CHAPTER IV.
Birtwick Park
At this time I used to stand in the stable, and my coat was brushed every day till it shone like a rook's wing. It was early in May, when there came a man from Squire Gordon's, who took me away to the Hall. My master said "Good bye, Darkie; be a good horse, and always do your best." I could not say 'good bye,' so I put my nose into his hand; he patted me kindly, and I left my first home. As I lived some years with Squire Gordon, I may as well tell something about the place.
Squire Gordon's Park skirted the village of Birtwick. It was entered by a large iron gate, at which stood the first Lodge, and then you trotted along on a smooth road between clumps of large old trees; then another Lodge and another gate, which brought you to the house and the gardens. Beyond this lay the home paddock, the old orchard, and the stables. There was accommodation for many horses and carriages; but I need only describe the stable into which I was taken; this was very roomy, with four good stalls; a large swinging window opened into the yard, which made it pleasant and airy.
The first stall was a large square one, shut in behind with a wooden gate; the others were common
