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108 BLACK BEAUTY. |
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York was with him. Seeing who it was, we stood still under our lime-tree, and let them come up to us. They examined us both carefully. The Earl seemed much annoyed.
" There is three hundred pounds flung away for no earthly use," said he; " but what I care for most is that these horses of my old friend, who thought they would find a good home with me, are ruined. The mare shall have a twelve months' run, and we shall see what that will do for her; but the blaek one must be sold; 'tis a great pity, but I couid not have knees like these in my stables."
" No, my lord, of course not," said York; " but he might get a place where appearance is not of much consequence, and still be well treated. I know a man in Bath, the master of some livery stables, who often wants a good horse at a low figure; I know he looks well after his horses. The inquest cleared the horse's character, and your lordship's recommenitetion or mine would be sufficient warrant for him."
" You had better write to him, York. I should be more particular about the place than the money he would fetch."
After this they left us.
"They'll soon take you away," said Ginger, " I shall lose the only friend I have, and most likely we shall never see each other again. 'Tis a hard world!"
About a week after this Robert came into the field with a halter, which he slipped over my head, and led me away. There was no leave-taking of Ginger; we neighed to each other as I was led off, and she trotted anxiously along by the hedge, calling to me as long as she coula hear the sound of my feet.
Through the recommendation of York I was bought by the master of the livery stables. I had to go by train, which was new to me, and required a good deal of courage the first time; but as I found the puffing, rushing, whist- |
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