74 THE OLD CHARGER.

Jack’s business was to draw the trucks of stones along
the tramway during the erection of Waterloo Bridge. Near
at hand was a beershop, frequented by the labourers and
carters. Jack’s driver, named Tom, was: an honest fellow,
and very kind to Jack, but too fond of spending more time
than he ought to have done in the beershop. Jack, though ~
a restless animal, got used to Tom’s habits, and waited
patiently till an overseer started him on his work again. On
one occasion, however, the overseer being absent, Tom took
so long a spell at the ale that Jack became restless. The
trace fastenings being long enough, the animal put his head
inside the beerhouse door, and seizing the astonished Tom by
the collar with his teeth, dragged him out to his duty at the
truck. Great thereafter became the fame of Jack amongst
the host of labourers.

Like famous Jack, do not be afraid to remind a friend of
his duty, even though you have to seize him by the collar
and drag him away to perform it.

 

THE OLD CHARGER.

THE horse has been often known to remember his rider after
a long absence. He is also a friendly animal, and once used
to others of his kind, rarely forgets them. At the trumpet’s
sound, the old war-horse pricks up his ears, snorts, and paws
the ground, eager to join his ancient comrades.

A hundred years ago the assistant to a surveyor was em-
ployed to ride along a certain line of turnpike road, to see
that the contractors were doing their work properly. He