Benjamin-Boxer friendship

Benjamin, the oldest and most cynical animal on the farm, never laughed and saw nothing to laugh at. Yet, without openly admitting it, he was devoted to Boxer. The two of them usually spent their Sundays together in the small paddock beyond the orchard, grazing side by side and never speaking. This silent companionship was the only relationship that seemed to soften Benjamin's habitual bitterness, though he never acknowledged it.

When Boxer collapsed and the van came to take him away, Benjamin's character underwent a startling transformation. The animals saw him galloping from the farm buildings, braying at the top of his voice—the first time anyone had ever seen him excited, let alone gallop. 'Quick, quick!' he shouted. 'Come at once! They're taking Boxer away!' He then read the lettering on the van: 'Alfred Simmonds, Horse Slaughterer and Glue Boiler, Willingdon. Dealer in Hides and Bone-Meal. Kennels Supplied.' 'Do you not understand what that means?' he cried. 'They are taking Boxer to the knacker's!' His desperate attempt to alert the others proved futile, and Boxer was taken away to his death.