"IfIhadbeenyou，"saidGinger，"Iwouldhavegiventhoseboysagoodkick，andthatwouldhavegiventhemalesson."
　　"Nodoubtyouwould，"saidMerrylegs;"butthenIamnotquitesuchafool（beggingyourpardon）astoangerourmasterormakeJamesashamedofme.
　　Besides，thosechildrenareundermychargewhentheyareriding;
　　Itellyoutheyareintrustedtome.Why，onlytheotherdayIheardourmastersaytoMrs.Blomefield，`Mydearmadam，youneednotbeanxiousaboutthechildren;myoldMerrylegswilltakeasmuchcareofthemasyouorIcould;IassureyouIwouldnotsellthatponyforanymoney，heissoperfectlygood—temperedandtrustworthy;’anddoyouthinkIamsuchanungratefulbruteastoforgetallthekindtreatmentIhavehadhereforfiveyears，andallthetrusttheyplaceinme，andturnviciousbecauseacoupleofignorantboysusedmebadly？
　　No，no！youneverhadagoodplacewheretheywerekindtoyou，andsoyoudon’tknow，andI’msorryforyou;butIcantellyougoodplacesmakegoodhorses.Iwouldn’tvexourpeopleforanything;
　　Ilovethem，Ido，"saidMerrylegs，andhegavealow"ho，ho，ho！"
　　throughhisnose，asheusedtodointhemorningwhenheheardJames’footstepatthedoor.
　　"Besides，"hewenton，"ifItooktokickingwhereshouldIbe？Why，soldoffinajiffy，andnocharacter，andImightfindmyselfslavedaboutunderabutcher’sboy，orworkedtodeathatsomeseasideplacewherenoonecaredforme，excepttofindouthowfastIcouldgo，orbefloggedalonginsomecartwiththreeorfourgreatmeninitgoingoutforaSundayspree，asIhaveoftenseenintheplaceIlivedinbeforeIcamehere;no，"saidhe，shakinghishead，"IhopeIshallnevercometothat."
　　10ATalkintheOrchardGingerandIwerenotoftheregulartallcarriagehorsebreed，wehadmoreoftheracingbloodinus.Westoodaboutfifteenandahalfhandshigh;
　　wewerethereforejustasgoodforridingaswewerefordriving，andourmasterusedtosaythathedislikedeitherhorseormanthatcoulddobutonething;andashedidnotwanttoshowoffinLondonparks，hepreferredamoreactiveandusefulkindofhorse.Asforus，ourgreatestpleasurewaswhenweweresaddledforaridingparty;
　　themasteronGinger，themistressonme，andtheyoungladiesonSirOliverandMerrylegs.Itwassocheerfultobetrottingandcanteringalltogetherthatitalwaysputusinhighspirits.Ihadthebestofit，forIalwayscarriedthemistress;herweightwaslittle，hervoicewassweet，andherhandwassolightonthereinthatIwasguidedalmostwithoutfeelingit.
　　Oh！ifpeopleknewwhatacomforttohorsesalighthandis，andhowitkeepsagoodmouthandagoodtemper，theysurelywouldnotchuck，anddrag，andpullatthereinastheyoftendo.Ourmouthsaresotenderthatwheretheyhavenotbeenspoiledorhardenedwithbadorignoranttreatment，theyfeeltheslightestmovementofthedriver’shand，andweknowinaninstantwhatisrequiredofus.Mymouthhasneverbeenspoiled，andIbelievethatwaswhythemistresspreferredmetoGinger，althoughherpaceswerecertainlyquiteasgood.Sheusedoftentoenvyme，andsaiditwasallthefaultofbreakingin，andthegagbitinLondon，thathermouthwasnotsoperfectasmine;andthenoldSirOliverwouldsay，"There，there！don’tvexyourself;youhavethegreatesthonor;
　　amarethatcancarryatallmanofourmaster’sweight，withallyourspringandsprightlyaction，doesnotneedtoholdherheaddownbecauseshedoesnotcarrythelady;
　　wehorsesmusttakethingsastheycome，andalwaysbecontentedandwillingsolongaswearekindlyused."
　　IhadoftenwonderedhowitwasthatSirOliverhadsuchaveryshorttail;
　　itreallywasonlysixorsevenincheslong，withatasselofhairhangingfromit;andononeofourholidaysintheorchardIventuredtoaskhimbywhataccidentitwasthathehadlosthistail.
　　"Accident！"hesnortedwithafiercelook，"itwasnoaccident！
　　itwasacruel，shameful，cold—bloodedact！WhenIwasyoungIwastakentoaplacewherethesecruelthingsweredone;Iwastiedup，andmadefastsothatIcouldnotstir，andthentheycameandcutoffmylongandbeautifultail，throughthefleshandthroughthebone，andtookitaway.
　　"Howdreadful！"Iexclaimed.
　　"Dreadful，ah！itwasdreadful;butitwasnotonlythepain，thoughthatwasterribleandlastedalongtime;itwasnotonlytheindignityofhavingmybestornamenttakenfromme，thoughthatwasbad;
　　butitwasthis，howcouldIeverbrushthefliesoffmysidesandmyhindlegsanymore？Youwhohavetailsjustwhiskthefliesoffwithoutthinkingaboutit，andyoucan’ttellwhatatormentitistohavethemsettleuponyouandstingandsting，andhavenothingintheworldtolashthemoffwith.Itellyouitisalifelongwrong，andalifelongloss;butthankheaven，theydon’tdoitnow."
　　"Whatdidtheydoitforthen？"saidGinger.
　　"Forfashion！"saidtheoldhorsewithastampofhisfoot;"forfashion！
　　ifyouknowwhatthatmeans;therewasnotawell—bredyounghorseinmytimethathadnothistaildockedinthatshamefulway，justasifthegoodGodthatmadeusdidnotknowwhatwewantedandwhatlookedbest."
　　"IsupposeitisfashionthatmakesthemstrapourheadsupwiththosehorridbitsthatIwastorturedwithinLondon，"saidGinger.
　　"Ofcourseitis，"saidhe;"tomymind，fashionisoneofthewickedestthingsintheworld.Nowlook，forinstance，atthewaytheyservedogs，cuttingofftheirtailstomakethemlookplucky，andshearinguptheirprettylittleearstoapointtomakethembothlooksharp，forsooth.
　　Ihadadearfriendonce，abrownterrier;`Skye’theycalledher.
