TheAutobiographyofaHorse
　　TomydearandhonoredMother，whoselife，nolessthanherpen，hasbeendevotedtothewelfareofothers，thislittlebookisaffectionatelydedicated.
　　Contents
　　PartI
　　01MyEarlyHomeThefirstplacethatIcanwellrememberwasalargepleasantmeadowwithapondofclearwaterinit.Someshadytreesleanedoverit，andrushesandwater—liliesgrewatthedeepend.Overthehedgeononesidewelookedintoaplowedfield，andontheotherwelookedoveragateatourmaster’shouse，whichstoodbytheroadside;atthetopofthemeadowwasagroveoffirtrees，andatthebottomarunningbrookoverhungbyasteepbank.
　　WhileIwasyoungIliveduponmymother’smilk，asIcouldnoteatgrass.
　　InthedaytimeIranbyherside，andatnightIlaydownclosebyher.
　　Whenitwashotweusedtostandbythepondintheshadeofthetrees，andwhenitwascoldwehadanicewarmshednearthegrove.
　　AssoonasIwasoldenoughtoeatgrassmymotherusedtogoouttoworkinthedaytime，andcomebackintheevening.
　　Thereweresixyoungcoltsinthemeadowbesidesme;
　　theywereolderthanIwas;somewerenearlyaslargeasgrown—uphorses.
　　Iusedtorunwiththem，andhadgreatfun;weusedtogallopalltogetherroundandroundthefieldashardaswecouldgo.Sometimeswehadratherroughplay，fortheywouldfrequentlybiteandkickaswellasgallop.
　　Oneday，whentherewasagooddealofkicking，mymotherwhinniedtometocometoher，andthenshesaid：
　　"IwishyoutopayattentiontowhatIamgoingtosaytoyou.
　　Thecoltswholivehereareverygoodcolts，buttheyarecart—horsecolts，andofcoursetheyhavenotlearnedmanners.Youhavebeenwell—bredandwell—born;yourfatherhasagreatnameintheseparts，andyourgrandfatherwonthecuptwoyearsattheNewmarketraces;
　　yourgrandmotherhadthesweetesttemperofanyhorseIeverknew，andIthinkyouhaveneverseenmekickorbite.Ihopeyouwillgrowupgentleandgood，andneverlearnbadways;doyourworkwithagoodwill，liftyourfeetupwellwhenyoutrot，andneverbiteorkickeveninplay."
　　Ihaveneverforgottenmymother’sadvice;Iknewshewasawiseoldhorse，andourmasterthoughtagreatdealofher.HernamewasDuchess，butheoftencalledherPet.
　　Ourmasterwasagood，kindman.Hegaveusgoodfood，goodlodging，andkindwords;hespokeaskindlytousashedidtohislittlechildren.
　　Wewereallfondofhim，andmymotherlovedhimverymuch.
　　Whenshesawhimatthegateshewouldneighwithjoy，andtrotuptohim.
　　Hewouldpatandstrokeherandsay，"Well，oldPet，andhowisyourlittleDarkie？"Iwasadullblack，sohecalledmeDarkie;
　　thenhewouldgivemeapieceofbread，whichwasverygood，andsometimeshebroughtacarrotformymother.Allthehorseswouldcometohim，butIthinkwewerehisfavorites.
　　Mymotheralwaystookhimtothetownonamarketdayinalightgig.
　　Therewasaplowboy，Dick，whosometimescameintoourfieldtopluckblackberriesfromthehedge.Whenhehadeatenallhewantedhewouldhavewhathecalledfunwiththecolts，throwingstonesandsticksatthemtomakethemgallop.Wedidnotmuchmindhim，forwecouldgallopoff;butsometimesastonewouldhitandhurtus.
　　Onedayhewasatthisgame，anddidnotknowthatthemasterwasinthenextfield;buthewasthere，watchingwhatwasgoingon;
　　overthehedgehejumpedinasnap，andcatchingDickbythearm，hegavehimsuchaboxontheearasmadehimroarwiththepainandsurprise.Assoonaswesawthemasterwetrottedupnearertoseewhatwenton.
　　"Badboy！"hesaid，"badboy！tochasethecolts.Thisisnotthefirsttime，northesecond，butitshallbethelast.There——
　　takeyourmoneyandgohome;Ishallnotwantyouonmyfarmagain."
　　SoweneversawDickanymore.OldDaniel，themanwholookedafterthehorses，wasjustasgentleasourmaster，sowewerewelloff.
　　02TheHuntBeforeIwastwoyearsoldacircumstancehappenedwhichIhaveneverforgotten.Itwasearlyinthespring;
　　therehadbeenalittlefrostinthenight，andalightmiststillhungoverthewoodsandmeadows.Iandtheothercoltswerefeedingatthelowerpartofthefieldwhenweheard，quiteinthedistance，whatsoundedlikethecryofdogs.Theoldestofthecoltsraisedhishead，prickedhisears，andsaid，"Therearethehounds！"andimmediatelycanteredoff，followedbytherestofustotheupperpartofthefield，wherewecouldlookoverthehedgeandseeseveralfieldsbeyond.
　　Mymotherandanoldridinghorseofourmaster’swerealsostandingnear，andseemedtoknowallaboutit.
　　"Theyhavefoundahare，"saidmymother，"andiftheycomethiswayweshallseethehunt."
　　Andsoonthedogswerealltearingdownthefieldofyoungwheatnexttoours.Ineverheardsuchanoiseastheymade.Theydidnotbark，norhowl，norwhine，butkeptona"yo！yo，o，o！yo！yo，o，o！"
　　atthetopoftheirvoices.Afterthemcameanumberofmenonhorseback，someofthemingreencoats，allgallopingasfastastheycould.
　　Theoldhorsesnortedandlookedeagerlyafterthem，andweyoungcoltswantedtobegallopingwiththem，buttheyweresoonawayintothefieldslowerdown;
　　hereitseemedasiftheyhadcometoastand;thedogsleftoffbarking，andranabouteverywaywiththeirnosestotheground.
　　"Theyhavelostthescent，"saidtheoldhorse;"perhapstheharewillgetoff."
　　"Whathare？"Isaid.
　　"Oh！Idon’tknowwhathare;likelyenoughitmaybeoneofourownharesoutofthewoods;anyharetheycanfindwilldoforthedogsandmentorunafter;"andbeforelongthedogsbegantheir"yo！yo，o，o！"again，andbacktheycamealtogetheratfullspeed，makingstraightforourmeadowatthepartwherethehighbankandhedgeoverhangthebrook.
