"
"I might walk home," she said, "but I could not leave the horse."
"Let me think a minute," said I. Then presently I asked, "Will this
horse stand if he is hitched?"
"Oh yes," she answered; "I always hitch him when I make calls. There
is a big strap under the seat which goes around his neck, and then
through a ring in his bit. He has to stand--he can't get away."
"Very well, then," said I; "I will tell you what I will do. I will tie
him to this tree. I think he is quieter, and if you will stand by him
and talk to him--he knows you?"
"Oh yes," she answered, "and I can feed him with grass. But why do you
want to tie him? What are you going to do?"
As she spoke she brought me the tie strap, and I proceeded to fasten
the horse to a tree.
"Now, then," said I, "I must go and get the bear and take him away
somewhere out of sight. It will never do to leave him there. Some
other horse might be coming along."
"You get the bear!" she said, surprised.
"Yes," I answered; "he is my bear, and--"
She stepped back, her eyes expanded and her lower jaw dropped.
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