"No，"saidSmith，"thatwillbeallrighttillwegethome."
　　Hespokeinaveryloud，offhandway，andIthoughtitveryunlikehimnottoseeabouttheshoe，ashewasgenerallywonderfullyparticularaboutloosenailsinourshoes.Hedidnotcomeatsixnorseven，noreight，anditwasnearlynineo’clockbeforehecalledforme，andthenitwaswithaloud，roughvoice.Heseemedinaverybadtemper，andabusedthehostler，thoughIcouldnottellwhatfor.
　　Thelandlordstoodatthedoorandsaid，"Haveacare，Mr.Smith！"
　　butheansweredangrilywithanoath;andalmostbeforehewasoutofthetownhebegantogallop，frequentlygivingmeasharpcutwithhiswhip，thoughIwasgoingatfullspeed.Themoonhadnotyetrisen，anditwasverydark.Theroadswerestony，havingbeenrecentlymended;
　　goingoverthematthispace，myshoebecamelooser，andaswenearedtheturnpikegateitcameoff.
　　IfSmithhadbeeninhisrightsenseshewouldhavebeensensibleofsomethingwronginmypace，buthewastoodrunktonotice.
　　Beyondtheturnpikewasalongpieceofroad，uponwhichfreshstoneshadjustbeenlaid——largesharpstones，overwhichnohorsecouldbedrivenquicklywithoutriskofdanger.Overthisroad，withoneshoegone，Iwasforcedtogallopatmyutmostspeed，myridermeanwhilecuttingintomewithhiswhip，andwithwildcursesurgingmetogostillfaster.
　　Ofcoursemyshoelessfootsuffereddreadfully;thehoofwasbrokenandsplitdowntotheveryquick，andtheinsidewasterriblycutbythesharpnessofthestones.
　　Thiscouldnotgoon;nohorsecouldkeephisfootingundersuchcircumstances;thepainwastoogreat.Istumbled，andfellwithviolenceonbothmyknees.Smithwasflungoffbymyfall，and，owingtothespeedIwasgoingat，hemusthavefallenwithgreatforce.
　　Isoonrecoveredmyfeetandlimpedtothesideoftheroad，whereitwasfreefromstones.Themoonhadjustrisenabovethehedge，andbyitslightIcouldseeSmithlyingafewyardsbeyondme.
　　Hedidnotrise;hemadeoneslightefforttodoso，andthentherewasaheavygroan.Icouldhavegroaned，too，forIwassufferingintensepainbothfrommyfootandknees;
　　buthorsesareusedtobeartheirpaininsilence.Iutterednosound，butIstoodthereandlistened.OnemoreheavygroanfromSmith;
　　butthoughhenowlayinthefullmoonlightIcouldseenomotion.
　　Icoulddonothingforhimnormyself，but，oh！howIlistenedforthesoundofhorse，orwheels，orfootsteps！Theroadwasnotmuchfrequented，andatthistimeofthenightwemightstayforhoursbeforehelpcametous.
　　Istoodwatchingandlistening.Itwasacalm，sweetAprilnight;
　　therewerenosoundsbutafewlownotesofanightingale，andnothingmovedbutthewhitecloudsnearthemoonandabrownowlthatflittedoverthehedge.Itmademethinkofthesummernightslongago，whenIusedtoliebesidemymotherinthegreenpleasantmeadowatFarmerGrey’s.
　　26HowitEndedItmusthavebeennearlymidnightwhenIheardatagreatdistancethesoundofahorse’sfeet.Sometimesthesounddiedaway，thenitgrewcleareragainandnearer.TheroadtoEarlshallledthroughwoodsthatbelongedtotheearl;thesoundcameinthatdirection，andIhopeditmightbesomeonecominginsearchofus.AsthesoundcamenearerandnearerIwasalmostsureIcoulddistinguishGinger’sstep;
　　alittlenearerstill，andIcouldtellshewasinthedog—cart.
　　Ineighedloudly，andwasoverjoyedtohearanansweringneighfromGinger，andmen’svoices.Theycameslowlyoverthestones，andstoppedatthedarkfigurethatlayupontheground.
　　Oneofthemenjumpedout，andstoopeddownoverit."ItisReuben，"
　　hesaid，"andhedoesnotstir！"
　　Theothermanfollowed，andbentoverhim."He’sdead，"hesaid;
　　"feelhowcoldhishandsare."
　　Theyraisedhimup，buttherewasnolife，andhishairwassoakedwithblood.Theylaidhimdownagain，andcameandlookedatme.
　　Theysoonsawmycutknees.
　　"Why，thehorsehasbeendownandthrownhim！Whowouldhavethoughttheblackhorsewouldhavedonethat？Nobodythoughthecouldfall.
　　Reubenmusthavebeenlyinghereforhours！Odd，too，thatthehorsehasnotmovedfromtheplace."
　　Robertthenattemptedtoleadmeforward.Imadeastep，butalmostfellagain.
　　"Halloo！he’sbadinhisfootaswellashisknees.Lookhere——
　　hishoofiscutalltopieces;hemightwellcomedown，poorfellow！
　　Itellyouwhat，Ned，I’mafraidithasn’tbeenallrightwithReuben.
　　Justthinkofhisridingahorseoverthesestoneswithoutashoe！
　　Why，ifhehadbeeninhisrightsenseshewouldjustassoonhavetriedtoridehimoverthemoon.I’mafraidithasbeentheoldthingoveragain.
　　PoorSusan！shelookedawfullypalewhenshecametomyhousetoaskifhehadnotcomehome.Shemadebelieveshewasnotabitanxious，andtalkedofalotofthingsthatmighthavekepthim.
　　Butforallthatshebeggedmetogoandmeethim.Butwhatmustwedo？
　　There’sthehorsetogethomeaswellasthebody，andthatwillbenoeasymatter."
　　Thenfollowedaconversationbetweenthem，tillitwasagreedthatRobert，asthegroom，shouldleadme，andthatNedmusttakethebody.
　　Itwasahardjobtogetitintothedog—cart，fortherewasnoonetoholdGinger;butsheknewaswellasIdidwhatwasgoingon，andstoodasstillasastone.Inoticedthat，because，ifshehadafault，itwasthatshewasimpatientinstanding.
　　Nedstartedoffveryslowlywithhissadload，andRobertcameandlookedatmyfootagain;thenhetookhishandkerchiefandbounditcloselyround，andsoheledmehome.Ishallneverforgetthatnightwalk;
　　itwasmorethanthreemiles.Robertledmeonveryslowly，andIlimpedandhobbledonaswellasIcouldwithgreatpain.
　　Iamsurehewassorryforme，forheoftenpattedandencouragedme，talkingtomeinapleasantvoice.
