“And I didn’t know you were coming,” observed Prince. “How is everything back on the farm?”
“Oh, there’s not much change. I was sorry to come away and leave my father and mother.”
“Well, that’s the way things happen in this world,” said Prince. “We are colts for a little while, and then some of us grow to be big horses or grown-up ponies and have to go away from our friends. It’s just the same with men and women, I’ve heard. But you’ll like it here.”
“Is it nice?” asked Tinkle.
“Nice? I should say it is! Of course, I miss being out in the big, green, grassy meadow. But I get plenty to eat here, and every day a man scratches my back—”
“Scratches your back?” cried Tinkle. “I don’t believe I should like that!”
“Oh, yes you will,” said Prince. “You can’t imagine how your back begins to itch and ache when you’ve been in the harness all day. And when a man uses a brush and comb on you—”
“A brush and comb!” cried Tinkle. “Come, you’re joking! I know men and women, as well as boys and girls, use brushes and combs, but ponies or horses—”
“Yes, we really have our own brushes and combs, though they are different from those which humans use,” said Prince. “The brush is a big one, more like a broom, and the comb is made of iron and is called a currycomb. But they make your skin nice and clean and shiny. You’ll like them.”
“Maybe,” said Tinkle. “Is anything else different here from what it was on the farm?”