IN SEARCH OF A HORSE. . 43 



me, Sir," exclaimed the first man I met, after my 

 work came out. 



" You, my friend ! I have not mentioned your 

 name." 



"Ay, but all the world knows who you mean by 

 Mr. H , and so does my attorney !" 



The man's name began with a T. A day or two 

 after, while still laboring under the dread of an 

 action for libel, a second self-dubbed hero of my tale 

 favored me with a call. 



"I am come, Sir, to demand an explanation." 



"Explanation, Sir! what in the name of wonder 

 do you mean ? who are you ?" 



"My name. Sir, is Jenkins. You know it well 

 enough. (I had never heard of the fellow before.) 

 You must publish an apology in the papers, or I'll 

 work it out of you." 



I immediately saw there was some mistake, and 

 became cool : too cool, for I betrayed an inclination 

 to laugh. 



" You may laugh. Sir, but you shall come down 

 for it. I never showed you a horse in my life." 



"Allow me to ask what is the matter ?" 



" Matter, forsooth ! you know that I was ac- 

 quitted?" 