　　Shewassofondofmethatsheneverwouldsleepoutofmystall;
　　shemadeherbedunderthemanger，andthereshehadalitteroffiveasprettylittlepuppiesasneedbe;noneweredrowned，fortheywereavaluablekind，andhowpleasedshewaswiththem！andwhentheygottheireyesopenandcrawledabout，itwasarealprettysight;
　　butonedaythemancameandtookthemallaway;IthoughthemightbeafraidIshouldtreaduponthem.Butitwasnotso;intheeveningpoorSkyebroughtthembackagain，onebyoneinhermouth;notthehappylittlethingsthattheywere，butbleedingandcryingpitifully;theyhadallhadapieceoftheirtailscutoff，andthesoftflapoftheirprettylittleearswascutquiteoff.Howtheirmotherlickedthem，andhowtroubledshewas，poorthing！Ineverforgotit.Theyhealedintime，andtheyforgotthepain，butthenicesoftflap，thatofcoursewasintendedtoprotectthedelicatepartoftheirearsfromdustandinjury，wasgoneforever.Whydon’ttheycuttheirownchildren’searsintopointstomakethemlooksharp？Whydon’ttheycuttheendofftheirnosestomakethemlookplucky？Onewouldbejustassensibleastheother.
　　WhatrighthavetheytotormentanddisfigureGod’screatures？"
　　SirOliver，thoughhewassogentle，wasafieryoldfellow，andwhathesaidwasallsonewtome，andsodreadful，thatIfoundabitterfeelingtowardmenriseupinmymindthatIneverhadbefore.OfcourseGingerwasverymuchexcited;
　　sheflungupherheadwithflashingeyesanddistendednostrils，declaringthatmenwerebothbrutesandblockheads.
　　"Whotalksaboutblockheads？"saidMerrylegs，whojustcameupfromtheoldapple—tree，wherehehadbeenrubbinghimselfagainstthelowbranch."Whotalksaboutblockheads？Ibelievethatisabadword."
　　"Badwordsweremadeforbadthings，"saidGinger，andshetoldhimwhatSirOliverhadsaid.
　　"Itisalltrue，"saidMerrylegssadly，"andI’veseenthataboutthedogsoverandoveragainwhereIlivedfirst;butwewon’ttalkaboutithere.
　　Youknowthatmaster，andJohnandJamesarealwaysgoodtous，andtalkingagainstmeninsuchaplaceasthisdoesn’tseemfairorgrateful，andyouknowtherearegoodmastersandgoodgroomsbesideours，thoughofcourseoursarethebest."
　　ThiswisespeechofgoodlittleMerrylegs，whichweknewwasquitetrue，cooledusalldown，especiallySirOliver，whowasdearlyfondofhismaster;
　　andtoturnthesubjectIsaid，"Cananyonetellmetheuseofblinkers？"
　　"No！"saidSirOlivershortly，"becausetheyarenouse."
　　"Theyaresupposed，"saidJustice，theroancob，inhiscalmway，"topreventhorsesfromshyingandstarting，andgettingsofrightenedastocauseaccidents."
　　"Thenwhatisthereasontheydonotputthemonridinghorses;
　　especiallyonladies’horses？"saidI.
　　"Thereisnoreasonatall，"saidhequietly，"exceptthefashion;
　　theysaythatahorsewouldbesofrightenedtoseethewheelsofhisowncartorcarriagecomingbehindhimthathewouldbesuretorunaway，althoughofcoursewhenheisriddenheseesthemallabouthimifthestreetsarecrowded.Iadmittheydosometimescometooclosetobepleasant，butwedon’trunaway;weareusedtoit，andunderstandit，andifweneverhadblinkersputonweshouldneverwantthem;
　　weshouldseewhatwasthere，andknowwhatwaswhat，andbemuchlessfrightenedthanbyonlyseeingbitsofthingsthatwecan’tunderstand.Ofcoursetheremaybesomenervoushorseswhohavebeenhurtorfrightenedwhentheywereyoung，whomaybethebetterforthem;butasIneverwasnervous，Ican’tjudge."
　　"Iconsider，"saidSirOliver，"thatblinkersaredangerousthingsinthenight;wehorsescanseemuchbetterinthedarkthanmencan，andmanyanaccidentwouldneverhavehappenedifhorsesmighthavehadthefulluseoftheireyes.Someyearsago，Iremember，therewasahearsewithtwohorsesreturningonedarknight，andjustbyFarmerSparrow’shouse，wherethepondisclosetotheroad，thewheelswenttooneartheedge，andthehearsewasoverturnedintothewater;boththehorsesweredrowned，andthedriverhardlyescaped.
　　Ofcourseafterthisaccidentastoutwhiterailwasputupthatmightbeeasilyseen，butifthosehorseshadnotbeenpartlyblinded，theywouldofthemselveshavekeptfurtherfromtheedge，andnoaccidentwouldhavehappened.Whenourmaster’scarriagewasoverturned，beforeyoucamehere，itwassaidthatifthelampontheleftsidehadnotgoneout，Johnwouldhaveseenthegreatholethattheroad—makershadleft;
　　andsohemight，butifoldColinhadnothadblinkersonhewouldhaveseenit，lampornolamp，forhewasfartooknowinganoldhorsetorunintodanger.Asitwas，hewasverymuchhurt，thecarriagewasbroken，andhowJohnescapednobodyknew."
　　"Ishouldsay，"saidGinger，curlinghernostril，"thatthesemen，whoaresowise，hadbettergiveordersthatinthefutureallfoalsshouldbebornwiththeireyessetjustinthemiddleoftheirforeheads，insteadofontheside;theyalwaysthinktheycanimproveuponnatureandmendwhatGodhasmade."
　　Thingsweregettingrathersoreagain，whenMerrylegshelduphisknowinglittlefaceandsaid，"I’lltellyouasecret：IbelieveJohndoesnotapproveofblinkers;Iheardhimtalkingwithmasteraboutitoneday.Themastersaidthat`ifhorseshadbeenusedtothem，itmightbedangerousinsomecasestoleavethemoff’;
　　andJohnsaidhethoughtitwouldbeagoodthingifallcoltswerebrokeninwithoutblinkers，aswasthecaseinsomeforeigncountries.
　　Soletuscheerup，andhavearuntotheotherendoftheorchard;
　　Ibelievethewindhasblowndownsomeapples，andwemightjustaswelleatthemastheslugs."
　　Merrylegscouldnotberesisted，sowebrokeoffourlongconversation，andgotupourspiritsbymunchingsomeverysweetappleswhichlayscatteredonthegrass.
　　11PlainSpeakingThelongerIlivedatBirtwickthemoreproudandhappyIfeltathavingsuchaplace.Ourmasterandmistresswererespectedandbelovedbyallwhoknewthem;theyweregoodandkindtoeverybodyandeverything;
　　notonlymenandwomen，buthorsesanddonkeys，dogsandcats，cattleandbirds;therewasnooppressedorill—usedcreaturethathadnotafriendinthem，andtheirservantstookthesametone.
　　IfanyofthevillagechildrenwereknowntotreatanycreaturecruellytheysoonheardaboutitfromtheHall.
