We came home one day to find Polly waiting. "Jerry!" she cried.
"One of the candidates was here today.
He wants to hire your cab for the election next week."
"You can tell him to find a different cab," Jerry said.
"I don't want anyone's election posters plastered all over mine."
Election Day was when the humans chose their leaders.
It seemed to make many people act strangely.
Even poor Dolly got teased by some naughty boys who thought her father supported the wrong party.
It was all very perplexing to me.
When Election Day arrived, Jerry and I had all the work we could handle.
Many other cabs had been hired by the candidates and were busy dashing around town encouraging people to vote.
That made the streets even more crowded and hectic than usual.
We saw two people who were trying to cross the street get knocked down by speeding cabs!
We'd just returned to the cab stand when a young woman came toward us.
Her clothes were old and plain, and she was carrying a child in her arms.
The woman's expression was confused and anxious.
The child was crying in a feeble voice.
"Excuse me, sir," the young woman said to Jerry.
"Could you please tell me how to get to St. Thomas' Hospital?
I'm visiting from the country and don't know my way around London.
I certainly didn't expect all this commotion!"
"The election is today," Jerry said.
"If you don't mind my asking, why do you need to find the hospital?"
"It's my son," she said.
"He's four years old, but he can't walk any better than a baby.
He's always in pain.
The doctors said if I can get him to the hospital, they might be able to help him.
So that's where I'm taking him."
"You can't be thinking of walking!" Jerry exclaimed.
"The hospital is three miles away, and that child looks heavy."
"Yes, he is," the woman said with a sad smile.
"But I'm strong, and I've come this far."
"No, the crowds are bad today," Jerry said firmly.
"You and your child could be run over.
Just get in my cab, ma'am, and I'll drive you."
"Thank you, but I couldn't, sir," the woman said.
"I only have enough money to pay my way back home."
Jerry shook his head. "Forget about the money.
I have a wife and children at home, and it would be an honor to help you.
Now climb in, and I'll take you there for free."
"Heaven bless you!" the woman cried, bursting into tears.
As Jerry opened the door to let her into the cab, two well-dressed men rushed over.
They were both wearing election colors.
"Cab!" one of them called.
"Engaged," Jerry said.
The men didn't seem to hear him.
They were already pushing past the woman, and were soon seated in the cab.
"Excuse me, gentlemen," Jerry said.
"I told you, this cab is already engaged by that lady."
One of the men gave the young woman a brief glance.
"I'm sure she can wait," he said. "Our business is very important."
"Besides," added the other man, "we got in first. That means it's our cab."
Jerry shut the door behind them. "All right, gentlemen.
Stay in as long as you like." He turned to the young woman.
"Don't worry," he told her with a smile.
"They'll be gone soon enough."
It took only a few minutes for the men to realize that Jerry didn't intend to drive them anywhere.
They climbed out of the cab and hurried off, calling him all sorts of bad names.
Jerry helped the woman and child into the cab, and then drove them to the hospital.
The woman climbed out with many thanks, which I could see pleased Jerry greatly.
We were about to depart when a well-dressed lady came down the hospital steps, looking for a cab.
As soon as she saw Jerry, she smiled broadly.
"Jeremiah Barker! Is that you?" she exclaimed.
Jerry seemed equally glad to see her.
From listening to their conversation, I discovered that the lady lived on a fine estate in the country.
Polly had worked for her family before marrying Jerry and moving to London.
"How does cab work suit you?" the lady asked Jerry.
"I know your dear wife was anxious about your health last year."
"Yes, ma'am, she was," Jerry replied.
"I had a cough all winter, and the long hours and bad weather can be difficult.
"But I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I didn't have horses to look after."
The lady smiled. "I understand.
Just remember, there's always a need for good grooms and drivers.
If you ever want to give up the cab life, just let me know."