Mr. Cross, a celebrated animal painter, who owns a ranch in Montana,
told me that his horses had, at one time, disappeared in great numbers,
much to his astonishment and wonder. He finally discovered that
whenever a herd of wild horses, headed by a certain spirited stallion,
came near the ranch, some of his own horses were sure to be missed.
Setting a watch over them he found that the big handsome stallion was
the thief. This magnificent animal would approach the tame horses and
by some mute eloquence would induce them to follow him. Mr. Cross
determined to capture this noble beast and thief, and procured the best
lasso throwers. After following the stallion for many days they were
compelled to give up the chase. Finally they decided to shoot the
animal if he again interfered with the tame animals. Some weeks passed,
but no more horses were lost. Suddenly, however, a number were again
gone. With great compunctions of conscience, Mr. Cross at length
decided that the leader must be shot. His death struggles were
noble--he died as befitted a great chief whose power, strength and
beauty had made him the leader of his kind. Next to the dog I believe
the horse to be the most intelligent of creatures.