“Thank you, I guess I won’t mind,” responded Rob, in a dry tone, which made the others laugh.  He already knew by experience something of the pony’s capers, though it had been in Leo’s possession only a few weeks; while Jack, having been away on a visit, had never driven Winkie.

“Perhaps if you changed his name he would behave better,” suggested Rob.

“I did think of that,” answered Leo, seriously.  “I had half a mind to call him Cream Puff; you see he’s just the color of those lovely ones they sell at the baker’s.”

Both the boys laughed heartily.

“Crickey! that is an odd name, sure enough, and would suit him splendidly!” said Rob.

“Yes, and he’d have to be sweet and nice all the time, in order to live up to it,” added Jack.

“Oh, you must not think he is ugly or vicious!” continued Leo.  “He never tried to run away, and most of his antics are nothing but sport.  He is not really bad, only a bit contrary occasionally, as Michael says.  Mother declares that he reminds her sometimes of a boy who has forgotten to say his prayers in the morning, ’cause then he (the boy, you know) is apt to be fractious, and keeps getting into trouble all day.”

“Ha, Leo, what a dead give away!” exclaimed Jack, in a badgering manner.  “That’s the way it is with you, is it?”

“That’s the way with most fellows, I’ll wager!” mumbled Leo, growing red, and wishing he had not been quite so communicative.

Neither of the others replied to this, but each secretly admitted that there was a good deal of truth in what he said.

They all assisted in harnessing Kittelywink, who appeared to think this great fun.  However, when it became evident that he was expected to draw the little wagon laden with the lumber, he protested decidedly.

“He doesn’t want to be used as a dray-horse,” observed Leo, sympathetically.

Whether Winkie’s pride was indeed hurt at being put to menial employment, or whether he simply felt it an imposition to require him to carry a pile of boards and three sturdy lads in addition, it is impossible to say.  At all events, he refused to budge.

“Pshaw!” said Jack.  “You fellows had better get off.  I’ll drive.”

There was nothing to be done but for Rob and Leo to scramble down.

“Geet a-a-p!” cried Jack, giving the pony a sharp lash with the whip.

Winkle bounded forward, and darted up the road at what may be called literally a rattling speed; for the boards clattered away at every revolution of the wheels, and the driver found some difficulty in keeping his seat.  Jack became excited.  He sawed at the pony’s mouth and drew him up so suddenly as to pull him back on his haunches.  Winkie resolutely objected to these proceedings, and forthwith absolutely declined to go a step farther.

Rob and Leo came running up.

“Jingo, but he’s a beauty!”, exclaimed Rob, with admiring sincerity.