They hesitated , so did he ; for it must cost many lives , and , brave as they were , they paused an instant . But I settled the point , for I was wild with the sound of drums , the smell of powder , the excitement of the hour , and , finding myself sharply reined in , I rebelled , took the bit between my teeth , and dashed straight away into the midst of the fight , spite of all my rider could do . The men thought their captain led them on , and with a cheer they followed , carrying all before them . '' ` What happened just after that I never could remember , except that I got a wound here in my neck and a cut on my flank ; the scar is there still , and I 'm proud of it , though buyers always consider it a blemish . But when the battle was won my master was promoted on the field , and I carried him up to the general as he sat among his officers under the torn flags . '' ` Both of us were weary and wounded , both were full of pride at what we had done ; but he got all the praise and the honor , I only a careless word and a better supper than usual . '' ' I thought no one knew what I had done , and resented the ingratitude of your race ; for it was the horse , not the man , who led that forlorn hope , and I did think I should have a rosette at least , when others got stars and bars for far less dangerous deeds . Never mind , my master knew the truth , and thanked me for my help by keeping me always with him till the sad day when he was shot in a skirmish , and lay for hours with none to watch and mourn over him but his faithful horse . '' ` Then I knew how much he loved and thanked me , for his hand stroked me while it had the strength , his eye turned to me till it grew too dim for seeing , and when help came , among the last words he whispered to a comrade were these , `` Be kind to Rosa and send her safely home ; she has earned her rest . '' '' ' I had earned it , but I did not get it , for when I was sent home the old mother 's heart was broken at the loss of her son , and she did not live long to cherish me . Then my hard times began , for my next owner was a fast young man , who ill used me in many ways , till the spirit of my father rose within me , and I gave my brutal master a grand runaway and smash-up . '' ` To tame me down , I was sold for a car horse ; and that almost killed me , for it was dreadful drudgery to tug , day after day , over the hard pavement with heavy loads behind me , uncongenial companions beside me , and no affection to cheer my life . '' ' I have often longed to ask why Mr. Bergh does not try to prevent such crowds from piling into those cars ; and now I beg you to do what you can to stop such an unmerciful abuse . '' ` In snow-storms it was awful , and more than one of my mates dropped dead with overwork and discouragement . I used to wish I could do the same , for my poor feet , badly shod , became so lame I could hardly walk at times , and the constant strain on the up grades brought back the old trouble in my shoulder worse than ever . '' ` Why they did not kill me I do n't know , for I was a miserable creature then ; but there must be something attractive about me , I fancy , for people always seem to think me worth saving . What can it be , ma'am ? ' '' ` Now , Rosa , do n't be affected ; you know you are a very engaging little animal , and if you live to be forty will still have certain pretty ways about you , that win the hearts of women , if not of men . They see your weak points , and take a money view of the case ; but we sympathize with your afflictions , are amused with your coquettish airs , and like your affectionate nature . Now hurry up and finish , for I find it a trifle cold out here . '
`` I laughed as I spoke , for XXXXX eyed me with a sidelong glance and gently waved the docked tail , which was her delight ; for the sly thing liked to be flattered and was as fond of compliments as a girl . ''
Bergh Rosa day father heart hours overwork rosette smash-up snow-storms