　　"Nowweshallseethehare，"saidmymother;andjustthenaharewildwithfrightrushedbyandmadeforthewoods.
　　Oncamethedogs;theyburstoverthebank，leapedthestream，andcamedashingacrossthefieldfollowedbythehuntsmen.
　　Sixoreightmenleapedtheirhorsescleanover，closeuponthedogs.
　　Theharetriedtogetthroughthefence;itwastoothick，andsheturnedsharproundtomakefortheroad，butitwastoolate;
　　thedogswereuponherwiththeirwildcries;weheardoneshriek，andthatwastheendofher.Oneofthehuntsmenrodeupandwhippedoffthedogs，whowouldsoonhavetornhertopieces.
　　Heheldherupbythelegtornandbleeding，andallthegentlemenseemedwellpleased.
　　Asforme，IwassoastonishedthatIdidnotatfirstseewhatwasgoingonbythebrook;butwhenIdidlooktherewasasadsight;
　　twofinehorsesweredown，onewasstrugglinginthestream，andtheotherwasgroaningonthegrass.Oneoftheriderswasgettingoutofthewatercoveredwithmud，theotherlayquitestill.
　　"Hisneckisbroke，"saidmymother.
　　"Andservehimright，too，"saidoneofthecolts.
　　Ithoughtthesame，butmymotherdidnotjoinwithus.
　　"Well，no，"shesaid，"youmustnotsaythat;butthoughIamanoldhorse，andhaveseenandheardagreatdeal，Ineveryetcouldmakeoutwhymenaresofondofthissport;theyoftenhurtthemselves，oftenspoilgoodhorses，andtearupthefields，andallforahareorafox，orastag，thattheycouldgetmoreeasilysomeotherway;
　　butweareonlyhorses，anddon’tknow."
　　Whilemymotherwassayingthiswestoodandlookedon.
　　Manyoftheridershadgonetotheyoungman;butmymaster，whohadbeenwatchingwhatwasgoingon，wasthefirsttoraisehim.
　　Hisheadfellbackandhisarmshungdown，andeveryonelookedveryserious.
　　Therewasnonoisenow;eventhedogswerequiet，andseemedtoknowthatsomethingwaswrong.Theycarriedhimtoourmaster’shouse.
　　IheardafterwardthatitwasyoungGeorgeGordon，thesquire’sonlyson，afine，tallyoungman，andtheprideofhisfamily.
　　Therewasnowridingoffinalldirectionstothedoctor’s，tothefarrier’s，andnodoubttoSquireGordon’s，tolethimknowabouthisson.
　　WhenMr.Bond，thefarrier，cametolookattheblackhorsethatlaygroaningonthegrass，hefelthimallover，andshookhishead;
　　oneofhislegswasbroken.Thensomeonerantoourmaster’shouseandcamebackwithagun;presentlytherewasaloudbangandadreadfulshriek，andthenallwasstill;theblackhorsemovednomore.
　　Mymotherseemedmuchtroubled;shesaidshehadknownthathorseforyears，andthathisnamewas"RobRoy";hewasagoodhorse，andtherewasnoviceinhim.Sheneverwouldgotothatpartofthefieldafterward.
　　Notmanydaysafterweheardthechurch—belltollingforalongtime，andlookingoverthegatewesawalong，strangeblackcoachthatwascoveredwithblackclothandwasdrawnbyblackhorses;
　　afterthatcameanotherandanotherandanother，andallwereblack，whilethebellkepttolling，tolling.TheywerecarryingyoungGordontothechurchyardtoburyhim.Hewouldneverrideagain.
　　WhattheydidwithRobRoyIneverknew;but’twasallforonelittlehare.
　　03MyBreakingInIwasnowbeginningtogrowhandsome;mycoathadgrownfineandsoft，andwasbrightblack.Ihadonewhitefootandaprettywhitestaronmyforehead.Iwasthoughtveryhandsome;mymasterwouldnotsellmetillIwasfouryearsold;hesaidladsoughtnottoworklikemen，andcoltsoughtnottoworklikehorsestilltheywerequitegrownup.
　　WhenIwasfouryearsoldSquireGordoncametolookatme.
　　Heexaminedmyeyes，mymouth，andmylegs;hefeltthemalldown;
　　andthenIhadtowalkandtrotandgallopbeforehim.
　　Heseemedtolikeme，andsaid，"Whenhehasbeenwellbrokeninhewilldoverywell."Mymastersaidhewouldbreakmeinhimself，asheshouldnotlikemetobefrightenedorhurt，andhelostnotimeaboutit，forthenextdayhebegan.
　　Everyonemaynotknowwhatbreakinginis，thereforeIwilldescribeit.
　　Itmeanstoteachahorsetowearasaddleandbridle，andtocarryonhisbackaman，womanorchild;togojustthewaytheywish，andtogoquietly.Besidesthishehastolearntowearacollar，acrupper，andabreeching，andtostandstillwhiletheyareputon;
　　thentohaveacartorachaisefixedbehind，sothathecannotwalkortrotwithoutdraggingitafterhim;andhemustgofastorslow，justashisdriverwishes.Hemustneverstartatwhathesees，norspeaktootherhorses，norbite，norkick，norhaveanywillofhisown;
　　butalwaysdohismaster’swill，eventhoughhemaybeverytiredorhungry;
　　buttheworstofallis，whenhisharnessisonceon，hemayneitherjumpforjoynorliedownforweariness.
　　Soyouseethisbreakinginisagreatthing.
　　Ihadofcourselongbeenusedtoahalterandaheadstall，andtobeledaboutinthefieldsandlanesquietly，butnowIwastohaveabitandbridle;mymastergavemesomeoatsasusual，andafteragooddealofcoaxinghegotthebitintomymouth，andthebridlefixed，butitwasanastything！Thosewhohaveneverhadabitintheirmouthscannotthinkhowbaditfeels;
　　agreatpieceofcoldhardsteelasthickasaman’sfingertobepushedintoone’smouth，betweenone’steeth，andoverone’stongue，withtheendscomingoutatthecornerofyourmouth，andheldfasttherebystrapsoveryourhead，underyourthroat，roundyournose，andunderyourchin;sothatnowayintheworldcanyougetridofthenastyhardthing;itisverybad！yes，verybad！
　　atleastIthoughtso;butIknewmymotheralwaysworeonewhenshewentout，andallhorsesdidwhentheyweregrownup;
　　andso，whatwiththeniceoats，andwhatwithmymaster’spats，kindwords，andgentleways，Igottowearmybitandbridle.
