match for them, and went on plunging, rearing, and kicking in a most desperate manner; at last she kicked right over the carriage pole and fell down, after giving me a severe blow on my near quarter.  There is no knowing what further mischief she might have done, had not York sat himself down flat on her head to prevent her struggling, at the same time calling out, “Unbuckle the black horse!  Run for the winch and unscrew the carriage pole!  Cut the trace here, somebody, if you can’t unhitch it!” The groom soon set me free from Ginger and the carriage, and led me to my box.  He just turned me in as I was, and ran back to York.  I was much excited by what had happened, and if I had ever been used to kick or rear I am sure I should have done it then; but I never had, and there I stood, angry, sore in my leg, my head still strained up to the terret on the saddle, and no power to get it down.  I was very miserable, and felt much inclined to kick the first person who came near me.

Before long, however, Ginger was led in by two grooms, a good deal knocked about and bruised.  York came with her and gave us orders, and then came to look at me.  In a moment he let down my head.

“Confound these check-reins!” he said to himself; “I thought we should have some mischief soon.  Master will be sorely vexed.  But here, if a woman’s husband can’t rule her, of course a servant can’t; so I wash my hands of it, and if she can’t get to the Duchess’ garden party I can’t help it.”

York did not say this before the men; he always spoke respectfully when they were by.  Now he felt me all over, and soon found the place above my hock where I had been kicked.  It was swelled and painful; he ordered it to be sponged with hot water, and then some lotion was put on.

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Lord W—–­ was much put out when he learned what had happened; he blamed York for giving way to his mistress, to which he replied that in future he would much prefer to receive his orders only from his lordship.  I thought York might have stood up better for his horses, but perhaps I am no judge.

Ginger was never put into the carriage again, but when she was well of her bruises one of Lord W——­’s younger sons said he should like to have her; he was sure she would make a good hunter.  As for me, I was obliged still to go in the carriage, and had a fresh partner called Max; he had always been used to the tight rein.  I asked him how it was he bore it.

“Well,” he said, “I bear it because I must; but it is shortening my life, and it will shorten yours too, if you have to stick to it.”

“Do you think,” I said, “that our masters know how bad it is for us?”