The highly wrought and cumbrous saddle was evidently more for
show than use. Indeed it impeded rather than aided the action of
limbs, which disdained to seek assistance, or admit of restraint from
so womanish inventions as stirrups. The horse, which immediately began
to prance, was, like its rider, wild and untutored in all his motions,
but while there was so little of art, there was all the freedom and
grace of nature in the movements of both. The animal was probably
indebted to the blood of Araby for its excellence, through a long
pedigree, that embraced the steed of Mexico, the Spanish barb, and the
Moorish charger. The rider, in obtaining his steed from the provinces
of Central-America, had also obtained that spirit and grace in
controlling him, which unite to form the most intrepid and perhaps the
most skilful horseman in the world.
Notwithstanding this sudden occupation of his animal, the Pawnee
discovered no hasty wish to depart. More at his ease, and possibly
more independent, now he found himself secure of the means of retreat,
he rode back and forth, eyeing the different individuals of the party
with far greater freedom than before.
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