Stories of Animal Sagacity

by William Henry Giles Kingston

  CHAPTER THREE.

  HORSES.

  THE MARE AND HER FOAL.

  The horse becomes the willing servant of man, and when kindly treatedlooks upon him as a friend and protector.

  I have an interesting story to tell you of a mare which belonged toCaptain I--, an old settler in New Zealand. She and her foal had beenplaced in a paddock, between which and her master's residence, three orfour miles away, several high fences intervened. The paddock itself wassurrounded by a still higher fence.

  One day, however, as Captain I--was standing with a friend in front ofhis house, he was surprised to see the mare come galloping up.Supposing that the fence of her paddock had been broken down, and that,pleased at finding herself at liberty, she had leaped the others, heordered a servant to take her back. The mare willingly followed theman; but in a short time was seen galloping up towards the house in asgreat a hurry as before. The servant, who arrived some time afterwards,assured his master that he had put the mare safely into the paddock.Captain I--told him again to take back the animal, and to examine thefence more thoroughly, still believing that it must have been brokendown in some part or other, though the gate might be secure.

  Captain I--and his friend then retired into the house, and were seatedat dinner, when the sound of horse's hoofs reached their ears. Thefriend, who had on this got up to look out of the window, saw that itwas the mare come back for the third time; and observing the remarkablemanner in which she was running up and down, apparently trying even toget into the house, exclaimed, "What can that mare want? I am sure thatthere is something the matter." Captain I--on hearing this hurried outto ascertain the state of the case. No sooner did the mare see him thanshe began to frisk about and exhibit the most lively satisfaction; butinstead of stopping to receive the accustomed caress, off she set againof her own accord towards the paddock, looking back to ascertain whetherher master was following. His friend now joined him, and the mare,finding that they were keeping close behind her, trotted on till thegate of the paddock was reached, where she waited for them. On itsbeing opened, she led them across the field to a deep ditch on thefarther side, when, what was their surprise to find that her colt hadfallen into it, and was struggling on its back with its legs in the air,utterly unable to extricate itself. In a few minutes more probably itwould have been dead. The mare, it was evident, finding that theservant did not comprehend her wishes, had again and again sought hermaster, in whom she had learned from past experience to confide. Herewas an example of strong maternal affection eliciting a faculty superiorto instinct, which fully merits the name of reason. The aid of a kindmaster will always be sought in time of need. The conduct of the marespeaks much in favour of her owner. It is evident that he treated herwell. Had such not been the case, it is not at all likely that theanimal would have persisted in coming direct to him in her time of need.Be ready, then, to fly for succour to those about you whom you may havefound willing to help and serve you.

  THE NEWSMAN'S HORSE.

  The memory of horses is most remarkable. The newsman of a provincialpaper was in the habit of riding his horse once or twice a week to thehouses of fifty or sixty of his customers, the horse invariably stoppingof his own accord at each house as he reached it.

  But the memory of the horse was exhibited in a still more curiousmanner. It happened that there were two persons on the route who tookone paper between them, and each claimed the privilege of having itfirst on each alternate week. The horse soon became accustomed to thisregulation, and though the parties lived two miles distant, he stoppedonce a fortnight at the door of the half-customer at one place, and oncea fortnight at the door of the half-customer at the other; and never didhe forget this arrangement, which lasted for several years.

  If an animal can thus become so regular in his habits, and remember hisduty so well as did this newsman's horse, surely you, my readers,whether young or old, have no excuse when you forget yours, and neglectto be at the appointed place at the proper time.

  THE TWO WISE CART-HORSES.

  Cart-horses, though heavy-looking animals, are more sagacious that theirmore gracefully formed relatives.

  A cart-horse had been driven from a farmyard to the neighbouring brookearly one morning during winter to drink. The water was frozen over,and the horse stamped away with his fore-feet, but was unable to breakthe ice. Finding this, he waited till a companion came down, when thetwo, standing side by side, and causing their hoofs to descend together,broke through the ice, and were thus enabled to obtain the water theyrequired.