　　Nextcamethesaddle，butthatwasnothalfsobad;
　　mymasterputitonmybackverygently，whileoldDanielheldmyhead;
　　hethenmadethegirthsfastundermybody，pattingandtalkingtomeallthetime;thenIhadafewoats，thenalittleleadingabout;
　　andthishedideverydaytillIbegantolookfortheoatsandthesaddle.
　　Atlength，onemorning，mymastergotonmybackandrodemeroundthemeadowonthesoftgrass.Itcertainlydidfeelqueer;butImustsayIfeltratherproudtocarrymymaster，andashecontinuedtoridemealittleeverydayIsoonbecameaccustomedtoit.
　　Thenextunpleasantbusinesswasputtingontheironshoes;thattoowasveryhardatfirst.Mymasterwentwithmetothesmith’sforge，toseethatIwasnothurtorgotanyfright.Theblacksmithtookmyfeetinhishand，oneaftertheother，andcutawaysomeofthehoof.
　　Itdidnotpainme，soIstoodstillonthreelegstillhehaddonethemall.
　　Thenhetookapieceofirontheshapeofmyfoot，andclappediton，anddrovesomenailsthroughtheshoequiteintomyhoof，sothattheshoewasfirmlyon.Myfeetfeltverystiffandheavy，butintimeIgotusedtoit.
　　Andnowhavinggotsofar，mymasterwentontobreakmetoharness;
　　thereweremorenewthingstowear.First，astiffheavycollarjustonmyneck，andabridlewithgreatside—piecesagainstmyeyescalledblinkers，andblinkersindeedtheywere，forIcouldnotseeoneitherside，butonlystraightinfrontofme;next，therewasasmallsaddlewithanastystiffstrapthatwentrightundermytail;thatwasthecrupper.Ihatedthecrupper;
　　tohavemylongtaildoubledupandpokedthroughthatstrapwasalmostasbadasthebit.Ineverfeltmorelikekicking，butofcourseIcouldnotkicksuchagoodmaster，andsointimeIgotusedtoeverything，andcoulddomyworkaswellasmymother.
　　Imustnotforgettomentiononepartofmytraining，whichIhavealwaysconsideredaverygreatadvantage.
　　Mymastersentmeforafortnighttoaneighboringfarmer’s，whohadameadowwhichwasskirtedononesidebytherailway.
　　Hereweresomesheepandcows，andIwasturnedinamongthem.
　　Ishallneverforgetthefirsttrainthatranby.Iwasfeedingquietlynearthepaleswhichseparatedthemeadowfromtherailway，whenIheardastrangesoundatadistance，andbeforeIknewwhenceitcame——witharushandaclatter，andapuffingoutofsmoke——
　　alongblacktrainofsomethingflewby，andwasgonealmostbeforeIcoulddrawmybreath.IturnedandgallopedtothefurthersideofthemeadowasfastasIcouldgo，andthereIstoodsnortingwithastonishmentandfear.
　　Inthecourseofthedaymanyothertrainswentby，somemoreslowly;
　　thesedrewupatthestationcloseby，andsometimesmadeanawfulshriekandgroanbeforetheystopped.Ithoughtitverydreadful，butthecowswentoneatingveryquietly，andhardlyraisedtheirheadsastheblackfrightfulthingcamepuffingandgrindingpast.
　　ForthefirstfewdaysIcouldnotfeedinpeace;butasIfoundthatthisterriblecreaturenevercameintothefield，ordidmeanyharm，Ibegantodisregardit，andverysoonIcaredaslittleaboutthepassingofatrainasthecowsandsheepdid.
　　SincethenIhaveseenmanyhorsesmuchalarmedandrestiveatthesightorsoundofasteamengine;butthankstomygoodmaster’scare，Iamasfearlessatrailwaystationsasinmyownstable.
　　Nowifanyonewantstobreakinayounghorsewell，thatistheway.
　　Mymasteroftendrovemeindoubleharnesswithmymother，becauseshewassteadyandcouldteachmehowtogobetterthanastrangehorse.ShetoldmethebetterIbehavedthebetterIshouldbetreated，andthatitwaswisestalwaystodomybesttopleasemymaster;"but，"saidshe，"thereareagreatmanykindsofmen;
　　therearegoodthoughtfulmenlikeourmaster，thatanyhorsemaybeproudtoserve;andtherearebad，cruelmen，whoneveroughttohaveahorseordogtocalltheirown.Besides，thereareagreatmanyfoolishmen，vain，ignorant，andcareless，whonevertroublethemselvestothink;thesespoilmorehorsesthanall，justforwantofsense;theydon’tmeanit，buttheydoitforallthat.
　　Ihopeyouwillfallintogoodhands;butahorseneverknowswhomaybuyhim，orwhomaydrivehim;itisallachanceforus;
　　butstillIsay，doyourbestwhereveritis，andkeepupyourgoodname."
　　04BirtwickParkAtthistimeIusedtostandinthestableandmycoatwasbrushedeverydaytillitshonelikearook’swing.ItwasearlyinMay，whentherecameamanfromSquireGordon’s，whotookmeawaytothehall.Mymastersaid，"Good—by，Darkie;beagoodhorse，andalwaysdoyourbest."
　　Icouldnotsay"good—by"，soIputmynoseintohishand;
　　hepattedmekindly，andIleftmyfirsthome.AsIlivedsomeyearswithSquireGordon，Imayaswelltellsomethingabouttheplace.
　　SquireGordon’sparkskirtedthevillageofBirtwick.
　　Itwasenteredbyalargeirongate，atwhichstoodthefirstlodge，andthenyoutrottedalongonasmoothroadbetweenclumpsoflargeoldtrees;thenanotherlodgeandanothergate，whichbroughtyoutothehouseandthegardens.Beyondthislaythehomepaddock，theoldorchard，andthestables.Therewasaccommodationformanyhorsesandcarriages;butIneedonlydescribethestableintowhichIwastaken;thiswasveryroomy，withfourgoodstalls;
　　alargeswingingwindowopenedintotheyard，whichmadeitpleasantandairy.
　　Thefirststallwasalargesquareone，shutinbehindwithawoodengate;
　　theotherswerecommonstalls，goodstalls，butnotnearlysolarge;
　　ithadalowrackforhayandalowmangerforcorn;
　　itwascalledaloosebox，becausethehorsethatwasputintoitwasnottiedup，butleftloose，todoasheliked.Itisagreatthingtohavealoosebox.
　　Intothisfineboxthegroomputme;itwasclean，sweet，andairy.