　　AtlastIreachedmyownbox，andhadsomecorn;andafterRoberthadwrappedupmykneesinwetcloths，hetiedupmyfootinabranpoultice，todrawouttheheatandcleanseitbeforethehorse—doctorsawitinthemorning，andImanagedtogetmyselfdownonthestraw，andsleptinspiteofthepain.
　　Thenextdayafterthefarrierhadexaminedmywounds，hesaidhehopedthejointwasnotinjured;andifso，Ishouldnotbespoiledforwork，butIshouldneverlosetheblemish.Ibelievetheydidthebesttomakeagoodcure，butitwasalongandpainfulone.Proudflesh，astheycalledit，cameupinmyknees，andwasburnedoutwithcaustic;
　　andwhenatlastitwashealed，theyputablisteringfluidoverthefrontofbothkneestobringallthehairoff;theyhadsomereasonforthis，andIsupposeitwasallright.
　　AsSmith’sdeathhadbeensosudden，andnoonewastheretoseeit，therewasaninquestheld.ThelandlordandhostlerattheWhiteLion，withseveralotherpeople，gaveevidencethathewasintoxicatedwhenhestartedfromtheinn.Thekeeperofthetoll—gatesaidherodeatahardgallopthroughthegate;andmyshoewaspickedupamongthestones，sothatthecasewasquiteplaintothem，andIwasclearedofallblame.
　　EverybodypitiedSusan.Shewasnearlyoutofhermind;
　　shekeptsayingoverandoveragain，"Oh！hewassogood——sogood！
　　Itwasallthatcurseddrink;whywilltheysellthatcurseddrink？
　　OhReuben，Reuben！"Soshewentontillafterhewasburied;andthen，asshehadnohomeorrelations，she，withhersixlittlechildren，wasobligedoncemoretoleavethepleasanthomebythetalloak—trees，andgointothatgreatgloomyUnionHouse.
　　27RuinedandGoingDownhillAssoonasmykneesweresufficientlyhealedIwasturnedintoasmallmeadowforamonthortwo;noothercreaturewasthere;andthoughIenjoyedthelibertyandthesweetgrass，yetIhadbeensolongusedtosocietythatIfeltverylonely.GingerandIhadbecomefastfriends，andnowImissedhercompanyextremely.IoftenneighedwhenIheardhorses’feetpassingintheroad，butIseldomgotananswer;
　　tillonemorningthegatewasopened，andwhoshouldcomeinbutdearoldGinger.Themanslippedoffherhalter，andleftherthere.
　　WithajoyfulwhinnyItrotteduptoher;wewerebothgladtomeet，butIsoonfoundthatitwasnotforourpleasurethatshewasbroughttobewithme.Herstorywouldbetoolongtotell，buttheendofitwasthatshehadbeenruinedbyhardriding，andwasnowturnedofftoseewhatrestwoulddo.
　　LordGeorgewasyoungandwouldtakenowarning;hewasahardrider，andwouldhuntwheneverhecouldgetthechance，quitecarelessofhishorse.
　　SoonafterIleftthestabletherewasasteeplechase，andhedeterminedtoride.Thoughthegroomtoldhimshewasalittlestrained，andwasnotfitfortherace，hedidnotbelieveit，andonthedayoftheraceurgedGingertokeepupwiththeforemostriders.
　　Withherhighspirit，shestrainedherselftotheutmost;
　　shecameinwiththefirstthreehorses，butherwindwastouched，besideswhichhewastooheavyforher，andherbackwasstrained.
　　"Andso，"shesaid，"hereweare，ruinedintheprimeofouryouthandstrength，youbyadrunkard，andIbyafool;itisveryhard."
　　Webothfeltinourselvesthatwewerenotwhatwehadbeen.However，thatdidnotspoilthepleasurewehadineachother’scompany;
　　wedidnotgallopaboutasweoncedid，butweusedtofeed，andliedowntogether，andstandforhoursunderoneoftheshadylime—treeswithourheadsclosetoeachother;andsowepassedourtimetillthefamilyreturnedfromtown.
　　Onedaywesawtheearlcomeintothemeadow，andYorkwaswithhim.
　　Seeingwhoitwas，westoodstillunderourlime—tree，andletthemcomeuptous.Theyexamineduscarefully.
　　Theearlseemedmuchannoyed.
　　"Thereisthreehundredpoundsflungawayfornoearthlyuse，"saidhe;
　　"butwhatIcaremostforisthatthesehorsesofmyoldfriend，whothoughttheywouldfindagoodhomewithme，areruined.
　　Themareshallhaveatwelve—month’srun，andweshallseewhatthatwilldoforher;buttheblackone，hemustbesold;
　　’tisagreatpity，butIcouldnothavekneesliketheseinmystables."
　　"No，mylord，ofcoursenot，"saidYork;"buthemightgetaplacewhereappearanceisnotofmuchconsequence，andstillbewelltreated.IknowamaninBath，themasterofsomeliverystables，whooftenwantsagoodhorseatalowfigure;
　　Iknowhelookswellafterhishorses.Theinquestclearedthehorse’scharacter，andyourlordship’srecommendation，ormine，wouldbesufficientwarrantforhim."
　　"Youhadbetterwritetohim，York.Ishouldbemoreparticularabouttheplacethanthemoneyhewouldfetch."
　　Afterthistheyleftus.
　　"They’llsoontakeyouaway，"saidGinger，"andIshalllosetheonlyfriendIhave，andmostlikelyweshallneverseeeachotheragain.
　　’Tisahardworld！"
　　AboutaweekafterthisRobertcameintothefieldwithahalter，whichheslippedovermyhead，andledmeaway.Therewasnoleave—takingofGinger;weneighedtoeachotherasIwasledoff，andshetrottedanxiouslyalongbythehedge，callingtomeaslongasshecouldhearthesoundofmyfeet.
　　ThroughtherecommendationofYork，Iwasboughtbythemasteroftheliverystables.Ihadtogobytrain，whichwasnewtome，andrequiredagooddealofcouragethefirsttime;
　　butasIfoundthepuffing，rushing，whistling，and，morethanall，thetremblingofthehorse—boxinwhichIstooddidmenorealharm，Isoontookitquietly.
　　WhenIreachedtheendofmyjourneyIfoundmyselfinatolerablycomfortablestable，andwellattendedto.
　　ThesestableswerenotsoairyandpleasantasthoseIhadbeenusedto.
　　Thestallswerelaidonaslopeinsteadofbeinglevel，andasmyheadwaskepttiedtothemanger，Iwasobligedalwaystostandontheslope，whichwasveryfatiguing.Mendonotseemtoknowyetthathorsescandomoreworkiftheycanstandcomfortablyandcanturnabout;
　　however，Iwaswellfedandwellcleaned，and，onthewhole，Ithinkourmastertookasmuchcareofusashecould.
　　Hekeptagoodmanyhorsesandcarriagesofdifferentkindsforhire.
　　Sometimeshisownmendrovethem;atothers，thehorseandchaisewerelettogentlemenorladieswhodrovethemselves.
