I 'm no pony ter be hobbled, an' blame if I 'll jump 'long fer any red-skin.

Ye kin carry me, if ye ain't too lazy; but, by thunder! thar 'll be no walkin' till ye cut them bonds." Blows, curses, and threats failed alike to budge the old man.

He simply sat down and smiled grimly at them; and we followed his example, dimly perceiving there must be a purpose in it.

Sheer obstinacy wins many a battle, and when we went up the bank our lower limbs were free, although to my mind we were as hopelessly bound as ever.

Not so with Burns.