26 How it Ended

In the dead of night, Black Beauty hears the distant sound of a horse’s hooves, growing clearer and nearer, indicating someone might be coming to find them. The noise, recognizable as Ginger’s steps attached to a dog-cart, brings hope. As the cart approaches, Black Beauty neighs and receives a response from Ginger, accompanied by men’s voices. They discover Reuben, prone and unresponsive on the ground, later pronounced dead with noticeable coldness and blood-soaked hair, suggesting a severe injury.

The men deduce that Black Beauty, showing visible injuries and a damaged hoof, must have fallen, causing Reuben’s fatal accident. Despite the initial surprise at Black Beauty’s fall, speculations arise about Reuben’s judgment, implying he might have been under the influence, endangering both himself and the horse. Concerns for Reuben’s wife, Susan, who appeared anxious and pale, are expressed, reflecting apprehensions about her reaction to the tragic news.

Robert, the groom, undertakes the responsibility of leading the injured Black Beauty home, while Ned handles the somber task of transporting Reuben’s body. Difficulties in managing Ginger and Black Beauty under such dire circumstances are noted, showcasing Ginger’s unusual calmness. The return journey is marked by Robert’s care in treating Black Beauty’s wounds with makeshift remedies, highlighting a poignant mix of compassion amidst the tragedy.

The aftermath deals with the treatment of Black Beauty’s injuries, involving a long and painful recovery marked by efforts to heal and restore, albeit with permanent blemishes. An inquest into Reuben’s death brings to light his intoxicated state, corroborating the purported cause of the mishap through testimonies and the loss of Black Beauty’s shoe.

This chapter encapsulates a tragic event, underscored by the themes of responsibility, the consequences of actions under the influence, and the enduring bond between horses and their keepers amidst adversity.