　　28AJobHorseandHisDriversHithertoIhadalwaysbeendrivenbypeoplewhoatleastknewhowtodrive;
　　butinthisplaceIwastogetmyexperienceofallthedifferentkindsofbadandignorantdrivingtowhichwehorsesaresubjected;
　　forIwasa"jobhorse"，andwasletouttoallsortsofpeoplewhowishedtohireme;andasIwasgood—temperedandgentle，IthinkIwasoftenerletouttotheignorantdriversthansomeoftheotherhorses，becauseIcouldbedependedupon.ItwouldtakealongtimetotellofallthedifferentstylesinwhichIwasdriven，butIwillmentionafewofthem.
　　First，therewerethetight—reindrivers——menwhoseemedtothinkthatalldependedonholdingthereinsashardastheycould，neverrelaxingthepullonthehorse’smouth，orgivinghimtheleastlibertyofmovement.
　　Theyarealwaystalkingabout"keepingthehorsewellinhand"，and"holdingahorseup"，justasifahorsewasnotmadetoholdhimselfup.
　　Somepoor，broken—downhorses，whosemouthshavebeenmadehardandinsensiblebyjustsuchdriversasthese，may，perhaps，findsomesupportinit;butforahorsewhocandependuponhisownlegs，andwhohasatendermouthandiseasilyguided，itisnotonlytormenting，butitisstupid.
　　Thentherearetheloose—reindrivers，wholetthereinslieeasilyonourbacks，andtheirownhandrestlazilyontheirknees.Ofcourse，suchgentlemenhavenocontroloverahorse，ifanythinghappenssuddenly.
　　Ifahorseshies，orstarts，orstumbles，theyarenowhere，andcannothelpthehorseorthemselvestillthemischiefisdone.
　　Ofcourse，formyselfIhadnoobjectiontoit，asIwasnotinthehabiteitherofstartingorstumbling，andhadonlybeenusedtodependonmydriverforguidanceandencouragement.Still，onelikestofeelthereinalittleingoingdownhill，andlikestoknowthatone’sdriverisnotgonetosleep.
　　Besides，aslovenlywayofdrivinggetsahorseintobadandoftenlazyhabits，andwhenhechangeshandshehastobewhippedoutofthemwithmoreorlesspainandtrouble.
　　SquireGordonalwayskeptustoourbestpacesandourbestmanners.
　　Hesaidthatspoilingahorseandlettinghimgetintobadhabitswasjustascruelasspoilingachild，andbothhadtosufferforitafterward.
　　Besides，thesedriversareoftencarelessaltogether，andwillattendtoanythingelsemorethantheirhorses.
　　Iwentoutinthephaetononedaywithoneofthem;hehadaladyandtwochildrenbehind.Hefloppedthereinsaboutaswestarted，andofcoursegavemeseveralunmeaningcutswiththewhip，thoughIwasfairlyoff.Therehadbeenagooddealofroad—mendinggoingon，andevenwherethestoneswerenotfreshlylaiddowntherewereagreatmanylooseonesabout.Mydriverwaslaughingandjokingwiththeladyandthechildren，andtalkingaboutthecountrytotherightandtheleft;butheneverthoughtitworthwhiletokeepaneyeonhishorseortodriveonthesmoothestpartsoftheroad;
　　andsoiteasilyhappenedthatIgotastoneinoneofmyforefeet.
　　Now，ifMr.GordonorJohn，orinfactanygooddriver，hadbeenthere，hewouldhaveseenthatsomethingwaswrongbeforeIhadgonethreepaces.
　　Orevenifithadbeendarkapracticedhandwouldhavefeltbythereinthattherewassomethingwronginthestep，andtheywouldhavegotdownandpickedoutthestone.Butthismanwentonlaughingandtalking，whileateverystepthestonebecamemorefirmlywedgedbetweenmyshoeandthefrogofmyfoot.Thestonewassharpontheinsideandroundontheoutside，which，aseveryoneknows，isthemostdangerouskindthatahorsecanpickup，atthesametimecuttinghisfootandmakinghimmostliabletostumbleandfall.
　　WhetherthemanwaspartlyblindoronlyverycarelessIcan’tsay，buthedrovemewiththatstoneinmyfootforagoodhalf—milebeforehesawanything.BythattimeIwasgoingsolamewiththepainthatatlasthesawit，andcalledout，"Well，here’sago！Why，theyhavesentusoutwithalamehorse！Whatashame！"
　　Hethenchuckedthereinsandflippedaboutwiththewhip，saying，"Now，then，it’snouseplayingtheoldsoldierwithme;
　　there’sthejourneytogo，andit’snouseturninglameandlazy."
　　Justatthistimeafarmercameridinguponabrowncob.
　　Heliftedhishatandpulledup.
　　"Ibegyourpardon，sir，"hesaid，"butIthinkthereissomethingthematterwithyourhorse;hegoesverymuchasifhehadastoneinhisshoe.
　　IfyouwillallowmeIwilllookathisfeet;theseloosescatteredstonesareconfoundeddangerousthingsforthehorses."
　　"He’sahiredhorse，"saidmydriver."Idon’tknowwhat’sthematterwithhim，butitisagreatshametosendoutalamebeastlikethis."
　　Thefarmerdismounted，andslippinghisreinoverhisarmatoncetookupmynearfoot.
　　"Blessme，there’sastone！Lame！Ishouldthinkso！"
　　Atfirsthetriedtodislodgeitwithhishand，butasitwasnowverytightlywedgedhedrewastone—pickoutofhispocket，andverycarefullyandwithsometroublegotitout.Thenholdingituphesaid，"There，that’sthestoneyourhorsehadpickedup.
　　Itisawonderhedidnotfalldownandbreakhiskneesintothebargain！"
　　"Well，tobesure！"saidmydriver;"thatisaqueerthing！
　　Ineverknewthathorsespickedupstonesbefore."
　　"Didn’tyou？"saidthefarmerrathercontemptuously;"buttheydo，though，andthebestofthemwilldoit，andcan’thelpitsometimesonsuchroadsasthese.Andifyoudon’twanttolameyourhorseyoumustlooksharpandgetthemoutquickly.Thisfootisverymuchbruised，"hesaid，settingitgentlydownandpattingme."IfImightadvise，sir，youhadbetterdrivehimgentlyforawhile;thefootisagooddealhurt，andthelamenesswillnotgooffdirectly."
　　Thenmountinghiscobandraisinghishattotheladyhetrottedoff.
　　Whenhewasgonemydriverbegantoflopthereinsaboutandwhiptheharness，bywhichIunderstoodthatIwastogoon，whichofcourseIdid，gladthatthestonewasgone，butstillinagooddealofpain.
　　Thiswasthesortofexperiencewejobhorsesoftencameinfor.
