It was the bell of justice. The judge put on his rich robes and, panting, hurried to the market place.
There he saw a strange sight: a poor steed, starved and thin, tugging at the vines which were fastened to the bell. A great crowd had gathered around.
"Whose horse is this?" the judge asked.
"It is the horse of the rich soldier who lives in the castle," said a man. "He has served his master long and well, and has saved his life many times. Now that the horse is too old to work, the master turns him out. He wanders through the lanes and fields, picking up such food as can be found."
"His call for justice shall be heard," said the judge. "Bring the soldier to me."
The soldier tried to treat the matter as a jest. Then he grew angry and said in an undertone, "One can surely do what he pleases with his own."
"For shame!" cried the judge. "Has the horse not served you for many years? And has he not saved your life? You must build a good shelter for him, and give him the best grain and the best pasture. Take the horse home and be as true to him as he has been to you."
The soldier hung his head in shame and led the horse away. The people shouted and applauded.