The Brunswick times. [volume] (Brunswick, Ga.) 188?-1900, 1897-10-03
CHAPTER XXI.
THE PARTING.


had now lied in this happy place
three years, but sad changes were about
to come over US. We heard from time 10
time that our mistress was ILL., The doc
tor was often at the house, and the master
looked grave and anxious. Then we heard
that she must leave her home at once, and
go to warm country for two or three
years. Ghe news fell upon the household
like the tolling of death-bell Every
body was sorry; but the master began di-
rectly to make arrangements for breaking
up is establishment and leaving England
We used to hear it talked about in our
stable; indeed, nothing else vas talked
about
John went about his work silent and sad
and Joe scarcely whistled. There was a
great deal of coming and going; Ginger
and had full work.
The first of the party who went were
Miss Jessie and Flora wi h their govern
ess. They came to bid US goodby. They
Rugged poor Merrylegs like an old friend,
and so indeed he was. Then we heard
what had been arranged for us, Master
had sold Ginger and me to his old friend,
the Earl of W, for he thought we should
have a good place there. Merrylegs he
had given to the vicar, who was wanting
pony for Mrs Blomefield, but it was on
the condition that he should never be
Sold and that when he was past work he
should be shot and buried.
Joe was engaged to take cara of HIM and
to help in the house, so l thought that
MerrJ legs was well off John had the Of
fer of several good places, but he said he
should wait a little and look round.
The evening before they left, the master
came into the stable to give some direc-
tions, and to give his horses the last pat
He seemed very ow-spirited; l knew that
by his voice. l believe we horses can tell
more by the voice than many men can.
"Have you decided what to do, John?"
ne said. al find you have not accepted
either Of those Offers
mo, sir; / have made up my mind that
if could get situation with some first
rate colt-breaker and horse-trairer, it
would be the right thing for me. Many
young animals are frightened and spoiled
by wrong treatment, which need not be if
the right man took them in hand. 1 al
ways get on well with horses, and if
could help some of them to a fair start
should feel as if was doing some good
What do you think of it, sir?"
81 don't know a man anywhere" said
master, that should think so suitable
for it as yourself. You understand horses,
and somehow they understand you, and in
some time you might set up for yourself; l
think you could not do better. If in any
way l can help you, write to me. shall
speak to my agent in London, and leave
your character with him"
Master gave John the name and address,
and then he thanked him for his long and
faithful service; but that was too much
for John. Pray, don't sir; | can't bear
it you and my dear mistress have done so
much for me that could never repay it..
But we shall never forget you, sir, and
please God, we may some day see mistress
back again like herself we must keep up
hope sir" Master gave John his hand, but
he did not speak, and they both left the
stable
The last sad day had come; the foot
man and the heavy luggage had gone off
the day before, and there were only mas
ter and mistress and her maid. Ginger
and BROUGHT the carriage up to the Hall
door for the last time The servants
brought out cushions and rugs and many
other things; and when all were arranged,
master came down the steps carrying the