The Horse, as Comrade and Friend 



at once and put her feet there. It amused her 

 to walk after me with her feet on my shoulders 

 Often she gave me a lick or two on the face by 

 way of a kiss. As long as I was in the field 

 she never left me, and when I went up to the 

 other ponies she was never a yard away. 



Eventually we had to bring her into the 

 stables, and all was done to make her as com- 

 fortable and happy as possible, for it was plain 

 that she could not be with us for long. Even 

 when her weakness make it impossible for her 

 to stand, her cheeriness and indomitable spirit 

 never left her. She always neighed to me 

 when I came in to see her, and did all she could 

 to rise and was absolutely happy while I was 

 with her. I spent all the time I could with 

 her. Very urgent business compelled me each 

 day to go to the City, but I came back as soon 

 as I could. 



One morning, as I was getting into my 

 carriage to catch my usual train, an impulse 

 seized me to go to her yet once again. A 

 little neigh and such a pleading look was too 

 much for me. I had a very important meet- 

 ing, but I telephoned that it was impossible 

 for me to attend. I shall be glad all my days 



237 



