The Brunswick times. [volume] (Brunswick, Ga.) 188?-1900, 1897-10-24
The History Of Black Beauty.
This was good news to me, and looked
forward to happy life.
CHAPTER XIV,
REUBLN SMITH.

CHAPTER XIV,
REUBLN SMITH.
Unjust now say little about Reuben
! Smith. who was left in charge of the sta
bles when York went 70 London. No one
more thoroughly understood his business
than he did. and when he was all right
there could not be more faithful or val
liable man. He was very gentle and very
clever in his management of horses, and
could doctor them almost as we'll as a far
rier, for he had lived two years with a
veterinary surgeon. He was a first-rate
driver; he could take four-in-hand or
tandem as easily as a pair. He was a
handsome man. good scholar, and had
very pleasant manners. l believe every
! body liked him; certainly the horses did
The only wonder was that he should be
in an under situation, and not in the
place of head coachman like York but
| hAS heeu OlAO EhSeu 4du " anu 11ldt Was Gue
love of drink. He was not like some men,
always at it he used to keep steady for
weeks or months together, and then he
would break out and have bout" of it,
as York called it, ar d disgrace to him
SELF terror to his wife, and nuisance to
all that had to do with him He was,
however, so useful that two or three times
York had hushed the matter up, and kept
it from the Earl's knowledge; hut one
night, when Reuben had to drive a party
home from ball, he was so drunk that he
could not hold the reins, and gentleman
of the party had to mount the box and
drive the ladies home Of course this
could not be hidden, and Reuben was at
once dismissed his poor wife and little
children had to turn out of the pretty cot
tage by the park gate and go where they
could. Old Max told me all this, for it
happened good while ago. but shortly
before Ginger and came, Smith had been
taken back again. York had interceded
for him with the Earl, who is very kind
hearted, and the man had promised faith
fully that he would never taste another
drop as long as he lived there. He had
kept his romise go well that York thought
he might be safely trusted to fill his place
whilst he was away, and he was SO clever
and honest that no one else seemed so we'll
fitted for it.
1t was nearlJ in April, and the family
was expected home some time in May.
The light brougham was to be fresh done
up, and as Colonel Blantyre was obliged
to return to his regiment it was arranged
that Smith should drive him to the town
in it, and ride back; for this purpose he
took the saddle with HIM, ana was chosen
for the journey. At the station the Colonel
put some money into Smiths hand and bid
him goodby, saying, "Take care of your
young mistress, Reuben, and don't let
Black Auster be hacked about by any
random young prig that wants to ride
him-keep him for the lady"
We left the carriage at the makers, and
Smith rode me to the White Lion, and or
dered the ostler to feed me we'll. and have
me ready for him at four o'clock A nail
in one of my front shoes had started as 1
came along, but the ostler not notice
it till just about four o'clock. Smith did
not come into the yard till five, and then
he said he should not leave till six, as he
had met with some old friends. The man
then told him of the nail, and asked if he
should have the shoe looked to.
(To be continued next Sunday)