　　29CockneysThenthereisthesteam—enginestyleofdriving;thesedriversweremostlypeoplefromtowns，whoneverhadahorseoftheirownandgenerallytraveledbyrail.
　　Theyalwaysseemedtothinkthatahorsewassomethinglikeasteam—engine，onlysmaller.Atanyrate，theythinkthatifonlytheypayforitahorseisboundtogojustasfarandjustasfastandwithjustasheavyaloadastheyplease.Andbetheroadsheavyandmuddy，ordryandgood;
　　betheystonyorsmooth，uphillordownhill，itisallthesame——on，on，on，onemustgo，atthesamepace，withnoreliefandnoconsideration.
　　Thesepeopleneverthinkofgettingouttowalkupasteephill.Oh，no，theyhavepaidtoride，andridetheywill！Thehorse？Oh，he’susedtoit！
　　Whatwerehorsesmadefor，ifnottodragpeopleuphill？Walk！
　　Agoodjokeindeed！Andsothewhipispliedandthereinischuckedandoftenarough，scoldingvoicecriesout，"Goalong，youlazybeast！"
　　Andthenanotherslashofthewhip，whenallthetimewearedoingourverybesttogetalong，uncomplainingandobedient，thoughoftensorelyharassedanddown—hearted.
　　Thissteam—enginestyleofdrivingwearsusupfasterthananyotherkind.
　　IwouldfarrathergotwentymileswithagoodconsideratedriverthanIwouldgotenwithsomeofthese;itwouldtakelessoutofme.
　　Anotherthing，theyscarcelyeverputonthebrake，howeversteepthedownhillmaybe，andthusbadaccidentssometimeshappen;
　　oriftheydoputiton，theyoftenforgettotakeitoffatthebottomofthehill，andmorethanonceIhavehadtopullhalfwayupthenexthill，withoneofthewheelsheldbythebrake，beforemydriverchosetothinkaboutit;andthatisaterriblestrainonahorse.
　　Thenthesecockneys，insteadofstartingataneasypace，asagentlemanwoulddo，generallysetoffatfullspeedfromtheverystable—yard;andwhentheywanttostop，theyfirstwhipus，andthenpullupsosuddenlythatwearenearlythrownonourhaunches，andourmouthsjaggedwiththebit——theycallthatpullingupwithadash;
　　andwhentheyturnacornertheydoitassharplyasiftherewerenorightsideorwrongsideoftheroad.
　　IwellrememberonespringeveningIandRoryhadbeenoutfortheday.
　　（Rorywasthehorsethatmostlywentwithmewhenapairwasordered，andagoodhonestfellowhewas.）Wehadourowndriver，andashewasalwaysconsiderateandgentlewithus，wehadaverypleasantday.
　　Wewerecominghomeatagoodsmartpace，abouttwilight.
　　Ourroadturnedsharptotheleft;butaswewereclosetothehedgeonourownside，andtherewasplentyofroomtopass，ourdriverdidnotpullusin.AswenearedthecornerIheardahorseandtwowheelscomingrapidlydownthehilltowardus.Thehedgewashigh，andIcouldseenothing，butthenextmomentwewereuponeachother.
　　Happilyforme，Iwasonthesidenextthehedge.Rorywasontheleftsideofthepole，andhadnotevenashafttoprotecthim.
　　Themanwhowasdrivingwasmakingstraightforthecorner，andwhenhecameinsightofushehadnotimetopullovertohisownside.
　　ThewholeshockcameuponRory.Thegigshaftranrightintothechest，makinghimstaggerbackwithacrythatIshallneverforget.
　　Theotherhorsewasthrownuponhishaunchesandoneshaftbroken.
　　Itturnedoutthatitwasahorsefromourownstables，withthehigh—wheeledgigthattheyoungmenweresofondof.
　　Thedriverwasoneofthoserandom，ignorantfellows，whodon’tevenknowwhichistheirownsideoftheroad，or，iftheyknow，don’tcare.
　　AndtherewaspoorRorywithhisfleshtornopenandbleeding，andthebloodstreamingdown.Theysaidifithadbeenalittlemoretoonesideitwouldhavekilledhim;andagoodthingforhim，poorfellow，ifithad.
　　Asitwas，itwasalongtimebeforethewoundhealed，andthenhewassoldforcoal—carting;andwhatthatis，upanddownthosesteephills，onlyhorsesknow.SomeofthesightsIsawthere，whereahorsehadtocomedownhillwithaheavilyloadedtwo—wheelcartbehindhim，onwhichnobrakecouldbeplaced，makemesadevennowtothinkof.
　　AfterRorywasdisabledIoftenwentinthecarriagewithamarenamedPeggy，whostoodinthenextstalltomine.Shewasastrong，well—madeanimal，ofabrightduncolor，beautifullydappled，andwithadark—brownmaneandtail.Therewasnohighbreedingabouther，butshewasveryprettyandremarkablysweet—temperedandwilling.
　　Still，therewasananxiouslookabouthereye，bywhichIknewthatshehadsometrouble.ThefirsttimewewentouttogetherIthoughtshehadaveryoddpace;sheseemedtogopartlyatrot，partlyacanter，threeorfourpaces，andthenalittlejumpforward.
　　Itwasveryunpleasantforanyhorsewhopulledwithher，andmademequitefidgety.WhenwegothomeIaskedherwhatmadehergointhatodd，awkwardway.
　　"Ah，"shesaidinatroubledmanner，"Iknowmypacesareverybad，butwhatcanIdo？Itreallyisnotmyfault;itisjustbecausemylegsaresoshort.Istandnearlyashighasyou，butyourlegsareagoodthreeincheslongeraboveyourkneethanmine，andofcourseyoucantakeamuchlongerstepandgomuchfaster.
　　YouseeIdidnotmakemyself.IwishIcouldhavedoneso;
　　Iwouldhavehadlonglegsthen.Allmytroublescomefrommyshortlegs，"
　　saidPeggy，inadespondingtone.
　　"Buthowisit，"Isaid，"whenyouaresostrongandgood—temperedandwilling？"
　　"Why，yousee，"saidshe，"menwillgosofast，andifonecan’tkeepuptootherhorsesitisnothingbutwhip，whip，whip，allthetime.
　　AndsoIhavehadtokeepupasIcould，andhavegotintothisuglyshufflingpace.Itwasnotalwaysso;whenIlivedwithmyfirstmasterIalwayswentagoodregulartrot，butthenhewasnotinsuchahurry.
　　Hewasayoungclergymaninthecountry，andagood，kindmasterhewas.
　　Hehadtwochurchesagoodwayapart，andagreatdealofwork，butheneverscoldedorwhippedmefornotgoingfaster.
　　Hewasveryfondofme.IonlywishIwaswithhimnow;
　　buthehadtoleaveandgotoalargetown，andthenIwassoldtoafarmer.