　　ThesquireandFarmerGreyhadworkedtogether，astheysaid，formorethantwentyyearstogetcheck—reinsonthecart—horsesdoneawaywith，andinourpartsyouseldomsawthem;andsometimes，ifmistressmetaheavilyladenhorsewithhisheadstrainedupshewouldstopthecarriageandgetout，andreasonwiththedriverinhersweetseriousvoice，andtrytoshowhimhowfoolishandcruelitwas.
　　Idon’tthinkanymancouldwithstandourmistress.Iwishallladieswerelikeher.Ourmaster，too，usedtocomedownveryheavysometimes.
　　Irememberhewasridingmetowardhomeonemorningwhenwesawapowerfulmandrivingtowardusinalightponychaise，withabeautifullittlebaypony，withslenderlegsandahigh—bredsensitiveheadandface.Justashecametotheparkgatesthelittlethingturnedtowardthem;theman，withoutwordorwarning，wrenchedthecreature’sheadroundwithsuchaforceandsuddennessthathenearlythrewitonitshaunches.Recoveringitselfitwasgoingon，whenhebegantolashitfuriously.Theponyplungedforward，butthestrong，heavyhandheldtheprettycreaturebackwithforcealmostenoughtobreakitsjaw，whilethewhipstillcutintohim.
　　Itwasadreadfulsighttome，forIknewwhatfearfulpainitgavethatdelicatelittlemouth;butmastergavemetheword，andwewereupwithhiminasecond.
　　"Sawyer，"hecriedinasternvoice，"isthatponymadeoffleshandblood？"
　　"Fleshandbloodandtemper，"hesaid;"he’stoofondofhisownwill，andthatwon’tsuitme."Hespokeasifhewasinastrongpassion.
　　Hewasabuilderwhohadoftenbeentotheparkonbusiness.
　　"Anddoyouthink，"saidmastersternly，"thattreatmentlikethiswillmakehimfondofyourwill？"
　　"Hehadnobusinesstomakethatturn;hisroadwasstraighton！"
　　saidthemanroughly.
　　"Youhaveoftendriventhatponyuptomyplace，"saidmaster;
　　"itonlyshowsthecreature’smemoryandintelligence;howdidheknowthatyouwerenotgoingthereagain？Butthathaslittletodowithit.
　　Imustsay，Mr.Sawyer，thatamoreunmanly，brutaltreatmentofalittleponyitwasnevermypainfullottowitness，andbygivingwaytosuchpassionyouinjureyourowncharacterasmuch，naymore，thanyouinjureyourhorse;andremember，weshallallhavetobejudgedaccordingtoourworks，whethertheybetowardmanortowardbeast."
　　Masterrodemehomeslowly，andIcouldtellbyhisvoicehowthethinghadgrievedhim.Hewasjustasfreetospeaktogentlemenofhisownrankastothosebelowhim;foranotherday，whenwewereout，wemetaCaptainLangley，afriendofourmaster’s;
　　hewasdrivingasplendidpairofgraysinakindofbreak.
　　Afteralittleconversationthecaptainsaid：
　　"Whatdoyouthinkofmynewteam，Mr.Douglas？Youknow，youarethejudgeofhorsesintheseparts，andIshouldlikeyouropinion."
　　Themasterbackedmealittle，soastogetagoodviewofthem.
　　"Theyareanuncommonlyhandsomepair，"hesaid，"andiftheyareasgoodastheylookIamsureyouneednotwishforanythingbetter;
　　butIseeyoustillholdthatpetschemeofyoursforworryingyourhorsesandlesseningtheirpower."
　　"Whatdoyoumean，"saidtheother，"thecheck—reins？Oh，ah！
　　Iknowthat’sahobbyofyours;well，thefactis，Iliketoseemyhorsesholdtheirheadsup."
　　"SodoI，"saidmaster，"aswellasanyman，butIdon’tliketoseethemheldup;thattakesalltheshineoutofit.Now，youareamilitaryman，Langley，andnodoubtliketoseeyourregimentlookwellonparade，`headsup’，andallthat;butyouwouldnottakemuchcreditforyourdrillifallyourmenhadtheirheadstiedtoabackboard！Itmightnotbemuchharmonparade，excepttoworryandfatiguethem;buthowwoulditbeinabayonetchargeagainsttheenemy，whentheywantthefreeuseofeverymuscle，andalltheirstrengththrownforward？
　　Iwouldnotgivemuchfortheirchanceofvictory.Anditisjustthesamewithhorses：youfretandworrytheirtempers，anddecreasetheirpower;
　　youwillnotletthemthrowtheirweightagainsttheirwork，andsotheyhavetodotoomuchwiththeirjointsandmuscles，andofcourseitwearsthemupfaster.Youmaydependuponit，horseswereintendedtohavetheirheadsfree，asfreeasmen’sare;
　　andifwecouldactalittlemoreaccordingtocommonsense，andagooddeallessaccordingtofashion，weshouldfindmanythingsworkeasier;besides，youknowaswellasIthatifahorsemakesafalsestep，hehasmuchlesschanceofrecoveringhimselfifhisheadandneckarefastenedback.Andnow，"saidthemaster，laughing，"Ihavegivenmyhobbyagoodtrotout，can’tyoumakeupyourmindtomounthim，too，captain？Yourexamplewouldgoalongway."
　　"Ibelieveyouarerightintheory，"saidtheother，"andthat’sratherahardhitaboutthesoldiers;but——well——
　　I’llthinkaboutit，"andsotheyparted.
　　12AStormyDayOnedaylateintheautumnmymasterhadalongjourneytogoonbusiness.
　　Iwasputintothedog—cart，andJohnwentwithhismaster.
　　Ialwayslikedtogointhedog—cart，itwassolightandthehighwheelsranalongsopleasantly.Therehadbeenagreatdealofrain，andnowthewindwasveryhighandblewthedryleavesacrosstheroadinashower.Wewentalongmerrilytillwecametothetoll—barandthelowwoodenbridge.Theriverbankswereratherhigh，andthebridge，insteadofrising，wentacrossjustlevel，sothatinthemiddle，iftheriverwasfull，thewaterwouldbenearlyuptothewoodworkandplanks;butasthereweregoodsubstantialrailsoneachside，peopledidnotmindit.
　　Themanatthegatesaidtheriverwasrisingfast，andhefeareditwouldbeabadnight.Manyofthemeadowswereunderwater，andinonelowpartoftheroadthewaterwashalfwayuptomyknees;thebottomwasgood，andmasterdrovegently，soitwasnomatter.
　　WhenwegottothetownofcourseIhadagoodbait，butasthemaster’sbusinessengagedhimalongtimewedidnotstartforhometillratherlateintheafternoon.