  What one person alone cannot do, two working heartily together mayaccomplish. We shall find no lack of thick ice to break through. Thethickest, perhaps, is the icy opposition of cold, stubborn hearts towhat is right and good. Let us beware that our hearts do not freeze,but take care to keep them warm by exercising them in the service oflove and kindness.

  THE AUTHOR'S HORSE BECOMING HIS GUIDE.

  I was once travelling in the interior of Portugal with severalcompanions. My horse had never been in that part of the country before.We left our inn at daybreak, and proceeded through a mountainousdistrict to visit some beautiful scenery. On our return evening wasapproaching, when I stopped behind my companions to tighten the girthsof my saddle. Believing that there was only one path to take, I rodeslowly on, but shortly reached a spot where I was in some doubt whetherI should go forward or turn off to the left. I shouted, but heard novoice in reply, nor could I see any trace of my friends. Darkness wascoming rapidly on. My horse seeming inclined to take the left hand, Ithought it best to let him do so. In a short time the sky becameovercast, and there was no moon. The darkness was excessive. Still mysteed stepped boldly on. So dense became the obscurity, that I couldnot see his ears; nor could I, indeed, distinguish my own hand held outat arm's-length. I had no help for it but to place the reins on myhorse's neck and let him go forward.

  We had heard of robberies and murders committed; and I knew that therewere steep precipices, down which, had my horse fallen, we should havebeen dashed to pieces. Still the firm way in which he trotted gave meconfidence. Hour after hour passed by. The darkness would, at allevents, conceal me from the banditti, if such were in wait--that was oneconsolation; but then I could not tell where my horse might be takingme. It might be far away from where I hoped to find my companions.

  At length I heard a dog bark, and saw a light twinkling far down beneathme, by which I knew that I was still on the mountain-side. Thus on mysteady steed proceeded, till I found that he was going along a road, andI fancied I could distinguish the outlines of trees on either hand.Suddenly he turned on one side, when my hat was nearly knocked off bystriking against the beam of a trellised porch, covered with vines; andto my joy I found that he had brought me up to the door of the inn whichwe had left in the morning.

  My companions, trusting to their human guide, had not arrived, havingtaken a longer though safer route. My steed had followed the directpath over the mountains which we had pursued in the morning.

  Another horse of mine, which always appeared a gentle animal, and whichconstantly carried a lady, was, during my absence, ridden by a friendwith spurs. On my return, I found that he had on several occasionsattacked his rider, when dismounted, with his fore-feet, and had oncecarried off the rim of his hat. From that time forward he would allowno one to approach him if he saw spurs on his heels; and I was obligedto blindfold him when mounting and dismounting, as he on severaloccasions attacked me as he had done my friend.

  My horse had till that time been a willing, quiet animal. How manyhuman beings have, by thoughtless, cruel treatment, been turned fromfaithful servants into implacable foes. I must urge my young readersalways to treat those who may be dependent on them with kindness andgentleness, rather because it is their duty so to do, than from fear ofthe consequences of an opposite course.

  THE WISE HORSE AND THE PUMP.

  A horse was shut up in a paddock near Leeds, in a corner of which stooda pump wi
th a tub beneath it. The groom, however, often forgot to fillthe tub, the horse having thus no water to drink. The animal hadobserved the way in which water was procured, and one night, when thetub was empty, was seen to take the pump handle in his mouth, and workit with his head till he had procured as much water as he required.

  What a wise horse he was! How much wiser than some young ladies andgentlemen, who, when there is no water in their jugs, or their shoes arenot cleaned, dress without washing rather than take the trouble ofgetting it for themselves, or wear dirty shoes rather than take themdown to be cleaned, or clean them for themselves.

  My young friends, remember through life that sensible horse. Take thepump by the handle, and work away with it till you have brought up thewater.

  THE PONY WHICH SAVED A LITTLE GIRL'S LIFE.

