1 files changed, 1610 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/11860-0.txt b/11860-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..93477bc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/11860-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,1610 @@
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11860 ***
+
+Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+      file which includes the original illustrations.
+      See 11860-h.htm or 11860-h.zip:
+      (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/8/6/11860/11860-h/11860-h.htm)
+      or
+      (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/8/6/11860/11860-h.zip)
+
+
+
+
+
+BLACK BEAUTY
+
+YOUNG FOLKS' EDITION
+
+1902
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+BLACK BEAUTY
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+MY EARLY HOME
+
+The first place that I can well remember was a pleasant meadow with a
+pond of clear water in it. Over the hedge on one side we looked into a
+plowed field, and on the other we looked over a gate at our master's
+house, which stood by the roadside. While I was young I lived upon my
+mother's milk, as I could not eat grass. In the daytime I ran by her
+side, and at night I lay down close by her. When it was hot we used to
+stand by the pond in the shade of the trees, and when it was cold we had
+a warm shed near the grove.
+
+There were six young colts in the meadow beside me; they were older than
+I was. I used to run with them, and had great fun; we used to gallop all
+together round the field, as hard as we could go. Sometimes we had
+rather rough play, for they would bite and kick, as well as gallop.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+One day, when there was a good deal of kicking, my mother whinnied to me
+to come to her, and then she said: "I wish you to pay attention to what
+I am going to say. The colts who live here are very good colts, but they
+are cart-horse colts, and they have not learned manners. You have been
+well-bred and well-born; your father has a great name in these parts,
+and your grandfather won the cup at the races; your grandmother had the
+sweetest temper of any horse I ever knew, and I think you have never
+seen me kick or bite. I hope you will grow up gentle and good, and never
+learn bad ways; do your work with a good will, lift your feet up well
+when you trot, and never bite or kick even in play."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+I have never forgotten my mother's advice. I knew she was a wise old
+horse, and our master thought a great deal of her. Her name was Duchess,
+but he called her Pet.
+
+Our master was a good, kind man. He gave us good food, good lodging and
+kind words; he spoke as kindly to us as he did to his little children.
+We were all fond of him, and my mother loved him very much. When she saw
+him at the gate she would neigh with joy, and trot up to him. He would
+pat and stroke her and say, "Well, old Pet, and how is your little
+Darkie?" I was a dull black, so he called me Darkie; then he would give
+me a piece of bread, which was very good, and sometimes he brought a
+carrot for my mother. All the horses would come to him, but I think we
+were his favorites. My mother always took him to town on a market-day in
+a light gig.
+
+We had a ploughboy, Dick, who sometimes came into our field to pluck
+blackberries from the hedge. When he had eaten all he wanted he would
+have what he called fun with the colts, throwing stones and sticks at
+them to make them gallop. We did not much mind him, for we could gallop
+off; but sometimes a stone would hit and hurt us.
+
+One day he was at this game, and did not know that the master was in the
+next field, watching what was going on; over the hedge he jumped in a
+snap, and catching Dick by the arm, he gave him such a box on the ear as
+made him roar with the pain and surprise. As soon as we saw the master
+we trotted up nearer to see what went on.
+
+"Bad boy!" he said, "bad boy! to chase the colts. This is not the first
+time, but it shall be the last. There--take your money and go home; I
+shall not want you on my farm again." So we never saw Dick any more. Old
+Daniel, the man who looked after the horses, was just as gentle as our
+master; so we were well off.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+
+THE HUNT
+
+Before I was two years old a circumstance happened which I have never
+forgotten. It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in
+the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows. I and
+the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we
+heard what sounded like the cry of dogs. The oldest of the colts raised
+his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and
+cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the
+field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
+My mother and an old riding horse of our master's were also standing
+near, and seemed to know all about it. "They have found a hare," said my
+mother, "and if they come this way we shall see the hunt."
+
+And soon the dogs were all tearing down the field of young wheat next to
+ours. I never heard such a noise as they made. They did not bark, nor
+howl, nor whine, but kept on a "yo! yo, o, o! yo, o, o!" at the top of
+their voices. After them came a number of men on horseback, all
+galloping as fast as they could. The old horses snorted and looked
+eagerly after them, and we young colts wanted to be galloping with them,
+but they were soon away into the fields lower down; here it seemed as if
+they had come to a stand; the dogs left off barking and ran about every
+way with their noses to the ground.
+
+"They have lost the scent," said the old horse; "perhaps the hare will
+get off."
+
+"What hare?" I said.
+
+"Oh, I don't know what hare; likely enough it may be one of our own
+hares out of the woods; any hare they can find will do for the dogs and
+men to run after"; and before long the dogs began their "yo; yo, o, o!"
+again, and back they came all together at full speed, making straight
+for our meadow at the part where the high bank and hedge overhang the
+brook.
+
+"Now we shall see the hare," said my mother; and just then a hare, wild
+with fright, rushed by and made for the woods. On came the dogs; they
+burst over the bank, leaped the stream and came dashing across the
+field, followed by the huntsmen. Several men leaped their horses clean
+over, close upon the dogs. The hare tried to get through the fence; it
+was too thick, and she turned sharp around to make for the road, but it
+was too late; the dogs were upon her with their wild cries; we heard
+one shriek, and that was the end of her. One of the huntsmen rode up and
+whipped off the dogs, who would soon have torn her to pieces. He held
+her up by the leg, torn and bleeding, and all the gentlemen seemed well
+pleased.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+As for me, I was so astonished that I did not at first see what was
+going on by the brook; but when I did look, there was a sad sight; two
+fine horses were down; one was struggling in the stream, and the other
+was groaning on the grass. One of the riders was getting out of the
+water covered with mud, the other lay quite still.
+
+"His neck is broken," said my mother.
+
+"And serves him right, too," said one of the colts.
+
+I thought the same, but my mother did not join with us.
+
+"Well, no," she said, "you must not say that; but though I am an old
+horse, and have seen and heard a great deal, I never yet could make out
+why men are so fond of this sport; they often hurt themselves, often
+spoil good horses, and tear up the fields, and all for a hare, or a fox,
+or a stag, that they could get more easily some other way; but we are
+only horses, and don't know."
+
+While my mother was saying this, we stood and looked on. Many of the
+riders had gone to the young man; but my master was the first to raise
+him. His head fell back and his arms hung down, and every one looked
+very serious. There was no noise now; even the dogs were quiet, and
+seemed to know that something was wrong. They carried him to our
+master's house. I heard afterwards that it was the squire's only son, a
+fine, tall young man, and the pride of his family.
+
+They were now riding in all directions--to the doctor's, and to Squire
+Gordon's, to let him know about his son. When Bond, the farrier, came to
+look at the black horse that lay groaning on the grass, he felt him all
+over, and shook his head; one of his legs was broken. Then some one ran
+to our master's house and came back with a gun; presently there was a
+loud bang and a dreadful shriek, and then all was still; the black horse
+moved no more.
+
+My mother seemed much troubled; she said she had known that horse for
+years, and that his name was Rob Roy; he was a good horse, and there was
+no vice in him. She never would go to that part of the field afterwards.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Not many days after, we heard the church-bell tolling for a long time,
+and looking over the gate, we saw a long strange black coach that was
+covered with black cloth and was drawn by black horses; after that came
+another and another and another, and all were black, while the bell kept
+tolling, tolling. They were carrying young Gordon to the church-yard to
+bury him. He would never ride again. What they did with Rob Roy I never
+knew; but 'twas all for one little hare.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+
+MY BREAKING IN
+
+I was now beginning to grow handsome, my coat had grown fine and soft,
+and was bright black. I had one white foot and a pretty white star on my
+forehead. I was thought very handsome; my master would not sell me till
+I was four years old; he said lads ought not to work like men, and colts
+ought not to work like horses till they were quite grown up.
+
+When I was four years old, Squire Gordon came to look at me. He examined
+my eyes, my mouth, and my legs; he felt them all down, and then I had to
+walk and trot and gallop before him; he seemed to like me, and said,
+"When he has been well broken in he will do very well." My master said
+he would break me in himself, and he lost no time about it, for the next
+day he began.
