by Carol Norton
Chapter Seven Horace
Ticktock was becoming sleek and fat by the end of June. Decked out in hishandsome new saddle he was enough to fill Jim with a reasonable pride andall the other boys with envy. Mrs. Meadows made two sturdy saddlebags ofcanvas which Jim had fitted out with straps and buckles at theharness-maker. The completed outfit cost him a dollar and a half, whichhe hated to spend from his slowly accumulating hoard of feed money, buthe felt the saddlebags were a necessary part of his business equipment.He also squandered three dollars on a poncho which he felt anyself-respecting cowboy should own. Besides, who could tell when it wouldrain and a poncho be vitally needed?
With his poncho rolled in a tight bundle behind the saddle, and hissaddlebags securely in place, Jim often rode into town. Whether he wasgoing on an errand for his mother or to work at the sales barn, he alwaysarranged his route so that he rode through part of the residentialdistrict. The boys who lived in town and attended the Springdale Schoolalways took an infuriatingly condescending attitude toward the pupils ofa tiny country school such as the one Jim attended. Their manner clearlyindicated that they thought boys such as Jim were country bumpkins. Jimfelt it his duty to enlighten these Springdale boys as to the advantagesof living in the country. While he wouldn't admit that he was trying tomake them jealous, he felt he should display Ticktock and his beautifulsaddle as often as possible in order that his city acquaintances wouldn'tget any exaggerated ideas concerning the worth of a shiny bicycle. Thenhe would be starting to Springdale Junior High that fall and he thoughthe might just as well start building up his reputation and fame. Now andthen he would stop to talk with friends or even take a boy for a shortcanter. Other times his business would be pressing so he would gallopthrough the streets with a brisk clatter, fully enjoying the envious eyesthat followed him.
Mr. and Mrs. Meadows had rather opposed Jim's job at the sale at first onthe ground that it kept him out after dark. The sales often lasted untilnine o'clock and neither of Jim's parents fancied his riding home in thedark with automobiles on the road. Jim did his best to quiet their fearsby explaining that he always rode carefully along the shoulder of thehighway where no car would possibly hit him. However, to end the matterhe was forced to add another piece of equipment--a portable electriclantern. He purchased a little dry-cell hand lantern that he at firsttied to his belt. After he acquired the saddle, the light was hung on thesaddle horn. He either left the lantern turned on continuously while hewas riding or flashed it on when cars approached. He objected to anythingas modern as an electric lantern for a cowboy, but, giving in toprogress, decided it was a very useful piece of equipment to own. Theproblem of cars approaching from the rear was solved by fastening a smallround red reflector, such as is used on automobiles, to the rear of thecantle. He felt that added to the appearance of the saddle.
Ticktock and his rider became so well known throughout the community thatRobert Morgan, the lawyer, decided to carry out the joking suggestionthat had been made in the Springdale _Gazette_ when the Pony Express wasfirst formed. Jim's name and that of his horse were duly proposed to theRotary Club at one of its weekly luncheons. The members present, fallingin with the attorney's facetious mood, voted unanimously to offer the twopartners of the Pony Express an honorary membership. A few days later Jimreceived an important-looking letter through the mail.
SPRINGDALE ROTARY CLUB
_Messrs. James Meadows and Ticktock_ _Pony Express, Incorporated_ _R.R.#2_ _Springdale, Missouri_
_Gentlemen:_
_By a unanimous vote the Springdale Rotary Club has decided to offer youboth an honorary membership (no dues are required from honorary members).It is hoped that you will accept this offer and join our ranks._
_A dinner is being held Thursday evening June 23, at 7:00 P.M. at theSpringdale Hotel. You are cordially invited to attend as our guest ofhonor. We hope to be able to prevail upon you at that time to make a fewremarks about your new enterprise, its hazards and remunerations._
_Due to hotel regulations we will be unable to accommodate Ticktock atthe banquet table but the Springdale_ Gazette _has offered its usualfacilities in the rear of the newspaper office._
_We hope to receive your reply in the near future_.
_Sincerely yours,_ _Robert Morgan_ _Chairman, Membership Committee_
Jim was quite excited about the letter but he was uncertain as to whatcertain portions of it meant. Particularly the word "remunerations." Hetook the letter to his father.
"I'm a member of the Rotary Club, Dad," he said proudly, "but I don'tunderstand all of this letter."
Mr. Meadows read the letter over with a smile. "You are becoming quitefamous. You've been voted an honorary member and don't have to pay duesas the rest of them do. Also you are invited to a banquet next Thursdaywhere they want you to make an after dinner speech."
"What's that 'hazards and remunerstuff'?"
"Well, they would just like you to tell them about the risks you take inyour business, the profits in it, how you like it and so on," said hisfather. "You should write a reply to this, accepting the invitation."
"I'd like to go," said Jim, "but I don't think much of making a speech orwriting a letter either."
"Well, that is one of the penalties of rising in the world," said Mr.Meadows dryly. "You have more public responsibilities. You have to makespeeches, contribute to charities and things of that nature."
