fond of the animal to which her husband had been tenderly attached, had preserved the race in its greatest purity, and, at the time of our story, possessed several horses of superior promise.

"One there was, a sorrel, destined to be as famous (and for much better reason) as the horse which the brutal emperor raised to the dignity of consul. This sorrel was of a fierce and ungovernable nature, and resisted all attempts to subject him to the rein. He had reached his fullest size and vigor unconscious of a rider; he ranged free in the air, which he snuffed in triumph, tossing his mane to the winds, and spurning the earth in the pride of his freedom. It was a matter of common remark that a man would never be found hardy enough to back [mount] and ride this vicious horse. Several had essayed, but, deterred by the fury of the animal, they had desisted from their attempts, and the steed remained unbroken.

"The young Washington proposed to his companions that if they would assist him in confining the steed so that a bridle could be placed in his mouth, he

would engage to tame the terror of the parish.

"Accordingly, early the ensuing morning, the associates decoyed the horse into an enclosure where they seIcured him and forced a bit into his mouth. Bold, vigorous, and young, the daring youth sprang to the unenvied seat, and bidding his comrades remove their tackle the indignant courser rushed to the plain.

"As if disdaining his burden, he at first attempted to fly, but soon felt the power of an arm which could have tamed his Arab grandsires in their wildest course on their native deserts. The struggle now became terrific to the beholders, who almost wished they had not joined in an enterprise so likely to be fatal to their daring associate.

"But the youthful hero, that 'spiritprotected man,' clung to the furious steed, till, centaur-like, he appeared to make part of the animal itself. Long was the conflict and the fears of his associates became more relieved as, with matchless skill, the rider preserved his seat, and with unyielding force controlled the courser's rage, when the gallant horse, summoning all

his powers to one mighty effort, reared and plunged with tremendous violence, burst his noble heart and died in an instant.

"The rider, 'alive, unharmed and without a wound,' was joined by the youthful group, and all gazed upon the generous steed, which, now prostrate, 'trailed in the dust the honors of his mane,' while from distended nostrils gushed in torrents the life-blood that a moment before had swollen in his veins.

"The first surprise was scarcely over, with a 'What's to be done? Who shall tell this tale?' when the party were summoned to the morning's meal. A conversation, most mal a propos to the youthful culprits, became introduced by the matron's asking:

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'Pray, young gentlemen, have you seen my blooded colts in your rambles? I hope they are well taken care of; my favorite, I am told, is as large as his sire.'

"Considerable embarrassment being observable, the lady repeated her question, when George replied:

"Your favorite, the sorrel, is dead, madam.'

""Dead?' exclaimed the lady, "Why, how has that happened?'

""That sorrel horse has been long considered ungovernable, and beyond the power of man to back or ride him; this morning, aided by my friends, we forced a bit into his mouth; I backed him, I rode him, and in a desperate struggle for the mastery, he fell under me and died upon the spot.'

"The hectic of a moment was observed to flush the matron's cheek, but like a summer cloud it passed away, and all was serene and tranquil when she remarked:

"It is well; but while I regret the loss of my favorite, I rejoice in my son, who always speaks the truth." "

CHAPTER IV

GOING TO LIVE AT AUGUSTINE'S

THE half-brothers soon saw that it would not do to let George run wild on "Ferry Farm.” He ought to be going to school-but where?

There was nothing in that neighborhood higher or better than poor "Hobby's" field school, and none at all near Mount Vernon, or Lawrence would have been glad to have the boy with him.

But there was a good school, for those days, taught by a Mr. Williams, at Oak Grove, only four miles from "Wakefield," the farm on which George was born, and where Augustine, lately married, now resided. It was decided that George should live with Austin, as he was called in the family, and go to Mr. Williams's school.

It was hard for the widowed mother to make up her mind to let George, her stay and reliance, go away from her for so long a time, but when she was convinced that it was necessary, that he might be able to earn a better living, she gave her consent. As he would be allowed to come home for his vacations, and over Sunday now and then, she made the best of it, as many a fond mother has had to do since then.

It is not likely that George himself was anxious to leave his mother and the younger children to go to school. Though he was but twelve years old he realized that he must make the sacrifice to better fit him for the support and