"Youalwayssay,`Nowbequick;nowlooksharp!’andwhenIgotothehousesonewantsalegofmuttonforanearlydinnerandImustbebackwithitinaquarterofanhour;anothercookhasforgottentoorderthebeef;
  Imustgoandfetchitandbebackinnotime,orthemistresswillscold;
  andthehousekeepersaystheyhavecompanycomingunexpectedlyandmusthavesomechopssentupdirectly;andtheladyatNo.4,intheCrescent,neverordersherdinnertillthemeatcomesinforlunch,andit’snothingbuthurry,hurry,allthetime.Ifthegentrywouldthinkofwhattheywant,andordertheirmeatthedaybefore,thereneednotbethisblowup!"
  "Iwishtogoodnesstheywould,"saidthebutcher;"’twouldsavemeawonderfuldealofharass,andIcouldsuitmycustomersmuchbetterifIknewbeforehand——Butthere!what’stheuseoftalking——
  whoeverthinksofabutcher’sconvenienceorabutcher’shorse!Now,then,takehiminandlooktohimwell;mind,hedoesnotgooutagainto—day,andifanythingelseiswantedyoumustcarryityourselfinthebasket."
  Withthathewentin,andthehorsewasledaway.
  Butallboysarenotcruel.Ihaveseensomeasfondoftheirponyordonkeyasifithadbeenafavoritedog,andthelittlecreatureshaveworkedawayascheerfullyandwillinglyfortheiryoungdriversasIworkforJerry.
  Itmaybehardworksometimes,butafriend’shandandvoicemakeiteasy.
  Therewasayoungcoster—boywhocameupourstreetwithgreensandpotatoes;
  hehadanoldpony,notveryhandsome,butthecheerfullestandpluckiestlittlethingIeversaw,andtoseehowfondthosetwowereofeachotherwasatreat.Theponyfollowedhismasterlikeadog,andwhenhegotintohiscartwouldtrotoffwithoutawhiporaword,andrattledownthestreetasmerrilyasifhehadcomeoutofthequeen’sstables.Jerrylikedtheboy,andcalledhim"PrinceCharlie",forhesaidhewouldmakeakingofdriverssomeday.
  Therewasanoldman,too,whousedtocomeupourstreetwithalittlecoalcart;heworeacoal—heaver’shat,andlookedroughandblack.
  Heandhisoldhorseusedtoplodtogetheralongthestreet,liketwogoodpartnerswhounderstoodeachother;thehorsewouldstopofhisownaccordatthedoorswheretheytookcoalofhim;heusedtokeeponeearbenttowardhismaster.Theoldman’scrycouldbeheardupthestreetlongbeforehecamenear.Ineverknewwhathesaid,butthechildrencalledhim"OldBa—a—arHoo",foritsoundedlikethat.
  Pollytookhercoalofhim,andwasveryfriendly,andJerrysaiditwasacomforttothinkhowhappyanoldhorsemightbeinapoorplace.
  42TheElectionAswecameintotheyardoneafternoonPollycameout."Jerry!
  I’vehadMr.B————hereaskingaboutyourvote,andhewantstohireyourcabfortheelection;hewillcallforananswer."
  "Well,Polly,youmaysaythatmycabwillbeotherwiseengaged.
  Ishouldnotliketohaveitpastedoverwiththeirgreatbills,andastomakingJackandCaptainraceabouttothepublic—housestobringuphalf—drunkenvoters,why,Ithink’twouldbeaninsulttothehorses.No,Ishan’tdoit."
  "Isupposeyou’llvoteforthegentleman?Hesaidhewasofyourpolitics."
  "Soheisinsomethings,butIshallnotvoteforhim,Polly;
  youknowwhathistradeis?"
  "Yes."
  "Well,amanwhogetsrichbythattrademaybeallverywellinsomeways,butheisblindastowhatworkingmenwant;Icouldnotinmyconsciencesendhimuptomakethelaws.Idaresaythey’llbeangry,buteverymanmustdowhathethinkstobethebestforhiscountry."
  Onthemorningbeforetheelection,Jerrywasputtingmeintotheshafts,whenDollycameintotheyardsobbingandcrying,withherlittlebluefrockandwhitepinaforespatteredalloverwithmud.
  "Why,Dolly,whatisthematter?"
  "Thosenaughtyboys,"shesobbed,"havethrownthedirtalloverme,andcalledmealittleraga——raga——"
  "Theycalledheralittle`blue’ragamuffin,father,"saidHarry,whoraninlookingveryangry;"butIhavegivenittothem;
  theywon’tinsultmysisteragain.Ihavegiventhemathrashingtheywillremember;asetofcowardly,rascally`orange’blackguards."
  Jerrykissedthechildandsaid,"Runintomother,mypet,andtellherIthinkyouhadbetterstayathometo—dayandhelpher."
  ThenturninggravelytoHarry:
  "Myboy,Ihopeyouwillalwaysdefendyoursister,andgiveanybodywhoinsultsheragoodthrashing——thatisasitshouldbe;
  butmind,Iwon’thaveanyelectionblackguardingonmypremises.
  Thereareasmany`blue’blackguardsasthereare`orange’,andasmanywhiteastherearepurple,oranyothercolor,andIwon’thaveanyofmyfamilymixedupwithit.Evenwomenandchildrenarereadytoquarrelforthesakeofacolor,andnotoneintenofthemknowswhatitisabout."
  "Why,father,IthoughtbluewasforLiberty."
  "Myboy,Libertydoesnotcomefromcolors,theyonlyshowparty,andallthelibertyyoucangetoutofthemis,libertytogetdrunkatotherpeople’sexpense,libertytoridetothepollinadirtyoldcab,libertytoabuseanyonethatdoesnotwearyourcolor,andtoshoutyourselfhoarseatwhatyouonlyhalf—understand——
  that’syourliberty!"
  "Oh,father,youarelaughing."
  "No,Harry,Iamserious,andIamashamedtoseehowmengoonwhooughttoknowbetter.Anelectionisaveryseriousthing;
  atleastitoughttobe,andeverymanoughttovoteaccordingtohisconscience,andlethisneighbordothesame."
  43AFriendinNeedTheelectiondaycameatlast;therewasnolackofworkforJerryandme.
  Firstcameastoutpuffygentlemanwithacarpetbag;hewantedtogototheBishopsgatestation;thenwewerecalledbyapartywhowishedtobetakentotheRegent’sPark;andnextwewerewantedinasidestreetwhereatimid,anxiousoldladywaswaitingtobetakentothebank;therewehadtostoptotakeherbackagain,andjustaswehadsetherdownared—facedgentleman,withahandfulofpapers,camerunningupoutofbreath,andbeforeJerrycouldgetdownhehadopenedthedoor,poppedhimselfin,andcalledout,"BowStreetPoliceStation,quick!"sooffwewentwithhim,andwhenafteranotherturnortwowecameback,therewasnoothercabonthestand.Jerryputonmynose—bag,forashesaid,"Wemusteatwhenwecanonsuchdaysasthese;somunchaway,Jack,andmakethebestofyourtime,oldboy."
  IfoundIhadagoodfeedofcrushedoatswettedupwithalittlebran;
  thiswouldbeatreatanyday,butveryrefreshingthen.
  Jerrywassothoughtfulandkind——whathorsewouldnotdohisbestforsuchamaster?ThenhetookoutoneofPolly’smeatpies,andstandingnearme,hebegantoeatit.Thestreetswereveryfull,andthecabs,withthecandidates’colorsonthem,weredashingaboutthroughthecrowdasiflifeandlimbwereofnoconsequence;
  wesawtwopeopleknockeddownthatday,andonewasawoman.
