"How often have I told you not to call the men by their nicknames?" asked Mother Martin with a smile. "It isn't nice for children to do that."
"But, please, Mother, we don't know his other name very well," said Teddy. "Everybody calls him Baldy."
"Yes, that's right," agreed Aunt Millie. "I do myself. I guess he doesn't mind."
"Very well, if he'll saddle your ponies for you, take Trouble for a little ride," agreed Mrs. Martin. "But be careful."
The Curlytops said they would, and they were soon taking turns riding Trouble on the saddles in front of them. Clipclap and Star Face liked the children and were well-behaved ponies, so there was no danger in putting Trouble on the back of either as long as Ted or Janet held him.
"But don't go riding off with him on the trail after the Indians," said Baldy, playfully shaking his finger at the Curlytops.
"We won't!" they promised.
Up and down on the paths among the ranch buildings rode the children. Trouble was allowed to hold the ends of the reins, and he thought he was guiding the ponies, but really Teddy and Janet did that.
But finally even such fun as riding ponyback tired Trouble. He wanted something else to do, and said:
"Le's go an' s'ide downhill on hay in de barn."