　　"Somefarmers，youknow，arecapitalmasters;butIthinkthisonewasalowsortofman.Hecarednothingaboutgoodhorsesorgooddriving;
　　heonlycaredforgoingfast.IwentasfastasIcould，butthatwouldnotdo，andhewasalwayswhipping;soIgotintothiswayofmakingaspringforwardtokeepup.Onmarketnightsheusedtostayverylateattheinn，andthendrivehomeatagallop.
　　"Onedarknighthewasgallopinghomeasusual，whenallofasuddenthewheelcameagainstsomegreatheavythingintheroad，andturnedthegigoverinaminute.Hewasthrownoutandhisarmbroken，andsomeofhisribs，Ithink.Atanyrate，itwastheendofmylivingwithhim，andIwasnotsorry.Butyouseeitwillbethesameeverywhereforme，ifmenmustgosofast.Iwishmylegswerelonger！"
　　PoorPeggy！Iwasverysorryforher，andIcouldnotcomforther，forIknewhowharditwasuponslow—pacedhorsestobeputwithfastones;
　　allthewhippingcomestotheirshare，andtheycan’thelpit.
　　Shewasoftenusedinthephaeton，andwasverymuchlikedbysomeoftheladies，becauseshewassogentle;andsometimeafterthisshewassoldtotwoladieswhodrovethemselves，andwantedasafe，goodhorse.
　　Imetherseveraltimesoutinthecountry，goingagoodsteadypace，andlookingasgayandcontentedasahorsecouldbe.Iwasverygladtoseeher，forshedeservedagoodplace.
　　Aftersheleftusanotherhorsecameinherstead.Hewasyoung，andhadabadnameforshyingandstarting，bywhichhehadlostagoodplace.Iaskedhimwhatmadehimshy.
　　"Well，Ihardlyknow，"hesaid."IwastimidwhenIwasyoung，andwasagooddealfrightenedseveraltimes，andifIsawanythingstrangeIusedtoturnandlookatit——yousee，withourblinkersonecan’tseeorunderstandwhatathingisunlessonelooksround——
　　andthenmymasteralwaysgavemeawhipping，whichofcoursemademestarton，anddidnotmakemelessafraid.Ithinkifhewouldhaveletmejustlookatthingsquietly，andseethattherewasnothingtohurtme，itwouldhavebeenallright，andIshouldhavegotusedtothem.
　　Onedayanoldgentlemanwasridingwithhim，andalargepieceofwhitepaperorragblewacrossjustononesideofme.
　　Ishiedandstartedforward.Mymasterasusualwhippedmesmartly，buttheoldmancriedout，`You’rewrong！you’rewrong！
　　Youshouldneverwhipahorseforshying;heshiesbecauseheisfrightened，andyouonlyfrightenhimmoreandmakethehabitworse.’
　　SoIsupposeallmendon’tdoso.IamsureIdon’twanttoshyforthesakeofit;buthowshouldoneknowwhatisdangerousandwhatisnot，ifoneisneverallowedtogetusedtoanything？
　　IamneverafraidofwhatIknow.NowIwasbroughtupinaparkwherethereweredeer;ofcourseIknewthemaswellasIdidasheeporacow，buttheyarenotcommon，andIknowmanysensiblehorseswhoarefrightenedatthem，andwhokickupquiteashindybeforetheywillpassapaddockwheretherearedeer."
　　Iknewwhatmycompanionsaidwastrue，andIwishedthateveryyounghorsehadasgoodmastersasFarmerGreyandSquireGordon.
　　Ofcoursewesometimescameinforgooddrivinghere.IrememberonemorningIwasputintothelightgig，andtakentoahouseinPulteneyStreet.
　　Twogentlemencameout;thetallerofthemcameroundtomyhead;
　　helookedatthebitandbridle，andjustshiftedthecollarwithhishand，toseeifitfittedcomfortably.
　　"Doyouconsiderthishorsewantsacurb？"hesaidtothehostler.
　　"Well，"saidtheman，"Ishouldsayhewouldgojustaswellwithout;
　　hehasanuncommongoodmouth，andthoughhehasafinespirithehasnovice;butwegenerallyfindpeoplelikethecurb."
　　"Idon’tlikeit，"saidthegentleman;"besogoodastotakeitoff，andputthereininatthecheek.Aneasymouthisagreatthingonalongjourney，isitnot，oldfellow？"hesaid，pattingmyneck.
　　Thenhetookthereins，andtheybothgotup.Icanremembernowhowquietlyheturnedmeround，andthenwithalightfeeloftherein，anddrawingthewhipgentlyacrossmyback，wewereoff.
　　Iarchedmyneckandsetoffatmybestpace.IfoundIhadsomeonebehindmewhoknewhowagoodhorseoughttobedriven.
　　Itseemedlikeoldtimesagain，andmademefeelquitegay.
　　Thisgentlemantookagreatlikingtome，andaftertryingmeseveraltimeswiththesaddleheprevaileduponmymastertosellmetoafriendofhis，whowantedasafe，pleasanthorseforriding.
　　AndsoitcametopassthatinthesummerIwassoldtoMr.Barry.
　　30AThiefMynewmasterwasanunmarriedman.HelivedatBath，andwasmuchengagedinbusiness.Hisdoctoradvisedhimtotakehorseexercise，andforthispurposeheboughtme.Hehiredastableashortdistancefromhislodgings，andengagedamannamedFilcherasgroom.
　　Mymasterknewverylittleabouthorses，buthetreatedmewell，andIshouldhavehadagoodandeasyplacebutforcircumstancesofwhichhewasignorant.Heorderedthebesthaywithplentyofoats，crushedbeans，andbran，withvetches，orryegrass，asthemanmightthinkneedful.Iheardthemastergivetheorder，soIknewtherewasplentyofgoodfood，andIthoughtIwaswelloff.
　　Forafewdaysallwentonwell.Ifoundthatmygroomunderstoodhisbusiness.Hekeptthestablecleanandairy，andhegroomedmethoroughly;andwasneverotherwisethangentle.
　　HehadbeenanhostlerinoneofthegreathotelsinBath.
　　Hehadgiventhatup，andnowcultivatedfruitandvegetablesforthemarket，andhiswifebredandfattenedpoultryandrabbitsforsale.
　　Afterawhileitseemedtomethatmyoatscameveryshort;Ihadthebeans，butbranwasmixedwiththeminsteadofoats，ofwhichtherewereveryfew;
　　certainlynotmorethanaquarterofwhatthereshouldhavebeen.
　　Intwoorthreeweeksthisbegantotelluponmystrengthandspirits.
　　Thegrassfood，thoughverygood，wasnotthethingtokeepupmyconditionwithoutcorn.However，Icouldnotcomplain，normakeknownmywants.
　　Soitwentonforabouttwomonths;andIwonderedthatmymasterdidnotseethatsomethingwasthematter.However，oneafternoonherodeoutintothecountrytoseeafriendofhis，agentlemanfarmer，wholivedontheroadtoWells.
