After patting his head and speaking a few encouraging words, Dick once more fastened the chains to his harness, and the old fellow walked off as steadily as one could desire; the spectators meanwhile shouting and clapping their hands.
"A smart chap, your son is, Parson," remarked one stout farmer laughing. "'Twas as good as a show to see him manage the dumb creature."
"I'm afraid Dick will get hurt some of these days," said his father, "he is so fearless."
Having proved conclusively that he could plough the garden, Dick plead with his father to allow him to hire another horse and plough the field for corn and potatoes.
"The very idea is absurd, Richard, very few men can drive a pair of horses, and plough at the same time."
"You thought I couldn't plough with one horse," urged the boy glancing archly in his father's face. "I wish you'd let me try. I saw how Mr. Kingsbury managed. He put the reins round his neck. Charley goes as steady as an old sheep; and if I can hire Mr. Fuller's one day I aren't afraid to try."
"Well," was the reluctant reply.
"I wish father'd sell Old Charley and get a better horse," Dick went on, when the gentleman had left the room. "He's such an awkward looking creature. He never goes out of the gate head first unless he goes backward."
"That is because he likes to see what is going on behind him," suggested his mother laughing.
"Charley is a good creature," added Mr. Stuart returning. "He has served well in his day and generation. I couldn't get another that would stand as he does. Why he'd stand at the gate of one of my parishioners all day if I wished it."