One day in autumn Squire Gordon, my master, went on a trip into town. John, my caretaker, went with him. I pulled the cart. The weather was rainy and windy, but we travelled happily.
Gordon's business took a long time. We didn't leave until late afternoon. The wind was then much higher. My master said to John, "I have never been out in such a storm!" Mr Gordon and John could not see well in the rain.
We came to a wooden bridge. It was very nearly dark. We could just see that the water was over the middle of the bridge. But as that happened sometimes when the floods were out, master did not stop. The moment my feet touched the first part of the bridge, I felt sure there was something wrong. I dare (敢于) not go forward, and I made a dead stop. "Go on, Beauty," said my master, and he gave me a touch with the whip (鞭子), but I dare not move. He gave me a sharp cut and I jumped, but I dare not go forward.
"There's something wrong, sir," said John, and he got out and tried to lead me forward. "Come on, Beauty." But I knew that the bridge was not safe.
Just then the man on the other side saw us.
"Hey! Halloo! Stop!" he cried.
"What's the matter?" shouted my master.
"The bridge is broken in the middle, and part of it is carried away. If you go onto it, you'll be into the river."
"Thank you for saving us, Beauty!" said John. He gently turned me round to the right hand road by the river side. It grew darker and darker, stiller and stiller.
When we returned home the Squire told Mrs Gordon, "Black Beauty saved our lives. He knew the bridge was dangerous."
John took me to the stable. Oh! What a good supper he gave me that night! What a nice bed of straw! I was glad of it, for I was tired.
— Adapted from Black Beauty
a. The man warned them not to cross the broken bridge.
b. The master touched Black Beauty with the whip.
c. Black Beauty was well rewarded for his decision.
d. Black Beauty refused to obey his master at the bridge.
e. They three came to a wooden bridge ready to cross the river.
