The Old Brown Horse Page #2

"The Old Brown Horse" by David Cory is a charming children's story that follows the adventures of a gentle and wise old horse. Through his experiences, the tale conveys themes of friendship, loyalty, and the wisdom that comes with age. As the old brown horse interacts with the children and animals around him, he shares valuable life lessons and the importance of kindness and understanding. With delightful illustrations and a heartwarming narrative, this book captures the essence of childhood wonder and the bonds that form between humans and animals.

• Children

								

By and by Mr. Merry Sun drew close to the tip of the Western Hills.
The sky became all pinky-purple and golden-blue. Billy Breeze began
to whisper sleepy music in the treetops and the birds to fly home to
their leafy nests. I guess Mrs. Cow was ringing the little bell on
her leather collar to call her long-legged calf. It was past supper
time and the Twinkle Twinkle Star would be shining from the sky.

“What shall we do?” asked the little anxious bunny.

“I don’t know,” sadly replied the poor steed. “My feet are dreadfully
stiff and cold. I can hardly swish my tail it’s so wet and heavy.”

Just then a voice came across the darkening waters: “I’ll help you!”

“Do it quick!” gasped the Old Brown Horse, still bravely struggling
in the swift current. “I’m all in!”

“Oh, please come at once with a boat or a life preserver!” shouted
Little Jack Rabbit. “My dear Old Brown Horse is nearly drowned.”

The next moment around a bend in the river came the Billy Goat with
his Ferryboat. You remember the Ferryboat, don’t you? The old rowboat
with a bicycle in the middle and paddle wheels on the side to push it
ahead or backward or any way which Captain Billygoat wished to go.

“Oh, hurry, hurry!” shouted the poor frightened little bunny boy, as
the Old Brown Horse floundered about in the angry waters, his head
at times almost disappearing and his poor hind legs refusing to make
another stroke.

“I’m coming. Keep up!” shouted back the kind Billy Goat, making his
hind legs go so fast that the spray from the paddle wheels almost
hid him from view. At last, however, and none too soon, he came
alongside the poor tired horse.

“Quick! Jump in!” shouted the Billy Goat, and in hopped the bunny
rabbit boy.

“Lay your head in the boat,” cried the Billy Goat to the Old Brown
Horse.

Dear me! The poor old fellow had scarcely enough strength to do even
that. At length, however, he began to breathe easier, for all he had
to do was just be towed along.

“You saved me from a watery grave, kind Billy Goat Ferry Man. Some
day I’ll do you a friendly deed,” said the grateful horse when the
Ferryboat reached the shore.

“Oh, don’t mention it,” replied the Billy Goat. “I’d do anything for
you and Little Jack Rabbit. Give my regards to the folks at home!”
and away paddled the good lifesaver in his paddle-wheel rowboat to
the wharf where the little rabbit boys and girls waited for him to
take them to ice cream picnics or lollypop clambakes.

“I’ll take you home now that I’m nicely rested,” said the Old Brown
Horse. “I declare, I never thought this river had so swift a current.”

“Oh, I was so frightened,” answered the little rabbit, climbing on
his back. “I thought I’d never see the dear Old Bramble Patch again.
I want to get home to mother.”

“You’ll be there pretty soon,” replied the old horse, setting off at
a brisk trot.

As they neared the Old Bramble Patch they saw Lady Love standing at
the gate, shading her eyes with her front paw.

    “Home again, my little bunny.
       Come and eat your bread and honey.
     You have been away all day,
       Now with mother you may stay,”

sang the pretty canary.
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