He walked and trotted to suit her will, but when left to choose his own gait he fell into a graceful little pace that was very easy for her.

He appeared quite ready to break into a run at her slightest bidding, but Ellen satisfied herself on this first ride with his slower gaits.
"Spades, y'u've shore cut out my burro Jinny," said Ellen, regretfully.
"Well, I reckon women are fickle." Next day she rode up the canyon to show Spades to her friend John Sprague.

The old burro breeder was not at home.

As his door was open, however, and a fire smoldering, Ellen concluded he would soon return.
So she waited.

Dismounting, she left Spades free to graze on the new green grass that carpeted the ground.