　　Thewindwasthenmuchhigher，andIheardthemastersaytoJohnthathehadneverbeenoutinsuchastorm;andsoIthought，aswewentalongtheskirtsofawood，wherethegreatbrancheswereswayingaboutliketwigs，andtherushingsoundwasterrible.
　　"Iwishwewerewelloutofthiswood，"saidmymaster.
　　"Yes，sir，"saidJohn，"itwouldberatherawkwardifoneofthesebranchescamedownuponus."
　　Thewordswerescarcelyoutofhismouthwhentherewasagroan，andacrack，andasplittingsound，andtearing，crashingdownamongtheothertreescameanoak，tornupbytheroots，anditfellrightacrosstheroadjustbeforeus.IwillneversayIwasnotfrightened，forIwas.
　　Istoppedstill，andIbelieveItrembled;ofcourseIdidnotturnroundorrunaway;Iwasnotbroughtuptothat.Johnjumpedoutandwasinamomentatmyhead.
　　"Thatwasaveryneartouch，"saidmymaster."What’stobedonenow？"
　　"Well，sir，wecan’tdriveoverthattree，noryetgetroundit;
　　therewillbenothingforit，buttogobacktothefourcrossways，andthatwillbeagoodsixmilesbeforewegetroundtothewoodenbridgeagain;itwillmakeuslate，butthehorseisfresh."
　　Sobackwewentandroundbythecrossroads，butbythetimewegottothebridgeitwasverynearlydark;wecouldjustseethatthewaterwasoverthemiddleofit;butasthathappenedsometimeswhenthefloodswereout，masterdidnotstop.Weweregoingalongatagoodpace，butthemomentmyfeettouchedthefirstpartofthebridgeIfeltsuretherewassomethingwrong.Idarenotgoforward，andImadeadeadstop."Goon，Beauty，"saidmymaster，andhegavemeatouchwiththewhip，butIdarenotstir;
　　hegavemeasharpcut;Ijumped，butIdarenotgoforward.
　　"There’ssomethingwrong，sir，"saidJohn，andhesprangoutofthedog—cartandcametomyheadandlookedallabout.Hetriedtoleadmeforward.
　　"Comeon，Beauty，what’sthematter？"OfcourseIcouldnottellhim，butIknewverywellthatthebridgewasnotsafe.
　　Justthenthemanatthetoll—gateontheothersideranoutofthehouse，tossingatorchaboutlikeonemad.
　　"Hoy，hoy，hoy！halloo！stop！"hecried.
　　"What’sthematter？"shoutedmymaster.
　　"Thebridgeisbrokeninthemiddle，andpartofitiscarriedaway;
　　ifyoucomeonyou’llbeintotheriver."
　　"ThankGod！"saidmymaster."YouBeauty！"saidJohn，andtookthebridleandgentlyturnedmeroundtotheright—handroadbytheriverside.
　　Thesunhadsetsometime;thewindseemedtohavelulledoffafterthatfuriousblastwhichtoreupthetree.Itgrewdarkeranddarker，stillerandstiller.Itrottedquietlyalong，thewheelshardlymakingasoundonthesoftroad.ForagoodwhileneithermasternorJohnspoke，andthenmasterbeganinaseriousvoice.Icouldnotunderstandmuchofwhattheysaid，butIfoundtheythought，ifIhadgoneonasthemasterwantedme，mostlikelythebridgewouldhavegivenwayunderus，andhorse，chaise，master，andmanwouldhavefallenintotheriver;
　　andasthecurrentwasflowingverystrongly，andtherewasnolightandnohelpathand，itwasmorethanlikelyweshouldallhavebeendrowned.
　　Mastersaid，Godhadgivenmenreason，bywhichtheycouldfindoutthingsforthemselves;buthehadgivenanimalsknowledgewhichdidnotdependonreason，andwhichwasmuchmorepromptandperfectinitsway，andbywhichtheyhadoftensavedthelivesofmen.Johnhadmanystoriestotellofdogsandhorses，andthewonderfulthingstheyhaddone;
　　hethoughtpeopledidnotvaluetheiranimalshalfenoughnormakefriendsofthemastheyoughttodo.Iamsurehemakesfriendsofthemifeveramandid.
　　Atlastwecametotheparkgatesandfoundthegardenerlookingoutforus.
　　Hesaidthatmistresshadbeeninadreadfulwayeversincedark，fearingsomeaccidenthadhappened，andthatshehadsentJamesoffonJustice，theroancob，towardthewoodenbridgetomakeinquiryafterus.
　　Wesawalightatthehall—doorandattheupperwindows，andaswecameupmistressranout，saying，"Areyoureallysafe，mydear？
　　Oh！Ihavebeensoanxious，fancyingallsortsofthings.
　　Haveyouhadnoaccident？"
　　"No，mydear;butifyourBlackBeautyhadnotbeenwiserthanwewereweshouldallhavebeencarrieddowntheriveratthewoodenbridge."
　　Iheardnomore，astheywentintothehouse，andJohntookmetothestable.
　　Oh，whatagoodsupperhegavemethatnight，agoodbranmashandsomecrushedbeanswithmyoats，andsuchathickbedofstraw！
　　andIwasgladofit，forIwastired.
　　13TheDevil’sTradeMarkOnedaywhenJohnandIhadbeenoutonsomebusinessofourmaster’s，andwerereturninggentlyonalong，straightroad，atsomedistancewesawaboytryingtoleapaponyoveragate;theponywouldnottaketheleap，andtheboycuthimwiththewhip，butheonlyturnedoffononeside.
　　Hewhippedhimagain，buttheponyturnedoffontheotherside.
　　Thentheboygotoffandgavehimahardthrashing，andknockedhimaboutthehead;thenhegotupagainandtriedtomakehimleapthegate，kickinghimallthetimeshamefully，butstilltheponyrefused.
　　Whenwewerenearlyatthespottheponyputdownhisheadandthrewuphisheels，andsenttheboyneatlyoverintoabroadquicksethedge，andwiththereindanglingfromhisheadhesetoffhomeatafullgallop.
　　Johnlaughedoutquiteloud."Servedhimright，"hesaid.
　　"Oh，oh，oh！"criedtheboyashestruggledaboutamongthethorns;
　　"Isay，comeandhelpmeout."
　　"Thankye，"saidJohn，"Ithinkyouarequiteintherightplace，andmaybealittlescratchingwillteachyounottoleapaponyoveragatethatistoohighforhim，"andsowiththatJohnrodeoff."Itmaybe，"
　　saidhetohimself，"thatyoungfellowisaliaraswellasacruelone;
　　we’lljustgohomebyFarmerBushby’s，Beauty，andthenifanybodywantstoknowyouandIcantell’em，yesee."
