Oscar knew all this, for his guide had more than once explained it to him.
Hunting on horseback was easier than hunting on foot; and, after his first day in the saddle, Oscar never went elk-stalking again.
He lived on horseback during the daytime, for he always rode the guide’s pony; the guide himself rode the mule.
This much-abused animal, although he was the very personification of laziness and obstinacy when hitched to the wagon, was all life and animation when he had a rider on his back.
He proved to be very light of foot; and, on more than one occasion, tested the speed of the pony to the utmost.
He was very knowing, too, and it was not many days before Oscar found it out. If it had not been for that same mule this expedition would have ended in failure, in spite of the success that had thus far attended them.
He did something that raised him to a high place in the boy’s estimation; and anybody who struck that mule a blow after that, in his presence, would have been very likely to get himself into trouble.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
“OLD EPHRAIM.”
Oscar and his guide enjoyed some splendid runs after they gave up still-hunting and took to the saddle; and Big Thompson, who had been surprised at the skill the boy exhibited in stalking, and the success that attended him, was perfectly astonished when he saw him ride.
His seat was easy and graceful; and, although he seemed to make no effort to keep it, he was never unhorsed. In the ardor of the chase he seemed to forget everything except the game before him.