  A small pony, belonging to a gentleman in Warwickshire, was fed in apark through which a canal passes. It was a great favourite, havingbeen long kept in the family, and was ridden by the children.

  A little girl--the daughter of the owner of the property--had run out byherself into the park, and made her way to the banks of the canal. Asshe was playing thoughtlessly near the water, she fell in. Her criesattracted the pony, which, galloping forward, plunged into the water,and lifting her in his mouth, brought her safely to the shore.

  However weak or apparently inadequate your means, you may often, if youemploy them to the best of your power, render essential service to yourfellow-creatures.

  THE HORSE AND THE SHIPWRECK.

  A remarkable instance of a horse saving human life occurred some yearsago at the Cape of Good Hope. A storm was raging, when a vessel,dragging her anchors, was driven on the rocks, and speedily dashed topieces. Many of those on board perished. The remainder were seenclinging to the wreck, or holding on to the fragments which were washingto and fro amid the breakers. No boat could put off. When all hope hadgone of saving the unfortunate people, a settler, somewhat advanced inlife, appeared on horseback on the shore. His horse was a bold andstrong animal, and noted for excelling as a swimmer. The farmer, movedwith compassion for the unfortunate seamen, resolved to attempt savingthem. Fixing himself firmly in the saddle, he pushed into the midst ofthe breakers. At first both horse and rider disappeared; but soon theywere soon buffeting the waves, and swimming towards the wreck. Callingtwo of the seamen, he told them to hold on by his boots; then turninghis horse's head, he brought them safely to land.

  No less than seven times did he repeat this dangerous exploit, thussaving fourteen lives. For the eighth time he plunged in, when,encountering a formidable wave, the brave man lost his balance, and wasinstantly overwhelmed. The horse swam safely to shore; but his gallantrider, alas! was no more.

  It is sinful uselessly to run even a slight risk of losing life; butwhen, on any occasion, need arises for saving the lives of ourfellow-creatures, we should be willing to dare the greatest dangers inmaking such an effort. The fate of the brave farmer must not deter us--nor should any failure of others--from doing what is only our duty.

  THE IRISH HORSE AND THE INFANT.

  Mrs F--mentions several instances of the sagacity of horses. Somehorses in the county of Limerick, which were pastured in a field, brokebounds like a band of unruly schoolboys, and scrambling through a gapwhich they had made in a fence, found themselves in a narrow lane.Along the quiet by-road they galloped helter-skelter, at full speed,snorting and tossing their manes in the full enjoyment of their freedom,but greatly to the terror of a party of children who were playing in thelane. As the horses were seen tearing wildly along, the childrenscrambled up the bank into the hedge, and buried themselves in thebushes, regardless of thorns,--with the exception of one poor littlething, who, too small to run, fell down on its face, and lay cryingloudly in the middle of the narrow way.

  On swept the horses; but when the leader of the troop saw the littlechild lying in his path, he suddenly stopped, and so did the othersbehind him. Then stooping his head, he seized the infant's clothes withhis teeth, and carefully lifted it to the side of the road, laying itgently and quite unhurt on the tender grass. He and his companions thenresumed their gallop in the lane, unconscious of having performed aremarkable act.

  Learn a lesson from those wild Irish horses. As you hurry along in thejoyousness of youth, reflect and look before you to see whether therelies not on your road some one who requires your help. Believe me, inyour path through life you will find many poor little infants whorequire to be lifted up and placed in safety. Do not be less obedientto the promptings of duty than were those dumb animals to the reason orthe instinct implanted in their breasts.

  THE HUMANE CART-HORSE AND THE CHILD.

  A carter in Strathmiglo, Fifeshire, had an old horse, which was asfamiliar with his family as a dog could have been. He used to play withthe children, and when they were running about between his legs he wouldnever move, for fear of doing them an injury.

