irreverent, I know, if I ask all this in the name of
Him Who was born in a stable.'"

The Professor's blanket stirred again. "Go
on," he demanded in muffled tones. "Is that all?"

The lean man slipped off his second boot.
"No," he replied, quietly, "that ain't all."

"Well, go ahead. It's good. That horse must
'a' been a city horse; but go on!"

"Only one more word, anyway," was the rejoinder.
He was still holding his boot.

"What is it?"

"Why" -- the voice was solemn -- "it's 'Amen.'"

"Aw, shucks!" came from the depths of the-blanket.

The lean man turned his head. "Say, you!" he
rasped, belligerently.

"What?"

For answer the boot sailed across the camp.

The Professor popped his head out of the
blanket, drew it back suddenly, popped it out
again, all strongly suggestive of a turtle.

There was a hoarse laugh, then silence, but
none of those men forgot the Prayer of the Horse.

[[227]]

p226 _ -chap- _ toc-1 _ p227w _ toc-2 _ +chap+ _ p228

v?