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Borrow, George Henry, 1803-1881

"The Romany Rye"

" "Where
am I?" said I, "and what has happened?" "You are in my house,"
said the old man, "and you have been flung from a horse. I am
sorry to say that I was the cause. As I was driving home, the
lights in my gig frightened the animal." "Where is the horse?"
said I. "Below, in my stable," said the elderly individual. "I
saw you fall, but knowing that on account of my age I could be of
little use to you, I instantly hurried home, the accident did not
occur more than a furlong off, and procuring the assistance of my
lad, and two or three neighbouring cottagers, I returned to the
spot where you were lying senseless. We raised you up, and brought
you here. My lad then went in quest of the horse, who had run away
as we drew nigh. When we saw him first he was standing near you;
he caught him with some difficulty, and brought him home. What are
you about?" said the old man, as I strove to get off the bed. "I
want to see the horse," said I. "I entreat you to be still," said
the old man; "the horse is safe, I assure you." "I am thinking
about his knees," said I. "Instead of thinking about your horse's
knees," said the old man, "be thankful that you have not broke your
own neck." "You do not talk wisely," said I; "when a man's neck is
broke, he is provided for; but when his horse's knees are broke, he
is a lost jockey, that is, if he has nothing but his horse to
depend upon.


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