  Thehorseswerehavingabadtimeofit,poorthings!
  butthevotersinsidethoughtnothingofthat;manyofthemwerehalf—drunk,hurrahingoutofthecabwindowsiftheirownpartycameby.
  ItwasthefirstelectionIhadseen,andIdon’twanttobeinanother,thoughIhaveheardthingsarebetternow.
  JerryandIhadnoteatenmanymouthfulsbeforeapooryoungwoman,carryingaheavychild,camealongthestreet.Shewaslookingthiswayandthatway,andseemedquitebewildered.PresentlyshemadeherwayuptoJerryandaskedifhecouldtellherthewaytoSt.Thomas’Hospital,andhowfaritwastogetthere.
  Shehadcomefromthecountrythatmorning,shesaid,inamarketcart;
  shedidnotknowabouttheelection,andwasquiteastrangerinLondon.
  Shehadgotanorderforthehospitalforherlittleboy.
  Thechildwascryingwithafeeble,piningcry.
  "Poorlittlefellow!"shesaid,"hesuffersadealofpain;
  heisfouryearsoldandcan’twalkanymorethanababy;
  butthedoctorsaidifIcouldgethimintothehospitalhemightgetwell;pray,sir,howfarisit;andwhichwayisit?"
  "Why,missis,"saidJerry,"youcan’tgettherewalkingthroughcrowdslikethis!why,itisthreemilesaway,andthatchildisheavy."
  "Yes,blesshim,heis;butIamstrong,thankGod,andifIknewthewayIthinkIshouldgetonsomehow;pleasetellmetheway."
  "Youcan’tdoit,"saidJerry,"youmightbeknockeddownandthechildberunover.Nowlookhere,justgetintothiscab,andI’lldriveyousafetothehospital.Don’tyouseetherainiscomingon?"
  "No,sir,no;Ican’tdothat,thankyou,Ihaveonlyjustmoneyenoughtogetbackwith.Pleasetellmetheway."
  "Lookyouhere,missis,"saidJerry,"I’vegotawifeanddearchildrenathome,andIknowafather’sfeelings;nowgetyouintothatcab,andI’lltakeyoutherefornothing.I’dbeashamedofmyselftoletawomanandasickchildrunarisklikethat."
  "Heavenblessyou!"saidthewoman,andburstintotears.
  "There,there,cheerup,mydear,I’llsoontakeyouthere;
  come,letmeputyouinside."
  AsJerrywenttoopenthedoortwomen,withcolorsintheirhatsandbuttonholes,ranupcallingout,"Cab!"
  "Engaged,"criedJerry;butoneofthemen,pushingpastthewoman,sprangintothecab,followedbytheother.Jerrylookedassternasapoliceman."Thiscabisalreadyengaged,gentlemen,bythatlady."
  "Lady!"saidoneofthem;"oh!shecanwait;ourbusinessisveryimportant,besideswewereinfirst,itisourright,andweshallstayin."
  AdrollsmilecameoverJerry’sfaceasheshutthedooruponthem.
  "Allright,gentlemen,praystayinaslongasitsuitsyou;
  Icanwaitwhileyourestyourselves."Andturninghisbackuponthemhewalkeduptotheyoungwoman,whowasstandingnearme.
  "They’llsoonbegone,"hesaid,laughing;"don’ttroubleyourself,mydear."
  Andtheysoonweregone,forwhentheyunderstoodJerry’sdodgetheygotout,callinghimallsortsofbadnamesandblusteringabouthisnumberandgettingasummons.Afterthislittlestoppageweweresoononourwaytothehospital,goingasmuchaspossiblethroughby—streets.
  Jerryrungthegreatbellandhelpedtheyoungwomanout.
  "Thankyouathousandtimes,"shesaid;"Icouldneverhavegotherealone."
  "You’rekindlywelcome,andIhopethedearchildwillsoonbebetter."
  Hewatchedhergoinatthedoor,andgentlyhesaidtohimself,"Inasmuchasyehavedoneittooneoftheleastofthese."
  Thenhepattedmyneck,whichwasalwayshiswaywhenanythingpleasedhim.
  Therainwasnowcomingdownfast,andjustaswewereleavingthehospitalthedooropenedagain,andtheportercalledout,"Cab!"Westopped,andaladycamedownthesteps.Jerryseemedtoknowheratonce;
  sheputbackherveilandsaid,"Barker!JeremiahBarker,isityou?
  Iamverygladtofindyouhere;youarejustthefriendIwant,foritisverydifficulttogetacabinthispartofLondonto—day."
  "Ishallbeproudtoserveyou,ma’am;IamrightgladIhappenedtobehere.
  WheremayItakeyouto,ma’am?"
  "TothePaddingtonStation,andthenifweareingoodtime,asIthinkweshallbe,youshalltellmeallaboutMaryandthechildren."
  Wegottothestationingoodtime,andbeingundersheltertheladystoodagoodwhiletalkingtoJerry.IfoundshehadbeenPolly’smistress,andaftermanyinquiriesabouthershesaid:
  "Howdoyoufindthecabworksuityouinwinter?IknowMarywasratheranxiousaboutyoulastyear."
  "Yes,ma’am,shewas;Ihadabadcoughthatfollowedmeupquiteintothewarmweather,andwhenIamkeptoutlateshedoesworryherselfagooddeal.Yousee,ma’am,itisallhoursandallweathers,andthatdoestryaman’sconstitution;butIamgettingonprettywell,andIshouldfeelquitelostifIhadnothorsestolookafter.
  Iwasbroughtuptoit,andIamafraidIshouldnotdosowellatanythingelse."
  "Well,Barker,"shesaid,"itwouldbeagreatpitythatyoushouldseriouslyriskyourhealthinthiswork,notonlyforyourownbutforMary’sandthechildren’ssake;therearemanyplaceswheregooddriversorgoodgroomsarewanted,andifeveryouthinkyououghttogiveupthiscabworkletmeknow."
  ThensendingsomekindmessagestoMarysheputsomethingintohishand,saying,"Thereisfiveshillingseachforthetwochildren;
  Marywillknowhowtospendit."
  Jerrythankedherandseemedmuchpleased,andturningoutofthestationweatlastreachedhome,andI,atleast,wastired.
  44OldCaptainandHisSuccessorCaptainandIweregreatfriends.Hewasanobleoldfellow,andhewasverygoodcompany.Ineverthoughtthathewouldhavetoleavehishomeandgodownthehill;buthisturncame,andthiswashowithappened.Iwasnotthere,butIheardallaboutit.
  HeandJerryhadtakenapartytothegreatrailwaystationoverLondonBridge,andwerecomingback,somewherebetweenthebridgeandthemonument,whenJerrysawabrewer’semptydraycomingalong,drawnbytwopowerfulhorses.Thedraymanwaslashinghishorseswithhisheavywhip;thedraywaslight,andtheystartedoffatafuriousrate;
  themanhadnocontroloverthem,andthestreetwasfulloftraffic.
  Oneyounggirlwasknockeddownandrunover,andthenextmomenttheydashedupagainstourcab;boththewheelsweretornoffandthecabwasthrownover.Captainwasdraggeddown,theshaftssplintered,andoneofthemranintohisside.Jerry,too,wasthrown,butwasonlybruised;nobodycouldtellhowheescaped;
  healwayssaid’twasamiracle.WhenpoorCaptainwasgotuphewasfoundtobeverymuchcutandknockedabout.Jerryledhimhomegently,andasadsightitwastoseethebloodsoakingintohiswhitecoatanddroppingfromhissideandshoulder.Thedraymanwasprovedtobeverydrunk,andwasfined,andthebrewerhadtopaydamagestoourmaster;
  buttherewasnoonetopaydamagestopoorCaptain.
