“Prince, old fellow! Prince! don’t you know me?” called the boy, and he gave a whistle that Prince always answered.
The horse retreated. Will held out some sugar he had ready for such an emergency.
“Prince! Prince!” he called. The horse stopped and stretched out his head, sniping. Prank and Allen came to the tent opening. “Keep back!” called Will, in even tones. “I think I have him. Prince! Come here!”
The horse took a step forward. He sensed his master now. Will advanced, speaking gently, and a moment later Prince, with a joyful whinny, was nibbling at the sugar in the boy’s hand. Then Will slid the other along and caught the mane. The bridle was gone.
“I have him!” cried Will. “Bring the rope, fellows.”
Prince was not frightened now. He stood still. Will led him into the full moonlight. Then he exclaimed:
“The saddle is gone!”
CHAPTER XXV
THE MISSING SADDLE
“Have you caught Prince?” Grace called this to her brother from the tent where she and the other girls had been aroused by the commotion.
“Yes, I have him. He knew me almost at once,” answered Will. “But the saddle is gone!”