　　Ineverwasinabetterboxthanthat，andthesideswerenotsohighbutthatIcouldseeallthatwentonthroughtheironrailsthatwereatthetop.
　　Hegavemesomeveryniceoats，hepattedme，spokekindly，andthenwentaway.
　　WhenIhadeatenmycornIlookedround.Inthestallnexttominestoodalittlefatgraypony，withathickmaneandtail，averyprettyhead，andapertlittlenose.
　　Iputmyheaduptotheironrailsatthetopofmybox，andsaid，"Howdoyoudo？Whatisyourname？"
　　Heturnedroundasfarashishalterwouldallow，helduphishead，andsaid，"MynameisMerrylegs.Iamveryhandsome;Icarrytheyoungladiesonmyback，andsometimesItakeourmistressoutinthelowchair.
　　Theythinkagreatdealofme，andsodoesJames.Areyougoingtolivenextdoortomeinthebox？"
　　Isaid，"Yes."
　　"Well，then，"hesaid，"Ihopeyouaregood—tempered;
　　Idonotlikeanyonenextdoorwhobites."
　　Justthenahorse’sheadlookedoverfromthestallbeyond;
　　theearswerelaidback，andtheeyelookedratherill—tempered.
　　Thiswasatallchestnutmare，withalonghandsomeneck.
　　Shelookedacrosstomeandsaid：
　　"Soitisyouwhohaveturnedmeoutofmybox;itisaverystrangethingforacoltlikeyoutocomeandturnaladyoutofherownhome."
　　"Ibegyourpardon，"Isaid，"Ihaveturnednooneout;
　　themanwhobroughtmeputmehere，andIhadnothingtodowithit;
　　andastomybeingacolt，Iamturnedfouryearsoldandamagrown—uphorse.Ineverhadwordsyetwithhorseormare，anditismywishtoliveatpeace."
　　"Well，"shesaid，"weshallsee.Ofcourse，Idonotwanttohavewordswithayoungthinglikeyou."Isaidnomore.
　　Intheafternoon，whenshewentout，Merrylegstoldmeallaboutit.
　　"Thethingisthis，"saidMerrylegs."Gingerhasabadhabitofbitingandsnapping;thatiswhytheycallherGinger，andwhenshewasinthelooseboxsheusedtosnapverymuch.
　　OnedayshebitJamesinthearmandmadeitbleed，andsoMissFloraandMissJessie，whoareveryfondofme，wereafraidtocomeintothestable.Theyusedtobringmenicethingstoeat，anappleoracarrot，orapieceofbread，butafterGingerstoodinthatboxtheydarednotcome，andImissedthemverymuch.Ihopetheywillnowcomeagain，ifyoudonotbiteorsnap."
　　ItoldhimIneverbitanythingbutgrass，hay，andcorn，andcouldnotthinkwhatpleasureGingerfoundit.
　　"Well，Idon’tthinkshedoesfindpleasure，"saysMerrylegs;
　　"itisjustabadhabit;shesaysnoonewaseverkindtoher，andwhyshouldshenotbite？Ofcourse，itisaverybadhabit;
　　butIamsure，ifallshesaysbetrue，shemusthavebeenveryill—usedbeforeshecamehere.Johndoesallhecantopleaseher，andJamesdoesallhecan，andourmasterneverusesawhipifahorseactsright;soIthinkshemightbegood—temperedhere.
　　Yousee，"hesaid，withawiselook，"Iamtwelveyearsold;
　　Iknowagreatdeal，andIcantellyouthereisnotabetterplaceforahorseallroundthecountrythanthis.Johnisthebestgroomthateverwas;hehasbeenherefourteenyears;andyouneversawsuchakindboyasJamesis;sothatitisallGinger’sownfaultthatshedidnotstayinthatbox."
　　05AFairStartThenameofthecoachmanwasJohnManly;hehadawifeandonelittlechild，andtheylivedinthecoachman’scottage，verynearthestables.
　　Thenextmorninghetookmeintotheyardandgavemeagoodgrooming，andjustasIwasgoingintomybox，withmycoatsoftandbright，thesquirecameintolookatme，andseemedpleased.
　　"John，"hesaid，"Imeanttohavetriedthenewhorsethismorning，butIhaveotherbusiness.Youmayaswelltakehimaroundafterbreakfast;
　　gobythecommonandtheHighwood，andbackbythewatermillandtheriver;
　　thatwillshowhispaces."
　　"Iwill，sir，"saidJohn.Afterbreakfasthecameandfittedmewithabridle.Hewasveryparticularinlettingoutandtakinginthestraps，tofitmyheadcomfortably;thenhebroughtasaddle，butitwasnotbroadenoughformyback;hesawitinaminuteandwentforanother，whichfittednicely.Herodemefirstslowly，thenatrot，thenacanter，andwhenwewereonthecommonhegavemealighttouchwithhiswhip，andwehadasplendidgallop.
　　"Ho，ho！myboy，"hesaid，ashepulledmeup，"youwouldliketofollowthehounds，Ithink."
　　AswecamebackthroughtheparkwemettheSquireandMrs.Gordonwalking;
　　theystopped，andJohnjumpedoff.
　　"Well，John，howdoeshego？"
　　"First—rate，sir，"answeredJohn;"heisasfleetasadeer，andhasafinespirittoo;butthelightesttouchofthereinwillguidehim.
　　Downattheendofthecommonwemetoneofthosetravelingcartshungalloverwithbaskets，rugs，andsuchlike;youknow，sir，manyhorseswillnotpassthosecartsquietly;hejusttookagoodlookatit，andthenwentonasquietandpleasantascouldbe.
　　TheywereshootingrabbitsneartheHighwood，andagunwentoffcloseby;
　　hepulledupalittleandlooked，butdidnotstirasteptorightorleft.
　　Ijustheldthereinsteadyanddidnothurryhim，andit’smyopinionhehasnotbeenfrightenedorill—usedwhilehewasyoung."
　　"That’swell，"saidthesquire，"Iwilltryhimmyselfto—morrow."
　　ThenextdayIwasbroughtupformymaster.Irememberedmymother’scounselandmygoodoldmaster’s，andItriedtodoexactlywhathewantedmetodo.Ifoundhewasaverygoodrider，andthoughtfulforhishorsetoo.Whenhecamehometheladywasatthehalldoorasherodeup.
　　"Well，mydear，"shesaid，"howdoyoulikehim？"
　　"HeisexactlywhatJohnsaid，"hereplied;"apleasantercreatureIneverwishtomount.Whatshallwecallhim？"
　　"WouldyoulikeEbony？"saidshe;"heisasblackasebony."
