\"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.