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