← Old Benjamin, the donkey, seemed quite unchanged since the Rebellion. He did his work in the same slow obstinate way as he had done it in Jones's time, never shirking and never volunteering for extra work either. 🔊
← Then he put on an extra spurt and, with a few inches to spare, slipped through a hole in the hedge and was seen no more. 🔊
← "Comrades," he said, "I trust that every animal here appreciates the sacrifice that Comrade Napoleon has made in taking this extra labour upon himself. 🔊
← He did not give any reason for having changed his mind, but merely warned the animals that this extra task would mean very hard work, it might even be necessary to reduce their rations. 🔊
← In January food fell short. The corn ration was drastically reduced, and it was announced that an extra potato ration would be issued to make up for it. 🔊