"I started a little airly," he said at least a score of times in the first week.

"But I wanted to get a good start agin grass come." Harold was naturally handy at camping, and his ready and skillful hands became very valuable around the camp fire.

He was quick and cheerful, and apparently tireless, and before the end of the week Jennie said: "Say, Mose, you can ride my horse if you want to." "Much obliged, but I guess I'll hang on to the black mare." At this point Dannie, not to be outdone, chirped shrilly: "You can break my horse if you want to." So a few days later Harold, with intent to check the girl in her growing friendliness, as well as to please himself, replied: "I guess I'll break Dan's colt." He began by caressing the horse at every opportunity, leaning against him, or putting one arm over his back, to let him feel the weight of his body.

At last he leaped softly up and hung partly over his back.
Naturally the colt shied and reared, but Harold dropped off instantly and renewed his petting and soothing.

It was not long before the pony allowed him to mount, and nothing remained but to teach him to endure the saddle and the bridle.