That any boy should not want to see the horses was inconceivable in this household.

He did go out and walk on the porch, but soon went in chilled and sat down to lose himself in a book of polar travel.

He liked history, travel and biographies of soldiers, fearfully desiring to have his own courage tested--a more common boy-wish than might be supposed.

He thought of it as he laid down the book and began to inspect again the painted buffalo skins on the wall, letting his imagination wander when once more he touched a Sioux tomahawk with its grim adornment of scalp-locks.

He was far away when he heard his aunt say, "You were not out long, John.