  ThefarrierandJerrydidthebesttheycouldtoeasehispainandmakehimcomfortable.Theflyhadtobemended,andforseveraldaysIdidnotgoout,andJerryearnednothing.ThefirsttimewewenttothestandaftertheaccidentthegovernorcameuptohearhowCaptainwas.
  "He’llnevergetoverit,"saidJerry,"atleastnotformywork,sothefarriersaidthismorning.Hesayshemaydoforcarting,andthatsortofwork.Ithasputmeoutverymuch.Carting,indeed!
  I’veseenwhathorsescometoatthatworkroundLondon.Ionlywishallthedrunkardscouldbeputinalunaticasyluminsteadofbeingallowedtorunfoulofsoberpeople.Iftheywouldbreaktheirownbones,andsmashtheirowncarts,andlametheirownhorses,thatwouldbetheirownaffair,andwemightletthemalone,butitseemstomethattheinnocentalwayssuffer;andthentheytalkaboutcompensation!
  Youcan’tmakecompensation;there’sallthetrouble,andvexation,andlossoftime,besideslosingagoodhorsethat’slikeanoldfriend——
  it’snonsensetalkingofcompensation!Ifthere’sonedevilthatIshouldliketoseeinthebottomlesspitmorethananother,it’sthedrinkdevil."
  "Isay,Jerry,"saidthegovernor,"youaretreadingprettyhardonmytoes,youknow;I’mnotsogoodasyouare,moreshametome;IwishIwas."
  "Well,"saidJerry,"whydon’tyoucutwithit,governor?
  Youaretoogoodamantobetheslaveofsuchathing."
  "I’magreatfool,Jerry,butItriedoncefortwodays,andIthoughtIshouldhavedied;howdidyoudo?"
  "Ihadhardworkatitforseveralweeks;youseeIneverdidgetdrunk,butIfoundthatIwasnotmyownmaster,andthatwhenthecravingcameonitwashardworktosay`no’.Isawthatoneofusmustknockunder,thedrinkdevilorJerryBarker,andIsaidthatitshouldnotbeJerryBarker,Godhelpingme;butitwasastruggle,andIwantedallthehelpIcouldget,fortillItriedtobreakthehabitIdidnotknowhowstrongitwas;butthenPollytooksuchpainsthatIshouldhavegoodfood,andwhenthecravingcameonIusedtogetacupofcoffee,orsomepeppermint,orreadabitinmybook,andthatwasahelptome;sometimesIhadtosayoverandovertomyself,`Giveupthedrinkorloseyoursoul!GiveupthedrinkorbreakPolly’sheart!’ButthanksbetoGod,andmydearwife,mychainswerebroken,andnowfortenyearsIhavenottastedadrop,andneverwishforit."
  "I’veagreatmindtotryatit,"saidGrant,"for’tisapoorthingnottobeone’sownmaster."
  "Do,governor,do,you’llneverrepentit,andwhatahelpitwouldbetosomeofthepoorfellowsinourrankiftheysawyoudowithoutit.
  Iknowthere’stwoorthreewouldliketokeepoutofthattaverniftheycould."
  AtfirstCaptainseemedtodowell,buthewasaveryoldhorse,anditwasonlyhiswonderfulconstitution,andJerry’scare,thathadkepthimupatthecabworksolong;nowhebrokedownverymuch.
  Thefarriersaidhemightmendupenoughtosellforafewpounds,butJerrysaid,no!afewpoundsgotbysellingagoodoldservantintohardworkandmiserywouldcankeralltherestofhismoney,andhethoughtthekindestthinghecoulddoforthefineoldfellowwouldbetoputasurebulletthroughhishead,andthenhewouldneversuffermore;forhedidnotknowwheretofindakindmasterfortherestofhisdays.
  ThedayafterthiswasdecidedHarrytookmetotheforgeforsomenewshoes;
  whenIreturnedCaptainwasgone.Iandthefamilyallfeltitverymuch.
  Jerryhadnowtolookoutforanotherhorse,andhesoonheardofonethroughanacquaintancewhowasunder—groominanobleman’sstables.
  Hewasavaluableyounghorse,buthehadrunaway,smashedintoanothercarriage,flunghislordshipout,andsocutandblemishedhimselfthathewasnolongerfitforagentleman’sstables,andthecoachmanhadorderstolookround,andsellhimaswellashecould.
  "Icandowithhighspirits,"saidJerry,"ifahorseisnotviciousorhard—mouthed."
  "Thereisnotabitofviceinhim,"saidtheman;"hismouthisverytender,andIthinkmyselfthatwasthecauseoftheaccident;
  youseehehadjustbeenclipped,andtheweatherwasbad,andhehadnothadexerciseenough,andwhenhedidgoouthewasasfullofspringasaballoon.Ourgovernor(thecoachman,Imean)
  hadhimharnessedinastightandstrongashecould,withthemartingale,andthecheck—rein,averysharpcurb,andthereinsputinatthebottombar.Itismybeliefthatitmadethehorsemad,beingtenderinthemouthandsofullofspirit."
  "Likelyenough;I’llcomeandseehim,"saidJerry.
  ThenextdayHotspur,thatwashisname,camehome;
  hewasafinebrownhorse,withoutawhitehairinhim,astallasCaptain,withaveryhandsomehead,andonlyfiveyearsold.Igavehimafriendlygreetingbywayofgoodfellowship,butdidnotaskhimanyquestions.Thefirstnighthewasveryrestless.Insteadoflyingdown,hekeptjerkinghishalterropeupanddownthroughthering,andknockingtheblockaboutagainstthemangertillIcouldnotsleep.
  However,thenextday,afterfiveorsixhoursinthecab,hecameinquietandsensible.Jerrypattedandtalkedtohimagooddeal,andverysoontheyunderstoodeachother,andJerrysaidthatwithaneasybitandplentyofworkhewouldbeasgentleasalamb;
  andthatitwasanillwindthatblewnobodygood,forifhislordshiphadlostahundred—guineafavorite,thecabmanhadgainedagoodhorsewithallhisstrengthinhim.
  Hotspurthoughtitagreatcome—downtobeacab—horse,andwasdisgustedatstandingintherank,butheconfessedtomeattheendoftheweekthataneasymouthandafreeheadmadeupforagreatdeal,andafterall,theworkwasnotsodegradingashavingone’sheadandtailfastenedtoeachotheratthesaddle.
  Infact,hesettledinwell,andJerrylikedhimverymuch.
  45Jerry’sNewYearForsomepeopleChristmasandtheNewYearareverymerrytimes;
  butforcabmenandcabmen’shorsesitisnoholiday,thoughitmaybeaharvest.Therearesomanyparties,balls,andplacesofamusementopenthattheworkishardandoftenlate.Sometimesdriverandhorsehavetowaitforhoursintherainorfrost,shiveringwiththecold,whilethemerrypeoplewithinaredancingawaytothemusic.Iwonderifthebeautifulladieseverthinkofthewearycabmanwaitingonhisbox,andhispatientbeaststanding,tillhislegsgetstiffwithcold.
  Ihadnowmostoftheeveningwork,asIwaswellaccustomedtostanding,andJerrywasalsomoreafraidofHotspurtakingcold.WehadagreatdealoflateworkintheChristmasweek,andJerry’scoughwasbad;
  buthoweverlatewewere,Pollysatupforhim,andcameoutwithalanterntomeethim,lookinganxiousandtroubled.
