So, throwing the bridle-reins over the colt's neck, and taking hold of the bridle close by the bits, the animal was led toward the centre of the field. Before the boys or the colt were aware of George's purpose, with one bound he leaped upon the colt's back, and, seizing the reins, was prepared for the worst. His playmates were as much astonished as the animal was at this unexpected feat, and they rushed away to escape disaster. "Look out, George!" shouted one, as the colt reared and stood upon his hind legs. "He'll throw you, George, if you don't look out!" screamed another, as the animal reversed his position and sent his hind legs high into the air. "Stick, George, stick!" they cried, as the colt dashed forward like the wind a few rods, then stopped, reared, and kicked again, as if determined to throw the rider. All the while George's companions were alarmed at the fearful plunges of the animal, fearing that he would dash him to the ground. At length the furious beast took the bits between his teeth and plunged forward upon the "dead run." George had no control over him as he dashed forward like mad. He hung to the reins like a veteran horseman as the wild creature leaped and plunged and kicked. His companions looked on in breathless interest, expecting every moment to see the young rider hurled to the ground. But, to their surprise, the colt stumbled, staggered a few steps, and fell, George still upon his back. They ran to the rescue, when George exclaimed, "The colt is dead!" "Dead?" responded one of the boys in astonishment, "more likely his leg is broken." "No, he is dead, sure. See the blood running from his mouth." Sure enough, the animal was dying. In his fearful plunging he had ruptured a blood-vessel, and was bleeding to death. In a few moments the young Arabian colt was dead. "Too bad!" mournfully spoke George, with big tears starting to his eyes. "I wish I had never made the attempt to ride him." "_I_ wish so now," answered one of his companions; "but who ever thought that the colt could kill himself?" "Mother will feel bad enough now," continued George. "I am sorry that I have caused her so much trouble." "What shall you tell her?" inquired a companion. "I shall tell her the truth," manfully answered George; "that is all there is to tell about it." The boys were soon at the breakfast-table, as cheerful as the circumstances would permit. "Well, boys, have you seen the Arabian colt in your walks this morning?" Mrs. Washington inquired. There was no reply for a moment. The boys looked at each other as if the crisis had come, and they were not quite prepared for it. At length George answered frankly: "Mother, the colt is dead." "Dead!" his mother exclaimed, "what can you mean, George?" "He is certainly dead, mother." "Have you seen him?" "Yes; and I know that he is dead." "How could such a thing happen?" said his mother, sadly and musingly.