He was firm, however, and they managed to reach the strip of woodland, some five miles inland, where they were to gather their load, without any disaster; but it was evident to Dab, all the way, that his ponies were in uncommonly "high" condition.

He took them out of the wagon, while the rest began to gather their liberal harvest of evergreens; and he did not bring them near it again until all was ready for the start homeward.
"Now, boys," he said, "you get in; Joe and Ford and Fuz on the back seat, to hold down the greens.

Frank, get up there, forward, while I hitch in the ponies.

These fellows are chuck full of mischief." Very full, certainly; nor did Dab Kinzer know exactly what the matter was for a minute or so after he seized the reins and sprang up beside Frank Harley.
Then, indeed, as the ponies kicked and reared and plunged, he thought he saw something work out from under their collars, and fall to the ground.
An acorn-burr is just the thing to worry a restive horse, if put in such a place; but Joe and Fuz had hardly expected their "little joke" to be so very successful as it was.
The ponies were off now! "Joe," shouted Fuz, "let's jump!" "Don't let 'em, Ford," exclaimed Dab, giving his whole energies to the horses.

"They'll break their necks if they do.