IN SEARCH OF A HORSE. 41 



" I doubt it ; I think she has a screw loose." 



"What's the matter?" 



I examined her closely, and found one foot con- 

 tracted : I pointed out the defect : Mr. H was 



incredulous. 



" She is as sound as a roach, Sir." 



" She has not been so long ; there has been vio- 

 lent inflammation within these two months, or that 

 foot would never be so contracted." 



"There is not a hair's difference between her feet." 



I took up a straw and measured them ; the differ- 

 ence was nearly half an inch. 



" Put her in again, the gentleman is no buyer." 

 But I was a buyer, and an anxious one ; so I 

 soothed my guide into good humor, and he at length 

 introduced me to a very promising active cob. 



" That's your horse. Sir ! he is worth any money: 

 put the saddle on, and try him." 



" Not till I have examined him, you may be sure. 

 What is that grey mark above the knee-joint?" 



" He got loose a few months ago, and entangled 

 himself in the halter." 



"The groom, then, deserved a halter: but let me 

 look a little closer." 



