For a time he trotted beside the mare, ears cocked
forward expectantly, eyes sweeping the canyon
alertly, hoofs lifting to ludicrous heights. Then,
as the first novelty wore off, and he became more
certain of himself in these swift-changing surroundings,
he revealed a playfulness that tickled Felipe.
He would lag behind a little, race madly forward,
sometimes run far ahead of the team in his great
joy. But he seemed best to like to lag. He would
come to a sudden stop and, motionless as a dog
pointing a bird, gaze out across the canyon a long
time, like one trying to find himself in a strange
and wonderful world. Or, standing thus, he would
reveal curious interest in the rocks and stumps
around him, and he would stare at them fixedly,
blinking slowly, a look of genuine wonderment in
his big, soft eyes. Then he would strain himself
mightily to overtake the wagon.

Once in a period of absorbed attention he lost
sight of the outfit completely. This was due not
so much to his distance in the rear as to the fact
that the wagon, having struck a bend in the trail,
had turned from view. But he did not know that.
Sounding a baby outcry of fear, he scurried ahead
at breakneck speed, frantic heels tossing up tiny
spurts of dust, head stretched forward -- and thus
soon caught up. After that he remained close
beside his mother until the wagon, rocking down
the mouth of the canyon, swung out upon the
broad mesa. Here the outfit could be seen for
miles, and now he took to lagging behind again,
and to frisking far ahead, always returning at fre-

[[29]]

p028 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p029w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p030

v?