  On one occasion, when dragging a loaded cart through a narrow lane nearthe village, a young child, not one of his owner's family, happened tobe playing on the road, and thoughtlessly ran directly before him, when,had it not been for his sagacity, it would inevitably have been crushedby the wheels. On seeing what had occurred, the good old horse took thechild up by its clothes with his teeth, carried it a few yards, and thenplaced it by the wayside,--moving slowly all the while, and looking backoccasionally, as if to satisfy himself that the cart-wheels had passedclear of it.

  In all his duties he was equally steady and precise, and could beperfectly trusted.

  That is just the character you should aim at deserving. To merit beingperfectly trusted, shows that your talent is employed to the bestadvantage--that you are labouring, really and truly, from a conscioussense of duty. Only thus will you labour honestly.

  THE FAITHFUL HORSE AND HIS RIDER.

  Horses have been known to fight for their friends, both human andcanine.

  A farmer near Edinburgh possessed a hunter which had carried him safelyfor many a day over moorland heath as well as beaten roads. He was oneday returning from the city, where he had attended a jovial meeting,when, feeling more than usually drowsy, he slipped from his saddle tothe ground, without being awakened by the change of position, andletting go the bridle as he fell. His faithful steed, which had thecharacter of being a vicious horse, instead of galloping home, as mighthave been expected, stood by his prostrate master, keeping as strict awatch over him as a dog could have done.

  Some labourers, coming by at daybreak, observed the farmer stillsleeping near a heap of stones by the roadside. Intending to assisthim, they drew near, when the horse, by his grinning teeth and readyheels, showed them that it would be wiser to keep at a distance. He didnot, probably, understand their humane intentions; but not till they hadaroused the farmer, who at length got on his feet, would his equineguardian allow them to proceed.

  Mrs F--mentions another instance of a high-spirited Irish horse, which,under similar circumstances, used to defend his master.

  This man, a dissipated character, often coming home at night tipsy,would fall to the ground in a helpless state. Had the horse, while theman was in this condition, forsaken him, he would have been run over byany vehicle passing along the road; but the faithful horse was hisvigilant guardian and protector. If nobody approached, the animal wouldstand patiently beside his prostrate master till he came to himself. Hehas been known to stand at his post during the whole of the night. Ifany one came near, he would gallop round him, kicking out his heels; orrearing and biting, if an attempt were made to touch him. Thus the manand animal changed places, the intelligent brute protecting both himselfand his brutalised master.

  I have a word to say even on this subject. Beware lest you take thefirst step which may lead you to become like the man I have described.You cannot expect, like him, to have a sagacious horse to watch overyou. Yet, at the same time, do not be less faithful to an erringcompanion than were those noble steeds to their owners; watch over
andprotect him to the utmost. Learn to be kind to the thankful and to theunthankful.

  JACK AND HIS DRIVER.

  Mr Smiles, in his Life of Rennie, tells us of a horse called Jack, whoshowed himself to be fully as sensible as the two animals justmentioned.

  Jack's business was to draw the stone trucks along the tramway duringthe erection of Waterloo Bridge. Near at hand was a beer-shop,frequented by the navvies and carters. Jack's driver, named Tom, was anhonest fellow, and very kind to Jack, but too fond of spending more timethan he ought to have done in the beer-shop. Jack, though a restiveanimal, got accustomed to Tom's habits, and waited patiently till anoverlooker startled him into activity. On one occasion, however, thesuperintendent being absent, Tom took so long a spell at the ale thatJack became restive, and the trace fastenings being long enough, theanimal put his head inside the beerhouse door, and seizing theastonished Tom by the collar with his teeth, dragged him out to his dutyat the truck. Great in consequence became the fame of Jack amongst thehost of labourers.

  Like famous Jack, do not hesitate to remind a friend of his duty, eventhough you have to seize him by the collar and drag him away to performit.

  THE HORSE WHICH FOUGHT FOR A DOG.

  I have given several instances of friendship existing between horses anddogs.

  A fine hunter had formed a friendship with a handsome greyhound whichslept in the stable with him, and generally accompanied him when takenout for exercise. When the greyhound accompanied his master in hiswalks, the horse would look over his shoulder, and neigh in a mannerwhich plainly said, Let me go also; and when the dog returned, he wasreceived with an unmistakable neigh of welcome. He would lick thehorse's nose, and in return the horse would scratch his back with histeeth.

