After that he rode bravely, with a consciously straight spine, because Santa Claus was looking at him all the time and he must be a rell ole cowpuncher.
After a long while the way grew less rough, and Silver trotted down the easier slopes.

The Kid was pretty tired now.

He held on by the horn of his saddle so Silver would not jolt him so much.

He was terribly hungry, too, and his eyes kept going shut.

But Santa Claus kept looking at him to see if he were a dead game sport, so he did not cry any more.