+
+Every one may not know what breaking in is, therefore I will describe
+it. It means to teach a horse to wear a saddle and bridle, and to carry
+on his back a man, woman, or child; to go just the way they wish, and to
+go quietly. Besides this, he has to learn to wear a collar, and a
+breeching, and to stand still while they are put on; then to have a cart
+or a buggy fixed behind, so that he cannot walk or trot without dragging
+it after him; and he must go fast or slow, just as his driver wishes. He
+must never start at what he sees, nor speak to other horses, nor bite,
+nor kick, nor have any will of his own, but always do his master's will,
+even though he may be very tired or hungry; but the worst of all is,
+when his harness is once on, he may neither jump for joy nor lie down
+for weariness. So you see this breaking in is a great thing.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+I had, of course, long been used to a halter and a head-stall, and to be
+led about in the fields and lanes quietly, but now I was to have a bit
+and bridle; my master gave me some oats as usual, and after a good deal
+of coaxing he got the bit into my mouth and the bridle fixed, but it was
+a nasty thing! Those who have never had a bit in their mouths cannot
+think how bad it feels; a great piece of cold hard steel as thick as a
+man's finger to be pushed into one's mouth, between one's teeth, and
+over one's tongue, with the ends coming out at the corner of your
+mouth, and held fast there by straps over your head, under your throat,
+round your nose, and under your chin; so that no way in the world can
+you get rid of the nasty hard thing; it is very bad! at least I thought
+so; but I knew my mother always wore one when she went out, and all
+horses did when they were grown up; and so, what with the nice oats, and
+what with my master's pats, kind words, and gentle ways, I got to wear
+my bit and bridle.
+
+Next came the saddle, but that was not half so bad; my master put it on
+my back very gently, while Old Daniel held my head; he then made the
+girths fast under my body, patting and talking to me all the time; then
+I had a few oats, then a little leading about; and this he did every day
+till I began to look for the oats and the saddle. At length, one
+morning, my master got on my back and rode me around the meadow on the
+soft grass. It certainly did feel queer; but I must say I felt rather
+proud to carry my master, and as he continued to ride me a little every
+day, I soon became accustomed to it.
+
+The next unpleasant business was putting on the iron shoes; that too was
+very hard at first. My master went with me to the smith's forge, to see
+that I was not hurt or got any fright. The blacksmith took my feet in
+his hand, one after the other, and cut away some of the hoof. It did not
+pain me, so I stood still on three legs till he had done them all. Then
+he took a piece of iron the shape of my foot, and clapped it on, and
+drove some nails through the shoe quite into my hoof, so that the shoe
+was firmly on. My feet felt very stiff and heavy, but in time I got used
+to it.
+
+And now having got so far, my master went on to break me to harness;
+there were more new things to wear. First, a stiff heavy collar just on
+my neck, and a bridle with great side-pieces against my eyes, called
+blinkers, and blinkers indeed they were, for I could not see on either
+side, but only straight in front of me; next there was a small saddle
+with a nasty stiff strap that went right under my tail; that was the
+crupper. I hated the crupper--to have my long tail doubled up and poked
+through that strap was almost as bad as the bit. I never felt more like
+kicking, but of course I could not kick such a good master, and so in
+time I got used to everything, and could do my work as well as my
+mother.
+
+I must not forget to mention one part of my training, which I have
+always considered a very great advantage. My master sent me for a
+fortnight to a neighboring farmer's, who had a meadow which was skirted
+on one side by the railway. Here were some sheep and cows, and I was
+turned in among them.
+
+I shall never forget the first train that ran by. I was feeding quietly
+near the pales which separated the meadow from the railway, when I heard
+a strange sound at a distance, and before I knew whence it came--with a
+rush and a clatter, and a puffing out of smoke--a long black train of
+something flew by, and was gone almost before I could draw my breath. I
+galloped to the further side of the meadow, and there I stood snorting
+with astonishment and fear. In the course of the day many other trains
+went by, some more slowly; these drew up at the station close by, and
+sometimes made an awful shriek and groan before they stopped. I thought
+it very dreadful, but the cows went on eating very quietly, and hardly
+raised their heads as the black, frightful thing came puffing and
+grinding past. For the first few days I could not feed in peace; but as
+I found that this terrible creature never came into the field, or did me
+any harm, I began to disregard it, and very soon I cared as little about
+the passing of a train as the cows and sheep did.
+
+Since then I have seen many horses much alarmed and restive at the sight
+or sound of a steam engine; but, thanks to my good master's care, I am
+as fearless at railway stations as in my own stable. Now if any one
+wants to break in a young horse well, that is the way.
+
+My master often drove me in double harness, with my mother, because she
+was steady and could teach me how to go better than a strange horse. She
+told me the better I behaved the better I should be treated, and that it
+was wisest always to do my best to please my master. "I hope you will
+fall into good hands, but a horse never knows who may buy him, or who
+may drive him; it is all a chance for us; but still I say, do your best
+wherever it is, and keep up your good name."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+
+BIRTWICK PARK
+
+It was early in May, when there came a man from Gordon's, who took me
+away to the Hall. My master said, "Good-bye, Darkie; be a good horse and
+always do your best." I could not say "good-bye," so I put my nose in
+his hand; he patted me kindly, and I left my first home. I will describe
+the stable into which I was taken; this was very roomy, with four good
+stalls; a large swinging window opened into the yard, making it pleasant
+and airy.
+
+The first stall was a large square one, shut in behind with a wooden
+gate; the others were common stalls, good stalls, but not nearly so
+large. It had a low rack for hay and a low manger for corn; it was
+called a box stall, because the horse that was put into it was not tied
+up, but left loose, to do as he liked. It is a great thing to have a box
+stall.
+
+Into this fine box the groom put me; it was clean, sweet, and airy. I
+never was in a better box than that, and the sides were not so high but
+that I could see all that went on through the iron rails that were at
+the top.
+
+He gave me some very nice oats, patted me, spoke kindly, and then went
+away.
+
+When I had eaten my oats, I looked round. In the stall next to mine
+stood a little fat gray pony, with a thick mane and tail, a very pretty
+head, and a pert little nose. I put my head up to the iron rails at the
+top of my box, and said, "How do you do? What is your name?"
+
+He turned round as far as his halter would allow, held up his head, and
+said, "My name is Merrylegs. I am very handsome. I carry the young
+ladies on my back, and sometimes I take our mistress out in the low
+cart. They think a great deal of me, and so does James. Are you going to
+live next door to me in the box?"
+
+I said, "Yes."
+
+"Well, then," he said, "I hope you are good-tempered; I do not like any
+one next door who bites."  Just then a horse's head looked over from
+the stall beyond; the ears were laid back, and the eye looked rather
+ill-tempered. This was a tall chestnut mare, with a long handsome neck;
+she looked across to me and said, "So it is you have turned me out of my
+box; it is a very strange thing for a colt like you to come and turn a
+lady out of her own home."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"I beg your pardon," I said, "I have turned no one out; the man who
+brought me put me here, and I had nothing to do with it. I never had
+words yet with horse or mare, and it is my wish to live at peace."
+
+"Well," she said, "we shall see; of course, I do not want to have words
+with a young thing like you."  I said no more. In the afternoon, when
+she went out, Merrylegs told me all about it.
+
+"The thing is this," said Merrylegs, "Ginger has a habit of biting and
+snapping; that is why they call her Ginger, and when she was in the
+box-stall, she used to snap very much. One day she bit James in the arm
+and made it bleed, and so Miss Flora and Miss Jessie, who are very fond
+of me, were afraid to come into the stable. They used to bring me nice
+things to eat, an apple, or a carrot, or a piece of bread, but after
+Ginger stood in that box, they dared not come, and I missed them very
+much. I hope they will now come again, if you do not bite or snap." I
+told him I never bit anything but grass, hay, and corn, and could not
+think what pleasure Ginger found it.
+
+"Well, I don't think she does find pleasure," says Merrylegs; "it is
+just a bad habit; she says no one was ever kind to her, and why should
+she not bite? Of course, it is a very bad habit; but I am sure, if all
+she says be true, she must have been very ill-used before she came here.
+John does all he can to please her; so I think she might be
+good-tempered here. You see," he said, with a wise look, "I am twelve
+years old; I know a great deal, and I can tell you there is not a better
+place for a horse all round the country than this. John is the best
+groom that ever was; he has been here fourteen years; and you never saw
+such a kind boy as James is, so that it is all Ginger's own fault that
+she did not stay in that box."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+
+A FAIR START
+
+The name of the coachman was John Manly; he had a wife and one child,
+and lived in the coachman's cottage, near the stables.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The next morning he took me into the yard and gave me a good grooming,
+and just as I was going into my box, with my coat soft and bright, the
+squire came in to look at me, and seemed pleased. "John," he said, "I
+meant to have tried the new horse this morning, but I have other
+business. You may as well take him around after breakfast; go by the
+common and the Highwood, and back by the water-mill and the river; that
+will show his paces."
