"He knows what a rope is. It don't take an intelligent creature, man or beast, long to learn."
The horse stood watching him suspiciously, ready to run if given the opportunity.
"Where shall we try him?" Jane asked.
"In the big corral," he replied and led the sorrel through the gate.
The colt, closely snubbed, stood trembling while the blanket was put on; then flinched and breathed loudly as the weight of the saddle was gently placed on his back. He stepped about and kicked as the cinch was drawn tight and resisted a long time the efforts of the man to slip a bit between his teeth.
Jane stood by watching, her attention divided between admiration of the man and the horse. The former was assured, gentle, positive in every move; the latter alarmed, rebellious but recognized the fact that he was under control.
"Now, if you'll shorten the stirrups I'll try him," she said.
"You'll try him, ma'am? Why, this horse ain't been ridden three times in his life. He'll buck an' buck hard."
"So much more reason why I should try him. We spoke of reputations last night; they can only be formed at the cost of knocks. There are many things I must try to do out here; there are bound to be some that I can't even try but this is not one."
"But you—"