GOING FOR THE DOCTOR

One night I was lying down in my straw fast asleep, when I was suddenly
roused by the stable bell ringing very loud. I heard the door of John's
house open, and his feet running up to the Hall. He was back again in no
time; he unlocked the stable door, and came in, calling out, "Wake up,
Beauty! you must go well now, if ever you did"; and almost before I
could think, he had got the saddle on my back and the bridle on my head.
He just ran around for his coat, and then took me at a quick trot up to
the Hall door. The Squire stood there, with a lamp in his hand. "Now,
John," he said, "ride for your life--that is, for your mistress' life;
there is not a moment to lose. Give this note to Dr. White; give your
horse a rest at the inn, and be back as soon as you can."

John said, "Yes, sir," and was on my back in a minute. The gardener who
lived at the lodge had heard the bell ring, and was ready with the gate
open, and away we went through the park, and through the village, and
down the hill till we came to the toll-gate. John called very loud and
thumped upon the door; the man was soon out and flung open the gate.

"Now," said John, "do you keep the gate open for the doctor; here's the
money," and off we went again.

[Illustration]

There was before us a long piece of level road by the river-side; John
said to me, "Now, Beauty, do your best," and so I did; I wanted no whip
nor spur, and for two miles I galloped as fast I could lay my feet to
the ground; I don't believe that my old grandfather, who won the race at
Newmarket, could have gone faster. When we came to the bridge, John