Jake with an effort pulled the kicking animal between two trees and there was quietness when the other passed. It looked round for a moment, and then plodded forward steadily while the desiccated apples ran down on the trail.
"Now we'll stop and fix those bags," Jake remarked. "Why in thunder did you let the brute go, Bill?"
"He was mushing along good and quiet and I wanted to light my pipe. Reckon he forgot he wasn't in his place."
Then they heard a laugh and saw Carrie close by. Jake was covered with mud and flour, and his hat, which had been trampled on, hung over his hot face.
"You look the worse for wear," she said.
"I guess I feel like that," Jake replied, indicating his torn overalls. "Putting some of the damage right will be a job for you, but my hat's past your help. You wouldn't think it cost three dollars, not long since!"
"But what was the kicking and biting about?"
"You heard the explanation! Bill's cayuse forgot he wasn't in his proper place. When he remembered, he tried to get there."
"I don't understand yet."
"A pack-horse knows his place in the row. He's a creature of habit and hates to see another animal where he ought to be, but Bill was late in loading up and we didn't stop for him. If I'd known what was coming to me, I'd have waited. Now you have got the thing."