  OntheeveningoftheNewYearwehadtotaketwogentlementoahouseinoneoftheWestEndSquares.Wesetthemdownatnineo’clock,andweretoldtocomeagainateleven,"but,"saidone,"asitisacardparty,youmayhavetowaitafewminutes,butdon’tbelate."
  Astheclockstruckelevenwewereatthedoor,forJerrywasalwayspunctual.Theclockchimedthequarters,one,two,three,andthenstrucktwelve,butthedoordidnotopen.
  Thewindhadbeenverychangeable,withsquallsofrainduringtheday,butnowitcameonsharp,drivingsleet,whichseemedtocomeallthewayround;itwasverycold,andtherewasnoshelter.
  Jerrygotoffhisboxandcameandpulledoneofmyclothsalittlemoreovermyneck;thenhetookaturnortwoupanddown,stampinghisfeet;
  thenhebegantobeathisarms,butthatsethimoffcoughing;soheopenedthecabdoorandsatatthebottomwithhisfeetonthepavement,andwasalittlesheltered.Stilltheclockchimedthequarters,andnoonecame.Athalf—pasttwelveherangthebellandaskedtheservantifhewouldbewantedthatnight.
  "Oh,yes,you’llbewantedsafeenough,"saidtheman;"youmustnotgo,itwillsoonbeover,"andagainJerrysatdown,buthisvoicewassohoarseIcouldhardlyhearhim.
  Ataquarterpastonethedooropened,andthetwogentlemencameout;
  theygotintothecabwithoutaword,andtoldJerrywheretodrive,thatwasnearlytwomiles.Mylegswerenumbwithcold,andIthoughtIshouldhavestumbled.Whenthemengotouttheyneversaidtheyweresorrytohavekeptuswaitingsolong,butwereangryatthecharge;however,asJerryneverchargedmorethanwashisdue,sohenevertookless,andtheyhadtopayforthetwohoursandaquarterwaiting;
  butitwashard—earnedmoneytoJerry.
  Atlastwegothome;hecouldhardlyspeak,andhiscoughwasdreadful.
  Pollyaskednoquestions,butopenedthedoorandheldthelanternforhim.
  "Can’tIdosomething?"shesaid.
  "Yes;getJacksomethingwarm,andthenboilmesomegruel."
  Thiswassaidinahoarsewhisper;hecouldhardlygethisbreath,buthegavemearub—downasusual,andevenwentupintothehayloftforanextrabundleofstrawformybed.Pollybroughtmeawarmmashthatmademecomfortable,andthentheylockedthedoor.
  Itwaslatethenextmorningbeforeanyonecame,andthenitwasonlyHarry.
  Hecleanedusandfedus,andsweptoutthestalls,thenheputthestrawbackagainasifitwasSunday.Hewasverystill,andneitherwhistlednorsang.Atnoonhecameagainandgaveusourfoodandwater;
  thistimeDollycamewithhim;shewascrying,andIcouldgatherfromwhattheysaidthatJerrywasdangerouslyill,andthedoctorsaiditwasabadcase.Sotwodayspassed,andtherewasgreattroubleindoors.
  WeonlysawHarry,andsometimesDolly.Ithinkshecameforcompany,forPollywasalwayswithJerry,andhehadtobekeptveryquiet.
  Onthethirdday,whileHarrywasinthestable,atapcameatthedoor,andGovernorGrantcamein.
  "Iwouldn’tgotothehouse,myboy,"hesaid,"butIwanttoknowhowyourfatheris."
  "Heisverybad,"saidHarry,"hecan’tbemuchworse;
  theycallit`bronchitis’;thedoctorthinksitwillturnonewayoranotherto—night."
  "That’sbad,verybad,"saidGrant,shakinghishead;
  "Iknowtwomenwhodiedofthatlastweek;ittakes’emoffinnotime;
  butwhilethere’slifethere’shope,soyoumustkeepupyourspirits."
  "Yes,"saidHarryquickly,"andthedoctorsaidthatfatherhadabetterchancethanmostmen,becausehedidn’tdrink.Hesaidyesterdaythefeverwassohighthatiffatherhadbeenadrinkingmanitwouldhaveburnedhimuplikeapieceofpaper;butIbelievehethinkshewillgetoverit;don’tyouthinkhewill,Mr.Grant?"
  Thegovernorlookedpuzzled.
  "Ifthere’sanyrulethatgoodmenshouldgetoverthesethings,I’msurehewill,myboy;he’sthebestmanIknow.
  I’lllookinearlyto—morrow."
  Earlynextmorninghewasthere.
  "Well?"saidhe.
  "Fatherisbetter,"saidHarry."Motherhopeshewillgetoverit."
  "ThankGod!"saidthegovernor,"andnowyoumustkeephimwarm,andkeephismindeasy,andthatbringsmetothehorses;
  youseeJackwillbeallthebetterfortherestofaweekortwoinawarmstable,andyoucaneasilytakehimaturnupanddownthestreettostretchhislegs;butthisyoungone,ifhedoesnotgetwork,hewillsoonbealluponend,asyoumaysay,andwillberathertoomuchforyou;andwhenhedoesgooutthere’llbeanaccident."
  "Itislikethatnow,"saidHarry."Ihavekepthimshortofcorn,buthe’ssofullofspiritIdon’tknowwhattodowithhim."
  "Justso,"saidGrant."Nowlookhere,willyoutellyourmotherthatifsheisagreeableIwillcomeforhimeverydaytillsomethingisarranged,andtakehimforagoodspellofwork,andwhateverheearns,I’llbringyourmotherhalfofit,andthatwillhelpwiththehorses’feed.
  Yourfatherisinagoodclub,Iknow,butthatwon’tkeepthehorses,andthey’llbeeatingtheirheadsoffallthistime;I’llcomeatnoonandhearwhatshesays,"andwithoutwaitingforHarry’sthankshewasgone.
  AtnoonIthinkhewentandsawPolly,forheandHarrycametothestabletogether,harnessedHotspur,andtookhimout.
  ForaweekormorehecameforHotspur,andwhenHarrythankedhimorsaidanythingabouthiskindness,helaugheditoff,sayingitwasallgoodluckforhim,forhishorseswerewantingalittlerestwhichtheywouldnototherwisehavehad.
  Jerrygrewbettersteadily,butthedoctorsaidthathemustnevergobacktothecabworkagainifhewishedtobeanoldman.Thechildrenhadmanyconsultationstogetheraboutwhatfatherandmotherwoulddo,andhowtheycouldhelptoearnmoney.
  OneafternoonHotspurwasbroughtinverywetanddirty.
  "Thestreetsarenothingbutslush,"saidthegovernor;
  "itwillgiveyouagoodwarming,myboy,togethimcleananddry."
  "Allright,governor,"saidHarry,"Ishallnotleavehimtillheis;
  youknowIhavebeentrainedbymyfather."
  "Iwishalltheboyshadbeentrainedlikeyou,"saidthegovernor.
  WhileHarrywasspongingoffthemudfromHotspur’sbodyandlegsDollycamein,lookingveryfullofsomething.
  "WholivesatFairstowe,Harry?MotherhasgotaletterfromFairstowe;
  sheseemedsoglad,andranupstairstofatherwithit."
  "Don’tyouknow?Why,itisthenameofMrs.Fowler’splace——
  mother’soldmistress,youknow——theladythatfathermetlastsummer,whosentyouandmefiveshillingseach."
