The Junior Classics, Volume 8: Animal and Nature Stories
General
The Junior Classics, Volume 8: Animal and Nature Stories
Children's literature
"But little time was given me to mourn. My life was soon to be in
peril, and I must summon up the utmost power of eye and limb to
escape the violence of my frenzied mare. Did you ever see a mad
horse when his madness is on him? Take your stand with me in that
car, and you shall see what suffering a dumb creature can endure
before it dies. In no malady does a horse suffer more than in
phrenitis, or inflammation of the brain. Possibly in severe cases
of colic, probably in rabies in its fiercest form, the pain is
equally intense. These three are the most agonizing of all the
diseases to which the noblest of animals is exposed. Had my pistols
been with me, I should then and there, with whatever strength
Heaven granted, have taken my companion's life, that she might be
spared the suffering which was so soon to rack and wring her
sensitive frame. A horse laboring under an attack of phrenitis is
as violent as a horse can be. He is not ferocious as is one in a
fit of rabies. He may kill his master, but he does it without
design. There is in him no desire of mischief for its own sake, no
cruel cunning, no stratagem and malice. A rabid horse is conscious
in every act and motion. He recognizes the man he destroys. There
is in him an insane _desire to kill._ Not so with the phrenetic
horse. He is unconscious in his violence. He sees and recognizes
no one. There is no method of purpose in his madness. He kills
without knowing it.
"I knew what was coming. I could not jump out, that would be
certain death. I must abide in the car, and take my chance of life.
The car was fortunately high, long, and roomy. I took my position
in front of my horse, watchful, and ready to spring. Suddenly her
lids, which had been closed, came open with a snap, as if an
electric shock had passed through her, and the eyes, wild in their
brightness, stared directly at me. And what eyes they were! The
membrane grew red and redder until it was of the color of blood,
standing out in frightful contrast with the transparency of the
cornea. The pupil gradually dilated until it seemed about to burst
out of the socket. The nostrils, which had been sunken and
motionless, quivered, swelled, and glowed. The respiration became
short, quick and gasping. The limp and dripping ears stiffened and
stood erect, pricked sharply forward, as if to catch the slightest
sound. Spasms, as the car swerved and vibrated, ran along her
frame. More horrid than all, the lips slowly contracted, and the
white, sharp-edged teeth stood uncovered, giving an indescribable
look of ferocity to the partially opened mouth. The car suddenly
reeled as it dashed around a curve, swaying her almost off her
feet, and as a contortion shook her, she recovered herself, and
rearing upward as high as the car permitted, plunged directly at
me. I was expecting the movement, and dodged. Then followed
exhibitions of pain which I pray God I may never see again. Time
and again did she dash herself upon the floor, and roll over and
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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