IN SEARCH OF A HORSE. 237 



rently a tailor, who was anxiously examining every 

 horse, and bid for several without success. He 

 knew nothing about the matter, but he was come 

 "to buy a horse," and a horse he would have. A 

 mare, of some pretensions as to appearance, was 

 brought to the stand : it was, I think, the sixth or 

 seventh which took his fancy. She might be worth 

 ten pounds ; but, determined not to be forestalled 

 this time, he at once offered ten guineas, and set 

 the whole cortege gazing with amazement. They 

 would not let him off so cheaply. 



" Ten guineas bid ! she is worth fifty to any 

 man ; warranted sound, and quiet to drive. Run 

 her down, Bill." 



Ere she had returned to the stand, the auctioneer 

 had raised the biddings to fifteen. 



" Sound, and quiet in harness ; going for fifteen : 

 I'd give forty myself. She's the best horse I've 

 sold to-day: warranted sound and quiet — run her 

 down once more. Bill." 



Bill laid the whip on well; the knowing ones 

 helped him, and the mare returned in style : a little 

 more, and her head would have tried its solidity 

 with the auctioneer's. 

 21 