　　Soweturnedofftotheright，andsooncameuptothestack—yard，andwithinsightofthehouse.Thefarmerwashurryingoutintotheroad，andhiswifewasstandingatthegate，lookingveryfrightened.
　　"Haveyouseenmyboy？"saidMr.Bushbyaswecameup;
　　"hewentoutanhouragoonmyblackpony，andthecreatureisjustcomebackwithoutarider."
　　"Ishouldthink，sir，"saidJohn，"hehadbetterbewithoutarider，unlesshecanberiddenproperly."
　　"Whatdoyoumean？"saidthefarmer.
　　"Well，sir，Isawyoursonwhipping，andkicking，andknockingthatgoodlittleponyaboutshamefullybecausehewouldnotleapagatethatwastoohighforhim.Theponybehavedwell，sir，andshowednovice;
　　butatlasthejustthrewuphisheelsandtippedtheyounggentlemanintothethornhedge.Hewantedmetohelphimout，butIhopeyouwillexcuseme，sir，Ididnotfeelinclinedtodoso.There’snobonesbroken，sir;he’llonlygetafewscratches.Ilovehorses，anditrilesmetoseethembadlyused;itisabadplantoaggravateananimaltillheuseshisheels;thefirsttimeisnotalwaysthelast."
　　Duringthistimethemotherbegantocry，"Oh，mypoorBill，Imustgoandmeethim;hemustbehurt."
　　"Youhadbettergointothehouse，wife，"saidthefarmer;
　　"Billwantsalessonaboutthis，andImustseethathegetsit;
　　thisisnotthefirsttime，northesecond，thathehasill—usedthatpony，andIshallstopit.Iammuchobligedtoyou，Manly.Good—evening."
　　Sowewenton，Johnchucklingallthewayhome;thenhetoldJamesaboutit，wholaughedandsaid，"Servehimright.Iknewthatboyatschool;
　　hetookgreatairsonhimselfbecausehewasafarmer’sson;
　　heusedtoswaggeraboutandbullythelittleboys.Ofcourse，weelderoneswouldnothaveanyofthatnonsense，andlethimknowthatintheschoolandtheplaygroundfarmers’sonsandlaborers’sonswereallalike.Iwellrememberoneday，justbeforeafternoonschool，Ifoundhimatthelargewindowcatchingfliesandpullingofftheirwings.
　　HedidnotseemeandIgavehimaboxontheearsthatlaidhimsprawlingonthefloor.Well，angryasIwas，Iwasalmostfrightened，heroaredandbellowedinsuchastyle.Theboysrushedinfromtheplayground，andthemasterraninfromtheroadtoseewhowasbeingmurdered.OfcourseIsaidfairandsquareatoncewhatIhaddone，andwhy;thenIshowedthemastertheflies，somecrushedandsomecrawlingabouthelpless，andIshowedhimthewingsonthewindowsill.Ineversawhimsoangrybefore;
　　butasBillwasstillhowlingandwhining，likethecowardthathewas，hedidnotgivehimanymorepunishmentofthatkind，butsethimuponastoolfortherestoftheafternoon，andsaidthatheshouldnotgoouttoplayforthatweek.
　　Thenhetalkedtoalltheboysveryseriouslyaboutcruelty，andsaidhowhard—heartedandcowardlyitwastohurttheweakandthehelpless;
　　butwhatstuckinmymindwasthis，hesaidthatcrueltywasthedevil’sowntrade—mark，andifwesawanyonewhotookpleasureincrueltywemightknowwhohebelongedto，forthedevilwasamurdererfromthebeginning，andatormentortotheend.Ontheotherhand，wherewesawpeoplewholovedtheirneighbors，andwerekindtomanandbeast，wemightknowthatwasGod’smark."
　　"Yourmasternevertaughtyouatruerthing，"saidJohn;
　　"thereisnoreligionwithoutlove，andpeoplemaytalkasmuchastheylikeabouttheirreligion，butifitdoesnotteachthemtobegoodandkindtomanandbeastitisallasham——allasham，James，anditwon’tstandwhenthingscometobeturnedinsideout."
　　14JamesHowardEarlyonemorninginDecemberJohnhadjustledmeintomyboxaftermydailyexercise，andwasstrappingmyclothonandJameswascominginfromthecornchamberwithsomeoats，whenthemastercameintothestable.Helookedratherserious，andheldanopenletterinhishand.Johnfastenedthedoorofmybox，touchedhiscap，andwaitedfororders.
　　"Good—morning，John，"saidthemaster."IwanttoknowifyouhaveanycomplainttomakeofJames."
　　"Complaint，sir？No，sir."
　　"Isheindustriousathisworkandrespectfultoyou？"
　　"Yes，sir，always."
　　"Youneverfindheslightshisworkwhenyourbackisturned？"
　　"Never，sir."
　　"That’swell;butImustputanotherquestion.Haveyounoreasontosuspect，whenhegoesoutwiththehorsestoexercisethemortotakeamessage，thathestopsabouttalkingtohisacquaintances，orgoesintohouseswherehehasnobusiness，leavingthehorsesoutside？"
　　"No，sir，certainlynot;andifanybodyhasbeensayingthataboutJames，Idon’tbelieveit，andIdon’tmeantobelieveitunlessIhaveitfairlyprovedbeforewitnesses;it’snotformetosaywhohasbeentryingtotakeawayJames’character，butIwillsaythis，sir，thatasteadier，pleasanter，honester，smarteryoungfellowIneverhadinthisstable.
　　IcantrusthiswordandIcantrusthiswork;heisgentleandcleverwiththehorses，andIwouldratherhavetheminchargewithhimthanwithhalftheyoungfellowsIknowofinlacedhatsandliveries;
　　andwhoeverwantsacharacterofJamesHoward，"saidJohn，withadecidedjerkofhishead，"letthemcometoJohnManly."
　　Themasterstoodallthistimegraveandattentive，butasJohnfinishedhisspeechabroadsmilespreadoverhisface，andlookingkindlyacrossatJames，whoallthistimehadstoodstillatthedoor，hesaid，"James，mylad，setdowntheoatsandcomehere;
　　IamverygladtofindthatJohn’sopinionofyourcharacteragreessoexactlywithmyown.Johnisacautiousman，"hesaid，withadrollsmile，"anditisnotalwayseasytogethisopinionaboutpeople，soIthoughtifIbeatthebushonthissidethebirdswouldflyout，andIshouldlearnwhatIwantedtoknowquickly;
　　sonowwewillcometobusiness.Ihavealetterfrommybrother—in—law，SirCliffordWilliams，ofCliffordHall.Hewantsmetofindhimatrustworthyyounggroom，abouttwentyortwenty—one，whoknowshisbusiness.Hisoldcoachman，whohaslivedwithhimthirtyyears，isgettingfeeble，andhewantsamantoworkwithhimandgetintohisways，whowouldbeable，whentheoldmanwaspensionedoff，tostepintohisplace.Hewouldhaveeighteenshillingsaweekatfirst，astablesuit，adrivingsuit，abedroomoverthecoachhouse，andaboyunderhim.SirCliffordisagoodmaster，andifyoucouldgettheplaceitwouldbeagoodstartforyou.