  "Oh!Mrs.Fowler.Ofcourse,Iknowallabouther.Iwonderwhatsheiswritingtomotherabout."
  "Motherwrotetoherlastweek,"saidHarry;"youknowshetoldfatherifeverhegaveupthecabworkshewouldliketoknow.
  Iwonderwhatshesays;runinandsee,Dolly."
  HarryscrubbedawayatHotspurwithahuish!huish!likeanyoldhostler.
  InafewminutesDollycamedancingintothestable.
  "Oh!Harry,thereneverwasanythingsobeautiful;Mrs.Fowlersayswearealltogoandlivenearher.Thereisacottagenowemptythatwilljustsuitus,withagardenandahenhouse,andapple—trees,andeverything!andhercoachmanisgoingawayinthespring,andthenshewillwantfatherinhisplace;andtherearegoodfamiliesround,whereyoucangetaplaceinthegardenorthestable,orasapage—boy;
  andthere’sagoodschoolforme;andmotherislaughingandcryingbyturns,andfatherdoeslooksohappy!"
  "That’suncommonjolly,"saidHarry,"andjusttherightthing,Ishouldsay;
  itwillsuitfatherandmotherboth;butIdon’tintendtobeapage—boywithtightclothesandrowsofbuttons.I’llbeagroomoragardener."
  ItwasquicklysettledthatassoonasJerrywaswellenoughtheyshouldremovetothecountry,andthatthecabandhorsesshouldbesoldassoonaspossible.
  Thiswasheavynewsforme,forIwasnotyoungnow,andcouldnotlookforanyimprovementinmycondition.SinceIleftBirtwickIhadneverbeensohappyaswithmydearmasterJerry;butthreeyearsofcabwork,evenunderthebestconditions,willtellonone’sstrength,andIfeltthatIwasnotthehorsethatIhadbeen.
  GrantsaidatoncethathewouldtakeHotspur,andthereweremenonthestandwhowouldhaveboughtme;butJerrysaidIshouldnotgotocabworkagainwithjustanybody,andthegovernorpromisedtofindaplaceformewhereIshouldbecomfortable.
  Thedaycameforgoingaway.Jerryhadnotbeenallowedtogooutyet,andIneversawhimafterthatNewYear’seve.Pollyandthechildrencametobidmegood—by."PooroldJack!dearoldJack!Iwishwecouldtakeyouwithus,"shesaid,andthenlayingherhandonmymanesheputherfaceclosetomyneckandkissedme.Dollywascryingandkissedmetoo.Harrystrokedmeagreatdeal,butsaidnothing,onlyheseemedverysad,andsoIwasledawaytomynewplace.
  PartIV
  46JakesandtheLadyIwassoldtoacorndealerandbaker,whomJerryknew,andwithhimhethoughtIshouldhavegoodfoodandfairwork.Inthefirsthewasquiteright,andifmymasterhadalwaysbeenonthepremisesIdonotthinkIshouldhavebeenoverloaded,buttherewasaforemanwhowasalwayshurryinganddrivingeveryone,andfrequentlywhenIhadquiteafullloadhewouldordersomethingelsetobetakenon.
  Mycarter,whosenamewasJakes,oftensaiditwasmorethanIoughttotake,buttheotheralwaysoverruledhim."’Twasnousegoingtwicewhenoncewoulddo,andhechosetogetbusinessforward."
  Jakes,liketheothercarters,alwayshadthecheck—reinup,whichpreventedmefromdrawingeasily,andbythetimeIhadbeentherethreeorfourmonthsIfoundtheworktellingverymuchonmystrength.
  OnedayIwasloadedmorethanusual,andpartoftheroadwasasteepuphill.Iusedallmystrength,butIcouldnotgeton,andwasobligedcontinuallytostop.Thisdidnotpleasemydriver,andhelaidhiswhiponbadly."Geton,youlazyfellow,"hesaid,"orI’llmakeyou."
  AgainIstartedtheheavyload,andstruggledonafewyards;
  againthewhipcamedown,andagainIstruggledforward.
  Thepainofthatgreatcartwhipwassharp,butmymindwashurtquiteasmuchasmypoorsides.TobepunishedandabusedwhenIwasdoingmyverybestwassohardittooktheheartoutofme.
  Athirdtimehewasfloggingmecruelly,whenaladysteppedquicklyuptohim,andsaidinasweet,earnestvoice:
  "Oh!praydonotwhipyourgoodhorseanymore;Iamsureheisdoingallhecan,andtheroadisverysteep;Iamsureheisdoinghisbest."
  "Ifdoinghisbestwon’tgetthisloaduphemustdosomethingmorethanhisbest;that’sallIknow,ma’am,"saidJakes.
  "Butisitnotaheavyload?"shesaid.
  "Yes,yes,tooheavy,"hesaid;"butthat’snotmyfault;
  theforemancamejustaswewerestarting,andwouldhavethreehundredweightmoreputontosavehimtrouble,andImustgetonwithitaswellasIcan."
  Hewasraisingthewhipagain,whentheladysaid:
  "Pray,stop;IthinkIcanhelpyouifyouwillletme."
  Themanlaughed.
  "Yousee,"shesaid,"youdonotgivehimafairchance;
  hecannotuseallhispowerwithhisheadheldbackasitiswiththatcheck—rein;ifyouwouldtakeitoffIamsurehewoulddobetter——dotryit,"shesaidpersuasively,"Ishouldbeverygladifyouwould."
  "Well,well,"saidJakes,withashortlaugh,"anythingtopleasealady,ofcourse.Howfarwouldyouwishitdown,ma’am?"
  "Quitedown,givehimhisheadaltogether."
  Thereinwastakenoff,andinamomentIputmyheaddowntomyveryknees.
  Whatacomfortitwas!ThenItosseditupanddownseveraltimestogettheachingstiffnessoutofmyneck.
  "Poorfellow!thatiswhatyouwanted,"saidshe,pattingandstrokingmewithhergentlehand;"andnowifyouwillspeakkindlytohimandleadhimonIbelievehewillbeabletodobetter."
  Jakestooktherein."Comeon,Blackie."Iputdownmyhead,andthrewmywholeweightagainstthecollar;Isparednostrength;
  theloadmovedon,andIpulleditsteadilyupthehill,andthenstoppedtotakebreath.
  Theladyhadwalkedalongthefootpath,andnowcameacrossintotheroad.
  Shestrokedandpattedmyneck,asIhadnotbeenpattedformanyalongday.
  "Youseehewasquitewillingwhenyougavehimthechance;Iamsureheisafine—temperedcreature,andIdaresayhasknownbetterdays.
  Youwon’tputthatreinonagain,willyou?"forhewasjustgoingtohitchitupontheoldplan.
  "Well,ma’am,Ican’tdenythathavinghisheadhashelpedhimupthehill,andI’llrememberitanothertime,andthankyou,ma’am;butifhewentwithoutacheck—reinIshouldbethelaughing—stockofallthecarters;
  itisthefashion,yousee."
  "Isitnotbetter,"shesaid,"toleadagoodfashionthantofollowabadone?Agreatmanygentlemendonotusecheck—reinsnow;
  ourcarriagehorseshavenotwornthemforfifteenyears,andworkwithmuchlessfatiguethanthosewhohavethem;besides,"
  sheaddedinaveryseriousvoice,"wehavenorighttodistressanyofGod’screatureswithoutaverygoodreason;wecallthemdumbanimals,andsotheyare,fortheycannottellushowtheyfeel,buttheydonotsufferlessbecausetheyhavenowords.
