164 Children of Yayoute


 Maybe it is,> Bouqui said. -Well, go and get a saddle.,
 Malice went and got the saddle and put it on Bouqui's
back. When it was well adjusted, he mounted again. Off
they started once more.
 But Malice fell off a second time. ,This time I realize
that it must be the bridle. I can't ride without that either.,
 aWell, get it, then,, Bouqui said.
 Malice got that, too, and quickly got Bouqui well
bridled.
 Off they started for a third time. But after they had
gone only a little way, Malice fell off once more.
 -What now, papa Bon Dieu?> Bouqui asked impatient-
ly.,
 ,It must be the switch. I need it to balance myself with,,
Malice replied.
 Bouqui urged him to get the switch without delay.
 But Malice kept on falling off and making excuses until
finally he had on a pair of leggins, and old riding gloves
that someone in the city had given him, and a pair of spurs,
and carried the riding switch, which he himself had made
out of guava branches with a great deal of care. Now he
mounted Bouqui in earnest. Off they started for the last
time.
 Bouqui began to trot. Malice switched him; he jumped,
but Malice held him by the bridle in his mouth. He
grumbled, (Be careful, Malice. Remember, I'm not a horse.
If you keep this up, you'll soon tear both corners of my
jaws.,