The Statesman and the Horse

A statesman who had saved his country was returning from Washington on foot when he encountered a racehorse galloping at full speed. The statesman managed to stop the horse and said, "Turn around and travel the other way. I will keep you company as far as my home. The advantages of traveling together are obvious."

"I cannot do that," replied the racehorse. "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?" inquired the statesman.

"He is the statesman who saved his country," answered the racehorse.

"There appears to be some mistake," the statesman said. "Why did he wish to travel so fast?"

"To be there in time to claim the country that he saved."

"I guess he got it," said the statesman with a sigh, as he limped along his way.