ' , learned the war-whoop , and proceeded to astonish their friends by a series of skirmishes about the house and grounds , with tomahawks and bows and arrows , till weariness produced a lull .
Bess Don Indian Nan Ted ditto morning snaffle valise vigour