Tivington Nott (20 page)

I am reluctant to go down. I believe I shall never come up here again. I stroke Kabara’s neck and he snorts and shakes his head, as if he understands what I have done for him. Lord Harbringdon was delighted to hear from me that this great horse is for sale; he is certain tomorrow to offer Alsop a price for Kabara which the Tiger will not be able to match. The Tiger is already well enough mounted. I shall tell him. I shan’t make a secret of what I’ve done. I’ll let him know he’s lost. Roly-Poly was right all the time; her farm is not a fit place for me or for Kabara. Kabara has found
his
place.

We look for a moment longer in to the darkening valley. Across the other side are the Quantock Hills, their contours softened by the last pale sunlight; and lying between, what Morris calls the valley without a name. I nudge Kabara in the flank and he moves off, beginning the long descent. I have begun to think of the many good things I am about to lose. For Kabara’s sake I regret nothing, but I wonder what it is that I am making my own way towards.

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