VII. THE CHECK-REIN STORY
Pony Rollo clattered gayly
Through the farmyard gate,
Oh! such news! such news for Dobbin!
Scarcely could he wait.
When at last the barn was fastened
And they were alone,
Pony Rollo told his story
In most joyful tone.
"Oh! this morning as I trotted
I could plainly hear
What they said,—my little lady
And her mother dear.
"They were talking of the check-rein,
And at last they said:
'Pony Rollo need not wear it!'
Then I tossed my head,
"And I shook my mane and whinnied.
'Why, he understands!'
Said my little lady, laughing.
Then with her own hands
"Off she took the check-rein, Dobbin,
Chatting fast the while.
'There! you darling Pony Rollo,
We won't care for style.
"'You shan't wear the horrid check-rein,
Little pony mine;
And we'll both be just as happy
If we're not so fine.'
"That I held my head up proudly
As I tried to show
All my joy in this new freedom
You will surely know.
"And I heard them,—Yes, I heard them
Say the time was near
When all check-reins should be banished;
And,—now you shall hear!—
"Then they said, old Dobbin's check-rein
No more would they use!
There!" said joyful Pony Rollo,
"Isn't that good news?"
Boy or girl with horse or pony
Which you love full well,
Has he any check-rein story
Glad as this to tell?