"Aw, what's eatin' you?" demanded Pete, eyeing the speaker with
much disfavor.

The horse, when he stopped, was trembling all over. His nostrils
were dilated and as red as blood, and strings of foam were
dripping from his bit.

"Don't let him stand there in the shade," spoke Hiram, more
"mildly. He'll take a chill. Here! let me have him."

He approached the still frightened horse, and Pete jerked the
bridle-rein. The horse started back and snorted.

"Stand 'round there, ye 'tarnal nuisance!" exclaimed Pete.

But Hiram caught the bridle and snatched it from the other
fellow's hand.

"Just let me manage him a minute," said Hiram, leading the horse
into the sunshine.

He patted him, and soothed him, and the horse ceased trembling
and his ears pricked up. Hiram, still keeping the reins in his
hand, loosened the cinches and eased the saddle so that the
animal could breathe better.

There were bunches of dried sage-grass growing by the roadside,
and the young farmer tore off a couple of these bunches and used
them to wipe down the horse's legs. Pretty soon the creature
forgot his fright and looked like a normal horse again.