He already loved the mare, and longed to own her, but his pride forbade him to accept so valuable a gift from one who was but little more than a stranger.

So he said; "Oh no! Thanks, awfully, old man, but I couldn't think of taking her in that way.

If you don't mind, though, I'll buy the mare of you, gladly paying whatever you gave for her." "Very good," replied Rollo, who imagined Ridge to be quite well off, and to whom any question of money was of slight consequence.

"I paid an even hundred dollars for her with saddle and bridle thrown in, and if you won't accept her as a gift, you may have her for that sum." "Done," said Ridge, "and here's your money." With this he pulled from his pocket the roll of bills that his father, bidding him not to spend them recklessly, had thrust into his hand on parting, and which until now he had not found occasion to touch.
Although this left our young soldier penniless, he did not for a moment regret the transaction by which he had gained possession of what he considered the very best mount in the whole regiment.

He at once named the beautiful mare "Senorita," and upon her he lavished a wealth of affection that seemed to be fully reciprocated.