+
+"I will, sir," said John. After breakfast he came and fitted me with a
+bridle. He was very particular in letting out and taking in the straps,
+to fit my head comfortably; then he brought a saddle, but it was not
+broad enough for my back; he saw it in a minute, and went for another,
+which fitted nicely. He rode me first slowly, then a trot, then a
+canter, and when we were on the common, he gave me a light touch with
+his whip, and we had a splendid gallop.
+
+"Ho, ho! my boy," he said, as he pulled me up, "you would like to follow
+the hounds, I think."
+
+As we came back through the park we met the squire and Mrs. Gordon
+walking; they stopped, and John jumped off. "Well, John, how does he
+go?"
+
+"First rate, sir," answered John; "he is as fleet as a deer, and has a
+fine spirit, too; but the lightest touch of the rein will guide him.
+Down at the end of the common we met one of those traveling carts hung
+all over with baskets, rugs, and such like; you know, sir, many horses
+will not pass those carts quietly; he just took a good look at it, and
+then went on as quiet and pleasant as could be. They were shooting
+rabbits near the Highwood, and a gun went off close by; he pulled up a
+little and looked, but he did not stir a step to right or left. I just
+held the rein steady and did not hurry him, and it's my opinion he has
+not been frightened or ill-used while he was young."
+
+"That's well," said the squire, "I will try him myself to-morrow."
+
+The next day I was brought up for my master. I remembered my mother's
+counsel and my good old master's, and I tried to do exactly what he
+wanted me to do. I found he was a very good rider, and thoughtful for
+his horse, too. When he came home, the lady was at the hall door as he
+rode up. "Well, my dear," she said, "how do you like him?"
+
+"He is exactly what John said," he replied; "a pleasanter creature I
+never wish to mount. What shall we call him?"
+
+She said: "He is really quite a beauty, and he has such a sweet,
+good-tempered face and such a fine, intelligent eye--what do you say to
+calling him 'Black Beauty'?"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"Black Beauty--why, yes, I think that is a very good name. If you like,
+it shall be his name"; and so it was.
+
+When John went into the stable, he told James that the master and
+mistress had chosen a good sensible name for me, that meant something.
+They both laughed, and James said, "If it was not for bringing back the
+past, I should have named him Rob Roy, for I never saw two horses more
+alike."  "That's no wonder," said John; "didn't you know that Farmer
+Grey's old Duchess was the mother of them both?"
+
+I had never heard that before; and so poor Rob Roy who was killed at
+that hunt was my brother! I did not wonder that my mother was so
+troubled. It seems that horses have no relations; at least they never
+know each other after they are sold.
+
+John seemed very proud of me; he used to make my mane and tail almost as
+smooth as a lady's hair, and he would talk to me a great deal; of
+course, I did not understand all he said, but I learned more and more to
+know what he meant, and what he wanted me to do. I grew very fond of
+him, he was so gentle and kind; he seemed to know just how a horse
+feels, and when he cleaned me he knew the tender places and the ticklish
+places; when he brushed my head, he went as carefully over my eyes as if
+they were his own, and never stirred up any ill-temper.
+
+James Howard, the stable boy, was just as gentle and pleasant in his
+way, so I thought myself well off. There was another man who helped in
+the yard, but he had very little to do with Ginger and me.
+
+A few days after this I had to go out with Ginger in the carriage. I
+wondered how we should get on together; but except laying her ears back
+when I was led up to her, she behaved very well. She did her work
+honestly, and did her full share, and I never wish to have a better
+partner in double harness. When we came to a hill, instead of slackening
+her pace, she would throw her weight right into the collar, and pull
+away straight up. We had both the same sort of courage at our work, and
+John had oftener to hold us in than to urge us forward; he never had to
+use the whip with either of us; then our paces were much the same, and I
+found it very easy to keep step with her when trotting, which made it
+pleasant, and master always liked it when we kept step well, and so did
+John. After we had been out two or three times together we grew quite
+friendly and sociable, which made me feel very much at home.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+As for Merrylegs, he and I soon became great friends; he was such a
+cheerful, plucky, good-tempered little fellow, that he was a favorite
+with every one, and especially with Miss Jessie and Flora, who used to
+ride him about in the orchard, and have fine games with him and their
+little dog Frisky.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+
+MERRYLEGS
+
+Mr. Blomefield, the vicar, had a large family of boys and girls;
+sometimes they used to come and play with Miss Jessie and Flora. One of
+the girls was as old as Miss Jessie; two of the boys were older, and
+there were several little ones. When they came, there was plenty of work
+for Merrylegs, for nothing pleased them so much as getting on him by
+turns and riding him all about the orchard and the home paddock, and
+this they would do by the hour together.
+
+One afternoon he had been sent out with them a long time, and when James
+brought him in and put on his halter, he said: "There, you rogue, mind
+how you behave yourself, or we shall get into trouble."
+
+"What have you been doing, Merrylegs?" I asked.
+
+"Oh!" said he, tossing his little head, "I have only been giving those
+young people a lesson; they did not know when they had enough, so I just
+pitched them off backwards; that was the only thing they could
+understand."
+
+"What?" said I, "you threw the children off? I thought you did know
+better than that! Did you throw Miss Jessie or Miss Flora?"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+He looked very much offended, and said: "Of course not; I would not do
+such a thing for the best oats that ever came into the stable; why, I am
+as careful of our young ladies as the master could be, and as for the
+little ones, it is I who teach them to ride. When they seem frightened
+or a little unsteady on my back, I go as smooth and as quiet as old
+pussy when she is after a bird; and when they are all right I go on
+again faster, you see, just to use them to it; so don't you trouble
+yourself preaching to me; I am the best friend and the best
+riding-master those children have. It is not them, it is the boys;
+boys," said he, shaking his mane, "are quite different, they must be
+broken in, as we were broken in when we were colts, and just be taught
+what's what. The other children had ridden me about for nearly two
+hours, and then the boys thought it was their turn, and so it was, and I
+was quite agreeable. They rode me by turns, and I galloped them about,
+up and down the fields and all about the orchard, for a good hour. They
+had each cut a great hazel stick for a riding whip, and laid it on a
+little too hard; but I took it in good part, till at last I thought we
+had had enough, so I stopped two or three times by way of a hint. Boys
+think a horse or pony is like a steam engine, and can go as long and as
+fast as they please; they never think that a pony can get tired, or have
+any feelings; so as the one who was whipping me could not understand, I
+just rose up on my hind legs and let him slip off behind--that was all;
+he mounted me again, and I did the same. Then the other boy got up, and
+as soon as he began to use his stick, I laid him on the grass, and so
+on, till they were able to understand, that was all. They were not bad
+boys; they don't wish to be cruel. I like them very well; but you see I
+had to give them a lesson. When they brought me to James and told him, I
+think he was very angry to see such big sticks. He said they were not
+for young gentlemen."
+
+"If I had been you," said Ginger, "I would have given those boys a good
+kick, and that would have given them a lesson."
+
+"No doubt you would," said Merrylegs; "but then I am not quite such a
+fool as to anger our master or make James ashamed of me; besides, those
+children are under my charge when they are riding; I tell you they are
+entrusted to me. Why, only the other day I heard our master say to Mrs.
+Blomefield, 'My dear madam, you need not be anxious about the children;
+my old Merrylegs will take as much care of them as you or I could; I
+assure you I would not sell that pony for any money, he is so perfectly
+good-tempered and trustworthy'; and do you think I am such an ungrateful
+brute as to forget all the kind treatment I have had here for five
+years, and all the trust they place in me, and turn vicious, because a
+couple of ignorant boys used me badly? No, no! you never had a good
+place where they were kind to you, and so you don't know, and I am sorry
+for you; but I can tell you good places make good horses. I wouldn't
+vex our people for anything; I love them, I do," said Merrylegs, and he
+gave a low "ho, ho, ho," through his nose, as he used to do in the
+morning when he heard James' footstep at the door.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+
+GOING FOR THE DOCTOR
+
+One night I was lying down in my straw fast asleep, when I was suddenly
+roused by the stable bell ringing very loud. I heard the door of John's
+house open, and his feet running up to the Hall. He was back again in no
+time; he unlocked the stable door, and came in, calling out, "Wake up,
+Beauty! you must go well now, if ever you did"; and almost before I
+could think, he had got the saddle on my back and the bridle on my head.
+He just ran around for his coat, and then took me at a quick trot up to
+the Hall door. The Squire stood there, with a lamp in his hand. "Now,
+John," he said, "ride for your life--that is, for your mistress' life;
+there is not a moment to lose. Give this note to Dr. White; give your
+horse a rest at the inn, and be back as soon as you can."
+
+John said, "Yes, sir," and was on my back in a minute. The gardener who
+lived at the lodge had heard the bell ring, and was ready with the gate
+open, and away we went through the park, and through the village, and
+down the hill till we came to the toll-gate. John called very loud and
+thumped upon the door; the man was soon out and flung open the gate.
