Nurse and George were standing by the garden gate one fine summer
afternoon. George had been playing in the hay field, making nests in the
sweet hay for himself and nurse.
And they had tossed the hay about, and thrown it at each other, and had
had a good game of play.
And now nurse and George were both tired, and they were going into the
house to have some tea.
Just then, Tom, the carter, passed by, leading one of the horses, and he
said—
“Will you have a ride, Master Georgey?”
“I think not,” said nurse. “He has never been on a horse.”
“He will be quite safe,” said Tom; “Dapple is very steady, and if Master
Georgey will hold tight by the halter, there is no fear of his tumbling
off.”
“Oh, do let me go!” said George.
When nurse saw how quiet Dapple was, she let Tom lift Georgey on his
back. Tom stroked the horse’s nose, and said—
“You will be glad of a rest in the stable, and of your supper.”
“What does he have for supper, Tom?” asked Georgey.
“Hay, and some oats,” said Tom.
“And what does he drink?”
“Fresh clear water,” said Tom; “horses like to have clean water to
drink.”
“When I am big,” said George, “I will have a horse of my own, and I will
ride on him every day.”
[Illustration: GEORGEY’S FIRST RIDE.]
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