Overview
This story follows two Armenian boys, Aram and Mourad, whose family is known for honesty, as they secretly take and ride a stolen horse before deciding to return it.
The Garoghlanian Family and Their Values
- The Garoghlanian family is poor but famous for their honesty and pride, having maintained these traits for centuries.
- Aram, the narrator, trusts Mourad despite suspecting the horse was stolen, because the family does not steal.
- Mourad is considered eccentric and the natural descendant of the family's "crazy streak," contrasted with his practical father, Zorab.
The Stolen Horse and Early Morning Rides
- Mourad wakes Aram early in the morning to show him the white horse and invites him to ride.
- Aram has always longed to ride a horse but is initially frightened and struggles to control it.
- Mourad insists he has a special way with horses, allowing him to calm and control them easily.
Hiding the Horse and Family Encounters
- The boys hide the horse in an abandoned vineyard's barn and ride it every morning in secret.
- Mourad claims he began riding that day, denying theft, and tells Aram to do the same if asked.
John Byro and the Dilemma
- John Byro, the horse’s owner, visits Aram’s house, lamenting his lost horse but trusting the Garoghlanians' honesty.
- Uncle Khosrove responds dismissively to Byro’s troubles, repeating "It is no harm; pay no attention to it."
- The boys feel pressured when Byro later meets them with the horse, but he chooses to trust their family's reputation.
Returning the Horse
- Mourad and Aram return the horse quietly to Byro’s barn; the dogs do not bark at them.
- Byro is happy to find his horse returned, noting it is in better condition than before.
- Uncle Khosrove remains indifferent, upholding the family’s characteristic attitudes.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Garoghlanian — Armenian tribe known for strict honesty and pride.
- Surrey — A light, four-wheeled carriage, mentioned as belonging to John Byro.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Locate Armenia and Assyria on a map and write about the Garoghlanian tribe and their characteristics.
- Try drawing the horse as described in the story.