38 THE ADVENTUKES OF A GENTLEMAN 



" At what hour, Sir?" 



" At nine o'clock," and away I went. I did not 

 altogether like the men ; they looked too knowing ; 

 but I fully meant to keep my word, and I did so ; 

 not, however, without a little precaution. I went to 

 a sharp intelligent ostler, whom I knew I could trust, 

 (not for past, but prospective benefits,) and desired 

 him to meet me at the place exactly at half past 

 eight. I told him to walk through the stables, keep 

 his eye on all that passed, but not to know me when 

 I arrived. He obeyed my instructions to the letter. 

 At nine o'clock, according to appointment, I came. 

 My horse was produced, but to my surprise he was 

 warm and in a sweat, even at that early hour : he 

 was again " trotted out." I asked no questions, and 

 civilly wished them good morning. I inquired of 

 my piquet what he had noticed before my arrival. 

 " He was brought out half an hour before. Sir, with 

 legs like mill-stones. I asked if he was sold, and 

 they told me a gentleman had agreed to buy him. 

 They trotted him up and down the street for a 

 quarter of an hour, just to fine Ids legs, and were 

 rubbing him down when you came in !" 



I proceeded to the next stables ; a well-bred little 



