60 THE ADVENTURES OF A GENTLEMAN 



" Close by ; but I hope I've got rid of him by this 

 time ; I told the ostler to sell him for what he would 

 fetch." 



"Never mind; I'll take my chance of finding him." 



And away we went. On reaching the stables, we 

 found the horse was sold and paid for; he had 

 fetched five-and-twenty pounds, and was to be taken 

 away the next morning. For curiosity's sake I beg- 

 ged to see, and he was led out as lame as a duck. 



" Why, Tom," I exclaimed, " have you had him 

 new shod since yesterday?" 



" Yes, to be sure ; he had scarcely a shoe to his 

 feet." 



I sent for the farrier, and with permission, had 

 the shoe removed from the near fore foot, and 

 then replaced. 



" Now try him on the stones." 



He went as soundly as the day he was foaled. 

 One of the nails had been driven a trifle too far, and 

 had touched the quick. I dare say that for some 

 days the foot remained tender, but my friend Tom 

 bought a little experience, though somewhat dearly, 

 for five-and-twenty pounds. 



I have observed that dealers themselves are not 

 always familiar with their horses' defects. I once 



