We found him
and his name's Clipclap."
"Well, that's a good name for a pony," said his father. "But still I
don't know that you can claim every pony you find. This one may
belong to Uncle Frank."
"No, it isn't one of my brand," said the owner of Ring Rosy Ranch.
"It's a strange pony that must have wandered into this cave after he
found he was poisoned. I reckon the poor thing thought he'd die in
there, and maybe he would if the children hadn't found him."
"He couldn't have lived much longer without attention," said Doctor
Bond.
"Then did we save his life?" asked Teddy.
"You did, by getting the doctor in time," answered his father.
"Then can't he be our pony?" asked the little boy.
"Yes, I guess he can," answered Uncle Frank. "If nobody comes to
claim him you children may have him. And if anyone does come after
him I'll give you another. I was going to give you each a pony,
anyhow, as soon as you got used to the ranch, and I'll do it. If Ted
wants to keep Clipclap, as he calls him, I'll give Janet another."
"Oh, won't I just love him!" cried the little girl.
"And I'll love Clipclap!" said Teddy.
There was nothing more that could be done just then for the sick
pony, so the Curlytops and the others left him in the cave. The
children were glad he did not groan any more. A little later Jim
Mason sent one of the cowboys with some clean straw to make a bed for
the little horse, and a pail of the cool, spring water was put where
the animal could reach it.
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