A STATESMAN1 who had saved his country was returning from Washington2

　　on foot, when he met a Race Horse going at full speed, and stopped

　　it.

　　"Turn about and travel the other way," said the Statesman, "and I

　　will keep you company as far as my home. The advantages of

　　travelling together are obvious."

　　"I cannot do that," said the Race Horse; "I am following my master

　　to Washington. I did not go fast enough to suit him, and he has

　　gone on ahead."

　　"Who is your master?" inquired3 the Statesman.

　　"He is the Statesman who saved his country," answered the Race

　　Horse.

　　"There appears to be some mistake," the other said. "Why did he

　　wish to travel so fast?"

　　"So as to be there in time to get the country that he saved."

　　"I guess he got it," said the other, and limped4 along, sighing.