"You see, ladies," said Mr. Thoroughgood, "many first-rate horses havehad their knees broken through the carelessness of their drivers,without any fault of their own, and from what I see of this horse, Ishould say that is his case; but, of course, I do not wish to influenceyou. If you incline, you can have him on trial, and then your coachmanwill see what he thinks of him."
"You have always been such a good adviser to us about our horses," saidthe 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 ofa trial, with thanks."
It was then arranged that I should be sent for the next day. In themorning a smart-looking young man came for me; at first, he lookedpleased; but when he saw my knees, he said in a disappointed voice: "Ididn't think, sir, you would have recommended a blemished horse likethat."
"'Handsome is that handsome does,'" said my master; "you are only takinghim on trial, and I am sure you will do fairly by him, young man; if heis 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 leftto 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 sameheight, 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, andbegun to look me over carefully, talking to himself. "White star in theforehead, one white foot on the off side, this little knot just in thatplace"; 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?" Andhe 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 youngfellow, with black whiskers, and a man's voice, but I was sure he knewme, and that he was Joe Green, and I was very glad. I put my nose up tohim, and tried to say that we were friends. I never saw a man sopleased.
"Give you a fair trial! I should think so, indeed! I wonder who therascal was that broke your knees, my old Beauty! you must have beenbadly served out somewhere; well, well, it won't be my fault if youhaven'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 thedoor. Miss Ellen was going to try me, and Green went with her. I soonfound 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 SquireGordon's old "Black Beauty."
When we returned, the other sisters came out to hear how I had behavedmyself. She told them what she had just heard, and said: "I shallcertainly write to Mrs. Gordon, and tell her that her favorite horse hascome to us. How pleased she will be!"
After this I was driven every day for a week or so, and as I appeared tobe quite safe, Miss Lavinia at last ventured out in the small closecarriage. After this it was quite decided to keep me and call me by myold name of Black Beauty.
I have now lived in this happy place a whole year.
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