  ButImustnotdetainyounow;Ithankyoufortryingmyplanwithyourgoodhorse,andIamsureyouwillfinditfarbetterthanthewhip.Good—day,"andwithanothersoftpatonmyneckshesteppedlightlyacrossthepath,andIsawhernomore.
  "Thatwasareallady,I’llbeboundforit,"saidJakestohimself;
  "shespokejustaspoliteasifIwasagentleman,andI’lltryherplan,uphill,atanyrate;"andImustdohimthejusticetosaythatheletmyreinoutseveralholes,andgoinguphillafterthat,healwaysgavememyhead;buttheheavyloadswenton.
  Goodfeedandfairrestwillkeepupone’sstrengthunderfullwork,butnohorsecanstandagainstoverloading;andIwasgettingsothoroughlypulleddownfromthiscausethatayoungerhorsewasboughtinmyplace.ImayaswellmentionherewhatIsufferedatthistimefromanothercause.Ihadheardhorsesspeakofit,buthadnevermyselfhadexperienceoftheevil;thiswasabadly—lightedstable;
  therewasonlyoneverysmallwindowattheend,andtheconsequencewasthatthestallswerealmostdark.
  Besidesthedepressingeffectthishadonmyspirits,itverymuchweakenedmysight,andwhenIwassuddenlybroughtoutofthedarknessintotheglareofdaylightitwasverypainfultomyeyes.
  SeveraltimesIstumbledoverthethreshold,andcouldscarcelyseewhereIwasgoing.
  Ibelieve,hadIstayedthereverylong,Ishouldhavebecomepurblind,andthatwouldhavebeenagreatmisfortune,forIhaveheardmensaythatastone—blindhorsewassafertodrivethanonewhichhadimperfectsight,asitgenerallymakesthemverytimid.However,Iescapedwithoutanypermanentinjurytomysight,andwassoldtoalargecabowner.
  47HardTimesMynewmasterIshallneverforget;hehadblackeyesandahookednose,hismouthwasasfullofteethasabull—dog’s,andhisvoicewasasharshasthegrindingofcartwheelsovergraveledstones.
  HisnamewasNicholasSkinner,andIbelievehewasthemanthatpoorSeedySamdrovefor.
  Ihaveheardmensaythatseeingisbelieving;butIshouldsaythatfeelingisbelieving;formuchasIhadseenbefore,Ineverknewtillnowtheuttermiseryofacab—horse’slife.
  Skinnerhadalowsetofcabsandalowsetofdrivers;
  hewashardonthemen,andthemenwerehardonthehorses.
  InthisplacewehadnoSundayrest,anditwasintheheatofsummer.
  SometimesonaSundaymorningapartyoffastmenwouldhirethecabfortheday;fouroftheminsideandanotherwiththedriver,andIhadtotakethemtenorfifteenmilesoutintothecountry,andbackagain;neverwouldanyofthemgetdowntowalkupahill,letitbeeversosteep,orthedayeversohot——unless,indeed,whenthedriverwasafraidIshouldnotmanageit,andsometimesIwassofeveredandwornthatIcouldhardlytouchmyfood.
  HowIusedtolongforthenicebranmashwithniterinitthatJerryusedtogiveusonSaturdaynightsinhotweather,thatusedtocoolusdownandmakeussocomfortable.
  Thenwehadtwonightsandawholedayforunbrokenrest,andonMondaymorningwewereasfreshasyounghorsesagain;
  butheretherewasnorest,andmydriverwasjustashardashismaster.
  Hehadacruelwhipwithsomethingsosharpattheendthatitsometimesdrewblood,andhewouldevenwhipmeunderthebelly,andflipthelashoutatmyhead.Indignitieslikethesetooktheheartoutofmeterribly,butstillIdidmybestandneverhungback;for,aspoorGingersaid,itwasnouse;
  menarethestrongest.
  MylifewasnowsoutterlywretchedthatIwishedImight,likeGinger,dropdowndeadatmyworkandbeoutofmymisery,andonedaymywishverynearlycametopass.
  Iwentonthestandateightinthemorning,andhaddoneagoodshareofwork,whenwehadtotakeafaretotherailway.
  Alongtrainwasjustexpectedin,somydriverpulledupatthebackofsomeoftheoutsidecabstotakethechanceofareturnfare.
  Itwasaveryheavytrain,andasallthecabsweresoonengagedourswascalledfor.Therewasapartyoffour;anoisy,blusteringmanwithalady,alittleboyandayounggirl,andagreatdealofluggage.Theladyandtheboygotintothecab,andwhilethemanorderedabouttheluggagetheyounggirlcameandlookedatme.
  "Papa,"shesaid,"Iamsurethispoorhorsecannottakeusandallourluggagesofar,heissoveryweakandwornup.
  Dolookathim."
  "Oh!he’sallright,miss,"saidmydriver,"he’sstrongenough."
  Theporter,whowaspullingaboutsomeheavyboxes,suggestedtothegentleman,astherewassomuchluggage,whetherhewouldnottakeasecondcab.
  "Canyourhorsedoit,orcan’the?"saidtheblusteringman.
  "Oh!hecandoitallright,sir;senduptheboxes,porter;
  hecouldtakemorethanthat;"andhehelpedtohaulupaboxsoheavythatIcouldfeelthespringsgodown.
  "Papa,papa,dotakeasecondcab,"saidtheyounggirlinabeseechingtone.
  "Iamsurewearewrong,Iamsureitisverycruel."
  "Nonsense,Grace,getinatonce,anddon’tmakeallthisfuss;
  aprettythingitwouldbeifamanofbusinesshadtoexamineeverycab—horsebeforehehiredit——themanknowshisownbusinessofcourse;there,getinandholdyourtongue!"
  Mygentlefriendhadtoobey,andboxafterboxwasdraggedupandlodgedonthetopofthecaborsettledbythesideofthedriver.
  Atlastallwasready,andwithhisusualjerkatthereinandslashofthewhiphedroveoutofthestation.
  TheloadwasveryheavyandIhadhadneitherfoodnorrestsincemorning;
  butIdidmybest,asIalwayshaddone,inspiteofcrueltyandinjustice.
  IgotalongfairlytillwecametoLudgateHill;buttheretheheavyloadandmyownexhaustionweretoomuch.Iwasstrugglingtokeepon,goadedbyconstantchucksofthereinanduseofthewhip,wheninasinglemoment——Icannottellhow——myfeetslippedfromunderme,andIfellheavilytothegroundonmyside;
  thesuddennessandtheforcewithwhichIfellseemedtobeatallthebreathoutofmybody.Ilayperfectlystill;indeed,Ihadnopowertomove,andIthoughtnowIwasgoingtodie.Iheardasortofconfusionroundme,loud,angryvoices,andthegettingdownoftheluggage,butitwasalllikeadream.IthoughtIheardthatsweet,pitifulvoicesaying,"Oh!thatpoorhorse!itisallourfault."Someonecameandloosenedthethroatstrapofmybridle,andundidthetraceswhichkeptthecollarsotightuponme.Someonesaid,"He’sdead,he’llnevergetupagain."
  ThenIcouldhearapolicemangivingorders,butIdidnotevenopenmyeyes;
  Icouldonlydrawagaspingbreathnowandthen.Somecoldwaterwasthrownovermyhead,andsomecordialwaspouredintomymouth,andsomethingwascoveredoverme.IcannottellhowlongIlaythere,butIfoundmylifecomingback,andakind—voicedmanwaspattingmeandencouragingmetorise.Aftersomemorecordialhadbeengivenme,andafteroneortwoattempts,Istaggeredtomyfeet,andwasgentlyledtosomestableswhichwerecloseby.