+
+"Now," said John, "do you keep the gate open for the doctor; here's the
+money," and off we went again.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+There was before us a long piece of level road by the river-side; John
+said to me, "Now, Beauty, do your best," and so I did; I wanted no whip
+nor spur, and for two miles I galloped as fast I could lay my feet to
+the ground; I don't believe that my old grandfather, who won the race at
+Newmarket, could have gone faster. When we came to the bridge, John
+pulled me up a little and patted my neck. "Well done, Beauty! good old
+fellow," he said. He would have let me go slower, but my spirit was up,
+and I was off again as fast as before. The air was frosty, the moon was
+bright; it was very pleasant. We came through a village, then through a
+dark wood, then uphill, then downhill, till after an eight miles' run,
+we came to the town, through the streets and into the market-place. It
+was all quite still except the clatter of my feet on the
+stones--everybody was asleep. The church clock struck three as we drew
+up at Dr. White's door. John rang the bell twice, and then knocked at
+the door like thunder. A window was thrown up, and the doctor, in his
+night-cap, put his head out and said, "What do you want?"
+
+"Mrs. Gordon is very ill, sir; master wants you to go at once; he thinks
+she will die if you cannot get there. Here is a note."
+
+"Wait," he said, "I will come."
+
+He shut the window and was soon at the door. "The worst of it is," he
+said, "that my horse has been out all day, and is quite done up; my son
+has just been sent for, and he has taken the other. What is to be done?
+Can I have your horse?"
+
+"He has come at a gallop nearly all the way, sir, and I was to give him
+a rest here; but I think my master would not be against it, if you think
+fit, sir."
+
+"All right," he said; "I will soon be ready."
+
+John stood by me and stroked my neck. I was very hot. The doctor came
+out with his riding-whip. "You need not take that, sir," said John;
+"Black Beauty will go till he drops. Take care of him, sir, if you can;
+I should not like any harm to come to him."
+
+"No, no, John," said the doctor, "I hope not," and in a minute we had
+left John far behind.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+I will not tell about our way back. The doctor was a heavier man than
+John, and not so good a rider; however, I did my very best. The man at
+the toll-gate had it open. When we came to the hill, the doctor drew me
+up. "Now, my good fellow," he said, "take some breath." I was glad he
+did, for I was nearly spent, but that breathing helped me on, and soon
+we were in the park. Joe was at the lodge gate; my master was at the
+Hall door, for he had heard us coming. He spoke not a word; the doctor
+went into the house with him, and Joe led me to the stable. I was glad
+to get home; my legs shook under me, and I could only stand and pant. I
+had not a dry hair on my body, the water ran down my legs, and I steamed
+all over--Joe used to say, like a pot on the fire. Poor Joe! he was
+young and small, and as yet he knew very little, and his father, who
+would have helped him, had been sent to the next village; but I am sure
+he did the very best he knew. He rubbed my legs and my chest, but he did
+not put my warm cloth on me; he thought I was so hot I should not like
+it. Then he gave me a pail full of water to drink; it was cold and very
+good, and I drank it all; then he gave me some hay and some corn, and,
+thinking he had done right, he went away. Soon I began to shake and
+tremble, and turned deadly cold; my legs ached, my loins ached, and my
+chest ached, and I felt sore all over. This developed into a strong
+inflammation, and I could not draw my breath without pain. John nursed
+me night and day. My master, too, often came to see me. "My poor
+Beauty," he said one day, "my good horse, you saved your mistress' life,
+Beauty; yes, you saved her life." I was very glad to hear that, for it
+seems the doctor had said if we had been a little longer it would have
+been too late. John told my master he never saw a horse go so fast in
+his life. It seems as if the horse knew what was the matter. Of course I
+did, though John thought not; at least I knew as much as this--that John
+and I must go at the top of our speed, and that it was for the sake of
+the mistress.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+
+THE PARTING
+
+I had lived in this happy place three years, but sad changes were about
+to come over us. We heard that our mistress was ill. The doctor was
+often at the house, and the master looked grave and anxious. Then we
+heard that she must go to a warm country for two or three years. The
+news fell upon the household like the tolling of a death-bell. Everybody
+was sorry. The master arranged for breaking up his establishment and
+leaving England. We used to hear it talked about in our stable; indeed,
+nothing else was talked about. John went about his work silent and sad,
+and Joe scarcely whistled. There was a great deal of coming and going;
+Ginger and I had full work.
+
+The first of the party who went were Miss Jessie and Flora with their
+governess. They came to bid us good-bye. They hugged poor Merrylegs
+like an old friend, and so indeed he was. Then we heard what had been
+arranged for us. Master had sold Ginger and me to an old friend.
+Merrylegs he had given to the vicar, who was wanting a pony for Mrs.
+Blomefield, but it was on the condition that he should never be sold,
+and that when he was past work he should be shot and buried. Joe was
+engaged to take care of him and to help in the house, so I thought that
+Merrylegs was well off.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"Have you decided what to do, John?" he said.
+
+"No, sir; I have made up my mind that if I could get a situation with
+some first-rate colt-breaker and horse-trainer, it would be the right
+thing for me. Many young animals are frightened and spoiled by wrong
+treatment, which need not be if the right man took them in hand. I
+always get on well with horses, and if I could help some of them to a
+fair start I should feel as if I was doing some good. What do you think
+of it, sir?"
+
+"I don't know a man anywhere," said master, "that I should think so
+suitable for it as yourself. You understand horses, and somehow they
+understand you, and I think you could not do better."
+
+The last sad day had come; the footman and the heavy luggage had gone
+off the day before, and there were only master and mistress, and her
+maid. Ginger and I brought the carriage up to the Hall door, for the
+last time. The servants brought out cushions and rugs, and when all were
+arranged, master came down the steps carrying the mistress in his arms
+(I was on the side next the house, and could see all that went on); he
+placed her carefully in the carriage, while the house servants stood
+round crying.
+
+"Good-bye, again," he said; "we shall not forget any of you," and he got
+in. "Drive on, John." Joe jumped up and we trotted slowly through the
+park and through the village, where the people were standing at their
+doors to have a last look and to say, "God bless them."
+
+When we reached the railway station, I think mistress walked from the
+carriage to the waiting-room. I heard her say in her own sweet voice,
+"Good-bye, John; God bless you." I felt the rein twitch, but John made
+no answer; perhaps he could not speak. As soon as Joe had taken the
+things out of the carriage, John called him to stand by the horses,
+while he went on the platform. Poor Joe! He stood close up to our heads
+to hide his tears. Very soon the train came puffing into the station;
+then two or three minutes, and the doors were slammed to; the guard
+whistled and the train glided away, leaving behind it only clouds of
+white smoke and some very heavy hearts.
+
+When it was quite out of sight, John came back. "We shall never see her
+again," he said--"never." He took the reins, mounted the box, and with
+Joe drove slowly home; but it was not our home now.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+
+EARLSHALL
+
+The next morning after breakfast, Joe put Merrylegs into the mistress'
+low chaise to take him to the vicarage; he came first and said good-bye
+to us, and Merrylegs neighed to us from the yard. Then John put the
+saddle on Ginger and the leading rein on me, and rode us across the
+country to Earlshall Park, where the Earl of W---- lived. There was a
+very fine house and a great deal of stabling. We went into the yard
+through a stone gateway, and John asked for Mr. York. It was some time
+before he came. He was a fine-looking, middle-aged man, and his voice
+said at once that he expected to be obeyed. He was very friendly and
+polite to John, and after giving us a slight look, he called a groom to
+take us to our boxes, and invited John to take some refreshment.
+
+We were taken to a light, airy stable, and placed in boxes adjoining
+each other, where we were rubbed down and fed. In about half an hour
+John and York, who was to be our new coachman, came in to see us.
+
+"Now, Manly," he said, after carefully looking at us both, "I can see no
+fault in these horses; but we all know that horses have their
+peculiarities as well as men, and that sometimes they need different
+treatment. I should like to know if there is anything particular in
+either of these that you would like to mention."
