Page:Dapples of the Circus (1943).pdf/52

 and caressed him. He was even more of a favorite than his sire had been, because he was so much smaller. So all through that winter little Dapples lived in the Pederson household, almost as one of the family. He even followed the children to school one day, much like Mary's lamb. He finally became so much of a pet that if the children were going away from the farm they had to tie the little colt up first.

But the raising of colts or almost any live-stock for the market is attended by many sad farewells among the little folks. A calf, a lamb, or a colt will work its way into the hearts of the children and they can hardly live without it. Then one fateful day a stranger will drive into the yard. The children will at once be suspicious of him. Somehow he has a sinister look. Presently Father will come around, looking rather shamefaced, to tell them that he has just sold their latest pet. So it happened with little Dapples in the spring, when he was just a year old.