That evening Morgan was bought back by Joel Goss and Joseph Rogers, who took him again to Claremont, where he soon regained strength and flesh. His coat took on such a gloss that after a while they began to “spruce” him up for the Randolph Fair. And at twenty-eight years of age! The fair proved to be a very fine one and there were bread-stuffs, pies and quilts of every description, linen and woolen woven by the women, and the men exhibited their fine horses, cows and pigs. Morgan’s stable was as popular as ever and pretty soon the judges gave him a blue ribband, though there were many younger horses in his class who arched their necks and attracted attention. The chief topic of conversation at the fair was the approaching visit of President James Monroe, who was coming to view the scene of the great naval battle at Burlington. Morgan heard the talk outside his stall. “They tell me the Morgan goes up to Burlington for the President to ride in the big parade,” said a stable boy. “Yes,” some one replied, “Joel Goss wants to sell the horse and thinks with the reputation of having been ridden by a President he’ll get a better price!” “That sounds reasonable--if Morgan was younger.” “Younger? Why, man, this horse’ll never grow old! Wait and take a look at him.” The “old” horse was led out, bold and ambitious, his eyes bright, his ears pointing, his spirit fresh as ever! He stepped smartly about, supple and sound as a horse of ten, at the most. It is the spirit that makes the horse and there was a springiness of youth in his gait. Well had he known--this wise animal--that every trait and characteristic he developed in himself would be his gift to posterity! His feeling of responsibility to future generations was great.[15] A week later the Morgan was led to the Tavern entrance in Burlington. He stepped nobly, and understood all the paces and evolutions of a showy parade-horse. At the door of the Tavern appeared a man, noticeable for that dignified and courtly bearing that marked the Colonial gentleman. He was attired in a costume of the latest cut--somewhat new to the Vermonters. He raised his hat and bowed to the right and left as cheer after cheer rose from the people who recognized their President. Accompanied by General Joseph G. Swift, he started down the steps. Suddenly over the face of President James Monroe there passed a look of keen interest, followed by one of intense admiration. He had caught sight of Morgan, and his eye, unerring in its judgment of horseflesh, was arrested at once by his vigorous and fearless style. He turned to a group of officials. “I see, gentlemen,” he said, in a tone of genuine appreciation, “that Vermont can produce a horse worthy of her heroes!” A moment later and he had thrown his leg over the back of the proudest horse in America! THE END.