+
+"Well," said John, "I don't believe there is a better pair of horses in
+the country, and right grieved I am to part with them, but they are not
+alike. The black one is the most perfect temper I ever knew; I suppose
+he has never known a hard word or blow since he was foaled, and all his
+pleasure seems to be to do what you wish; but the chestnut, I fancy,
+must have had bad treatment; we heard as much from the dealer. She came
+to us snappish and suspicious, but when she found what sort of place
+ours was, it all went off by degrees; for three years I have never seen
+the smallest sign of temper, and if she is well treated there is not a
+better, more willing animal than she is. But she has naturally a more
+irritable constitution than the black horse; flies tease her more;
+anything wrong in her harness frets her more; and if she were ill-used
+or unfairly treated she would not be unlikely to give tit for tat. You
+know that many high-mettled horses will do so."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"Of course," said York, "I quite understand; but you know it is not easy
+in stables like these to have all the grooms just what they should be. I
+do my best, and there I must leave it. I'll remember what you have said
+about the mare."  They were going out of the stable, when John stopped,
+and said, "I had better mention that we have never used the check-rein
+with either of them; the black horse never had one on, and the dealer
+said it was the gag-bit that spoiled the other's temper."
+
+"Well," said York, "if they come here, they must wear the check-rein. I
+prefer a loose rein myself, and his lordship is always very reasonable
+about horses; but my lady--that's another thing; she will have style,
+and if her carriage horses are not reined up tight she wouldn't look at
+them. I always stand out against the gag-bit, and shall do so, but it
+must be tight up when my lady rides!"
+
+"I am sorry for it," said John; "but I must go now, or I shall lose the
+train."
+
+He came round to each of us to pat and speak to us for the last time;
+his voice sounded very sad. I held my face close to him; that was all I
+could do to say good-bye; and then he was gone, and I have never seen
+him since.
+
+The next day Lord W---- came to look at us; he seemed pleased with our
+appearance. "I have great confidence in these horses," he said, "from
+the character my friend Gordon has given me of them. Of course they are
+not a match in color, but my idea is that they will do very well for the
+carriage while we are in the country. Before we go to London I must try
+to match Baron; the black horse, I believe, is perfect for riding."
+
+York then told him what John had said about us.
+
+"Well," said he, "you must keep an eye to the mare, and put the
+check-rein easy; I dare say they will do very well with a little
+humoring at first. I'll mention it to your lady."
+
+In the afternoon we were harnessed and put in the carriage and led round
+to the front of the house. It was all very grand, and three times as
+large as the old house at Birtwick, but not half so pleasant, if a horse
+may have an opinion. Two footmen were standing ready, dressed in drab
+livery, with scarlet breeches and white stockings. Presently we heard
+the rustling sound of silk as my lady came down the flight of stone
+steps. She stepped round to look at us; she was a tall, proud-looking
+woman, and did not seem pleased about something, but she said nothing,
+and got into the carriage. This was the first time of wearing a
+check-rein, and I must say, though it certainly was a nuisance not to be
+able to get my head down now and then, it did not pull my head higher
+than I was accustomed to carry it. I felt anxious about Ginger, but she
+seemed to be quiet and content.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The next day we were again at the door, and the footmen as before; we
+heard the silk dress rustle, and the lady came down the steps, and in an
+imperious voice, she said, "York, you must put those horses' heads
+higher, they are not fit to be seen."
+
+York got down, and said very respectfully, "I beg your pardon, my lady,
+but these horses have not been reined up for three years, and my lord
+said it would be safer to bring them to it by degrees; but, if your
+ladyship pleases, I can take them up a little more."  "Do so," she
+said.
+
+York came round to our heads and shortened the rein himself, one hole, I
+think. Every little makes a difference, be it for better or worse, and
+that day we had a steep hill to go up. Then I began to understand what I
+had heard of. Of course, I wanted to put my head forward and take the
+carriage up with a will as we had been used to do; but no, I had to pull
+with my head up now, and that took all the spirit out of me, and the
+strain came on my back and legs. When we came in, Ginger said, "Now you
+see what it is like; but this is not bad, and if it does not get much
+worse than this I shall say nothing about it, for we are very well
+treated here; but if they strain me up tight, why, let 'em look out! I
+can't bear it, and I won't."
+
+Day by day, hole by hole, our bearing-reins were shortened, and instead
+of looking forward with pleasure to having my harness put on, as I used
+to do, I began to dread it. Ginger too seemed restless, thought she said
+very little. The worst was yet to come.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+
+A STRIKE FOR LIBERTY
+
+One day my lady came down later than usual, and the silk rustled more
+than ever. "Drive to the Duchess of B----'s," she said, and then after a
+pause, "Are you never going to get those horses' heads up, York? Raise
+them at once, and let us have no more of this humoring nonsense."
+
+York came to me first, while the groom stood at Ginger's head. He drew
+my head back and fixed the rein so tight that it was almost
+intolerable; then he went to Ginger, who was impatiently jerking her
+head up and down against the bit, as was her way now. She had a good
+idea of what was coming, and the moment York took the rein off the
+turret in order to shorten it, she took her opportunity, and reared up
+so suddenly that York had his nose roughly hit and his hat knocked off;
+the groom was nearly thrown off his legs. At once they both flew to her
+head, but she was a match for them, and went on plunging, rearing, and
+kicking in a most desperate manner; at last she kicked right over the
+carriage pole and fell down, after giving me a severe blow on my near
+quarter. There is no knowing what further mischief she might have done,
+had not York sat himself down flat on her head to prevent her
+struggling, at the same time calling out, "Unbuckle the black horse! Run
+for the winch and unscrew the carriage pole! Cut the trace here,
+somebody, if you can't unhitch it!" The groom soon set me free from
+Ginger and the carriage, and led me to my box. He just turned me in as I
+was, and ran back to York. I was much excited by what had happened, and
+if I had ever been used to kick or rear I am sure I should have done it
+then; but I never had, and there I stood, angry, sore in my leg, my head
+still strained up to the terret on the saddle, and no power to get it
+down. I was very miserable, and felt much inclined to kick the first
+person who came near me.
+
+Before long, however, Ginger was led in by two grooms, a good deal
+knocked about and bruised. York came with her and gave us orders, and
+then came to look at me. In a moment he let down my head.
+
+"Confound these check-reins!" he said to himself; "I thought we should
+have some mischief soon. Master will be sorely vexed. But here, if a
+woman's husband can't rule her, of course a servant can't; so I wash my
+hands of it, and if she can't get to the Duchess' garden party I can't
+help it."
+
+York did not say this before the men; he always spoke respectfully when
+they were by. Now he felt me all over, and soon found the place above my
+hock where I had been kicked. It was swelled and painful; he ordered it
+to be sponged with hot water, and then some lotion was put on.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Lord W--- was much put out when he learned what had happened; he blamed
+York for giving way to his mistress, to which he replied that in future
+he would much prefer to receive his orders only from his lordship. I
+thought York might have stood up better for his horses, but perhaps I am
+no judge.
+
+Ginger was never put into the carriage again, but when she was well of
+her bruises one of Lord W----'s younger sons said he should like to have
+her; he was sure she would make a good hunter. As for me, I was obliged
+still to go in the carriage, and had a fresh partner called Max; he had
+always been used to the tight rein. I asked him how it was he bore it.
+
+"Well," he said, "I bear it because I must; but it is shortening my
+life, and it will shorten yours too, if you have to stick to it."
+
+"Do you think," I said, "that our masters know how bad it is for us?"
+
+"I can't say," he replied, "but the dealers and the horse-doctors know
+it very well. I was at a dealer's once, who was training me and another
+horse to go as a pair; he was getting our heads up, and he said, a
+little higher and a little higher every day. A gentleman who was there
+asked him why he did so. 'Because,' said he, 'people won't buy them
+unless we do. The fashionable people want their horses to carry their
+heads high and to step high. Of course, it is very bad for the horses,
+but then it is good for trade. The horses soon wear up, and they come
+for another pair.' That," said Max, "is what he said in my hearing, and
+you can judge for yourself."
+
+What I suffered with that rein for four months in my lady's carriage
+would be hard to describe; but I am quite sure that, had it lasted much
+longer, either my health or my temper would have given way. Before
+that, I never knew what it was to foam at the mouth, but now the action
+of the sharp bit on my tongue and jaw, and the constrained position of
+my head and throat, always caused me to froth at the mouth more or less.
+Some people think it very fine to see this, and say, "What fine,
+spirited creatures!" But it is just as unnatural for horses as for men
+to foam at the mouth; it is a sure sign of some discomfort, and should
+be attended to. Besides this, there was a pressure on my windpipe, which
+often made my breathing very uncomfortable; when I returned from my
+work, my neck and chest were strained and painful, my mouth and tongue
+tender, and I felt worn and depressed.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+In my old home I always knew that John and my master were my friends;
+but here, although in many ways I was well treated, I had no friend.
+York might have known, and very likely did know, how that rein harassed
+me; but I suppose he took it as a matter of course that could not be
+helped; at any rate, nothing was done to relieve me.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+
+A HORSE FAIR
+
+No doubt a horse fair is a very amusing place to those who have nothing
+to lose; at any rate, there is plenty to see.