　　Idon’twanttopartwithyou，andifyouleftusIknowJohnwouldlosehisrighthand."
　　"ThatIshould，sir，"saidJohn，"butIwouldnotstandinhislightfortheworld."
　　"Howoldareyou，James？"saidmaster.
　　"NineteennextMay，sir."
　　"That’syoung;whatdoyouthink，John？"
　　"Well，sir，itisyoung;butheisassteadyasaman，andisstrong，andwellgrown，andthoughhehasnothadmuchexperienceindriving，hehasalightfirmhandandaquickeye，andheisverycareful，andIamquitesurenohorseofhiswillberuinedforwantofhavinghisfeetandshoeslookedafter."
　　"Yourwordwillgothefurthest，John，"saidthemaster，"forSirCliffordaddsinapostscript，`IfIcouldfindamantrainedbyyourJohnIshouldlikehimbetterthananyother;’
　　so，James，lad，thinkitover，talktoyourmotheratdinner—time，andthenletmeknowwhatyouwish."
　　InafewdaysafterthisconversationitwasfullysettledthatJamesshouldgotoCliffordHall，inamonthorsixweeks，asitsuitedhismaster，andinthemeantimehewastogetallthepracticeindrivingthatcouldbegiventohim.Ineverknewthecarriagetogooutsooftenbefore;whenthemistressdidnotgooutthemasterdrovehimselfinthetwo—wheeledchaise;butnow，whetheritwasmasterortheyoungladies，oronlyanerrand，GingerandIwereputinthecarriageandJamesdroveus.
　　AtthefirstJohnrodewithhimonthebox，tellinghimthisandthat，andafterthatJamesdrovealone.
　　ThenitwaswonderfulwhatanumberofplacesthemasterwouldgotointhecityonSaturday，andwhatqueerstreetsweweredriventhrough.
　　Hewassuretogototherailwaystationjustasthetrainwascomingin，andcabsandcarriages，cartsandomnibuseswerealltryingtogetoverthebridgetogether;thatbridgewantedgoodhorsesandgooddriverswhentherailwaybellwasringing，foritwasnarrow，andtherewasaverysharpturnuptothestation，whereitwouldnothavebeenatalldifficultforpeopletorunintoeachother，iftheydidnotlooksharpandkeeptheirwitsaboutthem.
　　15TheOldHostlerAfterthisitwasdecidedbymymasterandmistresstopayavisittosomefriendswholivedaboutforty—sixmilesfromourhome，andJameswastodrivethem.Thefirstdaywetraveledthirty—twomiles.
　　Thereweresomelong，heavyhills，butJamesdrovesocarefullyandthoughtfullythatwewerenotatallharassed.Heneverforgottoputonthebrakeaswewentdownhill，nortotakeitoffattherightplace.
　　Hekeptourfeetonthesmoothestpartoftheroad，andiftheuphillwasverylong，hesetthecarriagewheelsalittleacrosstheroad，soasnottorunback，andgaveusabreathing.Alltheselittlethingshelpahorseverymuch，particularlyifhegetskindwordsintothebargain.
　　Westoppedonceortwiceontheroad，andjustasthesunwasgoingdownwereachedthetownwhereweweretospendthenight.Westoppedattheprincipalhotel，whichwasinthemarket—place;itwasaverylargeone;
　　wedroveunderanarchwayintoalongyard，atthefurtherendofwhichwerethestablesandcoachhouses.Twohostlerscametotakeusout.
　　Theheadhostlerwasapleasant，activelittleman，withacrookedleg，andayellowstripedwaistcoat.Ineversawamanunbuckleharnesssoquicklyashedid，andwithapatandagoodwordheledmetoalongstable，withsixoreightstallsinit，andtwoorthreehorses.
　　TheothermanbroughtGinger;Jamesstoodbywhilewewererubbeddownandcleaned.
　　Ineverwascleanedsolightlyandquicklyasbythatlittleoldman.
　　WhenhehaddoneJamessteppedupandfeltmeover，asifhethoughtIcouldnotbethoroughlydone，buthefoundmycoatascleanandsmoothassilk.
　　"Well，"hesaid，"IthoughtIwasprettyquick，andourJohnquickerstill，butyoudobeatallIeversawforbeingquickandthoroughatthesametime."
　　"Practicemakesperfect，"saidthecrookedlittlehostler，"and’twouldbeapityifitdidn’t;fortyyears’practice，andnotperfect！
　　ha，ha！thatwouldbeapity;andastobeingquick，why，blessyou！
　　thatisonlyamatterofhabit;ifyougetintothehabitofbeingquickitisjustaseasyasbeingslow;easier，Ishouldsay;
　　infactitdon’tagreewithmyhealthtobehulkingaboutoverajobtwiceaslongasitneedtake.Blessyou！Icouldn’twhistleifIcrawledovermyworkassomefolksdo！Yousee，IhavebeenabouthorseseversinceIwastwelveyearsold，inhuntingstables，andracingstables;andbeingsmall，yesee，Iwasjockeyforseveralyears;butattheGoodwood，yesee，theturfwasveryslipperyandmypoorLarkspurgotafall，andIbrokemyknee，andsoofcourseIwasofnomoreusethere.
　　ButIcouldnotlivewithouthorses，ofcourseIcouldn’t，soItooktothehotels.AndIcantellyeitisadownrightpleasuretohandleananimallikethis，well—bred，well—mannered，well—cared—for;
　　blessye！Icantellhowahorseistreated.Givemethehandlingofahorsefortwentyminutes，andI’lltellyouwhatsortofagroomhehashad.
　　Lookatthisone，pleasant，quiet，turnsaboutjustasyouwanthim，holdsuphisfeettobecleanedout，oranythingelseyoupleasetowish;
　　thenyou’llfindanotherfidgety，fretty，won’tmovetherightway，orstartsacrossthestall，tossesuphisheadassoonasyoucomenearhim，layshisears，andseemsafraidofyou;orelsesquaresaboutatyouwithhisheels.Poorthings！Iknowwhatsortoftreatmenttheyhavehad.
　　Iftheyaretimiditmakesthemstartorshy;iftheyarehigh—mettleditmakesthemviciousordangerous;theirtempersaremostlymadewhentheyareyoung.Blessyou！theyarelikechildren，train’emupinthewaytheyshouldgo，asthegoodbooksays，andwhentheyareoldtheywillnotdepartfromit，iftheyhaveachance."
