40 THE ADVENTURES OF A GENTLEMAN 



the seller is his customer. I went to a very cele- 

 brated place (I dare not mention names,) and after 



describing my necessities to Mr. H , requested 



him to go round the stables with me. He cheerfully 

 complied. 



" That chestnut cob is a likely horse. Will you 

 see him out?" 



"Is he warranted ?" 



" Certainly." 



"Then trot him out." 



He blundered at starting ; I held my peace, but 

 examined him narrowly. 



" He has a thrush, Mr. H ." 



" Oh no, Sir, nothing of the kind." 



"But look at him." 



"I see nothing." 



"Smell the foot." 



" 'Tis a little stale. Sir : but a thrush is no un- 

 soundness." 



A dark bay mare attracted my notice : she was 

 brought out. 



" She goes tenderly, Mr. H ." 



"Her feet have not been stopped this day or two: 

 she will go right enough when she is in work." 