  On one occasion the groom had, as usual, taken out the horse forexercise, followed by the greyhound, when a savage dog attacked thelatter and bore him to the ground. The horse, seeing this, threw backhis ears, and, breaking from the groom, rushed at the strange dog whichwas attacking his friend, seized him by the back with his teeth,speedily making him quit his hold, and shook him till a piece of hisskin gave way. The offender, getting on his feet, scampered off, gladto escape from a foe who could punish him so severely.

  THE ARAB STEED AND THE CHIEF.

  Monsieur De Lamartine's beautiful story of the Arab chief and hisfavourite steed has often been told. It shall form one of our anecdotesof horses.

  A chief, Abou el Marek, and his marauding tribe, had one night attackeda caravan. When returning with their plunder, they were surrounded bythe troops of the Pacha of Acre, who killed several, and bound the restwith cords. Abou el Marek, wounded and faint from loss of blood, wasamong the latter. Thus bound, while lying on the ground at night, heheard the neigh of his favourite steed, picketed at a short distanceoff. Anxious to caress the horse for the last time, he dragged himselfup to him. "Poor friend," he said, "what will you do among these savageTurks? Shut up under the stifling roof of a khan, you will sicken anddie. No longer will the women and children of the tent bring youbarley, camel's milk, or _dhourra_ in the hollow of their hands. Nolonger will you gallop free as the wind across the desert; no longercleave the waters with your breast, and lave your sides in the purestream. If I am to be a slave, at least you shall go free. Hasten backto our tent. Tell my wife that Abou el Marek will return no more!"

  With these words, his hands being tied, the old chief undid, by means ofhis teeth, the rope which held the courser fast; but the noble animal,instead of galloping away to the desert, bent his head over his master,and seeing him helpless on the ground, took his clothes gently betweenhis teeth, and, lifting him up, set off at full speed towards hisdistant home. Arriving there, he laid his master at the feet of hiswife and children, and dropped down dead with fatigue.

  What a brave example of affection, duty, and self-sacrifice! You maynever be called on to perform the one hundredth part of the taskundertaken willingly by that gallant Arab steed, but how are youcarrying the tiny, light burdens which your every-day duties place onyou? True heroism consists not so much in the performance of one nobledeed, which may become the poet's theme, but in doing all that we haveto do, and in seeking to do as much as we can of what there is to bedone, to the very best of our power, and in bearing with patience whatwe are called on to bear.

  THE OLD CHARGER.

  The horse has been frequently known to recognise his rider after a longabsence. He is also especially a sociable animal, and once accustomedto others of his kind, rarely forgets them. At the trumpet's sound, theold war-horse pricks up his ears, snorts, and paws the ground, eager tojoin his ancient comrades.

  Some years ago the assistant to a surveyor was employed to ride along acertain line of turnpike road, to see that the contractors were doingtheir work properly. He was mounted on a horse which had belonged to afield-officer; and, though aged, still possessed much spirit. Ithappened that a troop of yeomanry were out exercising on a neighbouringcommon. No sooner did the old horse espy the line of warriors, and hearthe bugle-call, than, greatly to the dismay of his rider, he leaped thefence and was speedily at his post in front of the regiment; nor couldthe civilian equestrian induce him by any means to quit the ground tillthe regiment left it. As long as they kept the field, the horseremained in front of the troop; and then insisted on marching at theirhead into the town, prancing as well as his old legs would allow him, tothe great amusement of the volunteers, and the no small annoyance of theclerk, who had thus been compelled to assume a post he would gladly haveavoided.

  Old habits cling to us as pertinaciously as did those of that ancientwar-steed; and often when we flatter ourselves that they have beenovercome, temptation appears, and we yield to them as of yore. Do you,my young friends, take heed to adopt only good habits, and adhere tothem.