　　"No，notEbony."
　　"WillyoucallhimBlackbird，likeyouruncle’soldhorse？"
　　"No，heisfarhandsomerthanoldBlackbirdeverwas."
　　"Yes，"shesaid，"heisreallyquiteabeauty，andhehassuchasweet，good—temperedface，andsuchafine，intelligenteye——whatdoyousaytocallinghimBlackBeauty？"
　　"BlackBeauty——why，yes，Ithinkthatisaverygoodname.
　　Ifyoulikeitshallbehisname;"andsoitwas.
　　WhenJohnwentintothestablehetoldJamesthatmasterandmistresshadchosenagood，sensibleEnglishnameforme，thatmeantsomething;
　　notlikeMarengo，orPegasus，orAbdallah.Theybothlaughed，andJamessaid，"Ifitwasnotforbringingbackthepast，IshouldhavenamedhimRobRoy，forIneversawtwohorsesmorealike."
　　"That’snowonder，"saidJohn;"didn’tyouknowthatFarmerGrey’soldDuchesswasthemotherofthemboth？"
　　Ihadneverheardthatbefore;andsopoorRobRoywhowaskilledatthathuntwasmybrother！Ididnotwonderthatmymotherwassotroubled.Itseemsthathorseshavenorelations;
　　atleasttheyneverknoweachotheraftertheyaresold.
　　Johnseemedveryproudofme;heusedtomakemymaneandtailalmostassmoothasalady’shair，andhewouldtalktomeagreatdeal;
　　ofcourseIdidnotunderstandallhesaid，butIlearnedmoreandmoretoknowwhathemeant，andwhathewantedmetodo.Igrewveryfondofhim，hewassogentleandkind;heseemedtoknowjusthowahorsefeels，andwhenhecleanedmeheknewthetenderplacesandtheticklishplaces;
　　whenhebrushedmyheadhewentascarefullyovermyeyesasiftheywerehisown，andneverstirredupanyill—temper.
　　JamesHoward，thestableboy，wasjustasgentleandpleasantinhisway，soIthoughtmyselfwelloff.Therewasanothermanwhohelpedintheyard，buthehadverylittletodowithGingerandme.
　　AfewdaysafterthisIhadtogooutwithGingerinthecarriage.
　　Iwonderedhowweshouldgetontogether;butexceptlayingherearsbackwhenIwasleduptoher，shebehavedverywell.Shedidherworkhonestly，anddidherfullshare，andIneverwishtohaveabetterpartnerindoubleharness.Whenwecametoahill，insteadofslackeningherpace，shewouldthrowherweightrightintothecollar，andpullawaystraightup.
　　Wehadboththesamesortofcourageatourwork，andJohnhadoftenertoholdusinthantourgeusforward;heneverhadtousethewhipwitheitherofus;thenourpacesweremuchthesame，andIfounditveryeasytokeepstepwithherwhentrotting，whichmadeitpleasant，andmasteralwayslikeditwhenwekeptstepwell，andsodidJohn.Afterwehadbeenouttwoorthreetimestogetherwegrewquitefriendlyandsociable，whichmademefeelverymuchathome.
　　AsforMerrylegs，heandIsoonbecamegreatfriends;hewassuchacheerful，plucky，good—temperedlittlefellowthathewasafavoritewitheveryone，andespeciallywithMissJessieandFlora，whousedtoridehimaboutintheorchard，andhavefinegameswithhimandtheirlittledogFrisky.
　　Ourmasterhadtwootherhorsesthatstoodinanotherstable.
　　OnewasJustice，aroancob，usedforridingorfortheluggagecart;
　　theotherwasanoldbrownhunter，namedSirOliver;hewaspastworknow，butwasagreatfavoritewiththemaster，whogavehimtherunofthepark;
　　hesometimesdidalittlelightcartingontheestate，orcarriedoneoftheyoungladieswhentheyrodeoutwiththeirfather，forhewasverygentleandcouldbetrustedwithachildaswellasMerrylegs.Thecobwasastrong，well—made，good—temperedhorse，andwesometimeshadalittlechatinthepaddock，butofcourseIcouldnotbesointimatewithhimaswithGinger，whostoodinthesamestable.
　　06LibertyIwasquitehappyinmynewplace，andiftherewasonethingthatImisseditmustnotbethoughtIwasdiscontented;allwhohadtodowithmeweregoodandIhadalightairystableandthebestoffood.
　　WhatmorecouldIwant？Why，liberty！ForthreeyearsandahalfofmylifeIhadhadallthelibertyIcouldwishfor;butnow，weekafterweek，monthaftermonth，andnodoubtyearafteryear，ImuststandupinastablenightanddayexceptwhenIamwanted，andthenImustbejustassteadyandquietasanyoldhorsewhohasworkedtwentyyears.
　　Strapshereandstrapsthere，abitinmymouth，andblinkersovermyeyes.
　　Now，Iamnotcomplaining，forIknowitmustbeso.Ionlymeantosaythatforayounghorsefullofstrengthandspirits，whohasbeenusedtosomelargefieldorplainwherehecanflinguphisheadandtossuphistailandgallopawayatfullspeed，thenroundandbackagainwithasnorttohiscompanions——Isayitishardnevertohaveabitmorelibertytodoasyoulike.Sometimes，whenIhavehadlessexercisethanusual，IhavefeltsofulloflifeandspringthatwhenJohnhastakenmeouttoexerciseIreallycouldnotkeepquiet;
　　dowhatIwould，itseemedasifImustjump，ordance，orprance，andmanyagoodshakeIknowImusthavegivenhim，especiallyatthefirst;
　　buthewasalwaysgoodandpatient.
　　"Steady，steady，myboy，"hewouldsay;"waitabit，andwewillhaveagoodswing，andsoongetthetickleoutofyourfeet."
　　Thenassoonaswewereoutofthevillage，hewouldgivemeafewmilesataspankingtrot，andthenbringmebackasfreshasbefore，onlyclearofthefidgets，ashecalledthem.Spiritedhorses，whennotenoughexercised，areoftencalledskittish，whenitisonlyplay;
　　andsomegroomswillpunishthem，butourJohndidnot;
　　heknewitwasonlyhighspirits.Still，hehadhisownwaysofmakingmeunderstandbythetoneofhisvoiceorthetouchoftherein.
　　Ifhewasveryseriousandquitedetermined，Ialwaysknewitbyhisvoice，andthathadmorepowerwithmethananythingelse，forIwasveryfondofhim.
　　Ioughttosaythatsometimeswehadourlibertyforafewhours;
　　thisusedtobeonfineSundaysinthesummer—time.
