He went to sleep in this visionary house and did not awaken until the
sun was high up and hurrying men and women to work. So he rose quickly,
for he counted himself among this working-class, felt his
responsibilities, and began to reckon with the difficulties he had to
meet and the appointments he could not decline. He had promised to see
his overseer at half-past nine, and he knew Jonathan would have a few
disagreeable words ready, if he broke his promise--words it was better
to avoid than to notice or discount.
At half-past eight he was ready to ride to the mill. His gig was
waiting, but he chose his saddle horse, because the creature so lovingly
neighed and neighed to the sound of his approaching footsteps, evidently
rejoicing to see him, and pawing the ground with his impatience to feel
him in the saddle. John could not resist the invitation. He sent the
uncaring gig away, laid his arm across Bendigo's neck, and his cheek
against Bendigo's cheek. Then he whispered a few words in his ear and
leaped into the saddle as only a Yorkshireman or a gypsy can leap, and
Bendigo, thrilling with delight, carried his master swiftly away from
the gig and its driver, neighing with triumph as he passed them.
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