+
+Long strings of young horses out of the country, fresh from the marshes,
+and droves of shaggy little Welsh ponies, no higher than Merrylegs; and
+hundreds of cart horses of all sorts, some of them with their long tails
+braided up and tied with scarlet cord; and a good many like myself,
+handsome and high-bred, but fallen into the middle class, through some
+accident or blemish, unsoundness of wind, or some other complaint. There
+were some splendid animals quite in their prime, and fit for anything,
+they were throwing out their legs and showing off their paces in high
+style, as they were trotted out with a leading rein, the groom running
+by the side. But round in the background there were a number of poor
+things, sadly broken down with hard work, with their knees knuckling
+over and their hind legs swinging out at every step; and there were some
+very dejected-looking old horses, with the under-lip hanging down and
+the ears lying back heavily, as if there was no more pleasure in life,
+and no more hope; there were some so thin you might see all their ribs,
+and some with old sores on their backs and hips. These were sad sights
+for a horse to look upon, who knows not but he may come to the same
+state.  I was put with some useful-looking horses, and a good many
+people came to look at us. The gentlemen always turned from me when they
+saw my broken knees; though the man who had me swore it was only a slip
+in the stall.
+
+The first thing was to pull my mouth open, then to look at my eyes, then
+feel all the way down my legs and give me a hard feel of the skin and
+flesh, and then try my paces. It was wonderful what a difference there
+was in the way these things were done. Some did it in a rough, off-hand
+way, as if one was only a piece of wood; while others would take their
+hands gently over one's body, with a pat now and then, as much as to
+say, "By your leave." Of course, I judged a good deal of the buyers by
+their manners to myself.
+
+There was one man, I thought, if he would buy me, I should be happy. He
+was not a gentleman. He was rather a small man, but well made, and quick
+in all his motions. I knew in a moment, by the way he handled me, that
+he was used to horses; he spoke gently, and his gray eye had a kindly,
+cheery look in it. It may seem strange to say--but it is true all the
+same--that the clean, fresh smell there was about him made me take to
+him; no smell of old beer and tobacco, which I hated, but a fresh smell
+as if he had come out of a hayloft. He offered twenty-three pounds for
+me; but that was refused, and he walked away. I looked after him, but he
+was gone, and a very hard-looking, loud-voiced man came. I was
+dreadfully afraid he would have me; but he walked off. One or two more
+came who did not mean business. Then the hard-faced man came back again
+and offered twenty-three pounds. A very close bargain was being driven,
+for my salesman began to think he should not get all he asked, and must
+come down; but just then the gray-eyed man came back again. I could not
+help reaching out my head toward him. He stroked my face kindly. "Well,
+old chap," he said, "I think we should suit each other. I'll give
+twenty-four for him."
+
+"Say twenty-five, and you shall have him."  "Twenty-four then," said my
+friend, in a very decided tone, "and not another sixpence--yes, or no?"
+
+"Done," said the salesman; "and you may depend upon it there's a
+monstrous deal of quality in that horse, and if you want him for cab
+work he's a bargain."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The money was paid on the spot, and my new master took my halter, and
+led me out of the fair to an inn, where he had a saddle and bridle
+ready. He gave me a good feed of oats, and stood by while I ate it,
+talking to himself and talking to me. Half an hour after, we were on our
+way to London, through pleasant lanes and country roads, until we came
+into the great thoroughfare, on which we traveled steadily, till in the
+twilight we reached the great city. The gas lamps were already lighted;
+there were streets and streets crossing each other, for mile upon mile.
+I thought we should never come to the end of them. At last, in passing
+through one, we came to a long cab stand, when my rider called out in a
+cheery voice, "Good-night, Governor!"
+
+"Hallo!" cried a voice. "Have you got a good one?"
+
+"I think so," replied my owner.
+
+"I wish you luck with him."
+
+"Thank ye, Governor," and he rode on. We soon turned up one of the
+side-streets, and about half-way up that we turned into a very narrow
+street, with rather poor-looking houses on one side, and what seemed to
+be coach-houses and stables on the other.
+
+My owner pulled up at one of the houses and whistled. The door flew
+open, and a young woman, followed by a little girl and boy, ran out.
+There was a very lively greeting as my rider dismounted. "Now, then,
+Harry, my boy, open the gates, and mother will bring us the lantern."
+
+The next minute they were all round me in the stable yard. "Is he
+gentle, father?" "Yes, Dolly, as gentle as your own kitten; come and pat
+him." At once the little hand was patting about all over my shoulder
+without fear. How good it felt!
+
+"Let me get him a bran mash while you rub him down," said the mother.
+"Do, Polly, it's just what he wants; and I know you've got a beautiful
+mash ready for me."
+
+I was led into a comfortable, clean-smelling stall with plenty of dry
+straw, and after a capital supper, I lay down, thinking I was going to
+be happy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+
+A LONDON CAB HORSE
+
+My new master's name was Jeremiah Barker, but as every one called him
+Jerry, I shall do the same. Polly, his wife, was just as good a match as
+a man could have. She was a plump, trim, tidy little woman, with smooth,
+dark hair, dark eyes, and a merry little mouth. The boy was nearly
+twelve years old, a tall, frank, good-tempered lad; and little Dorothy
+(Dolly they called her) was her mother over again, at eight years old.
+They were all wonderfully fond of each other; I never knew such a happy,
+merry family before or since. Jerry had a cab of his own, and two
+horses, which he drove and attended to himself. His other horse was a
+tall, white, rather large-boned animal, called Captain. He was old now,
+but when he was young he must have been splendid; he had still a proud
+way of holding his head and arching his neck; in fact, he was a
+high-bred, fine-mannered, noble old horse, every inch of him. He told me
+that in his early youth he went to the Crimean War; he belonged to an
+officer in the cavalry, and used to lead the regiment.
+
+The next morning, when I was well-groomed, Polly and Dolly came into the
+yard to see me and make friends. Harry had been helping his father since
+the early morning, and had stated his opinion that I should turn out "a
+regular brick." Polly brought me a slice of apple, and Dolly a piece of
+bread, and made as much of me as if I had been the Black Beauty of olden
+time. It was a great treat to be petted again and talked to in a gentle
+voice, and I let them see as well as I could that I wished to be
+friendly. Polly thought I was very handsome, and a great deal too good
+for a cab, if it was not for the broken knees.
+
+"Of course there's no one to tell us whose fault that was," said Jerry,
+"and as long as I don't know I shall give him the benefit of the doubt;
+for a firmer, neater stepper I never rode. We'll call him Jack, after
+the old one--shall we, Polly?"
+
+"Do," she said, "for I like to keep a good name going."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Captain went out in the cab all the morning. Harry came in after school
+to feed me and give me water. In the afternoon I was put into the cab.
+Jerry took as much pains to see if the collar and bridle fitted
+comfortably as if he had been John Manly over again. There was no
+check-rein, no curb, nothing but a plain ring snaffle. What a blessing
+that was!
+
+After driving through the side-street we came to the large cabstand
+where Jerry had said "Good-night." On one side of this wide street were
+high houses with wonderful shop fronts, and on the other was an old
+church and churchyard, surrounded by iron palisades. Alongside these
+iron rails a number of cabs were drawn up, waiting for passengers; bits
+of hay were lying about on the ground; some of the men were standing
+together talking; some were sitting on their boxes reading the
+newspaper; and one or two were feeding their horses with bits of hay,
+and giving them a drink of water. We pulled up in the rank at the back
+of the last cab. Two or three men came round and began to look at me and
+pass their remarks.
+
+"Very good for a funeral," said one.
+
+"Too smart-looking," said another, shaking his head in a very wise way;
+"you'll find out something wrong one of these fine mornings, or my name
+isn't Jones."
+
+"Well," said Jerry pleasantly, "I suppose I need not find it out till it
+find me out, eh? And if so, I'll keep up my spirits a little longer."
+
+Then there came up a broad-faced man, dressed in a great gray coat with
+great gray capes and great white buttons, a gray hat, and a blue
+comforter loosely tied around his neck; his hair was gray, too; but he
+was a jolly-looking fellow, and the other men made way for him. He
+looked me all over, as if he had been going to buy me; and then
+straightening himself up with a grunt, he said, "He's the right sort for
+you, Jerry; I don't care what you gave for him, he'll be worth it." Thus
+my character was established on the stand. This man's name was Grant,
+but he was called "Gray Grant," or "Governor Grant." He had been the
+longest on that stand of any of the men, and he took it upon himself to
+settle matters and stop disputes.
