In fact, they were not following the circumference of a circle, but a spiral curve that contracted gradually inward.
The boys had now a fair view of them, and a beautiful sight it was.
There were about two hundred in all, but they were of different colours--scarcely two of them being marked alike.

There were black and white ones, and bay and roan.

Some were brown, some sorrel, and some of an iron-grey; and there were others--many of them--mottled and spotted like hounds! All had flowing manes and long waving tails; and these streamed behind them as they galloped, adding to the gracefulness of their appearance.

It was, in truth, a beautiful sight, and the hearts of the boys bounded within them, while their eyes followed the moving troop as it circled round and round.
But the eyes of all three soon centred upon one--the leader, and a fairer object none of them had ever beheld.

Basil, who loved a fine horse more than any living thing, was in an ecstasy as he gazed upon this beautiful creature.