Chapter VI

The First Great Lesson

Helen spent much time in the society of the
horse. Aside from attending to his wants,
such as food and water, she more than once took
comb and brush in hand and gave him a thorough
cleaning. This invariably brought a grin to the
ugly features of Miguel, and when the Judge was
present, which was not often, a smile of delight
mixed with derision to his ruddy features. But
never would Helen permit them to discourage
her. She would brush and curry Pat till his coat
shone like new-mined coal, and then, after surveying
the satiny sheen critically, she would comb
out his long tail, sometimes braid his glossy mane,
and, after that, scour his hoofs till they were as
clean and fresh as the rest of him. In her pride
for him she liked to do these things, and often
regretted that he did not require her attention
more than he did.

One day, with characteristic suddenness, she
decided to have him broken to saddle. Therefore,
next morning, three horse-breakers -- one professional
and two assistants -- armed with ropes
and saddles, appeared in the corral. Pat was

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v?