that my services are appreciated, and that I may
learn to love you. Do not jerk the reins, and del
not whip me when going up-hill. And when I
don't understand you, what you want, do not
strike or beat or kick me, but give me a chance
to understand you. And if I continue to fail to
understand, see if something is not wrong with
my harness or feet.'"

The Professor's blanket stirred. "Go on!" he
yelled. "Sounds all right. Go ahead! Is that
all?"

"I disremember the rest," replied the other.
"Let's see!" He was silent. "No," he finally
blurted out, "I can't get it. It says something
about overloading, and a-hitching where water
don't drop on him, and -- Oh yes! 'I can't tell
you when I'm thirsty,' it goes on, 'so give me cool,
clean water often. Never put a frosty bit in my
mouth; first warm it by holdin' it a moment in
your hands. And, remember, I try to carry
you and your burdens without a murmur, and I
wait patiently for you long hours of the day and
night. Without power to choose my shoes or
path, I sometimes stumble and fall, but I stand
always in readiness at any moment to lose my life
in your service. And this is important, and,
finally, O my master! when my useful strength
is gone do not turn me out to starve, or sell me to
some cruel owner to be slowly tortured and starved
to death; but do thou, my master, take my life
in the kindest way, and your God will reward you
here and hereafter. You will not consider me

[[226]]

p225 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p226w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p227

v?