For many people Christmas and the New Year are merry times, but for cab drivers and their horses there are so many parties that the work is hard and often goes on late into the night. There was a lot of late work in the Christmas week, and Jerry’s cough was bad. But however late we were, Polly waited up and came out with a lantern to meet him.
On New Year’s Eve we took two gentlemen to a card party and were told to come back at eleven. “Don’t be late,” said one.
As the clock struck eleven, we were at the door. The clock struck twelve, but the door did not open. A cold wind drove sleet at us from every side, and there was no shelter. Jerry pulled my rug higher over my neck and walked up and down, stamping his feet, but that made him cough.
At a quarter past one the two gentlemen came out. They got in without a word, and when they got out, they did not say they were sorry, but they were angry at the price. Jerry could hardly speak, but when we got home, he still rubbed me down and fetched extra straw for my bed.
The next morning only Harry came. He cleaned us and fed us, and he did not whistle or sing. At noon Dolly came with him, crying, and I understood from their talk that Jerry was dangerously ill.
On the third day the Governor came into the stable. “How is your father, my boy?”
“Very bad,” said Harry. “But the doctor says he has a better chance than most men, because he doesn’t drink.”
The next morning Harry told him that his father was better. “Thank God!” said the Governor. “Now, Jack will be all the better for a rest. But this young one will be too much for you if he does not work. I’ll take him out every day, and whatever he earns, I’ll bring your mother half.” And he went before Harry could thank him.
Jerry got better slowly, but the doctor said he must never go back to cab work. One afternoon Dolly came dancing into the stable.
“Oh, Harry, there was never anything so wonderful! Mother has a letter from Mrs Fowler, and she says we can all go and live near her. There is an empty cottage with a garden and apple trees. Her coachman is leaving in the spring, and then she wants Father in his place. Mother is laughing and crying, and Father looks so happy!”
So it was decided: the family would move to the country, and the cab and horses would be sold. This was sad news for me. I was not young now. Since Birtwick I had never been so happy as with my dear master Jerry.
The Governor took Hotspur. Jerry would not sell me to just anybody for cab work again, and the Governor promised to find me a good place.
Jerry was not allowed out yet, and I never saw him again after that New Year’s Eve. Polly and the children came to say goodbye. “Poor old Jack! Dear old Jack! I wish we could take you with us,” said Polly, and she put her face close to my neck and kissed me. Dolly was crying and kissed me too. Harry stroked me but said nothing; he looked very sad. And so I was led away to my new place.