The confinement of a Kennel, too, no matter how commodious, was most
trying. Even the vigorous daily exercise was "personally conducted" by
Matt; and Baldy longed for the freedom that had been his when alone, or
preferably with the boy, he had roamed through the far stretches of rank
grass, tender willows, and sweet-smelling herbs in summer, or over the
wide, snowy plains in winter.
Then, later, the boy came to Baldy; and there were blissful periods when
he would lie with his head on Ben's lap; when the repressed enmity of
the haughty Tolmans, the cold indifference of the magnificent McMillan,
and even Matt's eternal vigilance were forgotten. Periods when his
companion's toil-hardened hands stroked the sleek sides and sinewy
flanks that no longer hinted of insufficient nourishment; and caressing
fingers lingered over the smooth and shining coat that had once been so
rough and ragged.
To see Baldy receiving the same care and consideration as his
stable-mates, who had won the plaudits of the world, justified the boy's
sacrifice; and in spite of his loneliness he always left Baldy with a
happy heart.
"We'll show 'em some day we was worth while, won't we, Baldy?" he would
whisper confidently; and Baldy's reply was sure to be a satisfactory wag
of his bobbed tail, signifying that he certainly intended to do his
best.
[Illustration]
III
The First Step
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
CHAPTER III
THE FIRST STEP
With the boy's more frequent visits Baldy's horizon began to widen
almost imperceptibly.
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