Jim got a paper and pencil and after an hour's labor finally composed ananswer.
_Dear Mr. Morgan:_
_Thank you for inviting me to the Rotary Club. I will be at the hotel at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday._
_I never made a speech before but I will tell you what I know about the Pony Express._
_Sincerely yours,_ _Jim Meadows_
The next few days found Jim wishing a dozen times that he had given someexcuse and not promised to attend the dinner. He was afraid of getting upbefore all those men and talking and, what is worse, he had not thoughtof a single thing to say after two whole days' concentration. He would goover and over the matter in his mind and never get beyond: "I want tothank everybody for inviting me to join the Rotary Club and for having meat your banquet." That sounded very impressive and polite as a starterbut he couldn't stop there if they expected a speech. He began to dreadThursday night. However, he had promised, so he felt that he had to gothrough with it.
When Thursday came, Jim put on his best clothes. For the first time hefound himself wishing he had his gold watch. That watch would look veryimpressive before all those business men. However, if he hadn't tradedoff the watch, he wouldn't have been in a position to be invited.
He rode into town feeling very nervous. Robert Morgan and Bill Arnold methim at the newspaper office and took him over to the hotel. Jim's dismayincreased when he entered the banquet room. He looked at the bighorseshoe table and decided there must be at least fifty members. He hadnever seen such a crowd before. Fortunately, he was placed between RobertMorgan and Dr. Cornby; so he didn't feel too lost among strangers.
Never having been at a banquet before, Jim was uncertain whether thespeeches came before, during or after the meal. However when the standardbanquet plate of creamed chicken, peas and mashed potatoes was set beforeeveryone, he decided there was little point worrying. He might get rid ofthe hollow feeling in his stomach if he ate.
After the meal there were several short speeches and reports about Rotaryactivities. Then Robert Morgan got to his feet.
"Gentlemen, there has been considerable fame achieved by a new businessfirm in our city. This company has brought a new type of service to ourcommunity. I refer to the Pony Express. While one of the members of thisorganization has preferred to stay in back of the print shop and eatgrass rather than sit with us, Mr. James
Meadows, the other partner, ishere tonight and has accepted our offer of an honorary membership. Wewould like Mr. Meadows to tell us how he got started in his presentbusiness and something about it. What is the future of the Pony Expressand does he expect competition? Gentlemen, I present Mr. Jim Meadows."
Jim got to his feet. While the clapping was still going on, he lookedabout nervously. He felt his knees shaking, and his throat was so dry hewas certain he could never speak. Then he began to see a few familiarfaces. There was Mr. Slemak, the buttermaker, Colonel Flesher, Mr.Higgins from the grocery store and Bill Arnold. Everyone was smiling in avery friendly manner. He thought about Ticktock. Well, if everyone wantedto hear about his horse, that was one subject he could talk about.
"I want to thank everyone for inviting me to join the Rotary Club and forhaving me here tonight," he said, going over the opening he had rehearsedso many times. From that point on the speech was extemporaneous. Jim justtalked. "The way I got started in business was that I traded my goldwatch for my horse Ticktock. I guess everybody thought I got stung on thedeal except me. But I didn't because I knew he was an awfully smarthorse. After I got him, I decided I had to earn some money to feed him.There's a lot of overhead in my business--feed, a saddle, saddlebags andthings like that. As for the remuner-remunera-, whatever that word isthat means profits, I guess there isn't much. I'll be working all summerfor Colonel Flesher to pay for my saddle. I have twenty-three dollars nowin cash. That seems like a lot of money. It's more than I ever hadbefore, but I don't know how much it will take to feed Ticktock allwinter. I'll probably end up broke. There aren't many hazards in mybusiness. I was lost once, but Ticktock found the way home. He's gothorse sense. Of course when he was thin and I didn't have any saddle Iused to get kinda sore behind now and then.
"I don't think I'll have much competition. In the first place, not manyboys have a gold watch they can trade for a horse. Even if they did, theycouldn't find as smart a horse as Ticktock. Maybe the Pony Express has abig future ahead of it once I get my saddle paid for. But whether I makemuch money or not, it's sure a lot of fun."
Jim sat down to loud and prolonged applause. His speech wasunquestionably a huge success. When everyone had finished congratulatinghim on his prowess as an orator he walked back with the editor, Dr.Cornby and Robert Morgan to the newspaper office.
"Thanks a lot for coming, Jim," said Morgan sincerely. "Your speech wasthe best and the frankest that club has heard in a long time."
"Jim is getting to be quite a famous business man," commented Arnold. "Ifhe were only a little older, we'd invite him to join our Thursday nightstag parties."
Jim said good-by and went out to his faithful mustang. He had had anenjoyable evening and felt rather guilty that Ticktock had such a smallshare in his glory. After all the horse was a full partner.
"I guess you wouldn't have enjoyed chicken and peas anyhow," he said ashe mounted. "Anyway we got some very good publicity. Everybody knowsabout us now and we should get lots of work."
