AN ARAB'S REGARD FOE HIS HORSE.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3063, 9 December 1878, Page 4

AN ARAB'S REGARD FOE HIS HORSE.

The Arab has not only a great affection for his horse, but, if the latter be more than usually swift of foot, is extremely proud and jealous of its reputation for speed. A singular story illustrative of this is told. A certain native, named Giabal, owned a very excellent horse, which one Giafar was desirous to obtain. Giafar, failed, however, to induce Gitibal to part with it; so nt length, determined to possess it, he made his way to the place where it was tied up, and roao away with it. But in doing so he aroused Giabal, who, it is said, having darted from bis tent and mounted his brother's horto, was in close pursuit. Now, ©very Arab has a secret sign by which ho makes his horse understand that it must put forth its greatest speed; and curiously enough, Giabal, just as he was on the point of overtaking Giafar, instead of attempting to secure his stolen steed, suddenly gave his own sign by calling out loudly, " Pinch its right ear, and give the spur! " and the next minute Giafar, dashing forward/ was out of sight. And this was Giabal's answer when reproached at having thus caused the loss of his horse : " What! " said he, "would you have it said in the tribe that my horse was outrun by another? Nay, rather would I have the satisfaction I now have of knowing that no other could overtake it: rather, in truth, would I lose it than suffer its good name to be taken away.'%-Little Folks' Magazine.