　　ThecarriageneverwentoutonSundays，becausethechurchwasnotfaroff.
　　Itwasagreattreattoustobeturnedoutintothehomepaddockortheoldorchard;thegrasswassocoolandsofttoourfeet，theairsosweet，andthefreedomtodoaswelikedwassopleasant——
　　togallop，toliedown，androlloveronourbacks，ortonibblethesweetgrass.Thenitwasaverygoodtimefortalking，aswestoodtogetherundertheshadeofthelargechestnuttree.
　　07GingerOnedaywhenGingerandIwerestandingaloneintheshade，wehadagreatdealoftalk;shewantedtoknowallaboutmybringingupandbreakingin，andItoldher.
　　"Well，"saidshe，"ifIhadhadyourbringingupImighthavehadasgoodatemperasyou，butnowIdon’tbelieveIevershall."
　　"Whynot？"Isaid.
　　"Becauseithasbeenallsodifferentwithme，"shereplied.
　　"Ineverhadanyone，horseorman，thatwaskindtome，orthatIcaredtoplease，forinthefirstplaceIwastakenfrommymotherassoonasIwasweaned，andputwithalotofotheryoungcolts;
　　noneofthemcaredforme，andIcaredfornoneofthem.
　　Therewasnokindmasterlikeyourstolookafterme，andtalktome，andbringmenicethingstoeat.Themanthathadthecareofusnevergavemeakindwordinmylife.Idonotmeanthatheill—usedme，buthedidnotcareforusonebitfurtherthantoseethatwehadplentytoeat，andshelterinthewinter.Afootpathranthroughourfield，andveryoftenthegreatboyspassingthroughwouldflingstonestomakeusgallop.Iwasneverhit，butonefineyoungcoltwasbadlycutintheface，andIshouldthinkitwouldbeascarforlife.
　　Wedidnotcareforthem，butofcourseitmadeusmorewild，andwesettleditinourmindsthatboyswereourenemies.
　　Wehadverygoodfuninthefreemeadows，gallopingupanddownandchasingeachotherroundandroundthefield;thenstandingstillundertheshadeofthetrees.Butwhenitcametobreakingin，thatwasabadtimeforme;severalmencametocatchme，andwhenatlasttheyclosedmeinatonecornerofthefield，onecaughtmebytheforelock，anothercaughtmebythenoseandhelditsotightIcouldhardlydrawmybreath;
　　thenanothertookmyunderjawinhishardhandandwrenchedmymouthopen，andsobyforcetheygotonthehalterandthebarintomymouth;
　　thenonedraggedmealongbythehalter，anotherfloggingbehind，andthiswasthefirstexperienceIhadofmen’skindness;itwasallforce.
　　Theydidnotgivemeachancetoknowwhattheywanted.
　　Iwashighbredandhadagreatdealofspirit，andwasverywild，nodoubt，andgavethem，Idaresay，plentyoftrouble，butthenitwasdreadfultobeshutupinastalldayafterdayinsteadofhavingmyliberty，andIfrettedandpinedandwantedtogetloose.Youknowyourselfit’sbadenoughwhenyouhaveakindmasterandplentyofcoaxing，buttherewasnothingofthatsortforme.
　　"Therewasone——theoldmaster，Mr.Ryder——who，Ithink，couldsoonhavebroughtmeround，andcouldhavedoneanythingwithme;
　　buthehadgivenupallthehardpartofthetradetohissonandtoanotherexperiencedman，andheonlycameattimestooversee.
　　Hissonwasastrong，tall，boldman;theycalledhimSamson，andheusedtoboastthathehadneverfoundahorsethatcouldthrowhim.
　　Therewasnogentlenessinhim，astherewasinhisfather，butonlyhardness，ahardvoice，ahardeye，ahardhand;andIfeltfromthefirstthatwhathewantedwastowearallthespiritoutofme，andjustmakemeintoaquiet，humble，obedientpieceofhorseflesh.
　　`Horseflesh’！Yes，thatisallthathethoughtabout，"
　　andGingerstampedherfootasiftheverythoughtofhimmadeherangry.
　　Thenshewenton：
　　"IfIdidnotdoexactlywhathewantedhewouldgetputout，andmakemerunroundwiththatlongreininthetrainingfieldtillhehadtiredmeout.Ithinkhedrankagooddeal，andIamquitesurethattheoftenerhedranktheworseitwasforme.
　　Onedayhehadworkedmehardineverywayhecould，andwhenIlaydownIwastired，andmiserable，andangry;
　　itallseemedsohard.Thenextmorninghecameformeearly，andranmeroundagainforalongtime.Ihadscarcelyhadanhour’srest，whenhecameagainformewithasaddleandbridleandanewkindofbit.
　　Icouldneverquitetellhowitcameabout;hehadonlyjustmountedmeonthetrainingground，whensomethingIdidputhimoutoftemper，andhechuckedmehardwiththerein.Thenewbitwasverypainful，andIrearedupsuddenly，whichangeredhimstillmore，andhebegantoflogme.Ifeltmywholespiritsetagainsthim，andIbegantokick，andplunge，andrearasIhadneverdonebefore，andwehadaregularfight;
　　foralongtimehestucktothesaddleandpunishedmecruellywithhiswhipandspurs，butmybloodwasthoroughlyup，andIcaredfornothinghecoulddoifonlyIcouldgethimoff.
　　AtlastafteraterriblestruggleIthrewhimoffbackward.
　　Iheardhimfallheavilyontheturf，andwithoutlookingbehindme，Igallopedofftotheotherendofthefield;thereIturnedroundandsawmypersecutorslowlyrisingfromthegroundandgoingintothestable.
　　Istoodunderanoaktreeandwatched，butnoonecametocatchme.
　　Thetimewenton，andthesunwasveryhot;thefliesswarmedroundmeandsettledonmybleedingflankswherethespurshaddugin.
　　Ifelthungry，forIhadnoteatensincetheearlymorning，buttherewasnotenoughgrassinthatmeadowforagoosetoliveon.
　　Iwantedtoliedownandrest，butwiththesaddlestrappedtightlyontherewasnocomfort，andtherewasnotadropofwatertodrink.
　　Theafternoonworeon，andthesungotlow.Isawtheothercoltsledin，andIknewtheywerehavingagoodfeed.
　　"Atlast，justasthesunwentdown，Isawtheoldmastercomeoutwithasieveinhishand.Hewasaveryfineoldgentlemanwithquitewhitehair，buthisvoicewaswhatIshouldknowhimbyamongathousand.Itwasnothigh，noryetlow，butfull，andclear，andkind，andwhenhegaveordersitwassosteadyanddecidedthateveryoneknew，bothhorsesandmen，thatheexpectedtobeobeyed.
