The Muley Cow was somewhat offended.
"I've known Ebenezer a great many years," she snapped. "I don't care to hear a young upstart—a mere pony—make fun of him."
Twinkleheels moved away. He felt the least bit uncomfortable.
"I don't like your young friend," said the Muley Cow to the old horse Ebenezer. "He hasn't a proper respect for old people like you and me."
"Oh, he's not a bad sort," Ebenezer replied. "He has a good many things to learn. Perhaps he'll be wiser by night. I shouldn't worry about him, if I were you."
The Muley Cow told Ebenezer that he was entirely too good-natured. And they went their own ways, grazing and rambling aimlessly about the pasture.
Now and then, during the day, they chanced to meet. And always the Muley Cow asked Ebenezer if Twinkleheels had learned anything more.
"Not yet!" Ebenezer said, each time. "The day's not done till sunset."
Well, late in the afternoon Johnnie Green came slowly up the lane and stood by the pasture bars and whistled. Twinkleheels and Ebenezer happened to be together when they heard that cheerful chirp.
"I'll race you to the bars!" Twinkleheels exclaimed.