is to lift his legs up, one at a time, an'
lean up agin his collar. Natur' does the rest."

"Werry likely," said Buddy; "but you can't expect everything in a cab
'oss."

"Heverythink?" said Sam. "I don't expect everythink; I only want
some-think; and all you've got there," he continued, pointing with one
thumb over his shoulder at the unfortunate Ratty, "is so much walking
cats'-meat."

"Yes, he aint 'andsome, suttunly," said Buddy again, screwing up one
side of his face. "But why don't you smooth him over? Try kindness,
and give the whip a 'ollerday."

"Kindness--whip--'ollerday! Why, I'm like a father to 'im. Look here."

Sam went to the little boot at the back of his cab, and tugged out the
horse's nose-bag, which was lined at the bottom with tin, so that it
would have held water.

"See that?" said Sam.

"Yes: what's it for?" said Buddy.

"Beer," said Sam, fiercely, "beer! Many's the 'arfpint I've poured in
there along of his chopped meat, jest to cheer him up a bit, and he aint
got no missus to smell his breath. I thought that 'ud make 'im go if
anythink would."

"Well, didn't it?" said Buddy, rubbing his ear with the spoke-brush.

"Didn't it?" said Sam. "Lets out at me with his orf 'ind leg, and then
comes clay mill, and goes round and round till he oughter 'ave been
dizzy, but he worn't. There never was sech a ungrateful beast."

Buddy grinned as Sam stuffed back the nose-bag, the horse shaking his
head the while.

"Try it on me, Sam," said Buddy, as the driver prepared to mount. "I
won't let out with no orf 'ind legs."

Sam winked, and climbed to his perch.

"What's the flowers for, Sam?" said the helper.

"The missus. Goin' to call for her, and drive her to Upper 'ollerway,"
said Sam, "afore I goes on the rank."

"Oh, will you tell her," said Buddy, earnestly, "as Ginger's ever so
much better, and can a'most putt his little leg to the ground? He eats
that stuff she brought him like fun."

"What stuff was that?" said Sam, gathering up the reins.

"Sorter yaller jally," said Buddy.

"What, as smells o' lemons?" said Sam.

"Yes, that's it," said Buddy; "he just do like it."

"How long's he been bad now?"

"Twelve weeks," said Buddy; "and he's been 'most worn to skin and bone;
but he's pulling up now. Takes his corn."

"Mornin'," said Sam.

He tried to start; but Batty moved sidewise, laid a blinker against the
whitewashed wall of the yard, and rubbed it up and down, so