Chapter 6 The fire
第6章 大火
The first day we travelled about fifty kilometres,but James drove carefully and made sure that Ginger and I were always on the smoothest part of the road.
第一天我们赶了大约五十公里的路,詹姆斯小心翼翼地赶车,一直注意着让我和金儿走在道路较平坦的那一边。
It was evening when we reached the hotel where we were going to stay that night.It was in the Market Place and two stablemen came out to us.
晚上我们到了一个饭店,准备在这里过夜。这是在马克特·普雷斯,两个马夫迎了出来。
The chief stableman was a pleasant old man,and he led me into a long stable with six or eight stalls in it,and two or three horses.
马夫长是个令人愉快的老人,他把我牵进了一个有六到八栏的长厩,里面有两三匹马。
The younger man brought in Ginger,and James watched while we were groomed.
年轻马夫牵进了金儿。当给我们刷洗时,詹姆斯在一旁看着。
I thought I was quick,James told the old stableman,but youre quicker than anyone.
我以为我手快,詹姆斯对老马夫说,可是你比谁都快。
Ive worked with horses since I was twelve years old,and I can tell you its good to be able to work with a well-behaved,well-cared for animal like this.said the stableman,
我12岁起就干这行了!而且我跟你说,能和像这匹马这样教养好,料理得好的动物一起干活儿,是件愉快的事。
Patting my neck.Who is your master?
老马夫说着,拍拍我的脖子。你的主人是谁?
Mr Gordon of Birtwick Park,said James.
伯特威克庄园的高顿先生,约翰说。
Ive heard of him,said the stableman.Hes a good judge of horses,and the best rider in this part of the country.
我听说过他,马夫说,他是一个相马的行家,而且是这一带最好的骑手。
关于《黑骏马》他先是被卖给善待马的戈登老爷当坐骑;后来又被卖给了W伯爵,那可恶的勒马缰绳成为他最讨厌的东西,也是所有马儿的不幸。