　　"Iliketohearyoutalk，"saidJames，"that’sthewaywelayitdownathome，atourmaster’s."
　　"Whoisyourmaster，youngman？ifitbeaproperquestion.
　　Ishouldjudgeheisagoodone，fromwhatIsee."
　　"HeisSquireGordon，ofBirtwickPark，theothersidetheBeaconHills，"
　　saidJames.
　　"Ah！so，so，Ihaveheardtellofhim;finejudgeofhorses，ain’the？
　　thebestriderinthecounty."
　　"Ibelieveheis，"saidJames，"butheridesverylittlenow，sincethepooryoungmasterwaskilled."
　　"Ah！poorgentleman;Ireadallaboutitinthepaperatthetime.
　　Afinehorsekilled，too，wasn’tthere？"
　　"Yes，"saidJames;"hewasasplendidcreature，brothertothisone，andjustlikehim."
　　"Pity！pity！"saidtheoldman;"’twasabadplacetoleap，ifIremember;
　　athinfenceattop，asteepbankdowntothestream，wasn’tit？
　　Nochanceforahorsetoseewhereheisgoing.Now，Iamforboldridingasmuchasanyman，butstilltherearesomeleapsthatonlyaveryknowingoldhuntsmanhasanyrighttotake.Aman’slifeandahorse’slifeareworthmorethanafox’stail;atleast，Ishouldsaytheyoughttobe."
　　DuringthistimetheothermanhadfinishedGingerandhadbroughtourcorn，andJamesandtheoldmanleftthestabletogether.
　　16TheFireLateronintheeveningatraveler’shorsewasbroughtinbythesecondhostler，andwhilehewascleaninghimayoungmanwithapipeinhismouthloungedintothestabletogossip.
　　"Isay，Towler，"saidthehostler，"justrunuptheladderintotheloftandputsomehaydownintothishorse’srack，willyou？onlylaydownyourpipe."
　　"Allright，"saidtheother，andwentupthroughthetrapdoor;
　　andIheardhimstepacrosstheflooroverheadandputdownthehay.
　　Jamescameintolookatusthelastthing，andthenthedoorwaslocked.
　　IcannotsayhowlongIhadslept，norwhattimeinthenightitwas，butIwokeupveryuncomfortable，thoughIhardlyknewwhy.Igotup;
　　theairseemedallthickandchoking.IheardGingercoughingandoneoftheotherhorsesseemedveryrestless;itwasquitedark，andIcouldseenothing，butthestableseemedfullofsmoke，andIhardlyknewhowtobreathe.
　　Thetrapdoorhadbeenleftopen，andIthoughtthatwastheplaceitcamethrough.Ilistened，andheardasoftrushingsortofnoiseandalowcracklingandsnapping.Ididnotknowwhatitwas，buttherewassomethinginthesoundsostrangethatitmademetrembleallover.
　　Theotherhorseswereallawake;somewerepullingattheirhalters，othersstamping.
　　AtlastIheardstepsoutside，andthehostlerwhohadputupthetraveler’shorseburstintothestablewithalantern，andbegantountiethehorses，andtrytoleadthemout;
　　butheseemedinsuchahurryandsofrightenedhimselfthathefrightenedmestillmore.Thefirsthorsewouldnotgowithhim;
　　hetriedthesecondandthird，andtheytoowouldnotstir.
　　Hecametomenextandtriedtodragmeoutofthestallbyforce;
　　ofcoursethatwasnouse.Hetriedusallbyturnsandthenleftthestable.
　　Nodoubtwewereveryfoolish，butdangerseemedtobeallround，andtherewasnobodyweknewtotrustin，andallwasstrangeanduncertain.
　　Thefreshairthathadcomeinthroughtheopendoormadeiteasiertobreathe，buttherushingsoundoverheadgrewlouder，andasIlookedupwardthroughthebarsofmyemptyrackIsawaredlightflickeringonthewall.ThenIheardacryof"Fire！"outside，andtheoldhostlerquietlyandquicklycamein;hegotonehorseout，andwenttoanother，buttheflameswereplayingroundthetrapdoor，andtheroaringoverheadwasdreadful.
　　ThenextthingIheardwasJames’voice，quietandcheery，asitalwayswas.
　　"Come，mybeauties，itistimeforustobeoff，sowakeupandcomealong."
　　Istoodnearestthedoor，sohecametomefirst，pattingmeashecamein.
　　"Come，Beauty，onwithyourbridle，myboy，we’llsoonbeoutofthissmother."Itwasoninnotime;thenhetookthescarfoffhisneck，andtieditlightlyovermyeyes，andpattingandcoaxingheledmeoutofthestable.Safeintheyard，heslippedthescarfoffmyeyes，andshouted，"Heresomebody！takethishorsewhileIgobackfortheother."
　　Atall，broadmansteppedforwardandtookme，andJamesdartedbackintothestable.IsetupashrillwhinnyasIsawhimgo.
　　GingertoldmeafterwardthatwhinnywasthebestthingIcouldhavedoneforher，forhadshenotheardmeoutsideshewouldneverhavehadcouragetocomeout.
　　Therewasmuchconfusionintheyard;thehorsesbeinggotoutofotherstables，andthecarriagesandgigsbeingpulledoutofhousesandsheds，lesttheflamesshouldspreadfurther.
　　Ontheothersidetheyardwindowswerethrownup，andpeoplewereshoutingallsortsofthings;butIkeptmyeyefixedonthestabledoor，wherethesmokepouredoutthickerthanever，andIcouldseeflashesofredlight;presentlyIheardaboveallthestiranddinaloud，clearvoice，whichIknewwasmaster’s：
　　"JamesHoward！JamesHoward！Areyouthere？"Therewasnoanswer，butIheardacrashofsomethingfallinginthestable，andthenextmomentIgavealoud，joyfulneigh，forIsawJamescomingthroughthesmokeleadingGingerwithhim;shewascoughingviolently，andhewasnotabletospeak.
　　"Mybravelad！"saidmaster，layinghishandonhisshoulder，"areyouhurt？"
　　Jamesshookhishead，forhecouldnotyetspeak.
　　"Ay，"saidthebigmanwhoheldme;"heisabravelad，andnomistake."
　　"Andnow，"saidmaster，"whenyouhavegotyourbreath，James，we’llgetoutofthisplaceasquicklyaswecan，"andweweremovingtowardtheentry，whenfromthemarket—placetherecameasoundofgallopingfeetandloudrumblingwheels.
　　"’Tisthefire—engine！thefire—engine！"shoutedtwoorthreevoices，"standback，makeway！"andclatteringandthunderingoverthestonestwohorsesdashedintotheyardwithaheavyenginebehindthem.Thefiremenleapedtotheground;therewasnoneedtoaskwherethefirewas——
　　itwasrollingupinagreatblazefromtheroof.
