Black Beauty, Part 44 summary
Part 44 of 49 · 6 min to read the part
In 44 Old Captain and His Successor, a drunken drayman’s crash leaves Captain badly injured, and Jerry chooses death over selling him into suffering. Jerry then brings home Hotspur, whose difficult behavior improves with steady work, gentle treatment, and less restrictive equipment.
What happens
- A drunken drayman loses control, runs over a girl, and crashes into Jerry’s cab, badly injuring Captain.
- Jerry condemns drink and explains to Grant how Polly helps him overcome his own dependence.
- Captain deteriorates, and Jerry decides to shoot him rather than sell him into painful work; Captain disappears while the narrator visits the forge.
- An acquaintance recommends a young horse whose carriage accident follows harsh restraint and insufficient exercise.
- Hotspur joins the stable and settles into cab work under Jerry’s gentle handling.
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In this part
What to notice
Jerry treats dependence on drink as a loss of freedom. His encouragement prompts Grant to consider trying again to stop.
Quick check
Why does Jerry refuse to sell Captain?
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