22 THE ST HIKE AT SHANE'S. 



When the cow had finished, Bay Dick was called on. 



"I don't intend to stand this treatment any longer," 

 said Dick. "A horse don't get anything but blows on 

 this farm, whether he does right or wrong. I know I've 

 got a fiery temper, and always aim to take my own 

 part. I'm sorry I ran away the other day and broke 

 the colt's leg, but that's done and can't be helped. But 

 one thing is certain, I don't intend to submit to this 

 treatment any longer." 



The other horses all said "bravo," and "that's 

 right." 



' ' I'd be willing to do my share of the work if I was 

 treated right," he continued ; " but I get nothing but 

 kicks and cuffs, and never a kind word. And there's 

 that Tom has been driving me every Sunday night 

 down to Tracy's place. He ties me to a strong post 

 out in the road, imth my head 2mlled away hack with 

 the check-rein^ so that I can't get my head down to 

 rest it. Then he goes into the house and stays until 

 ten or eleven o'clock^ ivhile I stand there and shiver 

 ivith the cold. If he would just put a blanket over me 

 I wouldn't suffer so much ; but it's little he ever t»hinks 

 of our comfort. I tried to break loose and come home, 

 but I couldn't. You all know what old Dobbin has, 

 suffered at their hands, and that's what we'll all come 

 to in the end." 



This speech was indorsed by them all. 



' ' I don't know that I have any grievance to speak 

 of," said a pig. "I have a pretty good time. It's 

 true I sometimes get through a hole in the fence, and 

 then Towser — 