+
+The first week of my life as a cab horse was very trying. I had never
+been used to London, and the noise, the hurry, the crowds of horses,
+carts, and carriages, that I had to make my way through, made me feel
+anxious and harassed; but I soon found that I could perfectly trust my
+driver, and then I made myself easy, and got used to it.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Jerry was as good a driver as I had ever known; and what was better, he
+took as much thought for his horses as he did for himself. He soon found
+out that I was willing to work and do my best; and he never laid the
+whip on me, unless it was gently drawing the end of it over my back,
+when I was to go on; but generally I knew this quite well by the way in
+which he took up the reins; and I believe his whip was more frequently
+stuck up by his side than in his hand.
+
+In a short time I and my master understood each other, as well as horse
+and man can do. In the stable, too, he did all that he could for our
+comfort. The stalls were the old-fashioned style, too much on the slope;
+but he had two movable bars fixed across the back of our stalls, so that
+at night, when we were resting, he just took off our halters and put up
+the bars, and thus we could turn about and stand whichever way we
+pleased, which is a great comfort.
+
+Jerry kept us very clean, and gave us as much change of food as he
+could, and always plenty of it; and not only that, but he always gave us
+plenty of clean fresh water, which he allowed to stand by us both night
+and day, except of course when we came in warm. Some people say that a
+horse ought not to drink all he likes; but I know if we are allowed to
+drink when we want it we drink only a little at a time, and it does us a
+great deal more good than swallowing down half a bucketful at a time
+because we have been left without till we are thirsty and miserable.
+Some grooms will go home to their beer and leave us for hours with our
+dry hay and oats and nothing to moisten them; then of course we gulp
+down too much at once, which helps to spoil our breathing and sometimes
+chills our stomachs. But the best thing that we had here was our Sundays
+for rest! we worked so hard in the week, that I do not think we could
+have kept up to it, but for that day; besides, we had then time to enjoy
+each other's company.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+
+DOLLY AND A REAL GENTLEMAN
+
+The winter came in early, with a great deal of cold and wet. There was
+snow, or sleet, or rain, almost every day for weeks, changing only for
+keen driving winds or sharp frosts. The horses all felt it very much.
+When it is a dry cold, a couple of good thick rugs will keep the warmth
+in us; but when it is soaking rain, they soon get wet through and are no
+good. Some of the drivers had a waterproof cover to throw over, which
+was a fine thing; but some of the men were so poor that they could not
+protect either themselves or their horses, and many of them suffered
+very much that winter. When we horses had worked half the day we went to
+our dry stables, and could rest; while they had to sit on their boxes,
+sometimes staying out as late as one or two o'clock in the morning, if
+they had a party to wait for.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+When the streets were slippery with frost or snow, that was the worst of
+all for us horses; one mile of such traveling with a weight to draw, and
+no firm footing, would take more out of us than four on a good road;
+every nerve and muscle of our bodies is on the strain to keep our
+balance; and, added to this, the fear of falling is more exhausting than
+anything else. If the roads are very bad, indeed, our shoes are roughed,
+but that makes us feel nervous at first.
+
+One cold windy day, Dolly brought Jerry a basin of something hot, and
+was standing by him while he ate it. He had scarcely begun, when a
+gentleman, walking toward us very fast, held up his umbrella. Jerry
+touched his hat in return, gave the basin to Dolly, and was taking off
+my cloth, when the gentleman, hastening up, cried out, "No, no, finish
+your soup, my friend; I have not much time to spare, but I can wait till
+you have done, and set your little girl safe on the pavement."
+
+So saying, he seated himself in the cab. Jerry thanked him kindly, and
+came back to Dolly. "There, Dolly, that's a gentleman; that's a real
+gentleman, Dolly; he has got time and thought for the comfort of a poor
+cabman and a little girl."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Jerry finished his soup, set the child across, and then took his orders
+to drive to Clapham Rise. Several times after that, the same gentleman
+took our cab. I think he was very fond of dogs and horses, for whenever
+we took him to his own door, two or three dogs would come bounding out
+to meet him. Sometimes he came round and patted me saying in his quiet,
+pleasant way: "This horse has got a good master, and he deserves it." It
+was a very rare thing for any one to notice the horse that had been
+working for him. I have known ladies to do it now and then, and this
+gentleman, and one or two others have given me a pat and a kind word;
+but ninety-nine out of a hundred would as soon think of patting the
+steam engine that drew the train.
+
+One day, he and another gentleman took our cab; they
+stopped at a shop in R---- Street, and while his friend went in, he
+stood at the door. A little ahead of us on the other side of the street,
+a cart with two very fine horses was standing before some wine vaults;
+the carter was not with them, and I cannot tell how long they had been
+standing, but they seemed to think they had waited long enough, and
+began to move off. Before they had gone, many paces, the carter came
+running out and caught them. He seemed furious at their having moved,
+and with whip and rein punished them brutally, even beating them about
+the head. Our gentleman saw it all, and stepping quickly across the
+street, said in a decided voice: "If you don't stop that directly, I'll
+have you arrested for leaving your horses, and for brutal conduct."
+
+The man, who had clearly been drinking, poured forth some abusive
+language, but he left off knocking the horses about, and taking the
+reins, got into his cart; meantime our friend had quietly taken a
+notebook from his pocket, and looking at the name and address painted on
+the cart, he wrote something down.
+
+"What do you want with that?" growled the carter, as he cracked his whip
+and was moving on. A nod and a grim smile was the only answer he got.
+
+On returning to the cab, our friend was joined by his companion, who
+said laughing, "I should have thought, Wright, you had enough business
+of your own to look after, without troubling yourself about other
+people's horses and servants."
+
+Our friend stood still for a moment, and throwing his head a little
+back, "Do you know why this world is as bad as it is?"
+
+"No," said the other.
+
+"Then I'll tell you. It is because people think only about their own
+business, and won't trouble themselves to stand up for the oppressed,
+nor bring the wrong-doer to light. I never see a wicked thing like this
+without doing what I can, and many a master has thanked me for letting
+him know how his horses have been used."
+
+"I wish there were more gentlemen like you, sir," said Jerry, "for they
+are wanted badly enough in this city."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+
+POOR GINGER
+
+One day, while our cab and many others were waiting outside one of the
+parks where music was playing, a shabby old cab drove up beside ours.
+The horse was an old worn-out chestnut, with an ill-kept coat, and bones
+that showed plainly through it, the knees knuckled over, and the
+fore-legs were very unsteady. I had been eating some hay, and the wind
+rolled a little lock of it that way, and the poor creature put out her
+long thin neck and picked it up, and then turned round and looked about
+for more. There was a hopeless look in the dull eye that I could not
+help noticing, and then, as I was thinking where I had seen that horse
+before, she looked full at me and said, "Black Beauty, is that you?"
+
+It was Ginger! but how changed! The beautifully arched and glossy neck
+was now straight, and lank, and fallen in; the clean, straight legs and
+delicate fetlocks were swelled; the joints were grown out of shape with
+hard work; the face, that was once so full of spirit and life, was now
+full of suffering, and I could tell by the heaving of her sides, and her
+frequent cough, how bad her breath was.  Our drivers were standing
+together a little way off, so I sidled up to her a step or two, that we
+might have a little quiet talk. It was a sad tale that she had to tell.
+
+After a twelvemonth's run off at Earlshall, she was considered to be fit
+for work again, and was sold to a gentleman. For a little while she got
+on very well, but after a longer gallop than usual, the old strain
+returned, and after being rested and doctored she was again sold. In
+this way she changed hands several times, but always getting lower down.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"And so at last," said she, "I was bought by a man who keeps a number of
+cabs and horses, and lets them out. You look well off, and I am glad of
+it, but I could not tell you what my life has been. When they found out
+my weakness, they said I was not worth what they gave for me, and that I
+must go into one of the low cabs, and just be used up; that is what they
+are doing, whipping and working with never one thought of what I
+suffer--they paid for me, and must get it out of me, they say. The man
+who hires me now pays a deal of money to the owner every day, and so he
+has to get it out of me, too; and so it's all the week round and round,
+with never a Sunday rest."
+
+I said, "You used to stand up for yourself if you were ill-used."
+
+"Ah!" she said, "I did once, but it's no use; men are strongest, and if
+they are cruel and have no feeling, there is nothing that we can do but
+just bear it--bear it on and on to the end. I wish the end was come, I
+wish I was dead. I have seen dead horses, and I am sure they do not
+suffer pain."
+
+I was very much troubled, and I put my nose up to hers, but I could say
+nothing to comfort her. I think she was pleased to see me, for she said,
+"You are the only friend I ever had."
