He scratched four times.

That meant four years.

He asked him how many days in a week there were, how many months in a year; and he gave him some questions in addition and subtraction, and the pony answered them all correctly.

Of course, the Italian was giving him some sign; but, though we watched him closely, we couldn't make out what it was.

At last, he told the pony that he had been very good, and had done his lessons well; if it would rest him, he might be naughty a little while.