　　Wegotoutasfastaswecouldintothebroadquietmarket—place;
　　thestarswereshining，andexceptthenoisebehindus，allwasstill.
　　Masterledthewaytoalargehotelontheotherside，andassoonasthehostlercame，hesaid，"James，Imustnowhastentoyourmistress;Itrustthehorsesentirelytoyou，orderwhateveryouthinkisneeded，"andwiththathewasgone.
　　Themasterdidnotrun，butIneversawmortalmanwalksofastashedidthatnight.
　　Therewasadreadfulsoundbeforewegotintoourstalls——
　　theshrieksofthosepoorhorsesthatwereleftburningtodeathinthestable——itwasveryterrible！andmadebothGingerandmefeelverybad.We，however，weretakeninandwelldoneby.
　　ThenextmorningthemastercametoseehowwewereandtospeaktoJames.
　　Ididnothearmuch，forthehostlerwasrubbingmedown，butIcouldseethatJameslookedveryhappy，andIthoughtthemasterwasproudofhim.Ourmistresshadbeensomuchalarmedinthenightthatthejourneywasputofftilltheafternoon，soJameshadthemorningonhand，andwentfirsttotheinntoseeaboutourharnessandthecarriage，andthentohearmoreaboutthefire.Whenhecamebackweheardhimtellthehostleraboutit.Atfirstnoonecouldguesshowthefirehadbeencaused，butatlastamansaidhesawDickTowlergointothestablewithapipeinhismouth，andwhenhecameouthehadnotone，andwenttothetapforanother.ThentheunderhostlersaidhehadaskedDicktogouptheladdertoputdownsomehay，buttoldhimtolaydownhispipefirst.Dickdeniedtakingthepipewithhim，butnoonebelievedhim.IrememberourJohnManly’srule，nevertoallowapipeinthestable，andthoughtitoughttobetheruleeverywhere.
　　Jamessaidtheroofandfloorhadallfallenin，andthatonlytheblackwallswerestanding;thetwopoorhorsesthatcouldnotbegotoutwereburiedundertheburntraftersandtiles.
　　17JohnManly’sTalkTherestofourjourneywasveryeasy，andalittleaftersunsetwereachedthehouseofmymaster’sfriend.Weweretakenintoaclean，snugstable;therewasakindcoachman，whomadeusverycomfortable，andwhoseemedtothinkagooddealofJameswhenheheardaboutthefire.
　　"Thereisonethingquiteclear，youngman，"hesaid，"yourhorsesknowwhotheycantrust;itisoneofthehardestthingsintheworldtogethorsesoutofastablewhenthereiseitherfireorflood.
　　Idon’tknowwhytheywon’tcomeout，buttheywon’t——notoneintwenty."
　　Westoppedtwoorthreedaysatthisplaceandthenreturnedhome.
　　Allwentwellonthejourney;weweregladtobeinourownstableagain，andJohnwasequallygladtoseeus.
　　BeforeheandJamesleftusforthenightJamessaid，"Iwonderwhoiscominginmyplace."
　　"LittleJoeGreenatthelodge，"saidJohn.
　　"LittleJoeGreen！why，he’sachild！"
　　"Heisfourteenandahalf，"saidJohn.
　　"Butheissuchalittlechap！"
　　"Yes，heissmall，butheisquickandwilling，andkind—hearted，too，andthenhewishesverymuchtocome，andhisfatherwouldlikeit;
　　andIknowthemasterwouldliketogivehimthechance.
　　HesaidifIthoughthewouldnotdohewouldlookoutforabiggerboy;
　　butIsaidIwasquiteagreeabletotryhimforsixweeks."
　　"Sixweeks！"saidJames;"why，itwillbesixmonthsbeforehecanbeofmuchuse！Itwillmakeyouadealofwork，John."
　　"Well，"saidJohnwithalaugh，"workandIareverygoodfriends;
　　Ineverwasafraidofworkyet."
　　"Youareaverygoodman，"saidJames."IwishImayeverbelikeyou."
　　"Idon’toftenspeakofmyself，"saidJohn，"butasyouaregoingawayfromusoutintotheworldtoshiftforyourselfI’lljusttellyouhowIlookonthesethings.IwasjustasoldasJosephwhenmyfatherandmotherdiedofthefeverwithintendaysofeachother，andleftmeandmycripplesisterNellyaloneintheworld，withoutarelationthatwecouldlooktoforhelp.Iwasafarmer’sboy，notearningenoughtokeepmyself，muchlessbothofus，andshemusthavegonetotheworkhousebutforourmistress（Nellycallsherherangel，andshehasgoodrighttodoso）.
　　ShewentandhiredaroomforherwitholdWidowMallet，andshegaveherknittingandneedleworkwhenshewasabletodoit;
　　andwhenshewasillshesentherdinnersandmanynice，comfortablethings，andwaslikeamothertoher.ThenthemasterhetookmeintothestableunderoldNorman，thecoachmanthatwasthen.Ihadmyfoodatthehouseandmybedintheloft，andasuitofclothes，andthreeshillingsaweek，sothatIcouldhelpNelly.ThentherewasNorman;
　　hemighthaveturnedroundandsaidathisagehecouldnotbetroubledwitharawboyfromtheplow—tail，buthewaslikeafathertome，andtooknoendofpainswithme.WhentheoldmandiedsomeyearsafterIsteppedintohisplace，andnowofcourseIhavetopwages，andcanlaybyforarainydayorasunnyday，asitmayhappen，andNellyisashappyasabird.Soyousee，James，Iamnotthemanthatshouldturnuphisnoseatalittleboyandvexagood，kindmaster.
　　No，no！Ishallmissyouverymuch，James，butweshallpullthrough，andthere’snothinglikedoingakindnesswhen’tisputinyourway，andIamgladIcandoit."
　　"Then，"saidJames，"youdon’tholdwiththatsaying，`Everybodylookafterhimself，andtakecareofnumberone’？"
　　"No，indeed，"saidJohn，"whereshouldIandNellyhavebeenifmasterandmistressandoldNormanhadonlytakencareofnumberone？
　　Why，sheintheworkhouseandIhoeingturnips！WherewouldBlackBeautyandGingerhavebeenifyouhadonlythoughtofnumberone？why，roastedtodeath！No，Jim，no！thatisaselfish，heathenishsaying，whoeverusesit;andanymanwhothinkshehasnothingtodobuttakecareofnumberone，why，it’sapitybutwhathehadbeendrownedlikeapuppyorakitten，beforehegothiseyesopen;that’swhatIthink，"
　　saidJohn，withaverydecidedjerkofhishead.