　　Thisgentlemanhadaveryquickeyeforhorses;andafterhehadwelcomedhisfriendhesaid，castinghiseyeoverme：
　　"Itseemstome，Barry，thatyourhorsedoesnotlooksowellashedidwhenyoufirsthadhim;hashebeenwell？"
　　"Yes，Ibelieveso，"saidmymaster;"butheisnotnearlysolivelyashewas;mygroomtellsmethathorsesarealwaysdullandweakintheautumn，andthatImustexpectit."
　　"Autumn，fiddlesticks！"saidthefarmer."Why，thisisonlyAugust;
　　andwithyourlightworkandgoodfoodheoughtnottogodownlikethis，evenifitwasautumn.Howdoyoufeedhim？"
　　Mymastertoldhim.Theothershookhisheadslowly，andbegantofeelmeover.
　　"Ican’tsaywhoeatsyourcorn，mydearfellow，butIammuchmistakenifyourhorsegetsit.Haveyouriddenveryfast？"
　　"No，verygently."
　　"Thenjustputyourhandhere，"saidhe，passinghishandovermyneckandshoulder;"heisaswarmanddampasahorsejustcomeupfromgrass.
　　Iadviseyoutolookintoyourstablealittlemore.
　　Ihatetobesuspicious，and，thankheaven，Ihavenocausetobe，forIcantrustmymen，presentorabsent;buttherearemeanscoundrels，wickedenoughtorobadumbbeastofhisfood.Youmustlookintoit."
　　Andturningtohisman，whohadcometotakeme，"Givethishorsearightgoodfeedofbruisedoats，anddon’tstinthim."
　　"Dumbbeasts！"Yes，weare;butifIcouldhavespokenIcouldhavetoldmymasterwherehisoatswentto.Mygroomusedtocomeeverymorningaboutsixo’clock，andwithhimalittleboy，whoalwayshadacoveredbasketwithhim.Heusedtogowithhisfatherintotheharness—room，wherethecornwaskept，andIcouldseethem，whenthedoorstoodajar，fillalittlebagwithoatsoutofthebin，andthenheusedtobeoff.
　　Fiveorsixmorningsafterthis，justastheboyhadleftthestable，thedoorwaspushedopen，andapolicemanwalkedin，holdingthechildtightbythearm;anotherpolicemanfollowed，andlockedthedoorontheinside，saying，"Showmetheplacewhereyourfatherkeepshisrabbits’food."
　　Theboylookedveryfrightenedandbegantocry;buttherewasnoescape，andheledthewaytothecorn—bin.Herethepolicemanfoundanotheremptybaglikethatwhichwasfoundfullofoatsintheboy’sbasket.
　　Filcherwascleaningmyfeetatthetime，buttheysoonsawhim，andthoughheblusteredagooddealtheywalkedhimofftothe"lock—up"，andhisboywithhim.Iheardafterwardthattheboywasnotheldtobeguilty，butthemanwassentencedtoprisonfortwomonths.
　　31AHumbugMymasterwasnotimmediatelysuited，butinafewdaysmynewgroomcame.
　　Hewasatall，good—lookingfellowenough;butifevertherewasahumbugintheshapeofagroomAlfredSmirkwastheman.Hewasveryciviltome，andneverusedmeill;infact，hedidagreatdealofstrokingandpattingwhenhismasterwastheretoseeit.Healwaysbrushedmymaneandtailwithwaterandmyhoofswithoilbeforehebroughtmetothedoor，tomakemelooksmart;butastocleaningmyfeetorlookingtomyshoes，orgroomingmethoroughly，hethoughtnomoreofthatthanifIhadbeenacow.Heleftmybitrusty，mysaddledamp，andmycrupperstiff.
　　AlfredSmirkconsideredhimselfveryhandsome;hespentagreatdealoftimeabouthishair，whiskersandnecktie，beforealittlelooking—glassintheharness—room.Whenhismasterwasspeakingtohimitwasalways，"Yes，sir;yes，sir"——touchinghishatateveryword;
　　andeveryonethoughthewasaveryniceyoungmanandthatMr.Barrywasveryfortunatetomeetwithhim.Ishouldsayhewasthelaziest，mostconceitedfellowIevercamenear.Ofcourse，itwasagreatthingnottobeill—used，butthenahorsewantsmorethanthat.
　　Ihadaloosebox，andmighthavebeenverycomfortableifhehadnotbeentooindolenttocleanitout.Henevertookallthestrawaway，andthesmellfromwhatlayunderneathwasverybad;
　　whilethestrongvaporsthatrosemademyeyessmartandinflame，andIdidnotfeelthesameappetiteformyfood.
　　Onedayhismastercameinandsaid，"Alfred，thestablesmellsratherstrong;shouldnotyougivethatstallagoodscrubandthrowdownplentyofwater？"
　　"Well，sir，"hesaid，touchinghiscap，"I’lldosoifyouplease，sir;
　　butitisratherdangerous，sir，throwingdownwaterinahorse’sbox;
　　theyareveryapttotakecold，sir.Ishouldnotliketodohimaninjury，butI’lldoitifyouplease，sir."
　　"Well，"saidhismaster，"Ishouldnotlikehimtotakecold;
　　butIdon’tlikethesmellofthisstable.Doyouthinkthedrainsareallright？"
　　"Well，sir，nowyoumentionit，Ithinkthedraindoessometimessendbackasmell;theremaybesomethingwrong，sir."
　　"Thensendforthebricklayerandhaveitseento，"saidhismaster.
　　"Yes，sir，Iwill."
　　Thebricklayercameandpulledupagreatmanybricks，butfoundnothingamiss;soheputdownsomelimeandchargedthemasterfiveshillings，andthesmellinmyboxwasasbadasever.
　　Butthatwasnotall：standingasIdidonaquantityofmoiststrawmyfeetgrewunhealthyandtender，andthemasterusedtosay：
　　"Idon’tknowwhatisthematterwiththishorse;hegoesveryfumble—footed.
　　Iamsometimesafraidhewillstumble."
　　"Yes，sir，"saidAlfred，"Ihavenoticedthesamemyself，whenIhaveexercisedhim."
　　Nowthefactwasthathehardlyeverdidexerciseme，andwhenthemasterwasbusyIoftenstoodfordaystogetherwithoutstretchingmylegsatall，andyetbeingfedjustashighasifIwereathardwork.Thisoftendisorderedmyhealth，andmademesometimesheavyanddull，butmoreoftenrestlessandfeverish.
　　Heneverevengavemeamealofgreenfoodorabranmash，whichwouldhavecooledme，forhewasaltogetherasignorantashewasconceited;andthen，insteadofexerciseorchangeoffood，Ihadtotakehorseballsanddraughts;which，besidethenuisanceofhavingthempoureddownmythroat，usedtomakemefeelillanduncomfortable.
