“What in thunder is taking you in there, you fool beast?” the man called after him. “I wonder if there can be anybody in that stifle,” he added. “Hi, Jo, come on; there’s something up; I believe that horse’s rider is in there.” “Nonsense! How could he get into such a place? I’m not going in.” “Well, there’s _something_ there, and I’m going to find out what it is, whether you come in or not!” and he started to follow Sonny. “Then I’ll come, too;” and both men started. Sonny kept well ahead of them, but they followed, and in a moment later they came upon Bob. “Well, I’ll be shot!” exclaimed the second man. “If that don’t go clear ahead of anything; that beast has been doing guard duty all night, as sure as guns.” “I knew there was something here,” said the first speaker. “I’ve seen too much of horses out on the plains not to understand some of their ways.” Tenderly they lifted the unconscious figure and bore it back to the camp. No need to lead Sonny now; he would not let the dear master out of his sight, and every few steps he reached out his head to sniff at him. Bob was carried into a tent, and all that was possible to be done for him was done; but it was a long time before he could get about again, and meantime the story of Sonny’s devotion spread throughout the camp, and there was not a man in the regiment who was not willing to give a helping hand when the wounded shoulder needed dressing. As soon as he was able, Bob’s pet was brought to him, and Sonny’s joy was pathetic. No words were needed to show it more plainly. As soon as he could be moved Bob was taken to Montauk, and Sonny went with him. There we must leave them, only adding that Bob recovered completely, and when he was able once more to sit upon Sonny’s back and join his comrades in their drill, his regiment held no more popular man or horse. Bob was promoted for bravery; and when the men--not content that he alone should have the honors--presented a medal to Sonny, upon which was engraved the figure of a horse standing beside his wounded master, Bob thought more of Sonny’s glory than of his own. But Bob had served his time at soldiering, and not long after received his honorable discharge. He returned to the West, for the free life out there suited him, established himself upon a ranch, and has now settled down to business pursuits with Sonny as first superintendent, chief herder, and joint owner, for in Bob’s estimation nothing is too good for Sonny. HOW NED TOODLES WENT TO COOKING SCHOOL HOW NED TOODLES WENT TO COOKING SCHOOL