  HereIwasputintoawell—litteredstall,andsomewarmgruelwasbroughttome,whichIdrankthankfully.
  IntheeveningIwassufficientlyrecoveredtobeledbacktoSkinner’sstables,whereIthinktheydidthebestformetheycould.
  InthemorningSkinnercamewithafarriertolookatme.
  Heexaminedmeverycloselyandsaid:
  "Thisisacaseofoverworkmorethandisease,andifyoucouldgivehimarunoffforsixmonthshewouldbeabletoworkagain;
  butnowthereisnotanounceofstrengthleftinhim."
  "Thenhemustjustgotothedogs,"saidSkinner."Ihavenomeadowstonursesickhorsesin——hemightgetwellorhemightnot;
  thatsortofthingdon’tsuitmybusiness;myplanistowork’emaslongasthey’llgo,andthensell’emforwhatthey’llfetch,attheknacker’sorelsewhere."
  "Ifhewasbroken—winded,"saidthefarrier,"youhadbetterhavehimkilledoutofhand,butheisnot;thereisasaleofhorsescomingoffinabouttendays;ifyouresthimandfeedhimuphemaypickup,andyoumaygetmorethanhisskinisworth,atanyrate."
  UponthisadviceSkinner,ratherunwillingly,Ithink,gaveordersthatIshouldbewellfedandcaredfor,andthestableman,happilyforme,carriedouttheorderswithamuchbetterwillthanhismasterhadingivingthem.Tendaysofperfectrest,plentyofgoodoats,hay,branmashes,withboiledlinseedmixedinthem,didmoretogetupmyconditionthananythingelsecouldhavedone;
  thoselinseedmashesweredelicious,andIbegantothink,afterall,itmightbebettertolivethangotothedogs.Whenthetwelfthdayaftertheaccidentcame,Iwastakentothesale,afewmilesoutofLondon.
  Ifeltthatanychangefrommypresentplacemustbeanimprovement,soIheldupmyhead,andhopedforthebest.
  48FarmerThoroughgoodandHisGrandsonWillieAtthissale,ofcourseIfoundmyselfincompanywiththeoldbroken—downhorses——somelame,somebroken—winded,someold,andsomethatIamsureitwouldhavebeenmercifultoshoot.
  Thebuyersandsellers,too,manyofthem,lookednotmuchbetteroffthanthepoorbeaststheywerebargainingabout.Therewerepooroldmen,tryingtogetahorseoraponyforafewpounds,thatmightdragaboutsomelittlewoodorcoalcart.Therewerepoormentryingtosellaworn—outbeastfortwoorthreepounds,ratherthanhavethegreaterlossofkillinghim.Someofthemlookedasifpovertyandhardtimeshadhardenedthemallover;buttherewereothersthatIwouldhavewillinglyusedthelastofmystrengthinserving;poorandshabby,butkindandhuman,withvoicesthatIcouldtrust.
  Therewasonetotteringoldmanwhotookagreatfancytome,andItohim,butIwasnotstrongenough——itwasananxioustime!
  Comingfromthebetterpartofthefair,Inoticedamanwholookedlikeagentlemanfarmer,withayoungboybyhisside;
  hehadabroadbackandroundshoulders,akind,ruddyface,andheworeabroad—brimmedhat.Whenhecameuptomeandmycompanionshestoodstillandgaveapitifullookrounduponus.Isawhiseyerestonme;Ihadstillagoodmaneandtail,whichdidsomethingformyappearance.Iprickedmyearsandlookedathim.
  "There’sahorse,Willie,thathasknownbetterdays."
  "Pooroldfellow!"saidtheboy,"doyouthink,grandpapa,hewaseveracarriagehorse?"
  "Oh,yes!myboy,"saidthefarmer,comingcloser,"hemighthavebeenanythingwhenhewasyoung;lookathisnostrilsandhisears,theshapeofhisneckandshoulder;there’sadealofbreedingaboutthathorse."Heputouthishandandgavemeakindpatontheneck.
  Iputoutmynoseinanswertohiskindness;theboystrokedmyface.
  "Pooroldfellow!see,grandpapa,howwellheunderstandskindness.
  CouldnotyoubuyhimandmakehimyoungagainasyoudidwithLadybird?"
  "Mydearboy,Ican’tmakealloldhorsesyoung;besides,Ladybirdwasnotsoveryold,asshewasrundownandbadlyused."
  "Well,grandpapa,Idon’tbelievethatthisoneisold;
  lookathismaneandtail.Iwishyouwouldlookintohismouth,andthenyoucouldtell;thoughheissoverythin,hiseyesarenotsunklikesomeoldhorses’."
  Theoldgentlemanlaughed."Blesstheboy!heisashorseyashisoldgrandfather."
  "Butdolookathismouth,grandpapa,andasktheprice;
  Iamsurehewouldgrowyounginourmeadows."
  Themanwhohadbroughtmeforsalenowputinhisword.
  "Theyounggentleman’sarealknowingone,sir.Nowthefactis,this’erehossisjustpulleddownwithoverworkinthecabs;
  he’snotanoldone,andIheerdashowthevetenaryshouldsay,thatasixmonths’runoffwouldsethimrightup,beingashowhiswindwasnotbroken.I’vehadthetendingofhimthesetendayspast,andagratefuller,pleasanteranimalInevermetwith,and’twouldbeworthagentleman’swhiletogiveafive—poundnoteforhim,andlethimhaveachance.I’llbeboundhe’dbeworthtwentypoundsnextspring."
  Theoldgentlemanlaughed,andthelittleboylookedupeagerly.
  "Oh,grandpapa,didyounotsaythecoltsoldforfivepoundsmorethanyouexpected?Youwouldnotbepoorerifyoudidbuythisone."
  Thefarmerslowlyfeltmylegs,whichweremuchswelledandstrained;
  thenhelookedatmymouth."Thirteenorfourteen,Ishouldsay;
  justtrothimout,willyou?"
  Iarchedmypoorthinneck,raisedmytailalittle,andthrewoutmylegsaswellasIcould,fortheywereverystiff.
  "Whatisthelowestyouwilltakeforhim?"saidthefarmerasIcameback.
  "Fivepounds,sir;thatwasthelowestpricemymasterset."
  "’Tisaspeculation,"saidtheoldgentleman,shakinghishead,butatthesametimeslowlydrawingouthispurse,"quiteaspeculation!
  Haveyouanymorebusinesshere?"hesaid,countingthesovereignsintohishand.
  "No,sir,Icantakehimforyoutotheinn,ifyouplease."
  "Doso,Iamnowgoingthere."
  Theywalkedforward,andIwasledbehind.Theboycouldhardlycontrolhisdelight,andtheoldgentlemanseemedtoenjoyhispleasure.
  Ihadagoodfeedattheinn,andwasthengentlyriddenhomebyaservantofmynewmaster’s,andturnedintoalargemeadowwithashedinonecornerofit.
  Mr.Thoroughgood,forthatwasthenameofmybenefactor,gaveordersthatIshouldhavehayandoatseverynightandmorning,andtherunofthemeadowduringtheday,and,"you,Willie,"saidhe,"musttaketheoversightofhim;Igivehiminchargetoyou."
  Theboywasproudofhischarge,andundertookitinallseriousness.
  Therewasnotadaywhenhedidnotpaymeavisit;sometimespickingmeoutfromamongtheotherhorses,andgivingmeabitofcarrot,orsomethinggood,orsometimesstandingbymewhileIatemyoats.