　　Onedaymyfeetweresotenderthat，trottingoversomefreshstoneswithmymasteronmyback，Imadetwosuchseriousstumblesthat，ashecamedownLansdownintothecity，hestoppedatthefarrier’s，andaskedhimtoseewhatwasthematterwithme.Themantookupmyfeetonebyoneandexaminedthem;thenstandingupanddustinghishandsoneagainsttheother，hesaid：
　　"Yourhorsehasgotthe`thrush’，andbadly，too;hisfeetareverytender;
　　itisfortunatethathehasnotbeendown.Iwonderyourgroomhasnotseentoitbefore.Thisisthesortofthingwefindinfoulstables，wherethelitterisneverproperlycleanedout.Ifyouwillsendhimhereto—morrowIwillattendtothehoof，andIwilldirectyourmanhowtoapplythelinimentwhichIwillgivehim."
　　ThenextdayIhadmyfeetthoroughlycleansedandstuffedwithtowsoakedinsomestronglotion;andanunpleasantbusinessitwas.
　　Thefarrierorderedallthelittertobetakenoutofmyboxdaybyday，andthefloorkeptveryclean.ThenIwastohavebranmashes，alittlegreenfood，andnotsomuchcorn，tillmyfeetwerewellagain.
　　WiththistreatmentIsoonregainedmyspirits;butMr.Barrywassomuchdisgustedatbeingtwicedeceivedbyhisgroomsthathedeterminedtogiveupkeepingahorse，andtohirewhenhewantedone.
　　Iwasthereforekepttillmyfeetwerequitesound，andwasthensoldagain.
　　PartIII
　　32AHorseFairNodoubtahorsefairisaveryamusingplacetothosewhohavenothingtolose;atanyrate，thereisplentytosee.
　　Longstringsofyounghorsesoutofthecountry，freshfromthemarshes;
　　anddrovesofshaggylittleWelshponies，nohigherthanMerrylegs;
　　andhundredsofcarthorsesofallsorts，someofthemwiththeirlongtailsbraidedupandtiedwithscarletcord;andagoodmanylikemyself，handsomeandhigh—bred，butfallenintothemiddleclass，throughsomeaccidentorblemish，unsoundnessofwind，orsomeothercomplaint.
　　Thereweresomesplendidanimalsquiteintheirprime，andfitforanything;
　　theywerethrowingouttheirlegsandshowingofftheirpacesinhighstyle，astheyweretrottedoutwithaleadingrein，thegroomrunningbytheside.
　　Butroundinthebackgroundtherewereanumberofpoorthings，sadlybrokendownwithhardwork，withtheirkneesknucklingoverandtheirhindlegsswingingoutateverystep，andthereweresomeverydejected—lookingoldhorses，withtheunderliphangingdownandtheearslyingbackheavily，asiftherewerenomorepleasureinlife，andnomorehope;thereweresomesothinyoumightseealltheirribs，andsomewitholdsoresontheirbacksandhips.Theseweresadsightsforahorsetolookupon，whoknowsnotbuthemaycometothesamestate.
　　Therewasagreatdealofbargaining，ofrunningupandbeatingdown;
　　andifahorsemayspeakhismindsofarasheunderstands，Ishouldsaythereweremoreliestoldandmoretrickeryatthathorsefairthanaclevermancouldgiveanaccountof.Iwasputwithtwoorthreeotherstrong，useful—lookinghorses，andagoodmanypeoplecametolookatus.Thegentlemenalwaysturnedfrommewhentheysawmybrokenknees;thoughthemanwhohadmesworeitwasonlyaslipinthestall.
　　Thefirstthingwastopullmymouthopen，thentolookatmyeyes，thenfeelallthewaydownmylegs，andgivemeahardfeeloftheskinandflesh，andthentrymypaces.Itwaswonderfulwhatadifferencetherewasinthewaythesethingsweredone.
　　Somediditinarough，offhandway，asifonewasonlyapieceofwood;
　　whileotherswouldtaketheirhandsgentlyoverone’sbody，withapatnowandthen，asmuchastosay，"Byyourleave."
　　OfcourseIjudgedagooddealofthebuyersbytheirmannerstomyself.
　　Therewasoneman，Ithought，ifhewouldbuyme，Ishouldbehappy.
　　Hewasnotagentleman，noryetoneoftheloud，flashysortthatcallthemselvesso.Hewasratherasmallman，butwellmade，andquickinallhismotions.Iknewinamomentbythewayhehandledme，thathewasusedtohorses;hespokegently，andhisgrayeyehadakindly，cheerylookinit.Itmayseemstrangetosay——butitistrueallthesame——thattheclean，freshsmelltherewasabouthimmademetaketohim;nosmellofoldbeerandtobacco，whichIhated，butafreshsmellasifhehadcomeoutofahayloft.
　　Heofferedtwenty—threepoundsforme，butthatwasrefused，andhewalkedaway.Ilookedafterhim，buthewasgone，andaveryhard—looking，loud—voicedmancame.Iwasdreadfullyafraidhewouldhaveme;buthewalkedoff.Oneortwomorecamewhodidnotmeanbusiness.Thenthehard—facedmancamebackagainandofferedtwenty—threepounds.Averyclosebargainwasbeingdriven，formysalesmanbegantothinkheshouldnotgetallheasked，andmustcomedown;butjustthenthegray—eyedmancamebackagain.
　　Icouldnothelpreachingoutmyheadtowardhim.Hestrokedmyfacekindly.
　　"Well，oldchap，"hesaid，"Ithinkweshouldsuiteachother.
　　I’llgivetwenty—fourforhim."
　　"Saytwenty—fiveandyoushallhavehim."
　　"Twenty—fourten，"saidmyfriend，inaverydecidedtone，"andnotanothersixpence——yesorno？"
　　"Done，"saidthesalesman;"andyoumaydependuponitthere’samonstrousdealofqualityinthathorse，andifyouwanthimforcabworkhe’sabargain."
　　Themoneywaspaidonthespot，andmynewmastertookmyhalter，andledmeoutofthefairtoaninn，wherehehadasaddleandbridleready.
　　HegavemeagoodfeedofoatsandstoodbywhileIateit，talkingtohimselfandtalkingtome.HalfanhourafterwewereonourwaytoLondon，throughpleasantlanesandcountryroads，untilwecameintothegreatLondonthoroughfare，onwhichwetraveledsteadily，tillinthetwilightwereachedthegreatcity.
　　Thegaslampswerealreadylighted;therewerestreetstotheright，andstreetstotheleft，andstreetscrossingeachother，formileuponmile.
　　Ithoughtweshouldnevercometotheendofthem.Atlast，inpassingthroughone，wecametoalongcabstand，whenmyridercalledoutinacheeryvoice，"Good—night，governor！"
　　"Halloo！"criedavoice."Haveyougotagoodone？"
　　"Ithinkso，"repliedmyowner.
