CHAPTER XIII.
Groom and Cob--Strength and Symmetry--Where's the Saddle--The First Ride--No more Fatigue--Love for Horses--Pursuit of Words--Philologist and Pegasus--The Smith--What more, Agrah ?--Sassanach Ten Pence.
And it came to pass that, as I was standing by the door of the barrack stable, one of the grooms came out to me, saying, "I say, young gentleman, I wish you would give the cob a breathing this fine morning." "Why do you wish me to mount him ?" said I; "you know; he is dangerous.

I saw him fling you off his back only a few days ago." "Why, that's the very thing, master.

I'd rather see anybody on his back than myself; he does not like me; but, to them he does, he can be as gentle as a lamb." "But suppose," said I, "that he should not like me ?" "We shall soon see that, master," said the groom; "and if so be he shows temper, I will be the first to tell you to get down.

But there's no fear of that; you have never angered or insulted him, and to such as you, I say again, he'll be as gentle as a lamb." "And how came you to insult him," said I, "knowing his temper as you do ?" "Merely through forgetfulness, master: I was riding him about a month ago, and having a stick in my hand, I struck him, thinking I was on another horse, or rather thinking of nothing at all.

He has never forgiven me, though before that time he was the only friend I had in the world; I should like to see you on him, master." "I should soon be off him: I can't ride." "Then you are all right, master; there's no fear.