　　Hecamequietlyalong，nowandthenshakingtheoatsaboutthathehadinthesieve，andspeakingcheerfullyandgentlytome：
　　`Comealong，lassie，comealong，lassie;comealong，comealong.’
　　Istoodstillandlethimcomeup;heheldtheoatstome，andIbegantoeatwithoutfear;hisvoicetookallmyfearaway.
　　Hestoodby，pattingandstrokingmewhileIwaseating，andseeingtheclotsofbloodonmysideheseemedveryvexed.
　　`Poorlassie！itwasabadbusiness，abadbusiness;’
　　thenhequietlytookthereinandledmetothestable;
　　justatthedoorstoodSamson.Ilaidmyearsbackandsnappedathim.
　　`Standback，’saidthemaster，`andkeepoutofherway;
　　you’vedoneabadday’sworkforthisfilly.’Hegrowledoutsomethingaboutaviciousbrute.`Harkye，’saidthefather，`abad—temperedmanwillnevermakeagood—temperedhorse.You’venotlearnedyourtradeyet，Samson.’Thenheledmeintomybox，tookoffthesaddleandbridlewithhisownhands，andtiedmeup;thenhecalledforapailofwarmwaterandasponge，tookoffhiscoat，andwhilethestable—manheldthepail，hespongedmysidesagoodwhile，sotenderlythatIwassureheknewhowsoreandbruisedtheywere.`Whoa！myprettyone，’hesaid，`standstill，standstill.’Hisveryvoicedidmegood，andthebathingwasverycomfortable.TheskinwassobrokenatthecornersofmymouththatIcouldnoteatthehay，thestalkshurtme.Helookedcloselyatit，shookhishead，andtoldthemantofetchagoodbranmashandputsomemealintoit.Howgoodthatmashwas！andsosoftandhealingtomymouth.
　　HestoodbyallthetimeIwaseating，strokingmeandtalkingtotheman.
　　`Ifahigh—mettledcreaturelikethis，’saidhe，`can’tbebrokenbyfairmeans，shewillneverbegoodforanything.’
　　"Afterthatheoftencametoseeme，andwhenmymouthwashealedtheotherbreaker，Job，theycalledhim，wentontrainingme;
　　hewassteadyandthoughtful，andIsoonlearnedwhathewanted."
　　08Ginger’sStoryContinuedThenexttimethatGingerandIweretogetherinthepaddockshetoldmeaboutherfirstplace.
　　"Aftermybreakingin，"shesaid，"Iwasboughtbyadealertomatchanotherchestnuthorse.Forsomeweekshedroveustogether，andthenweweresoldtoafashionablegentleman，andweresentuptoLondon.
　　Ihadbeendrivenwithacheck—reinbythedealer，andIhateditworsethananythingelse;butinthisplacewewerereinedfartighter，thecoachmanandhismasterthinkingwelookedmorestylishso.
　　Wewereoftendrivenaboutintheparkandotherfashionableplaces.
　　Youwhoneverhadacheck—reinondon’tknowwhatitis，butIcantellyouitisdreadful.
　　"Iliketotossmyheadaboutandholditashighasanyhorse;
　　butfancynowyourself，ifyoutossedyourheaduphighandwereobligedtoholditthere，andthatforhourstogether，notabletomoveitatall，exceptwithajerkstillhigher，yourneckachingtillyoudidnotknowhowtobearit.Besidesthat，tohavetwobitsinsteadofone——
　　andminewasasharpone，ithurtmytongueandmyjaw，andthebloodfrommytonguecoloredthefroththatkeptflyingfrommylipsasIchafedandfrettedatthebitsandrein.Itwasworstwhenwehadtostandbythehourwaitingforourmistressatsomegrandpartyorentertainment，andifIfrettedorstampedwithimpatiencethewhipwaslaidon.Itwasenoughtodriveonemad."
　　"Didnotyourmastertakeanythoughtforyou？"Isaid.
　　"No，"saidshe，"heonlycaredtohaveastylishturnout，astheycallit;
　　Ithinkheknewverylittleabouthorses;heleftthattohiscoachman，whotoldhimIhadanirritabletemper！thatIhadnotbeenwellbrokentothecheck—rein，butIshouldsoongetusedtoit;buthewasnotthemantodoit，forwhenIwasinthestable，miserableandangry，insteadofbeingsmoothedandquietedbykindness，Igotonlyasurlywordorablow.IfhehadbeencivilIwouldhavetriedtobearit.
　　Iwaswillingtowork，andreadytoworkhardtoo;buttobetormentedfornothingbuttheirfanciesangeredme.Whatrighthadtheytomakemesufferlikethat？Besidesthesorenessinmymouth，andthepaininmyneck，italwaysmademywindpipefeelbad，andifIhadstoppedtherelongIknowitwouldhavespoiledmybreathing;
　　butIgrewmoreandmorerestlessandirritable，Icouldnothelpit;
　　andIbegantosnapandkickwhenanyonecametoharnessme;
　　forthisthegroombeatme，andoneday，astheyhadjustbuckledusintothecarriage，andwerestrainingmyheadupwiththatrein，Ibegantoplungeandkickwithallmymight.Isoonbrokealotofharness，andkickedmyselfclear;sothatwasanendofthatplace.
　　"AfterthisIwassenttoTattersall’stobesold;ofcourseIcouldnotbewarrantedfreefromvice，sonothingwassaidaboutthat.
　　Myhandsomeappearanceandgoodpacessoonbroughtagentlemantobidforme，andIwasboughtbyanotherdealer;hetriedmeinallkindsofwaysandwithdifferentbits，andhesoonfoundoutwhatIcouldnotbear.
　　Atlasthedrovemequitewithoutacheck—rein，andthensoldmeasaperfectlyquiethorsetoagentlemaninthecountry;
　　hewasagoodmaster，andIwasgettingonverywell，buthisoldgroomlefthimandanewonecame.Thismanwasashard—temperedandhard—handedasSamson;healwaysspokeinarough，impatientvoice，andifIdidnotmoveinthestallthemomenthewantedme，hewouldhitmeabovethehockswithhisstablebroomorthefork，whicheverhemighthaveinhishand.Everythinghedidwasrough，andIbegantohatehim;hewantedtomakemeafraidofhim，butIwastoohigh—mettledforthat，andonedaywhenhehadaggravatedmemorethanusualIbithim，whichofcourseputhiminagreatrage，andhebegantohitmeabouttheheadwitharidingwhip.