　　"Iwishyouluckwithhim."
　　"Thankyou，governor，"andherodeon.Wesoonturneduponeofthesidestreets，andabouthalfwayupthatweturnedintoaverynarrowstreet，withratherpoor—lookinghousesononeside，andwhatseemedtobecoach—housesandstablesontheother.
　　Myownerpulledupatoneofthehousesandwhistled.Thedoorflewopen，andayoungwoman，followedbyalittlegirlandboy，ranout.
　　Therewasaverylivelygreetingasmyriderdismounted.
　　"Now，then，Harry，myboy，openthegates，andmotherwillbringusthelantern."
　　Thenextminutetheywereallstandingroundmeinasmallstable—yard.
　　"Ishegentle，father？"
　　"Yes，Dolly，asgentleasyourownkitten;comeandpathim."
　　Atoncethelittlehandwaspattingaboutallovermyshoulderwithoutfear.
　　Howgooditfelt！
　　"Letmegethimabranmashwhileyourubhimdown，"saidthemother.
　　"Do，Polly，it’sjustwhathewants;andIknowyou’vegotabeautifulmashreadyforme."
　　"Sausagedumplingandappleturnover！"shoutedtheboy，whichsetthemalllaughing.Iwasledintoacomfortable，clean—smellingstall，withplentyofdrystraw，andafteracapitalsupperIlaydown，thinkingIwasgoingtobehappy.
　　33ALondonCabHorseJeremiahBarkerwasmynewmaster’sname，butaseveryonecalledhimJerry，Ishalldothesame.Polly，hiswife，wasjustasgoodamatchasamancouldhave.Shewasaplump，trim，tidylittlewoman，withsmooth，darkhair，darkeyes，andamerrylittlemouth.
　　Theboywastwelveyearsold，atall，frank，good—temperedlad;
　　andlittleDorothy（Dollytheycalledher）washermotheroveragain，ateightyearsold.Theywereallwonderfullyfondofeachother;
　　Ineverknewsuchahappy，merryfamilybeforeorsince.Jerryhadacabofhisown，andtwohorses，whichhedroveandattendedtohimself.
　　Hisotherhorsewasatall，white，ratherlarge—bonedanimalcalled"Captain".Hewasoldnow，butwhenhewasyounghemusthavebeensplendid;hehadstillaproudwayofholdinghisheadandarchinghisneck;infact，hewasahigh—bred，fine—mannered，nobleoldhorse，everyinchofhim.HetoldmethatinhisearlyyouthhewenttotheCrimeanWar;hebelongedtoanofficerinthecavalry，andusedtoleadtheregiment.Iwilltellmoreofthathereafter.
　　Thenextmorning，whenIwaswell—groomed，PollyandDollycameintotheyardtoseemeandmakefriends.Harryhadbeenhelpinghisfathersincetheearlymorning，andhadstatedhisopinionthatIshouldturnouta"regularbrick".Pollybroughtmeasliceofapple，andDollyapieceofbread，andmadeasmuchofmeasifIhadbeenthe"BlackBeauty"ofoldentime.Itwasagreattreattobepettedagainandtalkedtoinagentlevoice，andIletthemseeaswellasIcouldthatIwishedtobefriendly.PollythoughtIwasveryhandsome，andagreatdealtoogoodforacab，ifitwasnotforthebrokenknees.
　　"Ofcoursethere’snoonetotelluswhosefaultthatwas，"saidJerry，"andaslongasIdon’tknowIshallgivehimthebenefitofthedoubt;
　　forafirmer，neaterstepperIneverrode.We’llcallhim`Jack’，aftertheoldone——shallwe，Polly？"
　　"Do，"shesaid，"forIliketokeepagoodnamegoing."
　　Captainwentoutinthecaballthemorning.Harrycameinafterschooltofeedmeandgivemewater.IntheafternoonIwasputintothecab.
　　JerrytookasmuchpainstoseeifthecollarandbridlefittedcomfortablyasifhehadbeenJohnManlyoveragain.Whenthecrupperwasletoutaholeortwoitallfittedwell.Therewasnocheck—rein，nocurb，nothingbutaplainringsnaffle.Whatablessingthatwas！
　　AfterdrivingthroughthesidestreetwecametothelargecabstandwhereJerryhadsaid"Good—night".Ononesideofthiswidestreetwerehighhouseswithwonderfulshopfronts，andontheotherwasanoldchurchandchurchyard，surroundedbyironpalisades.
　　Alongsidetheseironrailsanumberofcabsweredrawnup，waitingforpassengers;bitsofhaywerelyingaboutontheground;
　　someofthemenwerestandingtogethertalking;someweresittingontheirboxesreadingthenewspaper;andoneortwowerefeedingtheirhorseswithbitsofhay，andgivingthemadrinkofwater.
　　Wepulledupintherankatthebackofthelastcab.Twoorthreemencameroundandbegantolookatmeandpasstheirremarks.
　　"Verygoodforafuneral，"saidone.
　　"Toosmart—looking，"saidanother，shakinghisheadinaverywiseway;
　　"you’llfindoutsomethingwrongoneofthesefinemornings，ormynameisn’tJones."
　　"Well，"saidJerrypleasantly，"IsupposeIneednotfinditouttillitfindsmeout，eh？Andifso，I’llkeepupmyspiritsalittlelonger."
　　Thentherecameupabroad—facedman，dressedinagreatgraycoatwithgreatgraycapeandgreatwhitebuttons，agrayhat，andabluecomforterlooselytiedroundhisneck;hishairwasgray，too;
　　buthewasajolly—lookingfellow，andtheothermenmadewayforhim.
　　Helookedmeallover，asifhehadbeengoingtobuyme;
　　andthenstraighteninghimselfupwithagrunt，hesaid，"He’stherightsortforyou，Jerry;Idon’tcarewhatyougaveforhim，he’llbeworthit."Thusmycharacterwasestablishedonthestand.
　　Thisman’snamewasGrant，buthewascalled"GrayGrant"，or"GovernorGrant".Hehadbeenthelongestonthatstandofanyofthemen，andhetookituponhimselftosettlemattersandstopdisputes.Hewasgenerallyagood—humored，sensibleman;
　　butifhistemperwasalittleout，asitwassometimeswhenhehaddrunktoomuch，nobodylikedtocometoonearhisfist，forhecoulddealaveryheavyblow.
　　Thefirstweekofmylifeasacabhorsewasverytrying.
　　IhadneverbeenusedtoLondon，andthenoise，thehurry，thecrowdsofhorses，carts，andcarriagesthatIhadtomakemywaythroughmademefeelanxiousandharassed;butIsoonfoundthatIcouldperfectlytrustmydriver，andthenImademyselfeasyandgotusedtoit.