The black stallion stepped proudly off. From a swinging walk he broke into an easy canter, which soon became a swinging gallop. Before he had gone around the field, Buster John had lost all fear, and from his gently undulating seat waved his hand gayly to Sweetest Susan.
“Oh, I wish I could go, too!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands.
“Why not, little Missy?” said Aaron. “I have seen you riding the Gray Pony without a saddle.”
“But he is as gentle as a dog,” explained Sweetest Susan.
“Why, so is Timoleon,” replied Aaron. “Try him. I will run beside him to catch you, if you fall. I’ll not run far before you will say, ‘Go back!’”
A RIDE ON THE BLACK STALLION
By this time Timoleon came sweeping up to where they stood, and stopped. Buster John’s face fairly glowed with the delight he felt.
“Well,” said Sweetest Susan, unable to resist the temptation. “Well, I’ll go, but if I fall”—