The only building of which they took any notice was the Church of the Holy Ghost—a large structure with a very high steeple, divided so that Protestant and Roman Catholic services were held in it at the same time.
But perhaps the picturesque old town might have had more attraction for them, had not Dr. Ward and Mr. Van Rasseulger been looking up good horses to purchase for the journey.
They soon found just what they wanted—a large, powerful horse for the doctor, and a couple of small horses, almost ponies, for the two boys.
It was amusing to see the different evidences of delight manifested by Eric and Johnny.
Eric’s face flushed with glad emotion, and a quiet “Uncle John, how good you are!” was all that he said.
But Johnny danced around the horses, wild with delight, throwing his cap in the air, dancing and hurrahing with all his might, and bestowing kisses indiscriminately upon his good papa and the dumb animals.
One of the horses was coal black, with a white star upon his forehead, and one white foot; he was for Eric.
Johnny’s was a bright bay, with four white feet and a white nose: and the doctor’s was a chestnut-colored horse, with a darker mane and tail.
Of course the first great question was, what they were to be called.
“I have named my horse ‘Perseus,’” said the doctor, “in honor of the illustrious slayer of the Gorgon Medusa, and the deliverer of Andromeda.”