Peggy Stewart, Navy Girl at Home | Page 9

to take it as he would have taken the sugar and his look of
surprise when his lips closed over the hard metal thing was amusing.
Nevertheless, it tasted good and he mouthed and licked it, gradually
getting it well within his mouth. At an opportune moment Peggy
slipped the right buckle into place, quickly following it by the left one.
Shashai started.
"Steady, Shashai. Steady, boy," she said gently and the day was won.
No shocks, no lashings, no harsh words to make the sight of that
headstall throw him into a panic whenever it was produced. Dozens of
horses had been so educated by Peggy Stewart. Shashai sucked at his
queer mouthpiece as a child would suck a stick of candy, and while he
was enjoying its sweetness Peggy brought forth lump number two.
Four was his daily allowance, and as he enjoyed number two she let

down the stirrups which had seemed likely to startle him.
"Stand outside, Bud, he may be a little frightened when the saddle
creaks." The boy left the paddock.
"Stand, Shashai," commanded Peggy, resting her hand upon the colt's
withers. He knew perfectly well what to expect, but why that strange
groaning and creaking? The blanket had never done so. The sensitive
nerves quivered and he sprang forward, but Peggy had caught her
stirrups and her low voice quieted him as she swayed and adapted
herself to his gait. Around and around the paddock they loped in perfect
harmony of motion. She did not draw upon the bridle rein, merely
holding it as she had been accustomed to hold her halter strap, guiding
by her knees. Shashai tossed his head partly in nervous irritation at the
creaking saddle, partly in the joy of motion, and joy won the day. Then
Peggy began to draw slightly upon her reins. The colt shook his head
impatiently as though asking: "Wherefor the need? I know exactly
where you wish to go."
"Oh, my bonny one, my bonny one, that is just it! I know that you
know, but someday someone else won't know, and if I don't teach you
now just what the bit means the poor mouth may pay the penalty. It
may anyway, in spite of all I can do, but I'll do my best to make it an
easy lesson. Oh why, why will people pull and tug as they do on a
horse's mouth when there is nothing in this world so sensitive, or that
should be so lightly handled. So be patient, Shashai. We only use it
because we must, dear. Now, right, turn!" And with the words she
pressed her right knee against the colt, at the same time drawing gently
upon the right rein. Shashai turned because he had always done so at
the words and the pressure, accepting the bit's superfluous hint like the
gentleman he was.
"Open the gate, Bud. We'll go for a spin," ordered Peggy as she swung
around the paddock.
"Won't yo' jump, missie?" asked Bud eagerly. The delight of his life
was to see his young mistress take a fence.

"Not this time," answered Peggy over her shoulder. Bud opened the
gate as they came around again and as Peggy cried: "Four bells,
Shashai," the colt sprang through, Tzaritza and Roy joining in with a
happy bark and neigh.
All so simply, so easily done by love's gentle rule.
CHAPTER III
"DADDY NEIL"
"Stand there, little girl. Why, why--how has it come about! When did
you do it? I went away nine months ago leaving a little girl in Mammy
Lucy's and Harrison's charge and I have returned to find a young lady.
Peggy, baby, what have you done with my little girl?"
Commander Stewart stood in the big living-room of Severndale, his
hand upon Peggy's shoulder as he held her at arm's length to look at her
in puzzled surprise. He had just experienced one of those startling
revelations which often arouse parents to the fact that their children
have stolen a march upon them, and sprung into very pleasing young
men or women while they themselves have been in an unobserving
somnolent state. It is invariably a shock and one which few parents
escape.
Peggy laughed, colored a rosy pink but obeyed, a little thrill of innocent
triumph passing over her, for Daddy Neil's eyes held something more
than surprise, and Peggy's feminine soul detected the underlying pride
and admiration.
"By the great god Neptune, you've taken a rise out of me this time,
child. How old ARE you, anyway!"
"As though you didn't know perfectly well, you tease," laughed Peggy,
turning swiftly and nestling in his arms. The arms held her closely and
the sun-tanned cheek rested upon her dark, silky hair. The eyes were
singularly soft and held a suggestion