16 The Fire

During one evening at the stable, a traveler’s horse was brought in, leading to a series of events that endangered all the horses, including Black Beauty. As the night progressed, an unnoticed danger began to unfold — the stable caught fire. This was prompted by a young man, referred to only as Towler, who negligently entered the loft with a lit pipe, likely causing the fire.

Black Beauty was awakened by an uncomfortable sensation, soon realizing the stable was filled with thick, suffocating smoke, signaling a fire had ignited. Panic ensued among the horses, compounded by the confusion and fear exhibited by the hostlers trying to lead the horses out of the burning stable. The situation worsened as the fire engine hastily arrived, indicating the severity of the flames engulfing the stable’s roof.

James Howard, the stable boy, demonstrated remarkable bravery amidst the chaos. He meticulously led the horses out one by one, saving them from the encroaching flames. Each horse was led to safety with careful guidance, despite the perilous conditions. Black Beauty highlighted James’s calm demeanor and his effective method of using a scarf to cover their eyes, easing their journey out of the stable. Ginger, another horse, acknowledged that hearing Black Beauty’s whinny from outside gave her the courage to follow through the smoke.

The aftermath of the fire was a blend of relief and sadness. While James, Black Beauty, and Ginger managed to escape, the cries of the horses left behind haunted those who fled. The owner’s pride in James’s heroism was evident the following morning, though the devastation of the fire lingered in their hearts. The investigation into the fire’s cause pointed towards Towler’s carelessness with his pipe, sparking discussions on safety and negligence.

This chapter not only depicts a gripping tale of survival and courage but also highlights the bond between humans and animals, especially in times of crisis. The calm leadership of humans like James Howard and the trust placed in them by the animals underscore a poignant narrative of rescue and resilience.