"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.