Meanwhile the story of the pony and Pablo had become generally known and every one was interested in the pair, all hoping they would not be separated.
The little pony had begun life with wild mountain companions, many of whom, from time to time, were captured and brought into the market-place to be sold. Chico and his mother were among these, but the wild, little mother refusing captivity, managed to get away, but in her mad efforts to escape, stumbled into a hole, broke her leg and was shot. Chico, who had tried to keep up with her, gave out at last, after making a good flight. Paulino Lopez bought the little creature for a mere song, took him to his home, where he became a great pet and Pablo’s chief companion. In time he became as gentle as a kitten and docile enough to offer no objection to having a saddle put upon him or to be harnessed to a rough cart. He was strong and sturdy, much like a Shetland pony, and even Mrs. Selden, after having been persuaded to go down to see him, observed that he had “a very engaging personality.”
At this comment Dr. Selden gave Joanne a sly wink which encouraged her to believe that Chico would remain in the family.
As for Pablo’s future, that was still an open question which was not answered till some weeks later.
At the dock Joanne parted from Bob and his mother. She and Bob had become good comrades while for Mrs. Marriott she had acquired the worshipful feeling which a girl of fourteen often feels for an older woman, and “my lovely lady,” was the way Joanne always spoke of her. At parting she threw herself into Mrs. Marriott’s arms sobbing out: “I must part from you! We must part and I may never see you again!” She tremblingly took from her finger a little forget-me-not ring which she thrust into Mrs. Marriott’s hand saying: “Please keep this to remember me by.” Then, after watching mother and son go off in a cab, she turned her attention to the landing of Chico.
The little pony came ashore much more readily than he had gone aboard, perhaps sensing the fact that his voyage was over and that he would now have the freedom of dry land. Moreover, this time he was led by his comrade, Pablo, who was clothed in a decent suit of Bob’s clothes, donated by Mrs. Marriott.
“Where will he go now?” inquired Joanne linking her arm in her grandfather’s.
“That’s what I must find out,” he said. “Such a nuisance having a responsibility like this thrust upon us.”
“Oh, Grad, Grad,” cried Joanne, “there’s Cousin Ned.” She had suddenly caught sight of a well set up young man behind the barriers.
“Good!” responded her grandfather. “Just the one I’d most wish to see.” He hurried up to the gate calling heartily: “Good boy, Ned! Just the very one I want. Can you wait till we’re through with these customs?”