Smoky the Cowhorse · Chapter
XII: “When the Good Leaves” explained
Smoky, known as The Cougar, gradually loses his fierce bucking spirit as the heart of the hateful halfbreed fades and his true Smoky heart reemerges.
What happens
Smoky, known as The Cougar, gradually loses his fierce bucking spirit as the heart of the hateful halfbreed fades and his true Smoky heart reemerges. A new grey outlaw horse replaces him, and after a disappointing final performance, Smoky is left behind when the rodeo train departs.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Transformation
Smoky's gradual shift from the hateful Cougar back to his true self, as the heart of the halfbreed is replaced by his own.
Cruelty and Kindness
The contrast between the crowd's cruel disappointment and the rider's gentle words to the 'has been' horse.
Resilience and Endurance
Smoky's enduring spirit despite years of abuse and the eventual return of his original heart.
Characters to notice
- Smoky
The Cougar's heart shrivels as Smoky's true nature returns, leading to his decline as a bucking horse and eventual abandonment.
- The Cougar
The notorious outlaw persona fades as Smoky's gentle heart takes over, disappointing crowds and losing his reputation.
- Clint
Mentioned indirectly through the heart of the halfbreed; Clint's earlier influence is contrasted with Smoky's transformation.
- Pecos
A freckle-faced vaquero from across the border who eagerly prepares to ride The Cougar, showcasing the challenge the horse once represented.
Key passages
“The heart of The Cougar was shriveling up and leaving space for the heart that was Smoky’s, and that heart, even though older and weaker, was making a mighty strong stand, and steady coming back.”
The Cougar's hateful heart was shrinking, allowing Smoky's original, gentler heart to regain control, despite being older and weaker.
Describes the internal transformation of Smoky from outlaw to his true self.
“The crowd was disappointed, they felt they wasn’t getting their money’s worth, and there was hollers of 'Take him away and hook him up on a milk wagon,' or 'Sell him for a lady’s saddle horse,' and so on.”
The audience was unhappy, believing they had not received value for their money, and shouted insults suggesting the horse be used for menial work.
Illustrates the crowd's fickle and cruel reaction to Smoky's loss of ferocity.
“Never mind, old horse, you’ve done yours—and I’d liked mighty well if I could of turned you loose amongst that bunch that’s making all that noise up there, and watch ’em scatter—but you’re not fighting any more.”
The rider comforted Smoky, acknowledging his past achievements and expressing a wish to let him loose among the jeering crowd, but recognizing his fighting days were over.
Shows the rider's empathy and respect for the horse despite the crowd's scorn.