　　Afterthatheneverdaredtocomeintomystallagain;
　　eithermyheelsormyteethwerereadyforhim，andheknewit.
　　Iwasquitequietwithmymaster，butofcoursehelistenedtowhatthemansaid，andsoIwassoldagain.
　　"Thesamedealerheardofme，andsaidhethoughtheknewoneplacewhereIshoulddowell.`’Twasapity，’hesaid，`thatsuchafinehorseshouldgotothebad，forwantofarealgoodchance，’andtheendofitwasthatIcameherenotlongbeforeyoudid;butIhadthenmadeupmymindthatmenweremynaturalenemiesandthatImustdefendmyself.
　　Ofcourseitisverydifferenthere，butwhoknowshowlongitwilllast？
　　IwishIcouldthinkaboutthingsasyoudo;butIcan’t，afterallIhavegonethrough."
　　"Well，"Isaid，"IthinkitwouldbearealshameifyouweretobiteorkickJohnorJames."
　　"Idon’tmeanto，"shesaid，"whiletheyaregoodtome.
　　IdidbiteJamesonceprettysharp，butJohnsaid，`Tryherwithkindness，’
　　andinsteadofpunishingmeasIexpected，Jamescametomewithhisarmboundup，andbroughtmeabranmashandstrokedme;
　　andIhaveneversnappedathimsince，andIwon’teither."
　　IwassorryforGinger，butofcourseIknewverylittlethen，andIthoughtmostlikelyshemadetheworstofit;however，Ifoundthatastheweekswentonshegrewmuchmoregentleandcheerful，andhadlostthewatchful，defiantlookthatsheusedtoturnonanystrangepersonwhocamenearher;andonedayJamessaid，"Idobelievethatmareisgettingfondofme，shequitewhinniedaftermethismorningwhenIhadbeenrubbingherforehead."
　　"Ay，ay，Jim，’tis`theBirtwickballs’，"saidJohn，"she’llbeasgoodasBlackBeautybyandby;kindnessisallthephysicshewants，poorthing！"
　　Masternoticedthechange，too，andonedaywhenhegotoutofthecarriageandcametospeaktous，asheoftendid，hestrokedherbeautifulneck.
　　"Well，myprettyone，well，howdothingsgowithyounow？
　　Youareagoodbithappierthanwhenyoucametous，Ithink."
　　Sheputhernoseuptohiminafriendly，trustfulway，whileherubbeditgently.
　　"Weshallmakeacureofher，John，"hesaid.
　　"Yes，sir，she’swonderfullyimproved;she’snotthesamecreaturethatshewas;it’s`theBirtwickballs’，sir，"saidJohn，laughing.
　　ThiswasalittlejokeofJohn’s;heusedtosaythataregularcourseof"theBirtwickhorseballs"wouldcurealmostanyvicioushorse;
　　theseballs，hesaid，weremadeupofpatienceandgentleness，firmnessandpetting，onepoundofeachtobemixedupwithhalfapintofcommonsense，andgiventothehorseeveryday.
　　09MerrylegsMr.Blomefield，thevicar，hadalargefamilyofboysandgirls;
　　sometimestheyusedtocomeandplaywithMissJessieandFlora.
　　OneofthegirlswasasoldasMissJessie;twooftheboyswereolder，andtherewereseverallittleones.WhentheycametherewasplentyofworkforMerrylegs，fornothingpleasedthemsomuchasgettingonhimbyturnsandridinghimallabouttheorchardandthehomepaddock，andthistheywoulddobythehourtogether.
　　Oneafternoonhehadbeenoutwiththemalongtime，andwhenJamesbroughthiminandputonhishalterhesaid：
　　"There，yourogue，mindhowyoubehaveyourself，orweshallgetintotrouble."
　　"Whathaveyoubeendoing，Merrylegs？"Iasked.
　　"Oh！"saidhe，tossinghislittlehead，"Ihaveonlybeengivingthoseyoungpeoplealesson;theydidnotknowwhentheyhadhadenough，norwhenIhadhadenough，soIjustpitchedthemoffbackward;
　　thatwastheonlythingtheycouldunderstand."
　　"What！"saidI，"youthrewthechildrenoff？Ithoughtyoudidknowbetterthanthat！DidyouthrowMissJessieorMissFlora？"
　　Helookedverymuchoffended，andsaid：
　　"Ofcoursenot;Iwouldnotdosuchathingforthebestoatsthatevercameintothestable;why，Iamascarefulofouryoungladiesasthemastercouldbe，andasforthelittleonesitisIwhoteachthemtoride.WhentheyseemfrightenedoralittleunsteadyonmybackIgoassmoothandasquietasoldpussywhensheisafterabird;
　　andwhentheyareallrightIgoonagainfaster，yousee，justtousethemtoit;sodon’tyoutroubleyourselfpreachingtome;
　　Iamthebestfriendandthebestriding—masterthosechildrenhave.
　　Itisnotthem，itistheboys;boys，"saidhe，shakinghismane，"arequitedifferent;theymustbebrokeninaswewerebrokeninwhenwewerecolts，andjustbetaughtwhat’swhat.Theotherchildrenhadriddenmeaboutfornearlytwohours，andthentheboysthoughtitwastheirturn，andsoitwas，andIwasquiteagreeable.
　　Theyrodemebyturns，andIgallopedthemabout，upanddownthefieldsandallabouttheorchard，foragoodhour.Theyhadeachcutagreathazelstickforariding—whip，andlaiditonalittletoohard;
　　butItookitingoodpart，tillatlastIthoughtwehadhadenough，soIstoppedtwoorthreetimesbywayofahint.Boys，yousee，thinkahorseorponyislikeasteam—engineorathrashing—machine，andcangoonaslongandasfastastheyplease;theyneverthinkthataponycangettired，orhaveanyfeelings;soastheonewhowaswhippingmecouldnotunderstandIjustroseuponmyhindlegsandlethimslipoffbehind——thatwasall.Hemountedmeagain，andIdidthesame.Thentheotherboygotup，andassoonashebegantousehisstickIlaidhimonthegrass，andsoon，tilltheywereabletounderstand——thatwasall.Theyarenotbadboys;
　　theydon’twishtobecruel.Ilikethemverywell;butyouseeIhadtogivethemalesson.WhentheybroughtmetoJamesandtoldhimIthinkhewasveryangrytoseesuchbigsticks.Hesaidtheywereonlyfitfordroversorgypsies，andnotforyounggentlemen."