10.  Frank.  But, Uncle Thomas, are all horses originally wild?  I have heard that Arabia is famous for raising horses.

11.  Uncle Thomas.  Arabia has, for a long time, been noted for the beauty and speed of its horses.  It is not strange, however, that the Arabian horse should be the most excellent, when we consider the care and kindness with which it is treated.  One of the best stories which I have ever heard of the love of an Arabian for his steed, is that related of an Arab, from whom an English officer wished to purchase his horse.

12.  The animal was a bright bay mare, of fine form and great beauty; and the owner, proud of her appearance and qualities, paraded her before the Englishman’s tent until she attracted his attention.  On being asked if he would sell her, “What will you give me?” was the reply.  “That depends upon her age.  I suppose she is past five?” “Guess again,” said he.  “Four?” “Look at her mouth,” said the Arab, with a smile.  On examination she was found to be about three.  This, from her size and symmetry, greatly increased her value.

13.  The gentleman said, “I will give you eighty tomans,” (nearly two hundred and fifty dollars).  “A little more, if you please,” said the fellow, somewhat entertained.  “Ninety—­a hundred.”  He shook his head and smiled.  The officer at last came to three hundred tomans, (nearly one thousand dollars).  “Well,” said the Arab, “you need not tempt me further.  You are a rich nobleman, and, I am told, have loads of silver and gold.  Now,” added he, “you want my mare, but you shall not have her for all you have got.”  He put spurs to his horse, and was soon out of the reach of temptation.

14.  The horse can swim, when necessary, as well as most other animals, although he is not very fond of the water.  Some years ago a vessel was driven upon the rocks, on the coast of the Cape of Good Hope, and most of the crew fell an immediate sacrifice to the waves.  Those who were left were seen from the shore, clinging to the different pieces of the wreck.  The sea ran so high that no boat could venture off to their assistance.

15.  Meanwhile, a planter had come from his farm to be a spectator of the shipwreck.  His heart was melted at the sight of the unhappy seamen, and, knowing the bold spirit of his horse and his excellence as a swimmer, he determined to make a desperate effort for their deliverance.  Having blown a little Brandy into his horse’s nostrils, he pushed into the midst of the breakers.  At first both horse and rider disappeared, but it was not long before they floated to the surface, and swam up to the wreck; when, taking two men with him, each of whom held on by one of his boots, the planter brought them safe to shore.

16.  This was repeated no less than seven times, and he saved fourteen lives; but on his return the eighth time, being much fatigued, and meeting a tremendous wave, he lost his balance and sank in a moment.  His horse swam safely to land, but its gallant rider sank, to rise no more.