“They are coming this way. May I go to meet them, Mr. Cramer?� And Tibby, with Robbie at her heels, swiftly went across the crisp, dry turf toward the approaching horses.
“Is it safe for her, Mark?� asked Elinor, looking anxiously after her protege.
“Yes, come on, we will follow them.�
“How lovely they are, Mr. Cramer. Are they all gentle? May I go near them?� asked Tibby as the twain approached her.
“If you are not afraid, select one for your own use,� Mark replied.
Tibby went nearer and surveyed them for a moment.
“I like that roan the best, though he looks a trifle wicked,� she said, pointing to one a little distance from the herd.
“Ah, that is Tempest. He is a little wild. Better choose again.�
The horse lifted his ears and struck the ground with his fore-foot challengingly, as Tibby slowly went toward him. Mark expected to hear him snort viciously and take to his heels as she neared him, but to his surprise the horse kept his position.
Then, as Tibby spoke to him, he backed a little, and again struck the ground with his foot.