For as I took him by the bridle he snorted and sidled about with great swiftness, and stood facing me with his feet planted firmly in front of him as if prepared to reject overtures of any kind soever.

I tried to approach him with soothing words, but he persistently backed away until we stood looking at each other at the utmost distance of his outstretched neck and my outstretched arm.

At this point Jack came to my assistance, got the pony by the other side of the bridle, and held him fast till I got into position to mount.

Taking a firm grip of the horn of the Mexican saddle, I threw my leg over his back.

The next instant I was flying over his head.