The other nodded, and then whistled a long note that drifted up the ravine. Afterward there was no answer, but Jacob remained facing expectantly toward the inside of the valley and presently Connor heard a sound that made his heart leap, the rhythmic hoofbeats of a galloping horse; and even in the darkness the long interval between impacts told him something of the animal's gait. Then into the circle of the firelight broke a gray horse with his tail high, his mane fluttering. He brought his gallop to a mincing trot and came straight toward Jacob, but a yard away he stopped and leaped catlike to one side; with head tossed high he stared at Connor. Cold sweat stood on the forehead of the gambler, for it was like something he had seen, something he remembered; all his dreams of what a horse should be, come true. Ephraim was saying sternly: "In my household the colts are taught better manners, Jacob." And Jacob answered, greatly perturbed: "There is a wild spirit in all the sons of Harith." "It is Cassim, is it not?" asked Ephraim. "Peace, fool!" said Jacob to the stallion, and the horse came and stood behind him, still watching the stranger over the shoulder of his master. "Years dim your eyes, Ephraim," he continued. "This is not Cassim and he is not the height of Cassim by an inch. No, it is Abra, the son of Hira, who was the daughter of Harith." He smiled complacently upon Ephraim, nodding his ancient head, and Ephraim frowned. "It is true that my eyes are not as young as yours, Jacob; but the horses of my household are taught to stand when they are spoken to and not dance like foolish children." This last reproof was called forth by the continual weaving back and forth of the stallion as he looked at Connor, first from one side of Jacob and then from the other. The old man now turned with a raised hand. "Stand!" he ordered. The stallion jerked up his head and became rigid. "A sharp temper makes a horse without heart," said the oracular Ephraim. Jacob scowled, and rolling his eyes angrily, searched for a reply; but he found none. Ephraim clasped one knee tightly in both hands, and weaving his head a little from side to side, delighted in his triumph. "And the hand which is raised," went on the tormentor, "should always fall." He was apparently quoting from an authority against which there was no appeal; now he concluded: "Threats are for children, and yearlings; but a grown horse is above them." "The spirit of Harith has returned in Abra," said Jacob gloomily. "From that month of April when he was foaled he has been a trial and a burden; yes, if even a cloud blows over the moon he comes to my window and calls me. There was never such a horse since Harith. However, he shall make amends. Abra!" The stallion stepped nearer and halted, alert. "Go to him, fool. Go to the stranger and give him your head. Quick!"