It was ten-thirty and the evening had been much more exhausting than Jimhad realized. The effort of making a speech had been as tiring as a day'shard labor and Jim felt like relaxing. Ticktock knew the way home as wellas he, so the boy let the mustang take charge. After a short distance thesteady jog-jog of the pony's easy walk lulled him to sleep. Slumping inthe saddle, he dozed.
Dozing in the saddle]
Everything was serene for about a quarter of a mile, when Jim sensedsomething was wrong. Sleepily he opened his eyes and tried to figure outwhat was amiss. Finally he realized Ticktock had stopped and was standingstill at the edge of the road.
"Come on, Ticktock. It's late. Let's get on home," he said in a drowsyvoice.
Ticktock didn't move but stood looking down into the ditch. Jim had thegreatest confidence in his horse and as he gradually became fully awake,knew that the pony must have some reason for stopping. Then he heard awhimpering sound in the dark.
Feeling a little frightened, he slipped the loop of his lantern from thesaddle horn and flashed the light into the dark ditch beside the road.There was a dog lying on its side.
"Why, it's Horace!" exclaimed Jim. "He's hurt."
Dismounting, he climbed down the bank beside the dog and looked at himcarefully. The spaniel gazed up at him and whined piteously. Cautiously,Jim began to feel the animal. The hind legs seemed sound enough but whenhis hands touched the forelegs the dog suddenly growled viciously andsnapped at him.
"He's hurt in the front legs," Jim informed Ticktock. "I guess a car hithim and broke them."
So long as Jim did not touch the injured legs, the dog regarded him withpleading pain-filled eyes. Jim was in a quandary. He could ride back intotown and inform Dr. Cornby that his dog was hurt and lying beside theroad. However, the dog might be hurt internally also and minutes might beprecious. By the time he reached town and then led the doctor back tofind the dog it might be too late. On the other hand, how would he takethe dog to town himself. The poor animal snapped at him each time hetouched the injured legs and moving him might be the wrong thing to do.Jim's knowledge of first aid was very limited but he had heard thatmoving a broken limb was sometimes unwise. Horace decided the question bylooking up once more and crying pitifully. Jim just couldn't leave himthere alone in the dark.
Returning to his horse, he untied his poncho. He carefully spread it outflat beside the helpless dog. Then, talking gently and reassuringly, hegradually inched the injured spaniel over onto the center of the poncho.
"We're going to be as gentle as we can," he told the dog. "If this hurtsa little, it won't be because we mean it."
He folded the edge of the poncho under so the dog's head would be clearand pulled up the corners. By maneuvering the sides of the poncho he wasable to roll the dog onto its back very gently. Then he tied the threefree corners together. Leading Ticktock down into the ditch, he finallymanaged to lift the dog and hook the knotted corners of the poncho overthe saddle horn. He mounted very carefully and with the dog suspended ascomfortably as possible in his makeshift sling, started the journey backto town.
Jim was on his way to the veterinarian's home when he remembered thewords at the newspaper office. Doctor Cornby was probably still thereplaying cards, as it was before midnight. Since the doctor's office wasonly two doors from the _Gazette_ building, Jim directed the mustang tothe main street. There were still lighted windows in the newspaperoffice, so his guess proved correct.
He left Ticktock at the curb and went up to the front door. He found itlocked, so he banged loudly. Bill Arnold came to the door in his shirtsleeves.
"Hello, Jim. What are you doing back?"
"Is Dr. Cornby here?" asked Jim.
"Sure, come on in. Something wrong?"
Jim followed Arnold back to the office. "Your dog's out here with hisfront legs broken," he announced to the startled veterinarian.
"Good heavens!" said Cornby. "Where?"
Everyone followed Jim out to his horse where Horace was still lying inhis poncho sling. He was lifted down tenderly and carried into Cornby'soffice.
"Mary said he ran away sometime this afternoon," said the doctor, as heexamined the moaning dog. "But he's done that so often I didn't thinkanything about it. Where'd you find him, Jim?"
"I didn't. Ticktock found him. I had gone to sleep and woke up whenTicktock stopped. I tried to get him to go on, but he wouldn't so Iflashed my light over to see what was bothering him. There was Horace inthe ditch with his legs hurt. How is he?"
Cornby straightened up from his brief examination of the injured spaniel."He doesn't seem to have any internal injuries. Of course, two brokenlegs are enough, but they can be fixed."
"I hope I didn't hurt his legs when I eased him onto my poncho," said Jimworriedly.
"Not a bit. You did a good job. I don't know how to thank you for findinghim. My kids would never recover if they lost Horace."
"Do you mind if I use your phone?" asked Jim. "Mom will be worried aboutmy bei
ng so late."
"I'd be glad to drive you home," offered a stranger who had been in thecard game.
"Jim has a horse," said Morgan to the speaker. "He wouldn't think ofriding in a modern contraption. Let alone leave Ticktock behind."
"Thanks anyhow," said Jim politely.
"It begins to look as if I am going to have to assign a reporter tofollow you," said Arnold. "Wherever you and that horse go, there's news."
