The Merry Past 



did the maker of the bet remember that he had that 

 very evening sent off his horses to town, it having 

 been his intention to go himself by an early coach. 

 The situation seemed desperate, no horse appearing 

 to be available except a blood hack which he beheld 

 a groom saddling for his opponent. A rough pony, 

 however, was standing in the straw-yard, and this he 

 immediately caught. As no reins were to be found, 

 a twisted silk handkerchief took their place to avoid 

 loss of time. 



In full dress, with cocked hat and silk stockings, 

 towards the middle of the night and in a drizzling 

 rain, after sundry kickings and other signs of dis- 

 pleasure, the ill-equipped competitor took the road 

 on his bare-backed steed, which scampered through 

 mud and rain at a capital pace towards an inn where, 

 being well known, the squire made sure of getting at 

 least a post-horse. He had, however, not gone far 

 before the clatter of a horse's hoofs was heard behind, 

 and presently his opponent dashed by at full speed, 

 jeeringly asking whether he had any commands for 

 town. For a moment the squire felt depressed with 

 the apparent impossibility of his task ; but confidence 

 in his own courage and vigour soon inspired him to 

 redoubled exertion, which was at length rewarded by 

 finding himself at the much-wished-for tavern. 



The ostler was fortunately still up, although the 

 rest of the establishment were snug in bed. Vainly, 

 however, was he told to saddle a horse ; the obstinate 

 fellow seemed resolved no horse should leave the 

 stable ; and the squire was obliged at length to 



