They came to bid us good-bye.

They hugged 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 an old friend.
Merrylegs he had given to the vicar, who was wanting a 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 care of him and to help in the house, so I thought that Merrylegs was well off.
[Illustration] "Have you decided what to do, John ?" he said.
"No, sir; I have made up my mind that if I could get a situation with some first-rate colt-breaker and horse-trainer, it would be the right thing for me.