+
+Just then her driver came up, and with a tug at her mouth, backed her
+out of the line and drove off, leaving me very sad, indeed.
+
+A short time after this, a cart with a dead horse in it passed our cab
+stand. The head hung out of the cart tail, the lifeless tongue was
+slowly dropping with blood; and the sunken eyes! but I can't speak of
+them, the sight was too dreadful! It was a chestnut horse with a long,
+thin neck. I saw a white streak down the forehead. I believe it was
+Ginger; I hoped it was, for then her troubles would be over. Oh! if men
+were more merciful, they would shoot us before we came to such misery.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+
+At a sale I found myself in company with a lot of horses--some lame,
+some broken-winded, some old, and some that I am sure it would have been
+merciful to shoot.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The buyers and sellers, too, many of them, looked not much better off
+than the poor beasts they were bargaining about. There were poor old
+men, trying to get a horse or pony for a few pounds, that might drag
+about some little wood or coal cart. There were poor men trying to sell
+a worn-out beast for two or three pounds, rather than have the greater
+loss of killing him. Some of them looked as if poverty and hard times
+had hardened them all over; but there were others that I would have
+willingly used the last of my strength in serving; poor and shabby, but
+kind and humane, with voices that I could trust. There was one tottering
+old man that took a great fancy to me, and I to him, but I was not
+strong enough--it was an anxious time! Coming from the better part of
+the fair, I noticed a man who looked like a gentleman farmer, with a
+young boy by his side; he had a broad back and round shoulders, a kind,
+ruddy face, and he wore a broad-brimmed hat. When he came up to me and
+my companions, he stood still, and gave a pitiful look round upon us. I
+saw his eye rest on me; I had still a good mane and tail, which did
+something for my appearance. I pricked my ears and looked at him.
+
+"There's a horse, Willie, that has known better days."
+
+"Poor old fellow!" said the boy; "do you think, grandpapa, he was ever a
+carriage horse?"
+
+"Oh, yes! my boy," said the farmer, coming closer, "he might have been
+anything when he was young; look at his nostrils and his ears, the shape
+of his neck and shoulder; there's a deal of breeding about that horse."
+He put out his hand and gave me a kind pat on the neck. I put out my
+nose in answer to his kindness; the boy stroked my face.
+
+"Poor old fellow! see, grandpapa, how well he understands kindness.
+Could not you buy him and make him young again as you did with
+Ladybird?"
+
+"My dear boy, I can't make all old horses young; besides, Ladybird was
+not so very old, as she was run down and badly used."
+
+"Well, grandpapa, I don't believe that this one is old; look at his mane
+and tail. I wish you would look into his mouth, and then you could tell;
+though he is so very thin, his eyes are not sunk like some old horses."
+The old gentleman laughed. "Bless the boy! he is as horsey as his old
+grandfather."
+
+"But do look at his mouth, grandpapa, and ask the price; I am sure he
+would grow young in our meadows."
+
+The man who had brought me for sale now put in his word. "The young
+gentleman's a real knowing one, sir. Now, the fact is, this 'ere hoss is
+just pulled down with over-work in the cabs; he's not an old one, and I
+heard as how the vetenary said that a six-months' run off would set him
+right up, being as how his wind was not broken. I've had the tending of
+him these ten days past, and a gratefuller, pleasanter animal I never
+met with, and 'twould be worth a gentleman's while to give a five-pound
+note for him, and let him have a chance. I'll be bound he'd be worth
+twenty pounds next spring."
+
+The old gentleman laughed, and the little boy looked up eagerly. "O,
+grandpapa, did you not say the colt sold for five pounds more than you
+expected? You would not be poorer if you did buy this one."
+
+The farmer slowly felt my legs, which were much swelled and strained;
+then he looked at my mouth. "Thirteen or fourteen, I should say; just
+trot him out, will you?"
+
+I arched my poor thin neck, raised my tail a little and threw out my
+legs as well as I could, for they were very stiff.
+
+"What is the lowest you will take for him?" said the farmer as I came
+back. "Five pounds, sir; that was the lowest price my master set."
+
+"'Tis a speculation," said the old gentleman, shaking his head, but at
+the same time slowly drawing out his purse, "quite a speculation! Have
+you any more business here?" he said, counting the sovereigns into his
+hand. "No, sir, I can take him for you to the inn, if you please."
+
+"Do so, I am now going there."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+
+MY LAST HOME
+
+One day, during this summer, the groom cleaned and dressed me with such
+extraordinary care that I thought some new change must be at hand; he
+trimmed my fetlocks and legs, passed the tar-brush over my hoofs, and
+even parted my forelock. I think the harness had an extra polish. Willie
+seemed half-anxious, half-merry, as he got into the chaise with his
+grandfather. "If the ladies take to him," said the old gentleman,
+"they'll be suited and he'll be suited; we can but try."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+At the distance of a mile or two from the village, we came to a pretty,
+low house, with a lawn and shrubbery at the front, and a drive up to the
+door. Willie rang the bell, and asked if Miss Blomefield or Miss Ellen
+was at home. Yes, they were. So, while Willie stayed with me, Mr.
+Thoroughgood went into the house. In about ten minutes he returned,
+followed by three ladies; one tall, pale lady, wrapped in a white shawl,
+leaned on a younger lady, with dark eyes and a merry face; the other, a
+very stately-looking person, was Miss Blomefield. They all came and
+looked at me and asked questions. The younger lady--that was Miss
+Ellen--took to me very much; she said she was sure she should like me, I
+had such a good face. The tall, pale lady said she should always be
+nervous in riding behind a horse that had once been down, as I might
+come down again, and if I did she should never get over the fright."
+
+"You see, ladies," said Mr. Thoroughgood, "many first-rate horses have
+had their knees broken through the carelessness of their drivers,
+without any fault of their own, and from what I see of this horse, I
+should say that is his case; but, of course, I do not wish to influence
+you. If you incline, you can have him on trial, and then your coachman
+will see what he thinks of him."
+
+"You have always been such a good adviser to us about our horses," said
+the stately lady, "that your recommendation would go a long way with me,
+and if my sister Lavinia sees no objection, we will accept your offer of
+a trial, with thanks."
+
+It was then arranged that I should be sent for the next day. In the
+morning a smart-looking young man came for me; at first, he looked
+pleased; but when he saw my knees, he said in a disappointed voice: "I
+didn't think, sir, you would have recommended a blemished horse like
+that."
+
+"'Handsome is that handsome does,'" said my master; "you are only taking
+him on trial, and I am sure you will do fairly by him, young man; if he
+is not safe as any horse you ever drove, send him back."
+
+I was led to my new home, placed in a comfortable stable, fed, and left
+to myself. The next day, when my groom was cleaning my face, he said:
+"That is just like the star that Black Beauty had, he is much the same
+height, too; I wonder where he is now."
+
+A little further on, he came to the place in my neck where I was bled,
+and where a little knot was left in the skin. He almost started, and
+begun to look me over carefully, talking to himself. "White star in the
+forehead, one white foot on the off side, this little knot just in that
+place"; then, looking at the middle of my back--"and as I am alive,
+there is that little patch of white hair that John used to call
+'Beauty's threepenny bit.' It must be Black Beauty! Why, Beauty!
+Beauty! do you know me? little Joe Green, that almost killed you?" And
+he began patting and patting me as if he was quite overjoyed.
+
+I could not say that I remembered him, for now he was a fine grown young
+fellow, with black whiskers, and a man's voice, but I was sure he knew
+me, and that he was Joe Green, and I was very glad. I put my nose up to
+him, and tried to say that we were friends. I never saw a man so
+pleased.
+
+"Give you a fair trial! I should think so, indeed! I wonder who the
+rascal was that broke your knees, my old Beauty! you must have been
+badly served out somewhere; well, well, it won't be my fault if you
+haven't good times of it now. I wish John Manly was here to see you."
+
+In the afternoon I was put into a low Park chair and brought to the
+door. Miss Ellen was going to try me, and Green went with her. I soon
+found that she was a good driver, and she seemed pleased with my paces.
+I heard Joe telling her about me, and that he was sure I was Squire
+Gordon's old "Black Beauty."
+
+When we returned, the other sisters came out to hear how I had behaved
+myself. She told them what she had just heard, and said: "I shall
+certainly write to Mrs. Gordon, and tell her that her favorite horse has
+come to us. How pleased she will be!"
+
+After this I was driven every day for a week or so, and as I appeared to
+be quite safe, Miss Lavinia at last ventured out in the small close
+carriage. After this it was quite decided to keep me and call me by my
+old name of Black Beauty.
+
+I have now lived in this happy place a whole year.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11860 ***