One morning in December, John Manly was cleaning me. James Howard came into the stable (a building where horses live) with some food. Then, Squire Gordon came in. Squire Gordon looked very serious.
Squire Gordon had a letter in his hand. John Manly waited to hear the news. Squire Gordon asked John Manly about James Howard. Squire Gordon asked if James Howard was a good worker.
"Yes, sir," John Manly said. "James Howard is very good. He is always busy. He is always respectful." John Manly said he trusted James Howard completely.
John Manly said James Howard was gentle and clever with horses. John Manly liked James Howard more than other workers. Squire Gordon smiled at James Howard. Squire Gordon was happy.
Squire Gordon said he had a letter from his brother-in-law. This man was Sir Clifford Williams. Sir Clifford Williams lived at Clifford Hall. He needed a new groom (a person who takes care of horses).
Sir Clifford Williams wanted a young man who was honest. The new man would work with an old driver. Later, the young man would take the old man’s job. The pay was very good. James Howard would have his own room and a boy to help him.
"It is a very good job for you, James Howard," Squire Gordon said. John Manly was sad to lose James Howard. But John Manly wanted James Howard to have a good life. James Howard was nineteen years old.
John Manly said James Howard was strong and careful. James Howard looked after the horses' feet very well. Squire Gordon told James Howard to think about the job. James Howard talked to his mother about it.
After a few days, James Howard decided to go. He would leave in one month. For that month, James Howard practiced driving. He drove the carriage (a large vehicle with wheels pulled by horses) every day.
James Howard drove me and Ginger. Sometimes John Manly sat with him. Sometimes James Howard drove alone. Squire Gordon took James Howard to the city on Saturdays. They went to the railway station.
The streets were very busy. There were many carts and an omnibus (a large vehicle for many people pulled by horses). The roads were narrow and difficult. James Howard learned to be a very good driver.