A HAPPY LIFE INDEED

Chapter-19

Soon I was among a number of lame, old and ill tempered horses.
I had now begun to compare the buyers and the sellers to be worst than ill-tempered horses.
In the horse fair, an old man made up his mind to buy me but he thought that I wasn’t well enough to work for him.
Finally, I was purchased by a farmer. He had a kind face and I thought he would be kinder to me.
He stared at me with pitiful eyes. After having a discussion with his grandson, he decided to buy me. He thought that I was too old to be purchased, so he was much confused.
Nick Skinner’s agent saw me and the farmer and told him that I was being overworked at the cab. He had been taking care of me for the last ten days. The little boy insisted his grandpa on buying me because I was not so costly.
The farmer touched my swollen legs and looked at my face. Then he decided to pay fourteen pounds for me.
But my agent asked for five pounds only.
Now I was at an inn, where I was well fed with oats and hay, and then trotted gently towards the farmer’s home.
Willie, the farmer’s grandson, was put in charge of me and he surely took good care of me. He served me carrots, oats and hay. The farmer came only to examine my legs.
I was blessed with rest, good food and exercise.
Mr Thoroughgood caring about my health harnessed me to a light carriage and was to go only a few miles.
My legs were no more stiff. Thus Mr Thoroughgood and his grandson Willie were happy to have me.
One fine summer morning, Mr Thoroughgood got me cleaned up well and dressed me perfectly. My hooves were polished and my fetlocks were trimmed.
Then I was harnessed to a carriage, while I wondered the cause behind all this.
My master drove me to a beautiful tidy house nearly two miles away from my stable.
Willie was sitting on the carriage while Mr Thoroughgood went to knock at the door and toll the bell.
The servant soon answered and three ladies came out from the house accompanied by Mr Thoroughgood.
They seemed to be well off and graceful.
At first sight, the ladies feet relevant to sit on the carriage. But after Mr. Thoroughgood explained to them that I was a strong horse, they said that the coachman would have to examine me.
Next day, I was examined by the coachman. He also thought me to be weak and blemished. Next day, when the groom was cleaning me, he found me similar to Black Beauty. I wondered how he knew me.
When he was sure that I was the old Black Beauty, he approached me and slowly said. “Do you remember me, Black Beauty? It’s me, Joe Green.”
I was so glad to meet an old friend of mine.
Next day, I was again taken to the ladies who after examining my walk approved me.
They told her that I was the same Black Beauty whom Squire Gordon owned. Miss Ellen and Miss Lavinia used me for an outing. In my part, I used to be quite alert and quite safe in carrying them.
Now, I was there at a better place in the world where both cruel and kind humans survive. I was so happy for my fortunate life when it had been bad, it had been worst. Now, I was at a good place and within a sweet family. I didn’t recall my bad days even in my dreams. Joe Green was the best groom I had ever been with. Willie and Mr Thoroughgood had been my favourite guests.
Life was so good that I saw Squire Gordon showering his blessings on me in my dreams.
It was surely a happy ending. The ladies promised me that they would never sell me.
Unlike Ginger, I would have a peaceful death when time came. I really wished Ginger were here to accompany me in this beautiful world.

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