  Healwayscamewithkindwordsandcaresses,andofcourseIgrewveryfondofhim.HecalledmeOldCrony,asIusedtocometohiminthefieldandfollowhimabout.Sometimeshebroughthisgrandfather,whoalwayslookedcloselyatmylegs.
  "Thisisourpoint,Willie,"hewouldsay;"butheisimprovingsosteadilythatIthinkweshallseeachangeforthebetterinthespring."
  Theperfectrest,thegoodfood,thesoftturf,andgentleexercise,soonbegantotellonmyconditionandmyspirits.Ihadagoodconstitutionfrommymother,andIwasneverstrainedwhenIwasyoung,sothatIhadabetterchancethanmanyhorseswhohavebeenworkedbeforetheycametotheirfullstrength.DuringthewintermylegsimprovedsomuchthatIbegantofeelquiteyoungagain.
  Thespringcameround,andonedayinMarchMr.Thoroughgooddeterminedthathewouldtrymeinthephaeton.Iwaswellpleased,andheandWilliedrovemeafewmiles.Mylegswerenotstiffnow,andIdidtheworkwithperfectease.
  "He’sgrowingyoung,Willie;wemustgivehimalittlegentleworknow,andbymid—summerhewillbeasgoodasLadybird.Hehasabeautifulmouthandgoodpaces;theycan’tbebetter."
  "Oh,grandpapa,howgladIamyouboughthim!"
  "SoamI,myboy;buthehastothankyoumorethanme;
  wemustnowbelookingoutforaquiet,genteelplaceforhim,wherehewillbevalued."
  49MyLastHomeOnedayduringthissummerthegroomcleanedanddressedmewithsuchextraordinarycarethatIthoughtsomenewchangemustbeathand;
  hetrimmedmyfetlocksandlegs,passedthetarbrushovermyhoofs,andevenpartedmyforelock.Ithinktheharnesshadanextrapolish.
  Willieseemedhalf—anxious,half—merry,ashegotintothechaisewithhisgrandfather.
  "Iftheladiestaketohim,"saidtheoldgentleman,"they’llbesuitedandhe’llbesuited.Wecanbuttry."
  Atthedistanceofamileortwofromthevillagewecametoapretty,lowhouse,withalawnandshrubberyatthefrontandadriveuptothedoor.
  Willierangthebell,andaskedifMissBlomefieldorMissEllenwasathome.
  Yes,theywere.So,whileWilliestayedwithme,Mr.Thoroughgoodwentintothehouse.Inabouttenminuteshereturned,followedbythreeladies;
  onetall,palelady,wrappedinawhiteshawl,leanedonayoungerlady,withdarkeyesandamerryface;theother,averystately—lookingperson,wasMissBlomefield.Theyallcameandlookedatmeandaskedquestions.
  Theyoungerlady——thatwasMissEllen——tooktomeverymuch;
  shesaidshewassuresheshouldlikeme,Ihadsuchagoodface.
  Thetall,paleladysaidthatsheshouldalwaysbenervousinridingbehindahorsethathadoncebeendown,asImightcomedownagain,andifIdidsheshouldnevergetoverthefright.
  "Yousee,ladies,"saidMr.Thoroughgood,"manyfirst—ratehorseshavehadtheirkneesbrokenthroughthecarelessnessoftheirdriverswithoutanyfaultoftheirown,andfromwhatIseeofthishorseIshouldsaythatishiscase;butofcourseIdonotwishtoinfluenceyou.
  Ifyouinclineyoucanhavehimontrial,andthenyourcoachmanwillseewhathethinksofhim."
  "Youhavealwaysbeensuchagoodadvisertousaboutourhorses,"
  saidthestatelylady,"thatyourrecommendationwouldgoalongwaywithme,andifmysisterLaviniaseesnoobjectionwewillacceptyourofferofatrial,withthanks."
  ItwasthenarrangedthatIshouldbesentforthenextday.
  Inthemorningasmart—lookingyoungmancameforme.Atfirsthelookedpleased;butwhenhesawmykneeshesaidinadisappointedvoice:
  "Ididn’tthink,sir,youwouldhaverecommendedmyladiesablemishedhorselikethat."
  "`Handsomeisthathandsomedoes’,"saidmymaster;"youareonlytakinghimontrial,andIamsureyouwilldofairlybyhim,youngman.
  Ifheisnotassafeasanyhorseyoueverdrovesendhimback."
  Iwasledtomynewhome,placedinacomfortablestable,fed,andlefttomyself.Thenextday,whenthegroomwascleaningmyface,hesaid:
  "Thatisjustlikethestarthat`BlackBeauty’had;
  heismuchthesameheight,too.Iwonderwhereheisnow."
  AlittlefurtheronhecametotheplaceinmyneckwhereIwasbledandwherealittleknotwasleftintheskin.Healmoststarted,andbegantolookmeovercarefully,talkingtohimself.
  "Whitestarintheforehead,onewhitefootontheoffside,thislittleknotjustinthatplace;"thenlookingatthemiddleofmyback——"and,asIamalive,thereisthatlittlepatchofwhitehairthatJohnusedtocall`Beauty’sthree—pennybit’.Itmustbe`BlackBeauty’!
  Why,Beauty!Beauty!doyouknowme?——littleJoeGreen,thatalmostkilledyou?"Andhebeganpattingandpattingmeasifhewasquiteoverjoyed.
  IcouldnotsaythatIrememberedhim,fornowhewasafinegrownyoungfellow,withblackwhiskersandaman’svoice,butIwassureheknewme,andthathewasJoeGreen,andIwasveryglad.
  Iputmynoseuptohim,andtriedtosaythatwewerefriends.
  Ineversawamansopleased.
  "Giveyouafairtrial!Ishouldthinksoindeed!Iwonderwhotherascalwasthatbrokeyourknees,myoldBeauty!youmusthavebeenbadlyservedoutsomewhere;well,well,itwon’tbemyfaultifyouhaven’tgoodtimesofitnow.IwishJohnManlywasheretoseeyou."
  IntheafternoonIwasputintoalowparkchairandbroughttothedoor.
  MissEllenwasgoingtotryme,andGreenwentwithher.Isoonfoundthatshewasagooddriver,andsheseemedpleasedwithmypaces.
  IheardJoetellingheraboutme,andthathewassureIwasSquireGordon’sold"BlackBeauty".
  WhenwereturnedtheothersisterscameouttohearhowIhadbehavedmyself.
  Shetoldthemwhatshehadjustheard,andsaid:
  "IshallcertainlywritetoMrs.Gordon,andtellherthatherfavoritehorsehascometous.Howpleasedshewillbe!"
  AfterthisIwasdriveneverydayforaweekorso,andasIappearedtobequitesafe,MissLaviniaatlastventuredoutinthesmallclosecarriage.
  Afterthisitwasquitedecidedtokeepmeandcallmebymyoldnameof"BlackBeauty".
  Ihavenowlivedinthishappyplaceawholeyear.Joeisthebestandkindestofgrooms.Myworkiseasyandpleasant,andIfeelmystrengthandspiritsallcomingbackagain.Mr.ThoroughgoodsaidtoJoetheotherday:
  "Inyourplacehewilllasttillheistwentyyearsold——perhapsmore."
  Williealwaysspeakstomewhenhecan,andtreatsmeashisspecialfriend.
  MyladieshavepromisedthatIshallneverbesold,andsoIhavenothingtofear;andheremystoryends.Mytroublesareallover,andIamathome;andoftenbeforeIamquiteawake,IfancyIamstillintheorchardatBirtwick,standingwithmyoldfriendsundertheapple—trees.